Sports Bulletin

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (June 11, 2020):-The online Annual General Council meeting of Asian Netball Federation will be held on June 17, 2020, said an official of Pakistan Netball Federation (PNF) on Thursday. President, Asian Netball Federation, Datin Narumon will preside over the meeting.  President PNF Mudassar Arain told to media that the Asian Indoor Games, Asian Netball Championship, World Netball Championship qualifying round and others various issues to netball would discuss in the meeting. “The Asian Indoor Games will be played in next June 2021 at Thailand and Pakistan will take part in the event, “said Mudassar Arain. He further said that President, Asian Netball Federation, Datin Narumon had called the meeting online due to Corona Virus. The representatives of the affiliated countries would join the meeting online link and would give their suggestions and proposals for the promotion of games in their countries and Asian level.  

Sports Report ISLAMABAD (May 4, 2020):-Dr. Fehmida Mirza Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) distributed the cheques among the members of Pakistan Weightlifting and Tennis Teams that won medals in the 13th South Asian Games, were held in Nepal from 1-10 December, 2019. It is important to mention here that Weightlifting team won 5 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medals. Weightlifters Talha Talib, Haider Ali, Usman Amjad Rathore, Hanzla Dastgir Butt and Mohammad Nooh Dastgir Butt won gold medals while Abu Sufyan and Rabbia Razzaq won silver medals and Saima Shahzad had claimed bronze medals. Similarly, Tennis players Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, Aqeel Khan, Muzammil Murtaza and Mohammad Abid had claimed silver in men’s team event, Sara Mansoor, Ushna Sohail, Mahin Aftaz Qureshi and Sarah Mehboob Khan won Bronze medals in women team event. Aisam and Ushna Sohail won Bronze in Mixed Double, Mohammad Abid and Sara Mansoor also won bronze in mixed double event. Men’s double event Aisam and Aqeel Khan won bronze medal. In men’s double event Muzammil Murtaza and Mohammad Abid won bronze medal. Aqeel Khan won bronze in men’s singles. Muzammil Murtaza won bronze in men’s singles as well. In line with approved cash award policy, gold medalists were given Rs.1.000 million each, silver medalists got Rs.500, 000 while bronze medalists received cheques of Rs.250, 000 each. Total Rs.6.250 million and Rs.5.500 million were distributed to the Weightlifters and tennis players respectively. Parliamentary Secretary of Ministry of IPC Saima Nadeem, Col. Gul Rehman Secretary General Pakistan Tennis Federation, Azam Dar Deputy DG PSB and parents of few athletes were present on the occasion. Talking to the players, Dr. Fehmida Mirza Minister for IPC/President PSB congratulated the medal winners and informed that half of the population of Pakistan is comprised of women. Their participation in the social life especially in the sports is commendable. She also appreciated the role of their parents who encouraged to their daughters to excel in the field of sports. Minister was of the view that these shinning players are the ambassadors of Pakistan who portray the soft image of Pakistan while representing their country abroad. Despite the fact that sports is a devolved subject and provinces should take lead to allocate appropriate resources to encourage players training, provision of coaches, talent hunt, make enabling environment for the masses to take participation in healthy activities etc  that Federal Government would continue to support the talented players to replace the stalwarts, she assured to the participations. Ministry of IPC and PSB is taking lead to resolve the issues of the players being faced in the current Covid-19 Pandemic. In this regard, a video conference with the provincial sports ministers will be arranged.            Mohammad Nooh Dastgir Butt, Gold Medalist, 12th and 13th SA Games, Bronze Medals Commonwealth Games 2018 and other players appreciated the role being played by Dr.Fehmida Mirza at this critical time. This is for the first time that players are receiving their reward in the form of cash prize money well in time which would definitely boost the morale of the players. This would definitely held their families and also facilitate for future endeavors. The medal winners emphasized that besides the federal government support provinces must play their due role to support the talented players so that youth, a major portion of the country, may utilize their energies in healthier sports activities and it can also make enabling environment for the youngsters to choose sports as their profession.   

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (April 24, 2020):-Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC), Dr Fahmida Mirza disbursed the cash awards among the 11 medal winnings athletes of wresting and squash of the 13th South Asian Games, which were held in Nepal, here in a ceremony on Friday. It is pertinent to mention that in the regional mini-Olympics Games, Pakistan contingent won total 133 medals comprising of 32 Gold, 41 Silver and 60 Bronze medals. For appreciating untiring efforts of our sportspersons who brought laurels for the country and support them financially at this critical time of need when all the sports activities have been still stand/suspended worldwide due to Covid-19 pandemic, Dr.Fehmida Mirza, Minister for IPC/President PSB distributed cheques among 11 players of Pakistan Wresting and Squash teams in two different sessions to ensure their safety and observing SOPs set by the government. Speaking on the occasion, Minister for IPC Dr. Fehmida Mirza congratulated to national players and expressed her sincere appreciation for winning sportsmen. She revealed that though the Ministry wanted to host a ceremony of national level by inviting the Honorable Prime Minister as the ‘Chief Guest’, however, due to current Covid-19 pandemic situation, the cash awards were distributed among the winners by inviting them in small batches. She also added that the federal government was fully aware of the problems of sportspersons and playing its due role for promoting the sports in the country. She urged that the provinces might come forward for uplifting standards of the games in the country and promote sports from grass root level by adopting best practices of the world as the provinces are primarily responsible for the subject under the 18th Amendment to the Constitution.   The participating players were included Inam Butt, Inayat Ullah, Abdur Rehman Gold Medalists of Wrestling and players from Squash namely Tayyab Aslam and Farhan Mehboob, Gold Medalists of Squash lauded the efforts made by the federal government and Minister for IPC/President PSB to support them financially at this critical time of need. The financial help by the government will go a long way to support their families and making efforts for their future endeavors. They also appreciated and thanked the then Secretary Ministry of IPC/Chef-de-Mission (Akbar Durrani) who visited every venue to encourage the sportspersons and also arranged sessions for boosting their morale and making them prepare aiming to win the gold medals. The Secretary Generals from both the Federations (Wrestling & Squash) assured their full support to the government and opined that without the necessary patronage of the government, the federations would not be able to achieve their objectives and execute their activities. They also requested to provide financial assistance to the national sports federations for smooth functioning.    

SB News LAHORE (April 9, 2020): Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti chaired an important meeting regarding Sports Development Projects 2020-21 at National Hockey Stadium on Thursday. Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh, Director Admin JavedChohan, Deputy Director Planning Rauf Bajwa, Director PMU AkramSoban and other officials attended the meeting. Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh briefed the meeting about various aspects of the development sports projects. Addressing the meeting, Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti said as many as 70 new Sports Development Projects will be launched under the new Development Programme. “The construction work on 100 sports projects will be completed under the Soft Sports Project besides initiating work on Phase-II projects”. Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti directed the concerned officials to complete the remaining work on under-progress sports projects as early as possible. “The prime objective of new Sports Development Projects is to promote sports culture in the province in an effective manner. We have plenty of sports talent across the province and our young talented players will further flourish their potential through professional training,” he added. Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti, on this occasion directed the concerned officials to prepare the upgradation plan of Nishtar Park Sports Complex. Briefing the meeting, Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh, on this occasion said that the new sports schemes will help a lot the talented players to polish their sports skills. “In this way our youth belonging to far flung areas of the province will get top level sports facilities near their homes,” he added.  

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (March 26, 2020):-The International Netball Bodies have postponed the all upcoming three International Netball Events owing to Corona virus outbreak in the World. President, Pakistan Netball Federation (PNF), Mudassar Arain told to media persons that the International Netball Bodies had postponed three International Netball Events due to Corona virus epidemic in the World, including Asian Women’s Netball Championship, Asian Men’s Netball Championship and World Under-15 Girls’ Netball Championship. “The Asian Women Netball Championship-2020 was to be held at Korea from 19-26 June, which now will be played in December-2020 and Twelve countries will take part in the event including Malaysia, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Singapore, India, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Chinese Taipe, Pakistan  and Brunie, “he divulged. He further revealed that the Asian Men’s Netball Championship-2020 had also been postponed which was to be held at Singapore from 29th April to 5th May 2020. Now it would be in December -2020. “Teams from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Singapore, India, Thailand, Pakistan and Brunie will be fight for the top position.  International Girls Under-15 Netball Championship-2020 has been cancelled which to be held at Melbroune, Australia from June 29, to July 5, 2020 and the date will be announced later, “he added. Mudassar further said that PNF had already postponed all netball activities in the country due to Corona Virus situation till April 15, on the special instructions of government and Pakistan Sports Board.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (March 3, 2020):-Taekwondo, Netball and Hockey competitions were decided in a  week long Women’s Sports Festival at Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Tuesday. In the taekwondo weight 49 Kg event, Fatima got first position, Esha obtained second position, Sidra secured third position and Ayesha bagged fourth position. Director General, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Amina Irman graced the occasion as chief guest. Deputy Director General PSB, Mohammad Azam Dar and Assistant Director(Women), Shazia Ejaz and other peoples were also present on the occasion. Amina Imran said that Pakistan Sports Board was organizing a week long Women Sports Festival on the special instructions of the Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination, Dr. Fahmeeda Mirza in connection with World Women Day. The concluding ceremony of Festival would be held on March 8 at Rodham Hall on World Women Day. In the Netball event, PSB Eleven defeated ISWA by 15-11 goals. Skina and Karima scored 8 and 7 goals for the winning team respectively while Hura scored 6 goals and Darkhata scored 5 goals for runner up team. Shaheen Tahira was the chief guest on the occasion and President, Pakistan Netball Federation, Mudassar Arain also present.  In the Hockey match, Islamabad Star defeated Rawalpindi Star by 7-5 goals. Sidra and Chman scored 4 and 3 goals for Islamabad Star while Saira and Asma scored 3 and 2 goals for the loser team respectively. Baseball and Table Tennis events will be played on Wednesday.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (March 1, 2020):-Pakistan WAPDA have won the both Men and Women titles of National Netball Championship at Hameedi Hall, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Sunday. Pakistan Army got 3rd position in the Women’s events while Pakistan Air Force (PAF) spotted at third place in the Men’s event. Syed Wajid Bukhari, Ex- Federal Minister was the chief guest and gave away trophies, medals and certificates to players and teams. President, Pakistan Netball Federation (PNF), Mudassar Arain, Senior Vice President, Malik Sameen Khan, Secretary General, Syed Gohar Raza, Secretary General, Pakistan Throwball Federation, Maqbool Arian and a large number of peoples were also present on the occasion. Results (Men’s Event): Pakistan WAPDA beat Pakistan Army 28-23 Women’s Event Pakistan WAPDA beat Sindh 24-15 Third position fixtures: Pakistan Air Force beat Pakistan Navy 35-33 Pakistan Army beat Punjab by 29-10  

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 29, 2020):-Chairman, Organizing Committee,  Mohammad Azam Dar, who is also the Deputy Director General, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) announced on Saturday that 11 sports disciplines would be the part of Women’s Sports Week, which would be kicked off on March 2, 2020 at Pakistan Sports Complex under the banner of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). He further said that all arrangements had been finalized in the Organizing Committee Meeting that held on Saturday at Conference Hall of PSB and it was decided that 11 sports disciplines would be the part of women sports showpiece including Tennis, Hockey, Taekwondo,  Netball,  Baseball,  Table Tennis, Volleyball,  Judo, Swimming, Football and Soccer Futsal. According to scheduled, the Tennis and Hockey events will be played on March 2, at Tennis Court  and Outer Track ground respectively while Taekwondo and Netball on March 3 at Biomechanics Lab. and Rodham Hall respectively.   On March 4, Baseball and Table Tennis will be held at Baseball Ground and Rodham Hall respectively, Volleyball on March 5 at Hameedi Hall, Judo on March 6 at Biomechanics Lab, Swimming and Football on March 7 at Swimming Pool and Jinnah Stadium respectively. Soccer Futsal will be played on March 8 at Rodham Hall. He further said that trophies, medals and certificates will be awarded to players. He further said that the refreshments will be including Juice, Lays and Mineral Water for players at the venues. Adnan Malik, Senior Vice President, Pakistan Futsal Federation will sponsor the Trophies, Medals, Certificates and Refreshments to the all players and teams.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 13, 2020):-Pakistan Council for Traditional Sports and Games (PCTSG) in its General Body meeting held at Islamabad Club decided to revive the Traditional Sports and Games in Pakistan. Khalil Ahmed Khan, the President of International Council for Traditional Sports and Games, chaired this meeting, which was attended by Senator Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif. Also, all stakeholders from federal, provincial governments, traditional sports associations and organizations also attending this meeting. The chair briefed about UNESCO’s initiative for revival of traditional sports and games its importance for Pakistan. He expressed concern over our fading trend of traditional sports in the country and stressed the need to build synergies among the stakeholders to harmonize diversity of cultures of the country, empowering youth and women through revival of TSG. He said that creating awareness, holding national and international events, documentations and research would be the priority of the Council. Senator Mohammad Ali Saif said that engagement of youth in rural and urban diversity of traditional sports in different provinces and regions of the country could lead to national cohesion.  He assured his support for revival of TSG in the country for national cohesion and projecting soft image of the country. The representatives from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO, KPK Sports Board, Islamabad Capital Territory and other stakeholders appreciated the efforts of UNESCO for revival of TSG at international national. They also shared their views about revival of TSG and showed their willingness to support this very important neglected aspect of the society. The Council also approved the holding of International Traditional and Sports Festival at Gawadar. Also, stressed the need to create awareness about TSG, its documentation and holding of events. The Statutes of the PCTSG was approved unanimously by the house. The Executive Board of the following members has been elected. Shafiqat Mehmood, Federal Minister for Education and Training has been nominated to hold the office of President. Senator Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, Senior Vice President, Azam Efandi Brig. ( R ), Hussain Ahmed Madni, Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Malik Mehrban Ali, Syed Khalid Hussain, Mohammad Shahid Islam, Sajida Nasreen, Mian Salman Islam, Mohammad Tariq Abbasi, Syed Ghayur Hussain are elected Vice Presidents. Barrister Iftikhar Raza Khan, Barrister Iftikhar Raza Khan, Secretary General, Abu Zafar Sadiq, Associate Secretary, Haider Ali Daud, Press Secretary, Kazim Ali Chagezi, Finance Secretary, Mohammad Raza Khan Advocate, Mohammad Ali Bukhari, Advocate, Nisar Ahmed Shahwani, Col Rtd. Rizwan Ahmed, Dr. Nauman Saeed, Tariq Ali, Furqan Ahmed Khan, Umar Habib, Mohammad Umar, Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi, Shakil Yousuf, Khalil Jabran, Wasim Abbas have been elected as Executive Members.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 12, 2020)- The Prize distribution ceremony of 4th Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Karakoram International Alpine Ski Cup, 3rd Malam Jabba International Alpine Ski Cup and 27th National Ski Championship held at Serena Hotel Islamabad. President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi graced the occasion as chief guest. Air Marshal Ahmer Shehzad, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, who is also President Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan was also present at the occasion. Aziz Bolani, CEO Serena Hotels, ambassadors, high ranking defence & civil officials also attended the ceremony. Speaking at the occasion, the President thanked the international players for their participation in these events and hoped that they would take along cherished memories of Pakistan’s magnificent beauty and traditional hospitality. He urged the foreign players to act as the ambassadors of Pakistan and portray the true picture of this land of wonders in their respective countries. He lauded the efforts of Pakistan Air Force and Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan in the promotion of winter sports in the country and added that it would not only help in finding new talent but also promote tourism industry in the country. The chief guest awarded souvenirs to the winning players. 36 International Skiers along with Pakistani skiers participated in both men and women categories of these events.