Sports Bulletin

Abubakar Mahmood and Abdul Rehman score goals on Penalty Corners for PakistanSports Bulletin ReportMuscat (Oman): Pakistan overpowered China 2-0 in their second fixture of the Paris Olympic Hockey Qualifier 2024 in Muscat on Tuesday night. Pakistan will face Malaysia in their last pool match on January 18 at the same venue.On Tuesday, Pakistan defeated China by two goals in their second pool match, as Abu Bakr Mehmood and Abdul Rehman scored the goals on penalty corners for Pakistan in the third and fourth quarters respectively. Midfielder Abubakar Mehmood was declared man of the match.In the 42nd minute of the third quarter, Pakistan's player Abubakar Mahmood scored a goal and put the Green Shirts in a lead of one goal on a penalty corner. In the 51st minute of the game, youngster Abdul Rahman scored the first international goal of his career through a penalty corner to consolidate Pakistan's lead.

Germany, New Zeeland, and China post victories on the opening dayMohammad Waqas ISLAMABAD: England outclassed Pakistan 6-1 in their opening contest of the Paris Olympic Hockey Qualifier on Monday night.Great Britain rounded out the day’s action from Oman with a professional display with 6 goals against a youthful Pakistan. Ranked 4th in the World, GB held their opposition at arms length throughout the contest - winning every quarter - and while Pakistan grabbed a late consolation, the game ended 6-1. Olympic qualifying got underway in Oman with a comfortable 9-0 win for Germany. In Martin Zwicker’s 300th appearance the world number 5 ranked side had too much for Canada, scoring freely throughout the quarters with little resistance. New Zealand got their campaign underway with 3 points against Chile, in Kane Russell’s 200th appearance. A fast start for the Black Sticks saw them 2-0 up after the first quarter, adding a field goal in the 3rd quarter. Chile fought until the end - grabbing a consolation in the dying moments of the tie.Pool A action got underway in stunning fashion, with China upsetting the odds with an eye-catching win over Malaysia. Despite Malaysia taking the lead in the second quarter China rallied to lead 2-1 heading into the final quarter. Just as it looked as though the sides would share the points after a Malaysia equaliser, Gao Jiesheng took full advantage of a penalty corner and won it for China 3-2 in the dying moments of the game. 

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: President, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Tariq Hussain Bugti on Sunday announced a 10-man hockey team for the upcoming five-a-side World Cup Hockey Tournament, which will take place at the end of this month January in Muscat, Oman.FIH Hockey5s World Cup Oman 2024 will start on 24 January in Muscat with the women's competition, which will conclude on 27 January; while the men's tournament will begin on 28 January and come to a close on 31 January.Olympian Shakeel Abbasi will be head coach-cum-manager while Olympian Dilawar Hussain will be the coach. Waqas Mahmood will serve as physiotherapistNames of players: Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan (goalkeeper), Waqar (goalkeeper), Mohammad Abdullah, Imad Shakeel Butt, Moeen Shakeel, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Arshad Liaquat, Ghazanfar Ali, Zakaria Hayat, Rana Waheed Ashraf.

Imad Shakeel Butt to lead Pakistan: Green Shirts need to stand on podium to go ParisAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The National Selection Committee (NSC) of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced an 18-player team for the upcoming Paris Olympics Qualifier, which will take place from January 15 to 21, 2024, in Muscat, Oman.Acting head of the NSC Nasir Ali Khan unfolded the squad after the approval of president PHF Tariq Hussain Masuri Bughti after analyzing the performance of players after conducting a day of trials at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Tuesday.It is pertinent to mention here that the head of NSC, Olympian Kaleem Ullah could not arrive here owing to the bad weather and the flight was not available. The other members of the NSC were Olympians Nasir Ali, Rahim Khan, and Leaque Lashari International.Head Coach Shahnaz Ahmed Sheikh said: “We had to submit the names of players according to the rules of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and we selected the best squad for an international hockey fixture. We picked up 10 players from the juniors’ team which participated in the recently concluded Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2023 in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, as this team is a blend of rising young talented lads and experienced. Our team will not only qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024, will also claim the top position in the Muscat tournament”.Tariq Hussain Masuri Bughti said: “We selected the players entirely on merit and our players will perform up to mark in Oman. I congratulate new captain Imad Butt and all the selected players and hope they will toil hard to achieve their target to confirm the berth in Paris Olympics 2024. Players, who cannot get a place in the national squad should not worry, they will get other occasions soon, and I hope our players will produce notable and sparkling performances. Our aim is only to hoist the green flag in hockey areas of the world”.Imad Shakeel Butt said: “This is a great honour for me to lead the national hockey team and I and my all teammates will work hard in the field to overcome the opponents. We will try our level best to produce acceptable performance in the Paris Olympics Qualifier, which will roll into action on January 15 and Pakistan will face England in their opening match of the international hockey showpiece”.Names of selected players (18): Imad Shakeel Butt (Captain), and Abu Bakr Mahmood (Vice Captain), Abdullah Ishtiaq, Waqar, Arbaz Ahmed, Mohammad Abdullah, Sufiyan Khan, Murtaza Yaqoob, Abdul Mannan, Aqeel Ahmed, Moeen Shakil, Salman Razaq, Abdul Hannan Shahid, Ghazanfar Ali, Abdul Rahman Junior, Zikriya Hayat, Rana Abdul Waheed Ashraf, Arshad Liaquat.Team Management: Head Coach Shahnaz Sheikh, Coach Shakil Abbasi, Assistant Coach Olympian Dilawar Hussain, Goalkeeper Coach Amjad Ali, Physiotherapist Waqas Mahmood, and Physical Trainer Mohammad Imran Khan.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) invited 49 players from different departments for the training camp, which will start on December 28, 2023, here at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium under the control of Head Coach Sahnaz Sheikh.According to the media department of PHF, president PHF Mir Tariq Bugti had advised players to report to the camp commandant on Thursday. The final selected team will participate in the Paris Olympics Qualifier, which will take place in Muscat, Oman from January 15 to 21.  Pakistan Hockey Team Management includes Manager/Head Coach Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh, Coach Olympian Dilawar Hussain, Olympian Shakeel Abbasi Consultant, Goalkeeper Coach Ghulam Jilani Amjad Ali, Physiotherapist Waqas Mehmood, Physical Trainer Imran Khan.Names of invited players (49):Akmal Hussain (WAPDA), Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan (Mari Petroleum), Waqar (WAPDA), Muneebur Rahman (Punjab), Mohammad Abdullah (Mari Petroleum), Rana Abdul Waheed (WAPDA), Roman (WAPDA), Ahmed Nadeem (Punjab), Abdul Rahman (PAF), Junaid Manzoor (National Bank), Osama Bashir (PAF), Afraz (Mari Petroleum), Imad Shakeel Butt (National Bank), Rizwan Ali (PAF), Moeen Shakeel (WAPDA), Abubakar Mahmood (National Bank), Hammad Anjum (WAPDA), Salman Razzak (WAPDA), Mohammad Sufyan Khan (Mari Petroleum), Arbaaz Ahmed (Mari Petroleum), Abdul Manan (Customs), Ehtisham Aslam (Mari Petroleum), Murtaza Yaqub ( WAPDA), Aqeel Ahmad (WAPDA), Ghazanfar Ali (Customs), Zakaria Hayat (Navy), Arshad Liaquat (Mari Petroleum), Abdul Hanan Shahid (WAPDA), Abdul Rehman (WAPDA), Mohammad Imad (Customs), Umar Mustafa (Mari Petroleum), Mohammad Faizan Janjua (Customs), Mohammad Taimur Javed (Punjab), Amjad Ali (Punjab), Danish (Punjab), Asad (Balochistan), Imran (Balochistan), Qazi Anas (Balochistan), Younis (Balochistan), Zahidullah (WAPDA), Jibran Hamza (KPK), Nadeem Khan (KPK), Adeel Latif (Customs), Basharat Ali (Navy), Shahzeb Khan (Customs), Obaidullah Bhutto (WAPDA), Zubair Goalkeeper (Army), Hamza Fayyaz (Customs), Abdul Wajid (Balochistan).

LAHORE (Press Release): The newly appointed president, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti has restored the former national hockey selection committee, which was working under the chairmanship of Olympian Kaleemullah.According to the press release of PHF, Tariq Bugti also brought back hockey team management, led by Head Coach Shahnaz Sheikh. Instructions have been issued to PHF Executive Secretary Ali Abbas to take charge of his responsibilities, and Olympian Khalid Bashir has been appointed as the Director Administration.PHF President Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti has wasted no time in making major decisions as he takes charge at the PHF headquarters. The national hockey selection committee, as documented in the records of the Pakistan Sports Board, has been reinstated. The selection committee was working under the leadership of Olympian Kaleemullah Khan, includes Olympians Naseer Ali, Rahim Khan, and Leek Lashari International.President PHF Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti has also reinstated the national senior hockey team management. Under Head Coach Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh, the senior national hockey team management includes Olympian Shakeel Abbasi, Olympian Dilawar Hussain, and Amjad Ali International as the goalkeeper coach. Physical trainer Mohammad Imran will fulfill his responsibilities, while the appointment of a video analyst will be decided later.PHF President Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti has issued immediate instructions to PHF Executive Secretary Ali Abbas to take charge of his responsibilities at the Pakistan Hockey Federation. Additionally, renowned penalty corner specialist Olympian Khalid Bashir has been assigned the responsibilities of Director Administration and Coordination PHF.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: “I am still president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), and I will pursue to court against the illegal and unconstitutional act of the Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, who imposed the ad-hoc on the hockey federation without any solid reason. I am elected president, and I will raise my voice at all national and international forums, including the International Hockey Federation (FIH), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Khalid Sajjad Khokhar said this while addressing a press conference here at his residence in F-11/4 on Saturday flanked by Akhlaq Usmani and Asif Naz Khokhar.Sajjad Khokhar further said that an unconstitutional person occupied the PHF office in Lahore today (Saturday) along with some gunmen. “Unfortunately, owing to the wrong briefing, the PM took an illegal action, as I and my team had put the national game hockey on track. I spent millions of rupees from my pocket to facilitate the players and sent them abroad for international competitions. After the completion of the tenure of a president PHF, the Prime Minister has powers to nominate any person to run the affairs of the federation for the next term, “he elaborated.Responding to a question, Khalid Sajjad Khokhar said that he was avoiding any conflict with anyone. “I have a right to pursue court for my respect and I will knock on the doors of courts for justice. There is no legal position of ad-hoc. Some people are deliberately trying to destroy national game hockey, and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) misleads the high-ups regarding the hockey federation, as all affairs of the federation were running smoothly. Unconstitutional steps will hurt all sports. Annual grants are also not disbursing on merit and unknown federations get in millions while national game hockey gets a peanut, who brought laurels for the country. Chess federation receives Rs.40 million while Tenpin pockets 10 million from the government, ‘ex-army man Brig (Retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar concluded.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalKuala Lumpur (Malaysia): Former captain of national Pakistan hockey team, goalkeeper and Olympian Ahmed Alam has said that the federation politics ruined the national game in the country and players should not be involved in the federation’s affairs.While talking to Editor www.sports-bulletin.com during an exclusive sitting here at a local hotel Pak-Punjb, Ahmed Alam lamented over the declining standard of the national game hockey in the country. “The inside politics of the federation is hurting the game of hockey and unfortunately we have involved the players too in the dirty politics. At least players should not be a part of this thing. If an official is replaced with another one, one who comes changes the team’s players. This is not good for hockey, “he said.“There is a musical-chair game in the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and one goes, another comes and one who goes out starts leg pulling. At present, the federation has adopted the policy to adjust the people, who criticize the top officials of the federation. You can compromise with 15 to 20 men but this is not a good approach. We should bring merit to the federation first and other things will run smoothly automatically. Merit in the PHF is important to put the national game of hockey on the right track, “he elaborated.Former captain further said that no doubt the foreign coaches always produced remarkable results and it might be more fruitful after engaging them with the juniors and rising players. “There must be criteria of coaches. We should give qualified coaches assignments at national level then budding hockey lads learn better and basics of hockey. Also, the government should provide financial assistance to the Pakistan hockey federation. Finances are the fundamental need to run sports and you cannot compromise on it. Players must be facilitated, “he said.Regarding a question about the Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2023, Ahmed Alam said he could not blame anyone. “Our boys did well in the pool matches against Holland, Belgium and New Zealand but unfortunately owing to lack of international exposure and experience our players failed to overcome heavyweights Spain in quarterfinal despite displaying excellent skill of hockey. Our goalkeeper Abdul Rafay saved over half a dozen goals during the first thirty minutes of the game. Because of pressure and inexperience he conceded the goals on penalty corners, “he asserted.“We will have to strengthen hockey at gross-root level, especially departmental hockey to boost the standard of the game at domestic level. The future of the hockey players must be safe and secure. They must be provided job opportunities and other facilities. At the school and colleges level hockey sticks should be provided free and there should be players’ cotta in admissions. We will have to make joint efforts with the support of the government to take the national game on peak once again. All ex international Pakistani hockey players should play their role in the promotion of the national game hockey and for raising the green flag at the international hockey stadiums, “he concluded. 

Germany beat France 2-1 in final, Spain claim bronze, Pakistan compromise on 8th spotAbdul Jabbar FaisalKuala Lumpur (Malaysia): Germany have won the title of Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2023 after overcoming France 2-1 in the final here at National Hockey Stadium Bukit Jalil on Saturday night. Spain got third place in the tournament after thrashing India 3-1 in a play-off at the same venue before the final.France’s Gaspard Xavier was named player of the tournament and also received the FIH Rising Star award while Germany’s Joshua Onyekwue Nnaji was named best goalkeeper of the tournament.Argentina beat Pakistan (6-3): Argentina beat Pakistan 6-3 to finish their tournament on a winning note. The South Americans scored first, a Tomas Ruiz drag flick looping back to him off the keeper for an easy hit in. Arbaz Ahmad responded for Pakistan with a drag flick but Argentina regained the lead from a low Ruiz drag flick. Just five minutes later they turned over possession weakly for Ahmad to then score from the resulting penalty stroke. The half ended 2-2.Argentina survived another poor turnover in the opening minute of the second half before going ahead again, Joaquin Toscani making a devastating run from midfield to feed Ramiro Infanzon for a deflection. The Argentinians extended their lead when Ignacio Nardolillo stole a ball 60m out and fed Bautista Capurro who screamed in his reverse shot. Ahmad then handed Pakistan a lifeline, completing his hat-trick from another penalty stroke, but Argentina responded immediately with an Ignacio Persoglio drag flick. Juan Fernandez then sealed the match and 7th place in the tournament for Argentina with a deflection from open play.Netherlands beat Australia (2-1): The Dutch dominated the statistics and were patient with possession in a deserved 2-1 win over Australia. The Australians created dangerous chances for deflections in the opening half but the Dutch simply had the better opportunities throughout. Australian keeper Max Larkin made a great stick save to deny Timo Boers from a penalty corner in the 14th minute and added two more saves from open play before failing to clear a loose ball, Dylan Lucieer pouncing on the scraps for Netherlands to lead 1-0 at half time.The Dutch controlled the second half, starving Australia of possession and testing the excellent Larkin repeatedly before Bouwe Buitenhuis popped a delicate overhead to unmarked Casper van der Veen on the p-spot for their second goal. Cooper Burns gave Australia faint hopes after rifling in a drag flick from a penalty corner just 90 seconds from time, but the Dutch secured the win and with that, fifth place in the tournament.Spain beat India (3-1): Spain proved the better team on the day and emerged as 3-1 winners against India in the third-place playoff. The first half was evenly contested, India starting better but unable to beat Jan Capellades in goal. The momentum then shifted towards the Spanish who were patient in possession, and Nicolas Alvarez fired in a field goal to take the lead. India hit back off a penalty corner, Sunil Jojo, reacting fastest to the rebound and levelling the scores at 1-1 before the break.Spain dominated in the third quarter, but Indian goalkeeper Mohith Shashikumar proved up to the task. Capellades then made an excellent save for Spain before Pau Petchame finally snuck one through the Indian defence to regain the lead. Spain put the game out of reach in the final quarter, Pol Cabre Verdiell crossing to Alvarez for a deflection. India had opportunities to claw their way back through several penalty corners, but Capellades kept them out, with some assistance from the crossbar, and Spain secured a well-deserved bronze medal.Germany beat France (2-1): Germany came from behind to beat France 2-1 as both teams enjoyed periods of dominance in a fitting final. French goalkeeper Marius Clément got his angles exactly right in the opening minute to deny the Germans an early lead. A German defender then miss-trapped a ball and it sat up beautifully for Tom Gaillard who unfortunately failed to connect with his shot. Clément again reacted quickly to shut down Ben Hasbach as the first quarter ended. Jules Verrier opened the scoring for France in the second period, receiving a glorious pass from Louis Haertelmeyer and evading numerous defenders to beat the keeper from close range. The rest of the half was tightly contested, and France led 1-0 at the break.The momentum was building for Germany though, and Jan Cordes pounced on a poor French clearance to slap in an equaliser for Germany in the second minute of the half. Liam Holdermann added an excellent field goal, holding his shot until Clément committed himself. Paul Glander nearly made it three from a penalty corner, but Clément made an incredible save to keep France in the hunt. The French attacked freely in the final quarter but couldn’t find a way through, and Germany claimed the gold medal for the seventh time.Final standings: 1 Germany, 2 France, 3 Spain, 4 India, 5 Netherlands, 6 Australia, 7 Argentina, 8 Pakistan, 9 Belgium, 10 South Africa, 11 New Zealand, 12 Malaysia, 13 Korea, 14 Egypt, 15 Chile, 16 Canada 

Abdul Jabbar FaisalKuala Lumpur (Malaysia): Head Coach of Pakistan national juniors’ hockey team, Roelant Oltamans lamented over the team’s performance in the Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2023 saying that Under-21 player produce sparking and notable performance in the first round of the mega event against Holland and Belgium and they failed to maintain such pace and performance in the knock-out stage.While talking to a group of sports reporters after losing against Argentine 6-3 in a play-off, he further added that the first part of the competition was appreciable enough, however, Pakistan conceded 9 goals in the last 30 minutes. “We took a remarkable start in the group matches, as we played draws against Netherlands and Belgium, the best side of the hockey world. We defeated New Zealand with a margin of 4-0 and we were in confidence to do well in the next round. Due to some injuries we could not make-up the thing according to our wishes. We were good defenders and good finishers in the starting of the tournament, “he said.While responding to a question, foreign Pakistani coach said that some boys could go in the senior. “The players need to improve their basics and footwork. Things cannot be changed at once; it needs time to remove the flaws. There is a need to change the hockey system at junior level. Captain Hanan Shahid is an intelligent guy and has good communication skills and he plays a vital role during the camps to communicate with the guys. He speaks good English, “he maintained. Oltamans said that he did not sign any further contract with Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). “I do not know what will be next, whether there will be any assignment for me or not. The Pakistan team can qualify for the Olympic Games 2024, which will be held in Paris next year and Green Shirts will have to produce acceptable results in the Olympic Qualifying Round in Oman next month in January, “he replied to another question.