China searches for horseback heroes

China has begun a worldwide recruitment of horse owners, riders, trainers, veterinarians and commercial partners in an effort to boost the equestrian team’s chances at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Individual, group and corporate owners have been invited to provide horses, while overseas Chinese riders who meet the International Olympic Committee’s entry requirements will be considered for selection. Application forms can be obtained at equestrian.sport.org.cn.

“China has pinpointed team showjumping as a possible breakthrough event, and we’ll strive to make history in Tokyo in 2020,” said Zhang Xiaoning, chairman of Chinese Equestrian Association.

The recruitment process will end at the end of October, with the team to be finalized in early November. on Thursday.

“FC Bayern Munich has parted company with head coach Carlo Ancelotti as a result of internal discussions following the 3-0 defeat in the Champions League groupstage match at PSG,” said a Bayern statement.

Former Bayern player Willy Sagnol, the ex-France international who was Ancelotti’s assistant, has been named interim coach.

Sangol, ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel and Hoffenheim manager Julian Nagelsmann are among the early favorites to succeed 58-year-old Italian Ancelotti.