Sports Bulletin

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (March 22, 2021):-The second stage of the 2021 Hyundai Archery World Cup has been relocated to the Olympic Capital of Lausanne, Switzerland from its original host city of Shanghai, China. It remains on the same dates of 17-23 May. The stage will be hosted by the World Archery Excellence Centre, which will also be the venue for the finals, with support from the city and cantonal authorities. It will be closed to spectators, run to local health regulations and with strict accommodation, travel and access policies. The tournament’s eventual running remains contingent on receiving official authorisation from the Swiss health bodies and continued local progress in the fight against the pandemic. World Archery will work to ensure as many countries as possible can access the event. It was announced that replacement hosts would be prioritised over tournament postponements when the rules for this year’s Hyundai Archery World Cup circuit were released in February. Moving the location of the second stage is the first example of this policy being put into effect. This year’s Hyundai Archery World Cup begins in Guatemala City at the end of April. After Lausanne in May, the third leg is scheduled for June in Paris, which will also where the final qualification tournament for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will take place. World Archery secretary general Tom Dielen said: “Flexibility will be essential in delivering a world-class calendar for our athletes and stakeholders this season. We are working hard to ensure we have the processes and contingencies in place to run a successful circuit of international events in 2021.” “Our continued thanks go to the organiser in Shanghai for their support and the work done towards hosting a stage this year. While it has ultimately not proved possible, we’re looking forward to returning to one of the most popular stops on the tour next season.”

ABDULLAH ASJAD ISLAMABAD (January 29, 2021):-The young journalist, Shakir Abbasi has won the Rawalpindi Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA) president seat for next one year after overcoming his opponent Nasir Aslam Raja 27-16 in the elections that held at Pakistan Sports Complex on Friday. Also, Wafa Abbas and Noman Maqsood were elected vice president seats by getting 36 and 28 votes. It is pertinent to mention here that Shah Khalid Secretary, Rizwan Ahmed Dhillon, Finance Secretary and Arsalan Shirazi, Senior Vice President, have already been elected unopposed. Shakir Abbasi and Nasir Aslam Raja were contesting for the seat of President while Wafa Abbas, Noman Maqsood and Aqeel Anjum were contesting for the seats of two vice presidents. The Chairman of Election Committee, Zahid Farooq Malik announced the results after the completion of polling. According to the Election Committee, out of the total 57 members of association of twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad, 43 members exercised their right of vote in democratically manners. Shakir Abbasi got 27 votes and his opponent Nasir Aslam Raja got 16 votes for the honour of presidentship. Similarly, Wafa Abbas got 36 votes, Noman Maqsood 28 and Aqeel Anjum got 13 votes. Similarly, Ahsan Abbas, Zeeshan Qayyum, Zain Malik, Maria Rajput and Arafa Feroz have also been elected unopposed for the governing body.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (January 22, 2021):-President of Pakistan, Mohammad Arif Alvi on Thursday welcomed at President House to an expedition team from Nepal that who scaled K 2, the second highest peak of the world, for the first time in winter season. The Nepalese guys reached on top of 8,611-meter peak first times in winter. President welcomed the Nepalese mountaineers and congratulated the team members on scaling K2 in harsh winter. On this occasion Alvi said that the mountaineers' remarkable achievement would project the Pakistan's soft image as well as boost tourism in the country. "Both countries enjoyed excellent relations and such activities would further increase goodwill between the two countries, “president added. Nepalese Ambassador in Islamabad Tapas Adhikari and leader of the expedition team Nirmal Purja expressed their gratitude to Pakistan for the support provided by the government of Pakistan. They also praised the natural beauty and wide range of mountaineering opportunities in Pakistan. Abu Zafar Sadiq, President Alpine Club (APC) of Pakistan, Karrar Haidri Secretary Alpine Club of Pakistan and ACP Executive Board members, Rehmat Ullah Gorijo VP, Faiz Ali VP, Mohammad Akram Awan Treasurer and Ayaz Ahmed Shigri Vice President ACP were also president at the occasion.

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (December 15, 2020):-Major (Retd) Majid Wasim, Zoraiz Lashari, Lt-Col Ahmed Ali Khan and Ali Raza Qureshi have been elected Chairman, President, Secretary General and Treasure respectively of Pakistan Swimming Federation (PSF) for next four-year term. The new office-bearers of PSF were elected for a 4-year term during a General Council Election meeting of PSF at Pakistan Olympic House, Lahore. Mohammad Jahangir of Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and Director National Coaching Training Center (NCTC) Rana Nasrullah from Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) attended the General Council Election meeting of PSF as observers. The representatives of Sindh and Navy attended the meeting through video link.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (October 2, 2020):-PAK-Kuwait joint expedition team on Friday left for Rupal Peak. Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) hosted a reception in the honour of team members of Pak- Kuwait Joint Expedition, which is going to Rupal Peak. Yousef Alnassar from Kuwait and Ghulam Abbas from Alpine Club of Pakistan are leaving for Astore to climb Rupal Peak. At the occasion, Yousel Alnassar shared his views about his earlier winter expedition. He was impressed by the nature beauty of mountains and hospitality of Pakistani people. He also shared his future plan to climb K-2 in near future. About his preparation and other aspects of expedition he responded a lot of questions raised by the participants. He assured that he would work as a Ambassador of Pakistan to promote Pakistani mountain tourism in middle east. The President ACP Abu Zafar Sadiq, Karrsr Haideri, Najeeb Khattak, Ali  Mohammad and others were also present at the occasion.    

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (October 2, 2020):-Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) has started the registration of national climbers for the forthcoming national events after getting green signals from Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). According to an official of ACP, club had requested to PSB for permission to hold the climbing events, which were halted due to corona virus. Finally, PSB informed ACP that all sports activities are allowed in the premises of Pakistan Sports Complex except swimming. Alpine Club of Pakistan asked all the climbers for the registration, as the forms have also been issues. Club is planning to hold event near future.

SPORTS DESK: ISLAMABAD (Stember 25, 2020);-SJAS Gold medal 2020 was won by Karate Queen, Kulsoom Hazara while Dr MA Shah Gold medal was awarded to senior Sports Journalist, Waheed Khan. Senior athletics coach, Mohammad Talib was highlighted with the lifetime achievement award while Haider Hussain bagged the best sports organiser recognition for his outstanding services in the field of Hockey. The annual “Sports Journalist & Rashid Siddiqui Talent Award” ceremony was held at the Scout headquarters auditorium, on Thursday. The event began with a Seminar on “COVID-19’s impact on Sports”.  Addressing the occasion, adviser to chief minister Sindh on Law, Costal Highway development, Environment and the provincial spokesperson, Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that talent’s appreciation is it’s actual success. He lauded the efforts of the Sports Journalists Association of Sindh (SJAS) for the betterment and acknowledgement of sports journalists. Murtaza Wahab paid tribute to the chief minister Syed Murad Ali Shah for measures taken to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic however urged citizens to remain vigilant because the threat is still looming over heads. SJAS’ patron Dr Junaid Ali Ali, president Muhammad Asif Khan and Secretary General Muhammad Asghar Azeem presented honorary SJAS membership to Barrister Murtaza Wahab. Former captain Moin Khan said that abiding by the Covid safety protocols was an example for everyone at the ceremony. He noted that the pandemic impacted sporting activities a great deal however the situation is gradually returning towards normalcy now.  Former provincial sports minister Dr Junaid Ali Shah, former member Board of Governors, PCB Ejaz Farooqi and president Federal Union of Journalists GM Jamali expressed their condolences with the families of those journalists lost lives to COVID-19 and urged the Sindh government to adopt measures for the safety and insurance of the deprived families. Senior journalists Rishad Mehmood, Mansoor Ali Baig, Mehmood Riaz, Zubair Nazeer Khan, Waheed Khan and SJAS President Muhammad Asif Khan addressed the audience. Seven prominent athletes, presented with “Rashid Siddiqui Talent award” for prominent performances at the junior level, were Amir Ali (U19 Cricketer), Maaz Khan (Wushu), Marium Rafiq (Judo), Amna Ghayas (Captain, U12 Football), Shahzeb Khan (captain Karachi Hockey team), Azam Khan (cricketer) and Akif Ali (Taekwando). First Hub Jeep rally woman driver Tushna Patel, Pakistan’s number one Badminton player Mahoor Shehzad, international photographer Nasir Abdullah, senior sport journalist (PTV) Saifur Rehman and cricket encyclopaedia Sohail Khan were accoladed with SJAS especial awards. Karate Queen, Kulsoom Hazara was honoured with the Gold medal while senior journalist & anchor Waheed Khan was presented with Dr M A Shah Gold medal for his outstanding journalistic services. The secretary of the Karachi Hockey Association and former Hockey international, Haider Hussain was recognised for his services as organiser while for training thousands of athletes to glories at international stage, athletics coach Talib Hussain was given the lifetime achievement award. The best anchor (National) Abdul Ghaffar, best anchor (regional) Mujahid Solangi, Best anchor (emerging) Mohsin Mehdi, Best sports editor (English) Rishad Mehmood, best sports editor (Urdu) Mansoor Ali Baig, best senior reporter (electronic media) Faizan Lakhani, best senior reporter (Urdu , print) Tariq Aslam, best reporter (English, print) Umaid Waseem, best emerging reporter Muhammad Osama, best script writer Irshad Ali, best digital media producer award was presented to Shahzeb Ali Bhutto while Muhammad Asif Khan secured the award for outstanding performance.

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (September 22, 2020):-Razi Sports Academy (RSA) will participate in the 28th National Sports Festival 2020 for People with Different Abilities at Peshawar to be held from September 24 to 27 at Qayyum Stadium Peshawar. According to an official of RSA, the 4-day festival is being organized by KP Sports Directorate at Qayuum Stadium Peshawar from 24-27th September 2020. Special players male and female from all over the Pakistan will take part in multiple games in a large numbers of categories. Describing the details Raziuddin Ahmad CEO of the academy said that our boys team would be participating in Athletics, Badminton, Cricket, Tennis and Crutches Race standing category of polio affected upper and lower disabilities. RSA contingent is comprising on Raziuddin Ahmad Head of the Delegation, Mohammad Nawaz Gohar Manager / Player, Shahid Hussain, Mushtaq Haider, Umair Ali, Shabir Jan Khalil, Mohammad Asfaq Shakir, Shahid Ali, Mohammad Arsalan, Mohammad Bilal, Bilal Ayyaz and Asif Qadir. It is pertinent to mention here that Razi Academy honored to have gold medals winning badminton championships three times in the previous national festivals 2015, 2016 and 2018. 

SB REPORT ISLAMABAD (August 10, 2020):-Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF) has elected Junaid Alam and Mansoor Ahmed its president and secretary for the next four years terms (2020-2024), respectively.  A General Council meeting of Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF) held to elect the new office bearers for the next four years terms (2020-2024), at local hotel here. Representative of International Judo Federation, Mohammad Tahsin of Kuwait, who is also the Assistant to the President, Judo Union of Asia was present online to observe the whole electoral process. Representative of Pakistan Sports Board, Shahid Islam, Deputy Director General (Academics) also attended the meeting as Observer. Justice (Retd) Mohammad Alamzeb Khan conducted/supervised the elections and announced the results. According to results; Col ® Junaid Alam and Mansoor Ahmed were unanimously re-elected as President and Secretary General of Pakistan Judo Federation for the next four years terms (2020-2024), respectively while Fahmida Butt was elected as Honorary Treasurer.  Other office bearers; Senior Vice President, Dr Farhan Ebadat Yar Khan; Vice Presidents,  Masood Ahmad, Bashir Khan and  Asif Iqbal; Joint Secretary,  Noor Shah Afridi and  Associate Secretary, Mohammad Rafique.  Six Members Executive Committee,  Lt. Col. Muhammad Abid Majeed, Salahuddin, Zulfiqar Abbassi, Naeema Khan,  Miss Urooj Fatima and  Miss Fatima Raheem.  Newly elected President Col (Retd) Junaid Alam thanked all the members for re-electing him as President and said that Pakistan Judo Federation would take all possible steps for the development of Judo in the country as before. He said that judo players have made a name for the country and the nation by winning numerous medals at the international level. He said that no sports can be developed without the patronage of the government and sponsors, the government should also take steps in the country to promote the game of judo and focus on other sports like sponsored cricket.  The elections were attended by all affiliated units including Army, WAPDA, Railways, HEC, Police, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, KPK, AJK, Islamabad and other small Associations. Although due to ongoing scenario an online facility through zoom app was available to the participants, but most of them opted voluntarily to join physically even from far off areas like Balochistan.

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (July 17, 2020):-The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee announced at today’s virtual IOC Session that all the venues intended for the Games in 2020 have been secured for next year, and confirmed the sports competition schedule. This marks a significant step for the organisers, with only one year to go until the postponed Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 open on 23 July 2021. As preparations continue to advance, these decisions highlight the progress made amidst the current unprecedented circumstances, with strong unity amongst all stakeholders driving the planning and delivery of next year’s Games. This was emphasised by the Organising Committee’s President, Yoshiro Mori, and its CEO, Toshiro Muto. In their report to the IOC Session, they confirmed that all 43 competition venues, the Olympic Village, and the International Broadcast Centre and Main Press Centre would be used for the Olympic Games in 2021. The Tokyo organisers also announced that the competition schedule will remain the same, with some minor timing adjustments for operational reasons. “The Olympic Village is the beating heart of the Olympic Games, while the venues are its soul. I am delighted that the Village and the venues have been confirmed for next year. This means that the athletes will have this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Athletes from all around the world will live together under one roof in the Olympic Village, sharing meals together, celebrating together, discussing together and forming these unique Olympic communities. That Tokyo 2020 has been able to achieve this and confirm the competition schedule despite the extraordinary circumstances is testament to the work of the Joint Steering Committee led by John Coates and Yoshiro Mori,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. He continued, “With only one year to go, a mammoth task still lies ahead of us. With our Japanese partners and friends, we agree that we have to adapt the planning of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 to the requirements of the global crisis, while maintaining the unique spirit and message that defines our mission. We are working to optimise the operations and services without touching on sports and athletes. In this way we can, together with the Organising Committee, turn these postponed Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 into an unprecedented celebration of unity and solidarity of humankind, making them a symbol of resilience and hope. It showing that we are stronger together.” Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori commented, "Following the decision to postpone the Games, Tokyo 2020 immediately formed the New Launch Task Force and began to organise systems ready to face this unprecedented challenge. Our all staff members have been working tirelessly around the clock on these preparations, and it is my pleasure to announce today that we have successfully secured all venues and confirmed the competition schedule for next year’s Games.” He continued, “I believe that the moment when athletes around the world emerge from this long, dark tunnel to gather at the Games will be a moment of pure and priceless joy. I have no doubt that people around the world will find this sight deeply moving. We will continue to give our utmost to ensure that the Tokyo Games are of special value as a symbol of unity and solidarity in overcoming the COVID-19 crisis. Next week on the 23rd, one year before the Games, we plan to send out a message of solidarity, hope, and courage to athletes with their eyes on next year’s Games." The Tokyo 2020 leadership used this opportunity to highlight the positioning, principles for re-planning and roadmap for the Games, first presented to the IOC Executive Board last month. The positioning and principles put the athletes and sport at the centre of the plans for Tokyo 2020, and address the desire to simplify and optimize Games preparations and delivery. The roadmap outlines the key activities, initiatives and milestones up until Games time in 2021. Since the historic announcement that the Olympic Games would be postponed, the IOC has been working in a spirit of solidarity with Tokyo 2020 and Olympic Movement stakeholders to reduce the impact caused by this postponement. During the Session, IOC President Bach thanked the Japanese partners and friends of the Games headed by Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, Tokyo 2020 President Mori Yoshiro, Governor Koike Yuriko, and the athletes, all the Summer Olympic International Federations, the NOCs, TOP Partners and Rights-Holding Broadcasters. The IOC Session also received an update on the developments being made to simplify and optimise the Games, with the support of all delivery partners from the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and the Coordination Commission. These groups continue to review opportunities to optimise and streamline the Games’ scope and service levels. In addition, as most of the world continues to deal with the uncertainty of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the “All Partner Task Force”, which includes experts from WHO and local Japanese government authorities, continues to advise the Games organisers. Plans are being developed for COVID-19 countermeasures. The top priority remains the one already established before the postponement decision - to safeguard the health of all of the Olympic Games participants. The next major milestone for the organisers takes place on 23 July, marking one year to go until the start of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. A series of activities have been planned to mark this occasion, including the launch of the Olympic brand campaign, StrongerTogether, which recognises the importance of solidarity and unity during these difficult times, acknowledging the power of sport and in particular the Olympic Games to bring people together. Activities will be digitally-led, centred around the Olympic flame, and the resilience and strength of the athletes as they prepare for the Games. This will be supplemented by an exclusive media event in Tokyo to mark one year until the Games begin. Olympic Movement stakeholders will also be activating across their digital and social media over the coming days, to show their support for all the athletes and Tokyo 2020.