logo
Soccer-Swiss hope hosting Euro 2025 sees girls and women flock to the game

Soccer-Swiss hope hosting Euro 2025 sees girls and women flock to the game

Hindustan Times2 days ago
By Lori Ewing HT Image
BASEL, Switzerland, - The traditionally green trams of Basel have been dressed in the purple and sky blue of the Women's Euro 2025 logo, while banners draped across buildings in the northwestern Swiss city read "Welcome to the Summit of Emotions," the tournament's slogan.
About a dozen people watched a band perform at the city's Euro Fan Zone, but looked more like shoppers keen to escape the heat under the picnic table umbrellas than football fans.
Euro 2025 hosts Switzerland kick off their tournament on Wednesday against Norway in Basel, a city better known as the country's unofficial cultural capital with its scores of museums.
While the sweltering heat and sold-out stadiums are early themes, the Swiss hosts are hoping the legacy of the tournament played out across eight cities over the next month will bolster female football in the country as Euro 2022 did for England.
"It's incredible, it's something when I started my national team career, I was never picturing," Switzerland captain Lia Walti said on Tuesday.
"I never thought we were going to be able to host a tournament and sitting here right now in Basel, just one day before a first game of a European Championship it's extremely special for all of us.
"Women's football is growing worldwide, extremely fast as well in Switzerland, but we do still have a lot of steps to go here and we want to use the tournament and be positive role models, inspire the nation and make sure that we can also be really successful in Switzerland in the future."
England's Football Association reported a 140% jump in participation levels among girls and women in the season after Euro 2022, amounting to 2.3 million more players.
"Especially since that tournament, you're a lot more recognised when you're walking down the street, when you're doing your shopping," said England midfielder Ella Toone, who was part of the squad that won Euro 2022.
"It's still a bit of a pinch me-moment that someone's recognised me buying eggs from Aldi, you know what I mean?
"We wanted it to grow, and that's what comes along with it. You've got to embrace it."
BAR RAISED
If Euro 2022 was considered a watershed moment for women's football, this year's tournament is raising the bar.
UEFA, the governing body for European soccer, announced a record 600,000 tickets have been sold for the tournament, already beating the previous event before a ball has been kicked, with 22 of the 31 games sold out.
"And that's without an opening match at Old Trafford or a final at Wembley," said Nadine Kessler, UEFA's director for women's football, referring to Euro 2022.
"One of our key goals was to sell out the event. I remember how people laughed when we set this goal, but it's now turning into a reality."
Norway captain Ada Hegerberg said players embrace the idea of leaving a legacy.
"Being a women's footballer today, it's a cliché but it's the truth you play for the whole next generation," she said at Tuesday's pre-game press conference.
"And as much as it can be tiring, it's also a big role and a task for us, and it should inspire us to be at our best at all times."
This year's tournament also boasts a record prize pot for a Women's Euros, with a 156% jump from 2022 to 41 million euros . Club benefits doubled to nine million euros, while players get a guaranteed percentage for the first time.
A heatwave that has sent temperatures in Switzerland above 30 degrees Celsius is expected to continue on Wednesday, when Iceland and Finland play in the tournament's opening game in Thun.
"For me, water is really important," Walti said. "Shading, putting your feet up before the game, but still going out once a day to get used to the temperature, because otherwise it almost hits you. It's something you can't influence, we are already preparing for playing at these temperatures."
Basel will also host the tournament final on July 27 at St. Jakob-Park, the largest football stadium in Switzerland.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

From Noise To Nature – 5 Birdwatching Escapes In Chandigarh That'll Steal Your Heart
From Noise To Nature – 5 Birdwatching Escapes In Chandigarh That'll Steal Your Heart

India.com

time3 hours ago

  • India.com

From Noise To Nature – 5 Birdwatching Escapes In Chandigarh That'll Steal Your Heart

Chandigarh is known for its modernist architecture, City Beautiful's urban planning, and green landscapes of Punjab and Haryana. The Union Territory has a reputation for being one of the cleanest and orderly cities in India, thanks to the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. But beyond urban Chandigarh lies a little known sanctuary for all nature lovers – especially bird watchers. Despite being a metropolitan area, Chandigarh has a number of surprising bird watching locations that are popular among hobbyists and serious ornithologists alike. These regions host numerous bird species and hence beautifully blend nature with a city's peaceful ambiance. This article will discuss some of the most unexpected bird watching places in Chandigarh with features of their ecological importance and the type of bird species, which in fauna lovers need to appraise. 1. Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary If someone is serious about birds watching in Chandigarh, the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary will pop up in the top five locations. This sanctuary is located near the Sukhna Lake and extends over 3 square kilometers, which makes it home to various bird species. Its nurturing environment stems from its dense vegetation made of eucalyptus trees, shrubs, and grasslands that help numerous resident and migratory birds. In the winter season, Sukhna attracts migratory birds like Siberian cranes, northern pintails, and common teals. Indian robins, red-wattled lapwings, and purple sunbirds are some residents' species that can be seen throughout the year. What makes this place astonishing is how effortlessly it blends into the city of Chandigarh. People can take a soothing morning walk while watching these beautiful birds up close. The sanctuary is part of Sukhna-Chandigarh Wetland Complex which was declared a Ramsar site in 2021 for its international value regarding wetland biodiversity conservation. This designation highlights the significance of Sukhna in the migratory life of waterfowls and other sudo aquatic fauna. 2. Zakir Hussain Rose Garden Apart from the striking floral arrangements, the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is well known for birdwatching. It encompasses 30 acres of botanical space with thousands of rose shrubs as well as native trees and shrubs that serve as food and shelter for birds. Birdwatchers visiting The Rose Garden have claimed to witness a myriad of birds such as Asian koels, Indian mynas, Bulbuls, and even the rare sight of visiting Parakeets. The garden is made even more appealing to birds due to the bodies of water located within, making it an oasis of wildlife in the midst of an urban setting. The biggest differentiating factor for the Rose Garden is ease of access. Unlike distant sanctuaries or woods, this place is quite easy to access and is open throughout the year. People who are interested in bird watching during their leisure time will be satisfied with this place. 3. Sector 26 Park At first glance, Sector 26 Park seems like just another recreational spot, but it is in fact rich in avian diversity. Local residents frequently visit this small but beautiful park for their morning walks, yoga classes, or simple picnics. However, the park is not as renowned as it should be because the flowering plants and mature trees alongside the calm atmosphere allow for a wide variety of birds to make their home here. Common visitors include tailorbirds, sunbirds, and sparrows, while rare visitors include the Pied Kingfisher and Grey Hornbill. The ducks and herons that come to use the park's central pond during certain seasons also add to the beauty of the park. It's biodiversity like that of Sector 26 Park which truly astounds us. Even with the close proximity of human activity, the park manages to sustain rich wildlife. It reminds us that every little green space can serve a purpose regardless of how small it is. 4. Rock Garden Nek Chand's Rock Garden is famous for its amazing sculptures made from waste material, but what people don't know is that it is also a home to many birds. The rocky slopes, waterfalls, and thick vegetation of the garden supports a unique ecosystem filled with various birds. Visitors to the Rock Garden can expect to see and hear the wonderful white throated kingfishers, jungle babblers, and yellow footed green pigeons. The pleasant melodies of the birds as they sing and the soft swoosh of the leaves coming together lends itself to a unique experience. The combination of art and nature that creates the Rock Garden draws attention to the necessity of having green structures in cities. It shows that creative solutions can be found in many difficult situations for the benefit of the environment, humans, and animals. 5. Leisure Valley An elongated stretch of a park that cuts across several sectors in Chandigarh is known as Leisure Valley or the green lung of the city. This combination of gardens, parks, and forests serves as a linkage between various parts of Chandigarh and simultaneously acts as a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife. The valley hosts a stunning variety of birds like Shikra, Black Kite and Egret. In migratory seasons, it serves as a transit stop for birds going from Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent. The variety of open grassland, water bodies and dense thickets ensure that every species of bird is catered for. One of the most remarkable features of Leisure Valley is the fact that it serves as a Hofmann's Nuthatch corridor for urban wildlife. It serves to connect isolated habitats which allows these areas to be recolonized and increases the populations while ensuring sustainable ecological balance over time. Why Chandigarh Is Notable in Birdwatching What makes Chandigarh stand out in birdwatching is the mix of the constant work towards bird conservation, and the uncontrolled undevelopment urbanization. Into the city there are parks, green belts, and ponds that attract birds because they haven't been filled with buildings. Alongside this, the position of Chandigarh on the Central Asian Flyway helps the city become a big stop for birds as it sits right on the most popular route for migrating birds. Because of the local wildlife sanctuaries and the general addition of greenery to the day to day citizen's life shows the balance between nature and city life. Citizens, and visitors from other regions have a chance to enjoy nature in its most beautiful forms, while at the same time staying in the comfort of the city. Chandigarh also stands out for its sustainability initiatives like waste management, tree planting, and biodiversity awareness campaigns, which help foster healthy ecosystems and sustain birdlife. Chandigarh Birdwatching Tips For the best experience birdwatching in Chandigarh, remember these helpful tips. Timing is Important: For best results, early mornings and late afternoons are recommended to maximize bird activity. Bring Binoculars: To witness shy, rare, or distant birds, a good binoculars will definitely come in handy. Stay Silent: Birds can hear noise and see movement so walking slowly while refraining from loud conversations is best. Respect Nature: Avoid throwing litter or provoking birds and their homes. Become Part of the Community: Numerous clubs and organizations offer guided tours and workshops in birdwatching in Chandigarh. Conclusion Chandigarh may not come in mind immediately as a birdwatching hot spot but the variety of sights prove otherwise. Be it Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary or the famous Rock Garden, each place provides a different experience, all stemming from the city's effort to conserve nature. Chandigarh invites nature lovers and bird watchers to witness its remarkable beauty. So pack your binoculars, set out to these beautiful sites, and experience birdwatching in this stunning city.

Diogo Jota: 4 Biggest Trophies Won By Liverpool Star Who Died In Car Crash
Diogo Jota: 4 Biggest Trophies Won By Liverpool Star Who Died In Car Crash

NDTV

time4 hours ago

  • NDTV

Diogo Jota: 4 Biggest Trophies Won By Liverpool Star Who Died In Car Crash

Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota died in a car accident on Thursday in Spain at the age of 28. At the time of the accident, Jota was with his brother in the car. Jota began his football career in his hometown of Porto in Portugal, where he played for the Pacos de Ferreira academy before joining Atletico Madrid in the Spanish League in 2016. However, he never played for Atletico Madrid and later returned to Porto on loan. In 2018, the Portuguese player was signed by the Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers, also known as Wolves, and for the next two years, he was under the fellow Portuguese manager Nuno Espirito Santo. In September 2020, Jota was signed by another Premier League club, Liverpool. With the Reds, he won this season's Premier League 2024-25 title. He was also part of the Liverpool squad that lost to Real Madrid 1-0 in the 2021/22 Champions League final, where he came on as a substitute. For Liverpool, the player featured in 26 games this season and scored six goals. Jota made his debut for the Portugal national team in November 2019 and featured in the Euro 2022 and 2024 for his national side. However, he was not part of the squad during the FIFA World Cup 2022, as he was out injured. Recently, in May this year, Jota was part of the Portugal side which won the UEFA Nations League, defeating Spain in penalties and winning their second Nations League title. Have a look at 4 biggest trophies won by Digo Jota - FA Cup: Jota won the Football Association Challenge Cup with The Reds in 2021-22 season. Premier League: The forward won the 2024-25 title with Liverpool. League Cup: Jota won the English Football League Cup with Liverpool in 2021-22 season. UEFA Nations League: With Portugal, the star footballer won the international European football competition twice in 2018-19 and 2024-25.

Doesn't make any sense: Ronaldo reacts to Jota's heartbreaking passing
Doesn't make any sense: Ronaldo reacts to Jota's heartbreaking passing

Business Standard

time4 hours ago

  • Business Standard

Doesn't make any sense: Ronaldo reacts to Jota's heartbreaking passing

Ronaldo said that Jota's presence would continue to live on with those he left behind, in his message with a simple yet powerful farewell: "We will all miss you." New Delhi In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Portuguese football star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva lost their lives in a tragic car accident near Zamora, Spain, on Thursday, June 28. The 28-year-old Liverpool and Portugal forward was reportedly travelling with his brother when their vehicle met with a fatal crash, resulting in a fire that engulfed the car. The shocking news has left the global football community in mourning. Jota had recently reached the peak of his career—winning the Premier League with Liverpool and playing a vital role in Portugal's UEFA Euro 2025 triumph. His sudden passing has not only devastated fans but also deeply impacted fellow players, most notably Cristiano Ronaldo, who shared an emotional tribute that captured the collective grief. Ronaldo's heartfelt tribute Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota's long-time Portugal teammate and national icon, expressed disbelief over the tragedy. In a message that quickly resonated around the world, Ronaldo said it 'doesn't make any sense', recalling how recently they had been together with the national squad. He spoke of Jota's young family—his wife and children—and offered them his deepest sympathies. Ronaldo added that Jota's presence would continue to live on with those he left behind, ending his message with a simple yet powerful farewell: 'We will all miss you.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) A career cut short Jota's death comes at a time when he had become a pivotal figure for both club and country. After an exceptional season with Liverpool that ended in Premier League glory, and contributing significantly to Portugal's Euro 2025 title win, he was widely seen as entering his prime. His versatility, work ethic and sharp goal-scoring instincts had made him a favourite among fans and coaches alike. Football world in mourning Liverpool Football Club released a statement confirming Jota's death, calling it a 'devastating' loss. The club expressed its support to the family and urged the public to respect their privacy during such a painful time. UEFA echoed the sentiment, stating that the news had saddened the entire European football community. Tributes across borders Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves remembered Jota as someone unforgettable, while the president of the Portuguese Football Federation called him not just a footballer but a 'champion in life'. Portugal's Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, called it a 'sad day for national and international sport', honouring Jota's contributions to the country. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also extended his condolences, specifically to Jota's wife Rute and their three children, saying the news was 'devastating beyond words.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store