Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti awarded a cheque of rupees ten hundred thousand to Pakistan’s most celebrated wrestler Inam Butt, who won two back-to-back gold medals in Beach Wrestling World Series in Italy and Greece in September 2021, at National Hockey Stadium on Wednesday. Director General Sports Punjab Javed Chohan, Chief Sports Consultant SBP Hafeez Bhatti and other officials were also present on this occasion. Talking on this occasion, Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti appreciated the performance of ace wrestler Inam Butt saying that Inam once again made the entire nation proud by winning two consecutive gold medals in Beach Wrestling World Series in Italy and Greece last year. “Inam is our national hero and it’s our prime obligation to honour and encourage sports stars like him,” he added. Punjab Minister for Sports Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti said: “Sports Board Punjab has always encouraged talented stars like Inam Butt. Inam is a great son of country. We are proud of Inam Butt, who also had clinched medals in Commonwealth Games, Asian Beach Games and World Wrestling Championship during his illustrious career”. Punjab Minister for Sports Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti urged the young athletes of the country to take inspiration from amazing achievements of Inam Butt. “Punjab government also extended every kind of cooperation to Pakistan’s special athlete Haider Ali and other players for their participation in Tokyo Olympic Games last year,” he added. Wrestler Inam Butt, on this occasion, expressed his gratitude to Punjab Minister for Sports Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti and Sports Board Punjab for extending every kind of support to him for his preparation and participation in international wrestling competitions. “Sports Board Punjab, under the leadership of Director General Sports Punjab Javed Chohan, is taking effective measures for the promotion of sports in all parts of the province,” he added.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Diamond Paints, Remounts and Newage Cables/Master Paints have won their respective matches in the Tower 21 Quaid-e-Azam Open Polo Gold Cup 2022 here at the Lahore Polo Club ground on Wednesday. Double hat-trick by Matias Vial Perez steered Diamond Paints to an impressive 9-6 triumph over Barry’s in the first match of the day. Besides the superb six goals by Matias, the remaining contribution from the winning side came from Guy Gibrat (2 goals) and Ahmed Ali Tiwana (1 goal). From team Barry’s, which also fought well against Diamond Paints but couldn’t finish well, Hamza Nawaz Khan fired in four goals and Horacio Fernandez Llorente scored two goals. Both the teams started their campaign on a high note and thrashed in two goals each to finish the first chukker at 2-2. Barry’s played better polo in the second chukker and pumped in two goals against one by Diamond Paints to gain a slight 4-3 lead. Diamond Paints changed their game plan and started playing aggressive polo, which helped them hammer four goals against one by Barry’s to earn a 7-5 lead while they also dominated the fourth and last chukker by scoring two against one goal to win the action-packed match by 9-6.  Nico Roberts fired in fabulous four goals in Remount’s thrilling 8-7 victory over FG Polo Team in the second encounter of the day. Besides Nico’s heroics, the team work and collective efforts also guided Remounts to win as their remaining three players also contributed well in the victory. Mumtaz Abbas Niazi converted two tremendous goals while Imran Shahid and Simon Prado also pumped in one goal each. From FG Polo Team, collective efforts were also witnessed as three of their players Ramiro Zavaletta, Juan Ambroggio and Waqas Khan contributed with two goals each and Abbas Mukhtar scored one but their efforts couldn’t bear fruit for their team, which lost the match by 7-8.  Both the teams – Remounts and FG Polo – made a good start and converted two goals each to make it 2-2 by the end of the first chukker. They continued to play well and added one more goal in their tally to finish the second chukker at 3-3. Remounts turned the tables of the match in the third chukker, which they fully dominated by firing in superb four goals to earn a healthy 7-3 lead. FG Polo made a tremendous comeback in the fourth and last chukker and thrashed in three back-to-back goals to reduce the margin to 7-6. Remounts players also showed their class and struck a field goal to enhance their lead to 8-6. FG Polo once again started playing aggressively and converted one to make it 8-7 and launched a series of attacks on Remounts goal but failed to convert more , thus losing the crucial match by a close margin of 7-8.  The low-scoring third match of the day saw Gonzalo Deltour’s heroics helping Newage Cables/Master Paints beat Master Paints by 5-3. Deltour emerged as star of the day from the winning team with a contribution of four fantastic goals while Raja Temur Nadeem converted the remaining one. From Master Paints, Marcos Panelo slammed in all the three goals.  Newage Cables/Master Paints converted two goals against one goal by Master Paints to take a slight 2-1 lead in the first chukker. Master Paints smashed in an equalizer in the beginning of the second chukker to make it 2-2 but Newage Cables converted a 30-yard penalty successfully to get back 3-2 lead. The only goal of the third chukker was scored by Newage to enhance their lead to 4-2 while both the sides slammed one more goal in the fourth and last chukker with Newage Cables/Master Paints winning the encounter by 5-3.

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI:-Some of the leading cricket commentators will call Australia’s first tour to Pakistan in 24 years, which will get underway at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on 4 March. In addition to the three-Test series, which will be played for the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, the five-week tour also includes three ODIs and one T20I. Rob Key of England, Australia’s Michael Kasprowicz and Pakistan trio of Bazid Khan, Urooj Mumtaz and Waqar Younis will commentate through the tour from 4 March to 5 April. Simon Katich of Australia will only commentate on the Benaud-Qadir Trophy and like Kasprowicz, will be making his commentary debut in Pakistan. Sikander Bakht and Zainab Abbas will host the pre- and post-match shows along with Neroli Meadows, who will only be available for first two Test matches. The High-Definition broadcast coverage includes 28 cameras, which along with buggy cam will embellish the viewing experience of the fans within and outside Pakistan. Hawk-Eye and Ultra Edge will be part of the Decision Review System (DRS) Technology. Broadcast coverage of this much-anticipated series will be available through PTV (Pakistan), Etisalat (Middle-East and North Africa), Flow Sports (Caribbean), Sky NZ (New Zealand), Fox Sports (Australia), Sky Sports (United Kingdom), Sony (South Asia outside Pakistan), Super Sports (Sub-Saharan Africa), Willow TV (North America), ICC TV and Daraz (live streaming partner).

Sports Bulletin Report Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) have jointly announced the 20 national teams that will participate in the upcoming Commonwealth Games hockey tournaments scheduled from 29 July to 8 August at the University of Birmingham, England. Women: Australia, Canada, England, Ghana, India, Kenya, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Wales              Men: Australia, Canada, England, Ghana, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Wales FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “With such an impressive line-up, we’re looking forward, together with fans around the world, to hockey tournaments which will once again belong to the greatest events to enjoy at the upcoming Commonwealth Games. On behalf of FIH, I’d like to thank the Commonwealth Games Federation for their intense preparations as well as their support. And I wish already all teams every success in Birmingham!” CGF CEO Katie Sadleir said: “We are delighted that 20 outstanding teams have confirmed their spots for the Birmingham 2022 hockey tournament. We have an incredible line up for both the men’s and women’s competition and hockey fans across the Commonwealth are set to see a truly world class competition in Birmingham. I would like to thank the International Hockey Federation for their ongoing support and we look forward to working closely with them and Birmingham 2022 to stage a tournament that will showcase the very best of Commonwealth sport.” Hockey has been part of the Commonwealth Games since 1998. Australian Men have won all six editions! In the Women’s tournament, Australia is also leading the all-time records with 4 Gold medals, followed by India and New Zealand (1 each), with the Black Sticks winning the last Commonwealth Games hockey tournament in 2018 in The Gold Coast, Australia. Matt Kidson, Director of Sport for Birmingham 2022, said: “It’s great news that we now know all of the hockey teams that will be taking part in Birmingham 2022. We are currently finalising the match schedule for the men’s and women’s tournaments, and we are looking forward to unveiling this information very soon. “The University of Birmingham will be an excellent venue for hockey and a new pitch has just been installed at our training venue at Wyndley Leisure Centre, so we will have world-class facilities available for all of the teams.”

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI:-To celebrate Australia’s first Test series in Pakistan in 24 years, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket Australia (CA) on Wednesday announced the introduction of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy. This will be a perpetual Trophy and will be presented at the end of each Test series played between the Pakistan and Australia cricket teams. Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Australia captain Pat Cummins on Wednesday unveiled the Benaud-Qadir Trophy at the Pindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the first Test, which commences on Friday. The Benaud-Qadir Trophy will be presented to the winning side at the headquarters of Pakistan cricket in Lahore, where the three-Test series will culminate. Benaud and Qadir were two skilful, distinguished and immensely respected cricketers of different eras, who served the game with honour, pride and distinction. Benaud got wrist-spin bowling noticed and recognised as an attacking and wicket-taking option, an art that was subsequently taken to the next level by Qadir with some incredible performances against high-quality batters at a time when express fast bowlers were ruling the roost. Benaud captained Australia on the team’s first full tour to Pakistan in 1959 and won the series 2-0, while Qadir played in 11 Tests against Australia in which he took 45 wickets, including 33  wickets in two three-Test series in 1982 and 1988 against Kim Hughes and Allan Border’s sides, respectively. Individually, in 63 Tests from 1952 to 1964, Benaud took 248 wickets, whereas Qadir took to Test cricket in 1977 and finished in 1990 with 236 wickets in 67 Tests. For their respective heroics, achievements and accomplishments, Benaud was inducted in the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009, while Qadir was included in the PCB Hall of Fame in 2021. PCB Chief Executive Officer Faisal Hasnain: “There can be no better way to celebrate and mark the revival of Pakistan-Australia Test rivalry in Pakistan by launching the trophy in the names of two absolute legends and icons of this great game – Richie Benaud and Abdul Qadir. These two gentlemen remain a flavour of all eras and ages as their contributions towards cricket in general and wrist-spin bowling in particular are second to none. “The launch of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy will add further context and spice to Pakistan-Australia Test series, which historically have been well-contested and hard-fought. I am confident that players from either side will draw further inspiration from this initiative and would want to be the first to put a hand on the trophy. Meanwhile, Pakistan cricket fans are looking forward to the opportunity of seeing two outstanding sides it battling out on the field in a bid to win the inaugural Benaud-Qadir Trophy. “The launch of Benaud-Qadir Trophy is a joint-initiative of the PCB and CA that clearly demonstrates the strong and cordial relationship between the two cricket boards. The PCB looks forward to working very closely with the CA in the years to come. “I would like to thank and pass on my gratitude to the families of Richie Benaud and Abdul Qadir, who very generously and graciously allowed us to launch the prestigious trophy in their names. This initiative not only reflects the love, value and respect for our great game but for each other’s countries, people, culture and heritage.” Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer Nick Hockley said: “This Test series is an exciting and historic occasion with Australia touring Pakistan for the first time in 24 years. Given that context, it is fitting that we can honour two genuine legends of the game, Richie Benaud and Abdul Qadir, by inaugurating a trophy the two sides will play for with those legendary names on it. “From an Australian perspective, Richie is a wholly appropriate choice for this honour given his immense contribution to the game, the respect and affection he commands in Australia, Pakistan and throughout the cricket world, and the fact that he captained the first full Australian tour to Pakistan in 1959/60. “Furthermore, having his name alongside that of another great of the game, Abdul Qadir, is a recognition and celebration of the art of leg spin, a skill they both did so much to showcase. “We believe that having a perpetual trophy for this and future series between Pakistan and Australia and having the names of Richie and Abdul illustrates the desire of both governing bodies, Cricket Australia and the Pakistan Cricket Board, to grow the stature of these series moving forward.” Daphne Benaud, Richie’s wife said: “I am delighted to give my approval for Richie’s name to be on this trophy alongside that of Abdul Qadir. Richie had a very high regard for Abdul and the fact that both were leg-spinners has a nice ring to it. “I know Richie would be very pleased to approve a trophy the aim of which is not only to enhance Test cricket but also to advance cricket more broadly between these two countries. I wish both sides the very best of luck for the series and I shall be following it with interest.” Australia men’s captain Pat Cummins: “To be able to compete for the Benaud-Qadir Trophy for the first time is a huge honour. As current players, we really are standing on the shoulders of these greats of the past who helped to grow and popularize the game in years gone by, and if my team can collect that trophy at the end of this series then it really would be the perfect end to the Test part of this historic tour.” Pakistan captain Babar Azam: “The game is today healthy, wealthy and strong because of such individuals and their legacy, as such, we must always recognise and acknowledge their contributions and services. “We have our sights firmly on the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, both the sides will have to bring out their very best during this series as this promises to be a really competitive contest. This series will significantly enhance the quality of Test cricket, which cricket fans inside the venues and world-over can thoroughly enjoy. “I am honoured that I will be leading the Pakistan team in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, we will try and give performances that will be a tribute to these two legends who will always remain legends of the game.” Before the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, Pakistan and Australia have played 25 Test series with Australia winning 13 and Pakistan winning seven. When Pakistan last hosted Australia in 1998, Mark Taylor’s side won the series 1-0, while Sarfaraz Ahmed’s men won 1-0 in Pakistan’s last home series in the United Arab Emirates in 2018. The last Test series between the two sides was played in Australia in 2019, which was won 2-0 by Australia.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-President, Cricket Federation Uzbekistan (CFU), Aziz Mihliev hoped that the game of cricket would become the popular and fashionable sports in Uzbekistan very soon along with boxing and football, as cricket is being played in 8 provinces of the country at the present. During an exclusive interview with international sports website www.sports-bulletin.com he added: “There are 13 provinces of Uzbekistan and cricket is being played in the 8 provinces regularly and youth are keen to play cricket at club level. We have an international standard cricket ground in the capital city Tashkent and we are capable of organizing international competitions in our country, “he said. “At the present 2000 people are attached to cricket and running their affairs smoothly at club level. There are six to 10 cricket clubs in eight provinces. Our major priority is to associate with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to stream-line the cricket affairs at national and international level. We have completed our paper-work regarding ICC and we will be associate member of the top cricket body of the world in next six to seven months, “he replied to a question. To a question, Aziz said that Kurash, a martial art game, was the national sport of Uzbekistan. “Soccer and boxing are the most popular sports in our country and in some areas Buz-Kush (this is top game in Afghanistan, which is played on horses) is also played regularly. We have a good dedicated and hard working team that is working day and night to uplift the standard of cricket in the country. We are optimistic for the bright future of cricket in Uzbekistan, “he maintained. “We are not getting any financial support from the government but we have a couple of sponsors, who assist us during the abroad visits and in holding the national events. We will definitely track the government but first we want to take cricket to a certain level then we will ask the government to support us. CFU will manage the technical courses and hire the services of international coaches to enhance the knowledge of our national officials, “he said. Head of Uzbek cricket said while responding to another question: “This is our first time in Pakistan and playing cricket in an identical atmosphere like our country. Certainly, our players will learn too much during this tour. We are planning to visit Romania, Bangladesh and Malaysia in the near future and we received invitations from there. When our players will play against other international opposition they will improve their game skills, “he concluded.

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai (UEA):-New Zealand's star all-rounder Amelia Kerr continued her rise in the MRF Tyres ICC Women's ODI Player Rankings. New Zealand's Amelia Kerr starred in New Zealand's 4-1 ODI series victory at home against India, which has seen her rise in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings. Kerr did very well in the final two ODIs of the five-match series against India. In the fourth ODI, which was reduced to a 20-over contest, Kerr scored an unbeaten 68 in only 33 deliveries. In the fifth and final ODI, Kerr scored 68 in 75 balls. Her exploits with the bat have seen her jump up five spots to No.17 in the rankings chart for batters. Kerr also contributed with a few handy overs in the final two matches. In the fourth match, she returned with figures of 3/30 in 3.5 overs as New Zealand successfully defended a score of 191. In the fifth and final ODI, she registered figures of 1/55 in her 10 overs. This has seen her rankings rise up to No.17 in bowlers, a gain of four positions. She has also broken into the top 5 of the all-rounders' chart, gaining two positions up to No.4. Her form will undoubtedly aid New Zealand, as the hosts aim to clinch their second ICC Women's Cricket World Cup title, beginning March 4. In other big movements, Amy Satterthwaite dropped down four positions in the batting rankings, down to No.7. She scored a 16-ball 32 in the fourth ODI and 21-ball 12 in the fifth and final contest. India's Harmanpreet Kaur also gained a spot and rose up to No.20 after scoring a 66-ball 63 in the fifth and final ODI to roar back into form. Her knock helped India win the fifth and final ODI by six wickets. Deepti Sharma also saw her position rise in the bowling charts, gaining one spot up to No.12. She returned with figures of 1/49 in four overs and 2/42 in 10 overs in the fourth and fifth ODIs respectively. She only scored 9 runs in the fourth ODI and did not bat in the fifth match, which saw her lose one spot in the all-rounders' rankings, down to No.5. Alyssa Healy continued at the top of the batting charts, while her Australian compatriots Jess Jonassen and Ellyse Perry maintained their status as the No.1 ranked bowler and the No.1 ranked all-rounder respectively.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-Shalimar Cricket Academy (SCA) defeated Cricket Federation Uzbekistan (CFU) team by 47 runs in a Twenty 20 cricket match at Bhutto cricket ground on Tuesday, as an all-rounder performance by Umer Nawaz Khan (58 runs and 3 for 24) was the major different in the both sides. CFU won the toss and asked SCA to bat first. The local team scored 179 runs for 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, as lion-share was 58 runs by Umer Nawaz, who faced 44 balls and smashed seven four and couple of sixes. Mohammad Afsar Khan contributed 45 runs in his team’s total. He hit three fours and 4 huge sixes during his short but exciting 21 balls innings. Mohammad Shabbir scored 39 runs in 31 balls with 4 fours and a solitary six. Mohammad Nabi (3 for 31), Mohammad Ismail (2 for 15) and Jamal Amin (1 for 39) were the wicket taker bowlers for the Uzbek team. CFU’s all batters bowled out on 132 runs in 18.4 overs. Shahbaz was top scorer with 39 runs, as he faced 29 balls and hit each two fours and two sixes. Najeeb remained not out with 20 runs. He smashed one four and two sixes. Waqas Shah (3 for 21), Mohammad Amin (3 for 21), Umer Nawaz (3 for 24) and Ahmed Ali (1 for 14) were the wicket taker for the winning team Shalimar Cricket Academy Islamabad. Summarized Scorecard: Toss: Uzbekistan won the toss and decided to bowl first SCA (Batting): 179 for 8 in 20 overs Umer Nawaz Khan 58 runs (44 balls, 4X7, 6X2), Mohammad Afsar Khan 45 runs (21 balls, 4X3, 6X4), Mohammad Shabbir 39 runs (31 balls), 4X4, 6X1) CFU (Bowling): Mohammad Nabi (3 for 31), Mohammad Ismail (2 for 15), Jamal Amin (1 for 39) CFU (Batting): 132 all out in 18.4 overs Shahbaz 39 runs (29 balls, 4X2, 6X2), Najeeb 20 runs not out (4X1, 6X2) SCA (Bowling): Waqas Shah (3 for 21), Mohammad Amin (3 for 21), Umer Nawaz (3 for 24), Ahmed Ali (1 for 14) Results: SCA won the match by 47 runs Player of the Match: Umer Nawaz Khan  

BIPIN DANI There have been some instances when players have returned to the field after performing last rites of heavenly departed family members. Last month, Baroda's Ranji Trophy team member, Vishnu Solanki received the news in Cuttack that his wife had given birth to a girl. Obviously, the 29-year-old Solanki's joy knew no bounds as it was his first child in the family. However, his joy of parenthood did not last long. The next day he was woken up with the news that his one-day daughter is no more in this world. Shaken up, Solanki returned to Baroda, performed last-rites, consoled family members and returned and joined the squad. Not only that, he registered a hundred. Another tragedy was unfolded again last Sunday. His 75-year-old father passed away in the hospital in Baroda. Solanki informed the team management he wants to stay and play their last league game of the season, against Hyderabad, starting on March 3. He watched on his mobile the last rites of his father performed by his brother in Baroda. Now, how would the situation Vishnu be able to deal with? We posed this question to a sports psychologist Dr. Anusheela Brahmachary. "Both the unfortunate events may cause short- or long-term trauma in him. Generally, such heart wrenching emotional distress pushes the individual in a phase of post-traumatic stress", the sports-psychologist added. "As a player, I would assume that Solanki has a strong athletic identity. It may further be accompanied by his sense of duty towards his state team. Such attributes may drive him to resort to his sport as a coping mechanism where he continues to play under severe emotional distress because that is possibly the only way of some solace to him in this condition". Adding further, she says, "it may also be possible that he is demonstrating avoidant behavior by getting away from the home environment and distracting himself by engaging in his sport which comes with a larger responsibility. Investing into larger causes is used by many to get over grief. Although, this may leave a potential chance of repression due to lack of adequate catharsis that is not recommended". "It is important to ensure healthy coping mechanisms for him in the present situation. He should be allowed to cope in a customized way that he will feel comfortable about. He should have the liberty of doing things he wishes to and express freely according to his will and comfort. The only thing that should be taken care of is that he does not indulge into any repression or self-harming behavior that can have undesirable consequences". "The wound is fresh in him and it is expected of him to be in pain. He would potentially feel different emotional and behavioral reactions within himself that are not very usual. If after a span of 10-12 weeks, his functionality and efficiency get disrupted or some significant behavioral changes are noticed, it will be advisable for him to seek professional help for grief management. Some people show delayed reactions to grief and trauma. A keen eye on trauma symptoms is necessarily to be kept to save him from slipping into depression", Anusheela concluded.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-World number 240, Farhan Mehboob toppled world number 220 Hamza Khan 3-2 in the final to win the title of the PSF-International Squash Circuit Tournament at Mushaf Squash Complex, Islamabad on Tuesday. The final score-line was 11-6, 11-6, 2-11, 1-11 and 11-6. Left-arm squash player, who already defeated the high ranking players in the quarterfinal and semifinal, kept his stylish and attaching game in the final. He won the first two games quit comfortably at 11-6 and 11-6 to make the game score-2-0, as his powerful forehands and backhands drives with classic nicks and drop shorts. Hamza won third and fourth game without any resistance and conceded merely 2 and 1 points respectively and squared the championship contest 2-2. At this stage, it was expected that Hamza would win the last game easily to become the champion but Farhan scattered the dream of his challengers and displayed excellent skill of the game and finished the game at 11-6. The final match finished with 11-6, 11-6, 2-11, 1-11 and 11-6 score. Air Marshal Aamir Masood, Senior Vice President Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) graced the ceremony as chief guest and awarded trophies and prize money to the finalists. International referee Fahim Gul supervised the vital match, as Azhar Gul was his assistant during the final. While talking to www.sports-bulletin.com Farhan Mehoob said in his post-match comments that he was happy to win this title. “It is my comeback in the international circuit. I improved my fitness level and beat high ranked players and they all were playing squash regularly and super fit I entered in the court after a long break. I will toil hard to improve my international ranking, “he added.