Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The President’s Trophy Grade-II 2024-25 is set to begin on Tuesday, 15 April across eight cities including Abbottabad, Haripur, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura and Swabi. The 85-match tournament comprises of three-day matches except the final, which will be a four-day affair scheduled to take place from 22-25 May. Over 400 players across Pakistan will get the opportunity to showcase their skills in this red-ball tournament. The winner of the tournament will be awarded PKR 5 million, while the runner-up team will collect PKR 2.5 million out of a total prize pot of PKR 7.75 million. The triumphant team will also qualify for the President’s Trophy Grade-I in the next domestic season replacing Eshaal Associates. A total of 27 Departmental teams are taking part in the tournament, which are divided into four groups. Top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-final stage set to take place from 14-16 May, while the semi-finals are slotted from 18-20 May. Group A (Karachi): Kingsmen, Navy, Pak Saudi International, Pakistan Customs, Port Qasim and Wing 999 SportsGroup B (Islamabad and Rawalpindi): Army, Capital Development Authority (CDA), Ghani Institute, JDW Sugar Mills, JJ’s Consultancy Group, ONETEN Communication and PHA Rawalpindi.Group C (Abbottabad, Swabi and Haripur): Haider Cricket Club, Mit Solutions, PAF, Sardar Group, Service Industries, SNSJ Marketing, Vital TeaGroup D (Sheikhupura and Lahore): Ahmed Glass, Azlaan Traders, Income Tax, Kingsmen Academy, Railways, Sahir Associates and Sabir’s Poultry.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): Pakistan will participate in the third edition of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup for Men’s, which will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 15-21 June 2025. Besides hosts Malaysia, France, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and Wales will fight for top honour.Malaysian Hockey Confederation President, Subahan bin Kamal said: “The Malaysian Hockey Confederation is delighted and privileged to host the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2024-25 in Kuala Lumpur. We are grateful to FIH in entrusting us to host this amazing event for the very first time. We are excited and believe this tournament will definitely bring the best of world hockey talents to Malaysia. We would also like to thank our Honourable Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh in supporting our effort in hosting this event.”FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “It’s a true delight to go back to Malaysia with one of our major events. Our hosts have always been wonderful hockey tournament organisers and the same will prevail again for this Men’s Nations Cup that will qualify the winners for the next edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League. On behalf of FIH, I’d like to extend our sincerest gratitude to our Malaysian friends. I already wish everyone, and first and foremost the athletes, to make the most of this experience to grow, and reach the next level”. The FIH Hockey Nations Cup was launched in 2021 with the aim of offering a top-level competition to the best-ranked teams not participating in the FIH Hockey Pro League and giving the winning team the option to be promoted to the FIH Hockey Pro League the next season, precisely. The first two editions were played in Potchefstroom, South Africa (2022) and Gniezno, Poland (2024). The inaugural Nations Cup (men) was won by South Africa, the following one by New Zealand. 

Quetta beat Attock by 3 wickets, and Gujranwala defeat Hyderabad by 84 runs in semifinalsMurtaza BhattiGujranwala: Hosts Gujranwala and Quetta reached in the final of the PBCC T20 Blind Cricket Trophy2025 (Grade-2) after thrashing Attock and Hyderabad respectively in the semifinals at Jinnah Stadium Gujranwala on Monday. The final will be played on Tuesday (April 15) at the same venue.In the first semifinal, Quetta won the toss and elected to bowl first. Attock were bowled out for just 119 runs in 13.1 overs. Zaheer Ahmed top-scored with 33 runs off 18 balls, while Bashir Ahmed contributed 14 runs off 12 balls. For Quetta, Syed Ehsan Ullah took 3 wickets, and KaleemUllah, Niamat Ullah, and Shahid picked up 2 wickets each.In response, Quetta chased down the target comfortably, reaching 120 for the loss of 3 wickets in just 11 overs. Niamat Ullah continued his impressive form, scoring a brilliant unbeaten70 off 31 balls while Naseeb Ullah added 25 off 17. Haroon and Numan claimed one wicket each for Attock. Quetta won by 7 wickets. Niamat Ullah got man of the match award.Meanwhile, in the second semifinal, Hyderabad won the toss and opted to field first. Gujranwala posted a formidable total of 250 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Veteran Mohammad Akram played a sensational innings, remaining unbeaten on 131 off just 67 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan scored 43 off 32 balls. Ubaid Ullah took 2 wickets for Hyderabad.In reply, Hyderabad managed 167 for 4 in their 20 overs. Mohammad Salman was the top scorer with 58 off 60 balls and Imran Sarwar contributed 44 off 27. For Gujranwala, Mohammad Akram took 2 wickets and Syed Zubair Shah chipped in with 1. Gujranwala won by 84 runs. Mohammad Akram judged best player of the match.

Nadir Mirza, Mikaeel Ali, Abubakar Talha, Zohaib Afzal, Salar Khan and Soha claim winsSports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: As many as 5 Pakistani players Nadir Mirza, Mikaeel Ali Baig, Abubakar Talha, Zohaib Afzal Malik, Salar Khan and one girl Soha Ali moved into next round of the ITF Pakistan World Juniors Tennis Championship 2025 Leg-2 that started here at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue on Monday.A total of 36 boys and 24 girls representing 18 countries, including Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Turkey, Japan, China, Austria, Uzbekistan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia, Sweden, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Romania and Sri Lanka, are participating in the championship.Results (Day-1):Boys’ Singles (Round-1): Nadir Mirza (PAK) beat Yuxuan Li (CHN) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2; Arjan Singh Dhami (SGP) beat Ahtesham Humayun (PAK) 6-2, 6-3; Mohammad Salar Khan (PAK) beat Ajamal Khakimov (RUS) 6-0, 6-2; Mikaeel Ali Baig (PAK) beat Alexey Ryabov (RUS) 6-1, 6-1; Yagiz Yildiz (TUR) beat Chris Jovan (AUT) 6-1, 6-2; Platon Kovalyov (KAZ) beat Nabeel Ali Qayum (PAK) 6-4, 6-2; Takaya Ishi (JPN) beat Shehryar Anees (PAK) 6-2, 6-0; Abubakar Talha (PAK) beat Ramazan Shagatayev (KAZ) 6-1, 6-1; Rodion Lukashov (KAZ) beat Amir Mazari (PAK) 6-2, 5-7, 6-4; Artem Khusanov (RUS) beat Nelson Guo (USA) 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-3; Zohaib Afzal Malik (PAK) beat Saad Bukadida (TUN) 6-2, 6-2; Mohammad Ali (CAN) beat Mohammad Yahya (PAK) 6-3, 6-3Girls’ Singles (Round-1): Zihan Feng (CHN) beat Vinethya Dharmarante(SRI) 6-3, 6-0; Soha Ali (PAK) beat Alissa Korolyova(KAZ) 6-1, 6-0; Da Eun Lee(KOR) beat Maham Ashraf (PAK) 6-3, 6-0; Seo Hee Jeon (KOR) beat Zara Khan (PAK) 6-0, 6-0

BIPIN DANIPunjab's 24-year-old batting all-rounder, Abhishek Sharma, etched his name in IPL history with a phenomenal maiden century, dedicated to the loyal Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) fans—the Orange Army. The left-handed batter's scintillating knock on Saturday night electrified the Hyderabad crowd and shattered multiple records.In an extraordinary display of power-hitting, Abhishek scored an awe-inspiring 141 runs off just 55 balls. His innings included a stunning 24 boundaries—14 fours and 10 sixes—making it a spectacle to remember in the T20 world. But what added an emotional touch to this iconic moment was what came next. Right after his remarkable performance, Abhishek pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket, which bore the heartfelt message: "This one is for the Orange Army (SRH's fans)."Speaking exclusively to this reporter, the following morning, Abhishek's father, Rajkumar Sharma, shared, "We were totally unaware about this paper. Even his team members were not aware." Rajkumar and his wife, Manju Devi, had arrived in Hyderabad a day prior to the match, a gesture aimed at lifting their son's morale and supporting the team during tough times. "The confidence level of the team members was so low, so we decided to go and boost the morale of my son, Abhishek," the proud father said.The presence of family has proven to be a lucky charm for Abhishek in the past as well. Rajkumar fondly recalled, "In one of his earlier knocks, my daughter (a physiotherapist) was on the ground. It seems to have worked wonders for him." Abhishek himself attributed his spectacular knock to his parents' support. "I was waiting for my parents to be at the stadium. Our entire team was waiting for them," he revealed with a smile after the match.This memorable innings has cemented Abhishek Sharma's place as a star in the making, while also underscoring the significance of family and fans in an athlete's journey. The Orange Army, no doubt, will cherish this tribute for years to come. 

Sports Bulletin ReportRawalpindi: Quetta Gladiators spinner Usman Tariq was reported by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown for a suspect bowling action during his side’s HBL PSL X match against Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday evening.As per the rules, Usman can continue to bowl in future matches. However, if the spinner is reported again, he will be suspended from bowling and will need to obtain clearance from an ICC accredited lab before he can resume bowling.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): Powered by two second-period goals, Norway kept its playoff hopes alive with a 3-0 win over Hungary on Sunday. Goalie Ena Nystrom shone in recording her first tournament shutout with 45 saves.Winless and goalless through three games, Hungary is in danger of becoming the only team to go through an IIHF Women's World Championship without scoring since Kazakhstan in 2007. The Kazakhs were outscored 26-0 through four games in their first-ever top-division stint in Winnipeg.Asked to explain Hungary's lack of offence, forward Emma Kreisz said: "It's hard to find an answer to that. I really think that we do our best, and for some reason, it just doesn't want to bounce in for us. We are not sure why, but we have to keep going, and we are here to fight tomorrow as well." Each team has one Group B game remaining, and neither matchup is easy. Hungary faces Germany on Monday and Norway takes on Sweden on Tuesday.“Sweden is a tough team," said Nystrom. "They like to have the puck on their sticks, which we're comfortable with that. It's going to be fun. We know them well too. A lot of our girls know them from the SDHL and playing against them for a few years."Sunday's victory was a long time coming for Norway. The last time Norway won a top-division Women’s Worlds game was 7-4 over Switzerland on 16 April 1994 in Lake Placid, New York. The Norwegians now have a total of five wins all-time at this level.Coach Pat Cortina’s squad arguably deserved a better fate after outshooting Norway 11-4 through 20 minutes. Hungary has fired 24 or more shots on net in all three of its games so far, but at times it's been quantity over quality. Generally speaking, the Hungarians have been a bit too deliberate and tentative in their offensive thrusts and have had problems with the pace at this level.Norway drew first blood 56 seconds into the second period. Blueliner Andrine Furulund fired a wrister from the right point that beat Hungarian starter Aniko Nemeth through traffic."It was fun to get the first goal in the game," said Furulund. "We just got more energy and we just fought from there.”Just past the eight-minute mark of the second, Hungary almost connected on a 2-on-1 off a neutral-zone turnover, but Nystrom stuck out her right pad to deny Kinga Jokai-Szilagyi in close. At 9:46, Emma Bergesen doubled the Norwegian lead. In the Hungarian end, a puck ricocheted to the assistant captain, and she skated to the top of the left faceoff circle before shooting it high past Aniko Nemeth on the glove side."I've known her since she was very little, and I've seen her progress," Nystrom said of Bergesen. "She's awesome. She plays hard every night, and she has skill with the puck too. It's nice to have a really good two-way defenceman in front of me, and I trust her, as we all do."Midway through the third period, the ice opened up during a 4-on-4 sequence. But Nystrom barred the door with the likes of Taylor Baker and Reka Hiezl swarming her crease and firing from all angles during the ensuing abbreviated Hungarian power play.Despite the enthusiastic chanting and drumming of Hungary's famous supporters section, there was to be no dramatic late comeback, even with Hungary outshooting Norway 21-4 in the final stanza.Furulund hailed Nystrom's bravura performance: "She was outstanding. She’s a wall back there. If it wasn’t for her, it could be different, but she’s our wall, and that’s important for us."Aniko Nemeth was pulled for the extra attacker with under three minutes left, but Millie Rose Sirum added an empty-netter at 19:15."Obviously it was nice seeing the puck today," Nystrom said. "I think our D played really well too in front of me. Our centres blocked some shots too, and that's important. We know that we allow a decent amount of shots in this group, and we're okay with that. We just want to allow them in the right places and pick up sticks, and I think we did a good job of that today." (Thanks to Lucas Aykroyd) 

Sports Bulletin ReportTAXILA: Pakistan WAPDA have won the title of the Chairman POF Board  54th National Men’s Volleyball Championship 2025 after beating Pakistan Air Force (PAF) 3-1 in the final here at POF Sports Complex Hall.The 54th National Volleyball Championship, organized under the Pakistan Volleyball Federation with the support of the POF Sports Control Board, was held at the POF Sports Complex. The title match was played between teams from Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan WAPDA, and a large crowd of volleyball fans filled the gymnasium to witness the action. Thousands of spectators were present to watch the match.In the first two games, the Pakistan WAPDA team delivered an outstanding performance, winning 20-25 and 22-25. However, in the third game, the Pakistan Air Force team made a comeback and won it 19-25. The fourth game saw both teams displaying excellent volleyball skills and thrilling the audience. After a tight and exciting contest, Pakistan WAPDA clinched the fourth game 23-25, securing the championship title.At the end, the chief guest, DGC POF Major General Kashif Azad (HI) Military distributed prizes among the players.Murad wazir of wapda was declared the best player of the championship. 

Islamabad (Sports Desk): Italy’s Marco Scolaris has been elected as IFSC President to lead the organisation for the next four years, continuing the role he has held since the IFSC’s inception in 2007. Scolaris won a vote ahead of candidate Tijl Smitz of Belgium to head a new Executive Board that was also voted for at the XXII IFSC General Assembly in Larnaca, Cyprus.Gaining a 57.83% majority, Scolaris’ campaign and manifesto was built on a focus of athlete’s well-being and resources, growing Para Climbing and further strengthening Climbing’s position in the Olympic sphere, and shaping the event calendar at the IFSC and National Federation level. The election ensures continuity for the federation that was founded in 2007, with Scolaris the first, and currently only, President of the organisation and a founder of the IFSC.The new make-up of the IFSC Executive Board will see Australia’s Naomi Cleary, France’s Pierre You, Japan’s Toru Kobinata and USA’s Anne-Worley Moelter as Vice-President’s following the assembly election vote. They will join athlete representatives Shauna Coxsey and Sean McColl who will remain on the board until their replacements are named at an election among the athletes in September of this year.Cleary, Toru and You were all previously on the Executive Board and will continue for the next four years. Other candidates who ran for Vice-President were Netherlands’ Joachim Driessen and Czechia’s Jan Bloudek.The IFSC Executive Board also includes members representing the continents with South Africa’s Christopher Naude representing Africa, China’s Li Guowei representing Asia, Germany’s Burghilda Beste representing Europe, New Zealand’s Stephane David representing Oceania, and Puerto Rico’s Rene Sepulveda representing Pan America.Singapore’s Anthony Seah also ran for the Asia representative position, with Li elected ahead of him. The former IFSC Executive Board’s final order of business was to preside over the appointment of the Disciplinary and Ethics Commissions for the 2025-2029 term.Dagmawit Berhane, John Bowen, Patti Rube and Lorenzo Vigasio make up the Ethics Commission with Deana Labriola, Ursa Pirc, Achille Reali and Loic Timmermans forming the Disciplinary Commission. Both were voted on by the General Assembly. Both Commissions still have one vacant position which will be filled in due course. Coming to the end of her term as General Secretary, USA’s Debra Gawrych was proposed as an IFSC Honorary Member with the General Assembly unanimously confirming the proposal.Closing remarks were made by IFSC President Scolaris and President of the Cyprus Mountaineering & Climbing Federation Pavlos Georgiades, the host of the XXII General Assembly.The 2026 IFSC General Assembly is set to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with Yasmin Gahtani presenting a proposal from her federation to host to the delegates, and subsequently being confirmed by vote.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: A captain’s knock by Kathryn Bryce and fine bowling from the bowlers, led by Rachel Slater helped Scotland claim a solid, 58-run victory over Thailand in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground on Sunday. The Scotland skipper made 60, ably supported by Megan McColl’s 57, to help them to 206 all out batting first.Despite a promising start from Thailand in response, only Natthakan Chantham (63) was able to build a big score in the chase, with Slater’s three for nine at the start of the innings proving to be crucial for Kathryn Bryce’s charges. That leaves Scotland with two wins from their first three fixtures with a big clash against Bangladesh up next, while Thailand are still searching for their first win of the tournament.Bryce and McColl provide Scotland a good foundation: Scotland won the toss and elected to bat first but lost Pippa Sproule for one off the bowling of Nattaya Boochatham (2/46).That brought skipper Kathryn Bryce to the crease, she and Abbi Aitken-Drummond started to rebuild before Boochatham picked up her second wicket when she removed Aitken-Drummond for 22.Sarah Bryce joined her sister but quickly departed for five, however a 67-run stand between the elder Bryce and Ailsa Lister got Scotland back on track.Lister became the first of Onnicha Kamchomphu’s three victims, caught by Naruemol Chaiwai for a run-a-ball 38.Bryce followed for 60, bowled by Kampchomphu (3/28), but Megan McColl dug in to marshal the lower order.Even as wickets fell at regular intervals, her 57 from just 60 balls pushed Scotland past 200, before she was the last wicket to fall with nine overs still remaining.Thailand chase stumbles under Scotland pressure: The chase started positively with Boochatham (20) and Chanida Sutthiruang (18) putting on 41 runs for the first wicket.However, Rachel Slater proved difficult to get away from and got early results when she picked up both openers in the same over to get Scotland going.She then bowled Nannapat Koncharoenkai for three, taking her figures to three for nine, and leaving Thailand at 46 for three.Natthakan Chantham and skipper Chaiwai added 25 before the captain was trapped leg before by Abtaha Maqsood, and Scotland were able to chip away regularly despite Chantham’s best efforts.She was eventually bowled out by Maqsood for 63, ending any hopes of a successful chase, with Katherine Fraser sealing victory by having Kampchomphu caught to wrap up the 58-run success.Scores in brief:Scotland v Thailand – LCCA GroundScotland 206 all out in 41 overs (Kathryn Bryce 60, Megan McColl; Thipatcha Putthawong 3/28, Onnicha Kamchomphu 3/34)Thailand 148 all out in 31.3 overs (Natthakan Chantham 63, Nattaya Boochatham 20; Rachel Slater 3/9, Abtaha Maqsood 3/26, Katherine Fraser 3/28)Scotland won by 58 runs