Sports Bulletin

Boys and Girls from 12 countries including India to compete in the different age categoriesAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: As many as 301 boys and girls from 12 countries will participate in the different age categories of the 31st Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship 2024, which will be kicked off on Tuesday (June 25) at Mushaf Squash Complex, said Secretary, Pakistan Squash Federation (PDF) Aamir Nawaz in a press conference at a local hotel, as he was flanked by Vice President PSF, Qamar Zaman, and Director Academies Irfan Asgher.He further divulged on this occasion that championship would feature 12 countries, including hosts Pakistan, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, with a total of 107 men players, 84 women players, 36 officials, and 44 parents participating. “Pakistan has entered 24 men and 19 women players in various age groups, who have undergone rigorous training to excel in the championship,”he replied a question.“The Technical Delegate appointed by Asian Squash Federation (ASF) is Ardvy Ally, while WSF International Referee Tahir Khanzada will lead a panel of 23 referees to conduct matches at both venues. The championship includes Boys and Girls U-13, U-15, U-17, and U-19 age categories, “he futher said.Responding to a question, he said, “Pakistan has a remarkable history in the Asian Junior Individual Championship, with numerous Gold and Silver Medal wins. The country's squash legends, including Jansher Khan, Abdul Rasheed, Amjad Khan, and others, have made significant contributions to the sport. The Pakistan Squash Federation has made elaborate arrangements for the championship, ensuring a memorable experience for all participants, “Aamir Nawaz concluded. 

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan will take on Chinese Taipei in their opening match of the 22nd Asian Men’s Squash Team Championship, which will be rolling into action on June 12, 2024, in Dalian, China.According to an official of the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF), 14 teams from all over Asia will participate in the Men’s event. Pakistan team has been placed in Pool “C” along with Korea, Chinese Taipei, and China.Pakistan’s four-member team Mohammad Asim Khan, Noor Zaman, Nasir Iqbal, and Farhan Mehboob, has left for China, on Sunday. Three officials, Fahim Gul (Coach), Waseem Umar (Physical Trainer), and Air Cdre (Retd) Amir Nawaz (Manager) are traveling with the national players.

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): The prestigious British Open returns to Birmingham for the second successive year. The event will run from 2-9 June with action taking place from the Edgbaston Priory Club and The Rep Theatre.A total of 96 players will compete across the week including all of the world's leading players. We've taken a look at the top contenders in each draw and broken down their seasons so far and chances of taking home the titles next week in Birmingham.Ali Farag: Men's top seed Ali Farag is the leading player in the men's draw again this year. The defending champion took the 2023 title in impressive fashion to win the event for the first time, whilst also fasting to observe Ramadan. Since that win last April, the World No.1 has won 10 World Tour events and reached the final in all but one of the tournaments that he has played in, terrific consistency from the Egyptian.With the disappointment of losing out in the semi-finals of the recent World Championships, Farag could return to action with fire in his eyes to prove why he is the best player in the world. Multiple British Open titles will certainly be on Farag's wish list.Paul Coll: 2x British Open champion Paul Coll is the No.2 seed for the event and will relish a glass court back indoors. The New Zealander has won four events this season, three of which have seen the latter stages played on indoor glass courts as opposed to the outdoor ones that are predominantly seen in Egypt. Coll undoubtedly prefers these conditions and after having a break whilst the Manchester Open and QSF 3 were happening, the Kiwi will be returning to action with a fresh mind and body, which spells danger for the rest of the field.Diego Elias: The new World Champion Diego Elias will be back in action for the first time after his momentous win at the British Open as he looks to claim his first Platinum event win of the season. The Peruvian has no doubt enjoyed his win but will make sure that he is fit and firing for the last Platinum tournament of the campaign. Elias looked to be lacking confidence at times this season but that will not be the case now after his last event in Cairo.Elias finds himself in a tricky portion of the draw, which includes five top 16 players: Victor Crouin, Youssef Soliman, Tarek Momen, Joel Makin and Youssef Ibrahim. If Elias progresses through those tough matches to the semi-finals, a potential rematch with Ali Farag is on the cards. The Egyptian will certainly be after revenge following his dethroning.Mostafa Asal: 'The Raging Bull' Mostafa Asal earned a place in his first World Championships final in his previous event, falling in the final to rival Elias in three games. The week looked to have took its toll on the young Egyptian in the title decider but the World No.4 will be desperate to return to action in Birmingham.Asal has endured an up and down season but after a disappointing start has found his form in the second half of the season with wins in Florida and Black Ball as well as three runner-up finishes. A slight knee injury forced his late withdrawal from the Manchester Open but hopefully the entertaining 22-year-old has overcome that and will be ready to take on his rivals again in Birmingham.If the seedings go to plan, Asal will need to defeat both the Elshorbagy brothers in consecutive rounds to move into the semi-finals, where Paul Coll may be waiting.Nour ElSherbini: World No.1 Nour ElSherbini will return to defend her British Open title next week in Birmingham and is once again seeded to scoop the top prize. The Egyptian has been a force to be reckoned with again this season, winning six titles and firmly establishing herself as the World No.1. Despite the wins, ElSherbini may not count this as one of her best seasons due to tasting defeat in a World Championships for the first time since 2017 as she lost out to Nouran Gohar in the final a few weeks ago in Cairo. The loss certainly would have stung the 7x World Champion who will be gunning for revenge next week.Nouran Gohar: Having lost the last three World Championship finals, some thought that Nouran Gohar would never lift the coveted trophy, but 'the Terminator' proved them wrong as she deservedly defeated thorn in her side ElSherbini in four games to claim the title a few weeks ago in Cairo.A terrific accomplishment for Gohar who has been in great form since her return from injury. The confidence that the World No.2 will be feeling now is probably the highest it's ever been and having not won the British Open since 2019, Gohar will be sure that she can take home the title and claim the Worlds and British double.Hania El Hammamy: 2022 champion Hania El Hammamy knows what it takes to win this prestigious event and she will need to draw on every bit of that experience from 2 years ago to lift the title next week.El Hammamy claimed two Platinum titles in the first half of the season but since the turn of the year is trophy-less in five attempts. Two losses to ElSherbini and Gohar as well as a loss in London to Sivasangari Subramaniam have left the 23-year-old searching for answers in her game. She has recently started working with former World Champion Laura Massaro and although this may turn out to be a good partnership, changes in swing and mentality take time to be fully embedded into a players game.The feisty, clinical nature of El Hammamy makes her a danger at any event and with coach Massaro on hand next week, another British Open would certainly be a welcome end to the season for the World No.3.

Rising squash player Anas Ali Shah beat Varun Asif 3-1 in the final to clinch the titleAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Rising squash player, Anas Ali Shah has won the title of the first Bismillah National Junior Squash Championship 2024 that concluded in Lahore.The under-19 lad started the campaign in the championship after thrashing Haji Nawaz in the first round of the top national squash showpiece. Anas won the match comfortably in straight games 3-0 and conceded just 2, 1, and 4 points in all three games.In the second round, Anis Ali got rid of Shamlan Gul 3-1 after toiling hard on the court. Shah won the first two games at 11-8, and 11-6, however, he faced resistance in the next two games by Shamlan, who won the third game on a tie-break and lost the last one at 9-11 after showing some aggression in the start of the 4th game.In the quarterfinal, Anas Ali defeated Shayan Ali in straight games after exhibiting nice skills of the game. He played powerful forehand and backhand drives to keep the opponent on his toes. Anas played some classic drop shorts and nicks, which were applauded by a sizeable number of spectators, and amused the squash lovers.Anas Ali stunned Abdullah Butt after defeating him 3-1 in the semifinal, as the U19 champion maintained his winning habit in the vital contest of the championship, as his challenger was too good a player of Pakistan. The final score-line was 11-4, 11-5, 10-12, and 11-8, as the match lasted 23 minutes.On May 24, 2024, the final was played between Anas Ali Shah and Varun Asif, as both players were looking in nice touch and eager to lift the title. Varun won the first game at 11-9 and earned a valuable lead of 1-0. However, after going down 1-0, Anas Ali changed his strategy and claimed the next three games to lift the title of the first Bismillah National Junior Squash Championship 2024.Results (U19’s Champion):Round-1: Anas Ali Shah beat Haji Nawaz (3-0) 11-2, 11-1, 11 4Round 2: Anas Ali Shah: beat Shamlan Gul (3-1) 11-8, 11-6, 10-12, 11-9Quarterfinal: Anas Ali Shah beat Shayan Ali Sayed (3-0) 11-5, 11-4, 11-2Semifinal: Anas Ali Shah beat Abdullah Butt (3-1) 11-4, 11-5, 10-12, 11-8Final: Anas Ali Shah beat Varun Asif (3-1) 9-11, 11-5, 11-0, 11 8.

Mohammad Zakaria from Egypt overcomes local player Nasir Iqbal 3-1 in the finalSports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Mohammad Zakaria from Egypt overcame local squash player Nasir Iqbal 3-1 in the final of the 16th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) International Squash Championship 2024 that concluded at the Pakistan Navy (PN) Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex, Karachi on Sunday. The final score-line was 11-13, 11-4, 11-5, and 11-7, as the match lasted 51 minutes.In the final, which was played between Mohamad Zakaria from Egypt and Nasir Iqbal from Pakistan. After a tough and thrilling contest, Mohamad Zakaria won the match 3-1 and became the title holder of the 16th edition of the CNS International Squash Championship 2024.Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf graced the occasion as chief guest to disburse the awards among the players. Mohammad Zakaria recived US$ 3068.5 along with a gillitering trophy while Nasir Iqbal pocketes US$ 1938. He also got runner-up trophy.While addressing the ceremony, CNS Admiral Naveed Ashraf said: “Pakistan Navy is organizing CNS Open Squash since year 2000 on regular basis. This is indicative of Pakistan Navy's commitment to promote the game of squash in the country. Pakistan Navy has been providing the necessary facilities and organizing sports events of National and International standing to bring our talented youth forward and inculcate the spirit of sportsmanship in them.”Results (Finals):Women’s: Mehwish Ali beat Rushna Mehboob 13-11, 4-11, 11-7, 11-8 (35 min)Boys’ U15: Abdul Ahad (Navy) beat Kamran Khan (PB) 11-5 11-7, 11-9 (27 min)Boys’ U13: Huzaifa Shahid (N) beat Fawad Khan (BOK) 11-2, 11-1, 11-4 (17 min)Girls’ U15: Mahnoor Ali (KP) beat Damia Khan (Sindh) 11-7, 11-2, 11-3 (19 min). 

Mehwish Ali, Abdul Ahad, Huzaifa Shahid, and Mahnoor Ali win juniors’ titlesSports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Pakistan’s top national squash player, Nasir Iqbal, and Egyptian lad Mohamad Zakaria have qualified for the final of the 16th CNS International Squash Championship 2024 after beating duo of local guys Tayyab Aslam, and Mohammad Asim Khan respectively in straight games 3-0 in the semifinals here at Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex, Fleet Club Saddar on Saturday. The final will be played on Sunday at the same venue.Wild Card entry holder, Nasir Iqbal trounced high-ranked Mohammad Asiam Khan comfortably to reach the final. The score-line was 11-6, 11-8, and 11-9, as the match lasted 44 minutes. Nasir, who was recovering from his injury in the recent past, exhibited top-class squash in the vital contest of the tournament. He hit powerful forehands and backhand strokes during the second semifinal of the CNS International Squash Championship. He also played some classic drop shorts and nicks.Results (Semifinals):Mohamad Zakaria (EGY) beat Tayyab Aslam (PAK) 14-12, 13-11, 11-5 (35m) Nasir Iqbal (PAK) beat Mohammad Asim Khan (PAK)11-6, 11-8, 11-9 (44 min)Results (Finals):Women’s: Mehwish Ali beat Rushna Mehboob 13-11, 4-11, 11-7, 11-8 (35 min)Boys’ U15: Abdul Ahad (Navy) beat Kamran Khan (PB) 11-5 11-7, 11-9 (27 min)Boys’ U13: Huzaifa Shahid (N) beat Fawad Khan (BOK) 11-2, 11-1, 11-4 (17 min)Girls’ U15: Mahnoor Ali (KP) beat Damia Khan (Sindh) 11-7, 11-2, 11-3 (19 min). 

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Tayyab Aslam (PAK), Mohammad Zakaria (EGY), Nasir Iqbal (PAK), and Mohammad Asim Khan (PAK) have moved into the semifinals of the ongoing 16th NBP-CNS International Squash Championship 2024 after winning their respective quarterfinals here at Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex, Fleet Club Saddar on Friday.Result:Men’s (Quarterfinals):[2] Tayyab Aslam (PAK) beat [8] Methew Lai (HKG) 12-10, 12-10, 11-9 (39 min)[4] Mohammad Zakaria (EGY) beat [7] Noor Zaman (PAK)11-9, 14-12, 6-11, 8-11, 11-5 (56 min)[ WC] Nasir Iqbal (PAK) beat [9/16] Mohammad Syafiq Kamal (MAS) 11-8, 11-8, 11-4 (27 min) [1] Mohammad Asim Khan (PAK) beat [6] Tang Ming Hong (HKG) 6-11, 11-7, 11-9 11-8 (51 min)Women’s (Semifinals):5/8 Rushna Mehboob beat Anam Mustafa Aziz 1139, 13-11, 11-3 (23 min)Mehwish Ali beat Sameera Shahid 11-3, 11-0, 11-4 (17 min)Boys’ U15 (Semifinals):Kamran Khan (PB) beat Arman Ali (KP) 1-911 11-6, 11-9, 11-8 (36 min)Abdul Ahad (Navy) beat Umer Farooq But 11-3, 11-7, 11-8 (29 min)Boys’ U13 (Semifinals):Huzaifa Shahid (N) beat Mohammad Mamoon Khan (PAF) 11-4, 11-2, 11-4 (17 min) Fawad Khan (BOK) beat Mohammad Faizan Ali (Army) 11-7, 12-10, 4-11, 4-11, 11-7 (34 min)Girls’ U15 (Semifinals):Damia Khan (Sindh) beat Aiman Fatima (Sindh) 11-2, 11-1, 11-6 (16 min)Mahnoor Ali (KP) beat Nimra Batool (PN) 11-2, 11-3, 11-2 (17 min),

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Four Pakistani players including Tayyab Aslam, Noor Zaman, Nasir Iqbal, and Mohammad Asim Khan have won the 2nd round matches of the 16th CNS International Squash Championship 2024 after thrashing their respective foreign challengers at the Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex, Fleet Club Saddar Karachi on Thursday.Result (Men’s Round-II):[2] Tayyab Aslam (PAK) Beat [9/16] Wong Chi Him (HKG) 11-9, 5-11, 11-8, 11-5 (45 min)[8] Methew Lai (HKG) Beat [9/16] Bryan Tze Kang Lim (MAS) 11-8, 11-5, 7-11, 11-4 (34 min)[7] Noor Zaman (PAK) Beat Tomo Endo (JPN) 12-10, 11-6, 10-12, 12-10 (40 min)[4] Mohamad Zakaria (EGY) Beat [9/16] Leo Chung (HKG) 7-11, 11-7, 11-3, 11-9 (38 min)[9/16] Mohammad Syafiq Kamal (MAS) Beat [3] Yassi Elshafei (EGY) 11-7, 11-13, 11-8, 11-8 (46 min)[WC] Nasir Iqbal (PAK) Beat [5] Perry Malik (ENG) 11-8, 11-8, 6-11, 13-11 (47 min)[6] Tang Ming Hong (HKG) Beat Will Salter (ENG) 15-13, 11-8, 11-8 (39 min)[1] Mohammad Asim Khan (PAK) vs [9/16] Ong Sai Hung (MAS) 11-5, 11-9, 11-5 (33 min)Women’s (Quarterfinals):Anam Mustafa Aziz Beat Saima Shoukat 11-9, 11-6, 11-4 (22 min)Rushna Mehboob beat Komal Khan11-6, 11-7, 11-6 (20 min)Sameera Shahid Beat Musfira Waqaz 11-3, 11-7, 11-5 (15 min)Mehwish Ali Beat Sana Bahdour 11-7, 1311, 7-11, 11-8 (38 min)Boys’ U15 (Quarterfinals):Arman Ali (KP) Beat Umer Ahmed Usmani (Sindh) 12-10, 6-11, 2-11, 11-6, 11-6 (39 min)Kamran Khan (PB) Beat Umer Afzal Khan (PB) 11-9, 11-6, 3-11, 13-11 (32 min)Umer Farooq But Beat Javed Khan (Sindh) 13-11, 11-2, 14-12 (27 min)Abdul Ahad (Navy) Beat Saif ullah Bahadur (Army) 11-8, 11-5, 11-9 (26 min)Boys’ U13 (Quarterfinals):Huzaifa Shahid (N) Beat Sohail Adnan (PB) 13-11, 11-6, 11-4 (33 min)Mohammad Mamoon Khan (PAF) Beat Mohammad Bin Atif (PB) 11-8, 7-11, 11-9, 10-12 11-8 (42 min)Fawad Khan (BOK) Beat Raheel (Sindh) 11-1, 11-2, 11-5 (12 min)Mohammad Faizan Ali (Army) Beat Syed M Hussain (PB) 11-8, 11-3, 11-4 (10 min)Girls’ U15 (Quarterfinals):Damia Khan (Sindh) Beat Zayna Zubair (Punjab) 11-3, 11-0, 11-1 (13 min)Aiman Fatima (Sindh) Beat Dua Nazakat (Sindh) 11-9, 11-7, 11-4 (25 min)Mahnoor Ali (KP) Beat Soha Ali (Sindh) 11-1, 11-2, 11-1 (13 min)Nimra Batool (PN) Beat Syeda Sara Ali (PN)11-3, 11-5, 9-11,11-6 (26 min).

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: The 16th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) International Squash Championship 2024 rolled into action on Wednesday here at Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex, as the Commander Karachi, Rear Admiral Mohammad Saleem graced the occasion as chief guest and declared the championship open in a colourful ceremony.During the international squash competitions, 24 players will prove their game skills, including 19 international players from Austria, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Egypt, United Kingdom (UK), Hong Kong, and Malaysia. A total of 23 matches will be played during the championship, including four quarterfinals, two semifinals, and a final.This year, CNS International Squash Championship will see four new events which include categories for Women, U13, and U15, U15 Boys, and Girls.Prize money:Women Satellite Series: US$ 2,000Junior Boys Under-13: PKR 100,000Junior Boys Under-15: PKR 100,000Junior Girls Under-15: PKR 100,000Results (Men’s Round-1): [9/16] Wong Chi Him (HKG) Beat Sebastiaan Hofman (NED) 11-4, 11-2, 11-5 (26 min)[9/16] Bryan Tze Kang Lim (MAS) Beat [WC] Abdul Basit Khan (PAK) 11-3, 11-4, 11-3, (22 min)Tomo Endo (JPN) Beat [9/16] Ka Hei Ho (HKG) 12-10, 11-8, 5-11, 10-12, 11-3 (58 min)[9/16] Leo Chung (HKG) Beat Jan Wipperfürth (GER) 8-11, 13-11, 11-4, 11-8 (37 min)Hazem Hossam (EGY) Vs [9/16] Mohammad Syafiq Kamal (MAS)[WC] Nasir Iqbal (PAK) Beat [9/16] Darren Pragasam (MAS) 11-9, 11-5, 12-10 (26 min)Will Salter (ENG) Beat [9/16] Ondrej Vorlícek (CZE) 11-9, 9-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-7 (71 min) [9/16] Ong Sai Hung (MAS) Beat Hafiz Zhafri (MAS) 8-11, 11-6, 11-4, 8-11, 11-9 (60)Result (Women’s Round-1):      Anam Mustafa Aziz Beat Nimra Batool 11-2, 11-4, 11-2 (21 min)5/8 Saima Shoukat Beat Syeda Sarah Ali 11-4, 11-2, 11-0 (24 min)5/8 Rushna Mehboob beat Wannia Tahir 11-1, 11-3, 11-1 (19 min)¾ Komal Khan Beat Zunaira Imran 11-1, 11-2, 11-5 (21 min)Mehwish Ali Beat 5/8 Aina Shaikh 11-4, 11-6, 11-4 (27 min)Sana Bahdour Beat Javeeria Javeed 11-0, 11-4, 11-0 (19 min)Boys U – 15 (Round-1):Arman Ali (KP) Beat Ahmed Ali (PB) 11-7, 9-11,12-10, 11-5 (30 min)Umer Ahmed Usmani (Sindh) Beat Zahid (Sindh) 12-10, 11-7, 11-7 (23 min)Umer Afzal Khan (PB) Beat Sahir Kishor (Sindh) 11-5, 11-9, 11-2 (21 min)Kamran Khan (PB) Beat Abdullah Shahid (Sindh) 11-3, 12-10, 8-11, 11-8 (32 min)Umer Farooq But Beat Meer (Sindh) 11-3, 11-0, 11-2 (10 min)Javed Khan (Sindh) Beat Sufyan Shahid (PB) 11-6, 11-5, 11-3 (19 min)Saif ullah Bahadur (Army)Beats Amir Adnan (PB) 11-4, 11-4, 11-5 (19 min)Abdul Ahad (Navy) Beat Ali Shaikh (Sindh) 11-2, 11-5, 11-1 (17 min)Bys U13 (Round-1):Sohail Adnan (PB) Beat Abdul Rehman shuraim (PB) 11-5, 11-6, 11-4 (14 min)Huzaifa Shahid (N) Beat Sudais Pracha (Sindh) 11-7, 11-5, 11-4 (18 min)M Mamoon Khan (PAF) Beat Tahoor Tahir (Sindh) 11-4, 11-3, 11-6 (12 min)M Bin Atif (PB) Beat Shaban (Sindh) 11-1, 11-3, 11-0 (9 min)Fawad Khan (BOK) Vs Ali Jahangir (Sindh)Raheel (Sindh) Beat Luqman Ahmed (Sindh) 11-1, 11-2, 11-5 (12 min)Syed Mohammad Hussain (PB) W/O M Sahil (Sindh)Mohammad Faizan Ali (Army) Beat M Bin Jahangir (Sindh) 11-2, 11-3, 11-2 (10 min)Girls U15 (Round-1):Damia Khan (Sindh) Beat Farha Aziz (Sindh)11-2, 11-0, 11-2 (13 min)Zayna Zubair (Punjab) Beat Sundas Jahangir (Sindh)Aiman Fatima (Sindh) Beat Tasmia Liaquat (Sindh) 11-5, 11-2, 11-1 (15 min)Dua Nazakat (Sindh) Beat Hamna Moazzam (Sindh) 11-1, 11-5, 11-0 (13 min)Mahnoor Ali (KP) Beat Vesnavi (Sindh) 11-2, 11-4, 11-2 (14 min)Soha Ali (Sindh) Beat Minal Ali (PN) 11-3, 11-3, 11-2 (13 min)Nimra Batool (PN) Beat Simridhi (Sindh) 11-2, 11-1, 11-2 (11 min)Syeda Sara Ali (PN) Beat Hamda Moazzam (Sindh) 11-1, 11-1, 11-0 (11 min)

Sports Bulletin ReportPESHAWAR: A talented squash player from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Mohammad Shayan has said that he would toil hard to produce notable performances on squash courts near future.In a statement, he expressed gratitude towards the Provincial Squash Association for their dedicated efforts in advancing the sport. Shayan emphasized the crucial role played by both the association and the provincial government in providing ample opportunities for players to flourish. He affirmed his commitment to elevating the country's status in the realm of squash and expressed confidence in his ability to achieve significant milestones.Mohammad Shayan conveyed his deep passion for squash and his aspiration to ascend from National Champion to World Champion. He underscored the significance of hard work in realizing his ambitions and conveyed optimism about the trajectory of his journey. Mohammad Shayan remains steadfast in his dedication to the sport, believing that his diligent efforts will ultimately be rewarded by the grace of Allah.