Bipin DaniA Sri Lankan psychologist Samantha Rupasiri has come forward "to help" Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya in his difficult times he's running through.Recently, Hardik and his wife Natasa Stankovic have officially confirmed their separation and the couple issued a joint statement on social media indicating their mutual decision to part ways and their plan to co-parent their son Agastya. As Hardik is in Sri Lanka to represent the Indian cricket team to participate in the 3 T-20Is, the psychologist has offered her services to keep the player mentally fit. "I am not aware whether the Indian team has brought any mental expert on this tour but if not, I am available to him for personal consultation", Samanrtha Rupasiri, who is officially serving in the Service Sector, speaking to this Reporter over the telephone from Colombo, said. Samantha Rupasri arised from University of Peradeniya in 2002 and contributed her guidance conducting educational sessions to Max Cricket Academy established at Keththarama in 2003. At that time Lasith Malinga,Nuwan Kulasekara,Dilruwan Perera, Dilhara Lokuhettige,Dhammika Prasadand and many more players were representing in U 19 squad.At present she is consulting several sports persons with the wide range of her knowledge as a sport psychologist. "Mainly sports psychologists are considering two major aspects. One is enhancing the performance of a player and other is to enhance the mental well-being". "It depends on Hardik's personal perception that he is coping with the situation. If he announced a separation of his marriage he would be able to face the situation.But everything depends on his mental condition, how he is managing his mindfulness. On this tour. If I am given a chance to interact with him I am confident of bringing him out of this trauma". 

Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) announces season two of the Women’s Football Clubs Development Fund Program, continuing its commitment to nurturing and promoting women’s football across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.For the 2024-25 season, the total support fund has increased to SAR 60 million, representing a SAR 10 million rise allocated in the previous season, reflecting SAFF’s dedication to further developing women’s football.Building on the success of the inaugural season, this season’s program will extend its support to 70 women’s football clubs participating in various competitions, including the SAFF Women's Premier League, SAFF Women's First Division League, SAFF Women's Second Division League, SAFF Women's Cup, SAFF Women’s U-17 Tournament, and the Women’s Futsal Tournament.As part of the enhanced program for the new season, SAFF has introduced new criteria to ensure the continuous growth and professional development of women’s football. These new criteria for women’s football clubs include:Sponsorship criteria requiring clubs to attract sponsorsScouting criteria mandating the appointment of an official scout by clubsMedical criteria requiring clubs to appoint a doctor and issue medical reportsFans criteria encouraging increased attendance at matchesNutrition criteria requiring clubs to appoint a nutrition specialistTechnology criteria mandating the use of GPS to assess players' fitness levelsLamia Bahaian, Vice President SAFF said: "We've seen incredible progress in women's football over the past year, and the increased support fund for this season is a clear indication of our commitment to pushing even further. Our aim is to create more opportunities for women in football and build a strong foundation for the sport in Saudi Arabia. With the expansion of our program, we're not only increasing the number of participating clubs but also enhancing the quality of the teams participating in our competitions. We're focused on providing the necessary resources and support to help our players, coaches, and teams thrive. This season promises to be an exciting chapter for women's football, and we're eager to see the continued growth and success of our athletes."Last season, significant strides were made with the hiring of 18 Saudi coaches, and 91% of clubs’ head coaches now hold an A coaching license. Additionally, 24% of clubs have coaches with a pro license, highlighting the increasing professionalization within women's football.Further achievements include the establishment of Under-17 teams by 56% of the clubs, providing a platform for young female footballers to develop their skills. The commitment to nurturing homegrown talent is also evident with 87 professional contracts signed with Saudi players, marking a significant milestone in the development of women's football in the Kingdom.As SAFF embarks on this new season, it remains committed to fostering an inclusive and dynamic football environment that empowers women and young girls to pursue their passion for the sport. The significant increase in funding and the expansion of support services demonstrate SAFF's ongoing dedication to elevating women's football.

Sports Bulletin ReportManama (Bahrain): Pakistan’s Under-18 Volleyball Squad including 12 players and 6 officials arrived in Bahrain to participate in the 15th Asian Under-18 Volleyball Championship, which will be held in here from July 28 to August 4, 2024.Names of players: Talal Ahmed, Abu Bakar, Mohammad Anas, Mohammad Hassan, Mohammad Jabran Khan, Ajmal Junaid, Muhtad Ali Shah, Mohammad Junaid, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Yahya, Mohammad Nasir, Khizar HayatTeam Officials: Mohammad Kamran (Head of Delegation), Mohammad Buksh Javed (Team Manager), Saeed Ahmad Khan Sadi (Head Coach), Mohammad Suleman (Assistant Coach), Mohammad Salman (Physio), Mohammad Sabtain (Referee).

Sports Bulletin ReportDarwin (Australia): Fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani has been ruled out of the Pakistan Shaheens’ Darwin tour after picking up a back injury. Dahani will miss the second four-dayer against Bangladesh ‘A’ starting from Friday and the white-ball leg of the Darwin tour, which involves two one-day matches and the Top End T20 Series.25-year-old fast bowler, who picked up four wickets against Bangladesh ‘A’ in first four-day match, will return to Pakistan immediately and will be assessed by the medical panel before starting the rehabilitation process.Spin-bowling all-rounder Mubasir Khan has been added to the white-ball squad as cover for Dahani. Khurram Shahzad, who was set to return after the completion of two four-day match series against Bangladesh ‘A’, will now be available for selection in the two one-day matches against Northern Territory Strike and Bangladesh ‘A’ on 4 and 6 August, respectively.

Sports Bulletin ReportParis (France): Salt Lake City-Utah will host the XXVII Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2034, the decision was taken by the IOC Members today during the 142nd IOC Session Paris.The Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 delegation was led by the Governor of Utah, Spencer Cox, the Mayor of Salt Lake City, Erin Mendenhall, the President of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), Gene Sykes, and the President of the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games, Fraser Bullock.IOC President Thomas Bach said: “Salt Lake City and Utah are long-time friends of the Olympic Movement, and we are confident that they will organise exceptional Olympic and Paralympic Games, just as they did years ago. The legacy of 2002 is tangibly and passionately alive in Utah. The legacy of 2034 starts today.”Governor Cox said: “The Olympics and Paralympics represent so much more than competition. At its core, the Olympic Movement is about building community and celebrating excellence, things we do really well in Utah. More than 80 per cent of Utahns and 100 per cent of our elected leaders supported our Olympic bid. We're ready to host another Olympic Winter Games, and we can't wait to welcome the world back to Utah in 2034.”Erin Mendenhall, the Mayor of Salt Lake City, said: “Salt Lake City and the Olympic and Paralympic Movement are deeply connected through values - our commitment to diversity, love for our youth and the tireless work to preserve our environment. These principles are shared through the lens of sport. I can’t imagine a better partnership than the one we continue to forge with our Olympic partners.”USOPC President Gene Sykes said: “This a great day for winter sport in the United States and around the world. The Games vision brought forth by the Salt Lake City-Utah team – inclusive of state and city leaders, the remarkable bid team and the community that showed support for this effort throughout – has been collaborative and forward-looking from the very start. We are thankful to the IOC and to Karl Stoss who led the Future Host Commission, and we look forward to the process of organising what we know will be terrific Games in 2034.”

Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): The Saudi Pro League (SPL) and Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) have announced a new five-year production partnership with IMG, a global sports, events, and representation company, for the Roshn Saudi League (RSL), King’s Cup, and Saudi Super Cup, starting from the 2024-25 season.This season will mark a significant shift for the SPL and SAFF, as IMG takes on the role of broadcast producer for the RSL, King’s Cup, and Saudi Super Cup, in partnership with the SPL and SAFF, combining the expertise of local partners with IMG’s world-class production experience and capabilities. The strategic collaboration will ensure best-in-class production quality, innovation and consistency across all RSL, Saudi Super Cup, and King’s Cup matches.The 2024-25 season broadcast of the RSL, King’s Cup, and Saudi Super Cup will feature more dynamic storytelling and captivating content that highlights the excitement of the matches and celebrates the rich culture and passion that drive the sport. This will enable partners to offer deeper insights, as well as more engaging and entertaining narratives, enhancing the viewing experience for fans around the world and fostering a deeper connection with the league.Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi Pro League, said: “Our new production partnership marks a significant step forward for the SPL as we continue our transformation and growth on and off the pitch. Our collaboration with IMG reflects our commitment to bring world-class production standards to Saudi football with the league the central host producer. By leveraging the expertise of IMG and maintaining strong partnerships with local and regional distributors, the SPL is poised to deliver an unparalleled football viewing experience to fans around the world through technology, innovation and talent.”Barney Francis, EVP of Studios at IMG, said: “Saudi Pro League is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing leagues in global football, with fans around the world now tuning in to watch thrilling action between some of the game’s biggest stars. In today’s battle for attention, it’s critical for rightsholders to take control of their narrative and innovate. We are excited to help SPL take its content offering and storytelling to the next level for viewers and broadcasters, and to provide opportunities for local broadcast and production talent to be part of the journey.”

Professor, Dr Aamir Hanif Raja distributes prizes among the players’ hosts Kirpa remain secondISLAMABAD (PR): Sher Dhamiyal cricket team awarded the trophy of the 2nd Kirpa Super League (KSL) that concluded here at a local cricket ground, as the tap-ball tournament final could not be completed owing to rain. Professor, Dr Aamir Hanif Raja graced the closing ceremony as a chief guest and distributed the prizes among the players.Final was played between hosts Kirpa and Sher Dhamiyal on Sunday. Sher Dhamiyal players set a 160 runs target for hosts in 15 overs. A spell of rain halted the proceeding of hosts and match ended without any result. As a good gesture, hosts decided to award the trophy to visiting team Sher Dhamiyal. Raja Adnan, the captain of Sher Dhamiyal received the winning trophy.The tournament was started on May 28, 2024, as the 16 teams from remote areas participated in the Kirpa Super League edition-II.Raja Itsam, Raja Farhan, Raja Adnan, and Raja Zeeshan were the organizer of the event. The management committee of this tournament was included Raja Luqman, Raja Arbab, Raja Moazzam, Raja Fahad, Raja Shahnawaz, Naveed Khokhar, and Raja Tauqeer. Raja Murad was leading the hosts side. The special guests of this tournament were Raja Nasir, Raja Israr, Raja Rais, Raja Adnan, Umair Zahid.

Sports DeskISLAMABAD: Following a successful season in the current Lanka Premier League, the Strikers family is expected to return in another exciting show at the Max 60 Caribbean League. The Strikers family is determined to provide unrivaled cricket excitement and promises to deliver another thrilling display of cricketing prowess in the international cricket season.Mohammad Waseem's incredible batting prowess for the Colombo Strikers and Isuru Udana's dynamic all-around ability for the New York Strikers are expected to make it memorable in their match against the Caribbean Giants. Isuru Udana and Muhammed Waseem were also two of the unmatched talents that made the Strikers moments unforgettable on the field.Talking about participation at the upcoming Max 60 Caribbean League, Mohammad Waseem shares, “The team is hoping for a successful opening game against the Caribbean squad. The fact that we are flexible is to our advantage. Preserving our edge and strengthening it is our objective.”Isuru Udana a Sri Lankan cricket player for the New York Strikers stated, "I am confident that our team is well-prepared to compete for top honors in the upcoming Max 60 Caribbean League."Isuru also discussed his teams intention to work harder this season by sharing, "We want to win right away so were excited for our first game. I promise to make a major contribution both on and off the field. I am truly honored to have been chosen for the New York Strikers roster."A long-lasting legacy in the cricket world has been established by the Strikers team due to their dominance in major competitions like the Abu Dhabi T10 the Legends Cricket Trophy and the Lanka Premier League. The Strikers family never ceases to astound with their skillful fielding aggressive batting and cunning bowling.Being the owner of a successful International Franchise, Sagar Khanna shares, “The Strikers mission always has been to participate in more competitive international formats. Participation at the upcoming Max 60 Carribean League adds great anticipation even for fans who have been constantly supporting our game.”The Strikers Squad owner Sagar Khanna elaborates on the winning roster by saying, “As always our priority is to support our squad members for peak performance. Our team this season is full of veterans ready to add some excitement and thrills to our campaign on the Caribbean stage."CEO of Strikers Squad, Shazmeen Kara also shares, “Accepting new formats has been essential for both the Colombo Strikers and the New York Strikers. Participating in multiple leagues has allowed our teams to gain more recognition from fans and earn meaningful victories. We are prepared to pen another gripping tale of triumph as we begin this new chapter.”It is evident that the Strikers want to compete at the top level and establish themselves as outstanding cricket players. Outside of cricket leagues, the Strikers are a popular cricket team that constantly raises the standard. Their path has been defined by their pursuit of victory and dedication to perfection. 

Sports Bulletin ReportDarwin (Australia): Pakistan Shaheens bagged a hard-fought 148-run win over Bangladesh A in the last hour of play on day four of the first four-day match at the DXC Arena in Darwin on Monday. Shaheens took all 10 Bangladesh wickets in 79.2 overs on day four with Mehran Mumtaz and Shahnawaz Dahani sharing seven among them.Requiring 408 runs to win or to bat out the day to save the game, Bangladesh A’s opening batters started the day by bringing up fifty-run opening partnership continuing from the overnight score of 20-0. Dahani struck to remove Shadman Islam (26, 65b, 4x4s) in the 22nd over. Shaheens’ bowling attack toiled for another 21.1 overs when Mehran eked out the vital scalp of Parvez Hossain Emon, who had faced 138 balls for his 57 runs hitting six fours and two sixes. Mehran soon trapped Aich Mollah, for a paltry four, in the 50th over. For the next 12.2 overs Amite Hasan (71, 102b, 14x4s) and Shahadat Hossain put on 57 runs ringing the alarm bells for Shaheens. Dahani made much needed inroads in the Bangladesh A batting by removing well-set Amite in the 63rd over and Ariful Islam (4, 5b, 1x4) in the 65th over with a little over two hours’ time left in the day. With Shaheens five wickets away from triumph, Mehran Mumtaz landed a double blow in 71st over to end Shahadat’s (42, 62b, 7x4s) rearguard effort and removed Hasan Murad for a five-ball duck leaving Bangladesh A 221-7. It took Shaheens 15.2 more overs to remove the remaining three batters as Ripon Mondol resisted with an unbeaten 43 off 30 balls hitting seven fours and Mahidul Islam chipped in with a 66-ball 15 with Bangladesh A scoring 279 all out in 86.2 overs. Mehran and Dahani collected figures of 4-84 and 3-57, respectively. Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali picked up one wicket each. The second four-day match will start on Friday, 26 July at the same venue. 

Pakistan journey ends in quarterfinals of Team Event, Colombia outplay Pakistan 2-1Sports Bulletin ReportHouston, Texas (USA): Pakistan Squash Team ended their journey after losing quarterfinal against a low seeding Colombia 2-1 in the WSF World Junior Team Squash Championship at Houston Squash Club, Texas United States of America (USA) on July 21, 2024. Mohammad Hamza Khan and Mohammad Tayyab lost their matches while Abdullah Nawaz defeated his opponent.In the men’s event, Colombia and Republic of Korea reached the semi-finals for the first time, while in the women’s event Canada achieved a first semi-final since 1987. Team USA also earned a national record medal haul, with the women's and men's team guaranteed at least bronzes after quarter-final wins, to accompany the bronze medal won by Caroline Fouts in the individual event.Colombia went into the team event having fallen short of the high expectations they set for themselves in the individual event last week, with none of their players progressing beyond the round of 16. The South American side have found redemption in the team event, however, earning a quarter-final berth for the first time with a 2-0 win over Kuwait. They went one better, going into the record books with a brilliant display against five-time champions Pakistan.Things started poorly for Colombia as Pakistan edged into the lead thanks to a hotly-contested 3-2 win for Abdullah Nawaz, before Juan Torres came from a game down to beat an out of sorts Hamza Khan to send the tie to a decider. In the crucial match, a stop-start and at times bad-tempered encounter, Jose Santamaria proved to be the hero as he fought back from a game down to beat Mohammad Ammad 4-11, 13-12, 11-8, 12-10.Colombia's coach Martin Knight said afterwards: "I think the emotion out there from the crowd says it all! It was the first time we'd reached the top ten but we weren't content with that. I was fully confident that we could win. As a country, Colombia, we've increased participation, levels and training and we knew coming in that we had a very good team. It didn't go as well as we'd have like in the individual result, but we knew the depth we had and were confident that if we put in a good performance today we'd have every chance."In the women’s draw, Canada returned to the last four for the first time in 37 years thanks to valiant efforts from twins Spring and Ocean Ma. Spring Ma got the 5/6 seeds off to a dream start with a surprisingly routine win over Tsz Ching Cheung, before Ocean Ma dug in to record a bruising 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 12-10 victory to the joy - and tears - of her teammates.The other semi-final will see hosts USA take on Malaysia. USA breezed past England to secure semi-finals for the second year in succession, while Malaysia came through an epic battle with India, with Doyce Lee recovering from 1-2 and 4-9 down in game four to beat Nirupama Dubey 11-7, 7-11, 5-11, 12-10, 11-3.Results (Women's Quarter-Finals):Egypt beat New Zealand (2-0):Nadien Elhammamy beat Anabel romero Gemmell 3-0: 11-6, 11-1, 11-0Fayrouz Aboelkheir beat Ella Lash 3-0: 11-4, 11-3, 11-5Janna Swaify w/d Ella HillCanada beat Hong Kong, China (2-0):Spring Ma beat Tsz Ching Cheung 3-0: 11-7, 12-10, 11-4Ocean Ma beat Ena Kwong 3-1: 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 12-10Maria Min w/d Helen TangMalaysia beat India (2-1):Whitney Wilson beat Shameena Riaz 3-0: 11-7, 11-3, 12-10Thanusaa Uthrian lost to Anahat Singh 2-3: 11-6, 13-15, 6-11, 11-5, 6-11Doyce Lee beat Nirupama Dubey 3-2: 11-7, 7-11, 5-11, 12-10, 11-3USA beat England (3=0):Riya Navani beat Mariam Eissa 3-0: 11-6, 11-3, 11-5Caroline Fouts beat Amelie Haworth 3-0: 11-2, 11-9, 11-4Sam Jaffe beat Emily Coulcher-Porter 2-0: 11-9, 11-6Results (Men's Quarter-Finals):USA beat South Africa (2-0):Rishi Srivastava beat Connor Earl 3-0: 11-5, 11-3, 11-4Zane Patel beat Luhann Groenewald 3-1: 12-10, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9Alexander Dartnell w/d Devon OsborneRepublic of Korea beat India (2-1):Seojin Oh lost to Yuvraj Wadhwani 2-3: 7-11, 11-4, 11-7, 7-11, 6-11Joo Young Na beat Shaurya Bawa 3-1: 11-9, 6-11, 11-9, 11-6Kun Kim beat Arihant KS 3-0: 11-7, 11-6, 11-9Colombia beat Pakistan (2-1):Juan Irisarri lost to Abdullah Nawaz 2-3: 8-11, 12-10, 11-9, 3-11, 7-11Juan Torre beat Hamza Khan 3-1: 11-13, 11-9, 11-8, 11-3Jose Santamaria beat Mohammad Ammad 3-1: 4-11 14-12 11-8 12-10Egypt beat England (2-0):Marwan Assal beat Yusuf Sheikh 3-1: 13-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-6Mohamad Zakaria beat AbdAllah Eissa 3-0: 11-8, 11-8, 11-8Marwan Abdelsalam w/d Bailey Malik.