Sports Bulletin ReportTerrassa (Spain): With just one day to go for the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup Spain 2023/24, the players and coaches of all teams have spoken to express their expectations. The 2nd edition of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup will be played from 3 to 9 June 2024 in Terrassa, Spain.Canada – Sheldon Rostron, Head Coach said: “As a team we are excited to face some of the best at the Nations Cup in Terrassa, Spain. We are eager to compete again at high level event which is important to continue the growth of this team as we start a new cycle. These matches will push us and help us gain valuable insights but also show more of what we can expect from this team going forward. We're ready for a challenge and looking forward to competing at this event.” Chile – Camila Caram, Captain said: "The Nations Cup will be an interesting tournament, because all the teams are closely contested in the rankings. Every game will be very tough. This is an important challenge, because last time we were seventh and we want to improve that position. The championship will probably be very emotional, but we are focused on the tournament, tactics and technique. We'll see about the emotional part later. It's my last tournament with the Diablas after 18 years with the Chile jersey and I want to enjoy the experience to the fullest. It's nostalgic, but I'm ready to give it my all on the court." Ireland - Facundo Quiroga, Head Coach said: "The girls have put in a lot of work over the last three months to arrive at this tournament in the best possible form. They have challenged each other to grow as individuals and as a team, and we are enjoying the hockey we're playing. I believe we can go far in this Nations Cup if we play our game and enjoy the tough moments of the competition. We have an exciting challenge ahead of us." Italy – Andres Mondo, Head Coach said: "This FIH Nations Cup edition comes at a very complicated period, for all countries and especially for us, because we have a lot of players still involved in National Championships; for this reason, it was also not possible for us to arrange an ideal training. We expect to grow during the tournament, to be competitive and to put new players and new skills in our group. We are very proud and enthusiastic to know that our players always give their best for Italy." Japan – Yuri Nagai, Captain said: “For this Nations Cup, we aim to win and make it a great tournament that leads to the Paris Olympics. Our entire team will work hard together. We will make detailed adjustments and prepare well. Thank you for your support.” Korea – Jungeun Seo, Captain said: "I'm both excited and a bit worried about participating in this year's Nations Cup. As a senior, it's my responsibility to lead the juniors in such a big competition, and I'll do my best to make it a good experience for them. I also need to perform well myself and show what I can do. Competing against world-class teams is going to be tough, but I believe Team Korea can go far. My goal is to lead the players, value teamwork, and become a united team. No matter the outcome, I know we will learn a lot, grow, and come back stronger. I really hope everyone prepares well, stays injury-free, and returns home safely." New Zealand – Phil Burrows, Head Coach said: “The team is feeling energised and excited to be back playing tournament hockey. We are very committed to progressing our game throughout the tournament and beyond. Our expectations are to be in the hunt for the Nations Cup, which means our first focus point is topping our pool.” Spain – María López, Captain said: “We are very excited to play at home in Terrassa. We hope that the Spanish crowd can enjoy our performance and Spain can play the FIH Hockey Pro League next season.” 

Sports Bulletin Report Bahrain (June 2, 2024): The Pakistan Volleyball team crushed Kazakhstan in straight games 3-0 in their opening fixture of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup 2024, as Green Shirts lunched campaign with an impressive victory with the score-line of 25-19, 25-19, and 25-21.Head Coach Ruben Wolochin said: "The boys played with great determination and executed the strategies perfectly. This win is a testament to their hard work and dedication."Supporting Coach Wolochin is Brazilian Physical Trainer Lucas Rodrigues, who has been instrumental in enhancing the team's physical conditioning. Assistant Coach Muhammad Ismail Khan and Analyst Juan Cobucci have also played crucial roles in preparing the team for this high-stakes tournament.Chairman of PVF, Chaudhry Mohammad Yaqoob, praised the team's performance and expressed optimism for the upcoming matches. "This victory against Kazakhstan is a significant morale booster. We are confident that the team will continue to perform at this high level," he said.Pakistan's next challenge is set on June 3, 2024, against Thailand at 4:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST). 

France, Austria, and New Zealand conquest on the opening day of Tournament Sports Bulletin ReportGniezno (Poland): France, Austria, and New Zealand registered victories on the first day of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup Poland 2024 after thrashing their opponents Canada, South Africa, and hosts Poland respectively at Hockey Stadium Gniezno, Poland on Friday.Malaysia 4-4 Pakistan: Pakistan came back from three goals down to draw 4-4 against Malaysia as the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup began in sensational fashion. It was a one-sided first quarter in Gniezno, with Malaysia barely giving any time for a nervy Pakistan to settle down. The constant pressure led to the Green Shirts conceding a penalty stroke that was thumped in by Fitri Saari. Soon after, Abu Kamal Azrai made the most of an opportunity after Pakistan lost possession in midfield. Azrai’s delightful skill before a low and powerful finish doubled the advantage. Malaysia’s third came from a penalty corner from Faizal Saari. However, there was a lengthy video referral before the umpire judged in favour of the Speedy Tigers. Pakistan turned on the style in the third quarter, and pulled one back as Rana Waheed Ashraf’s mazy run and deflected shot was tapped in by Abdul Rehamn. They looked like a rejuvenated side after the first half, but an error in the 42nd minute led to a penalty stroke for Malaysia. Fitri Saari made no mistake and scored his second of the game. It was end-to-end as Sufyan Khan sent a rocket down the middle from a penalty corner to gain momentum back. With nine minutes to go, Pakistan scored their third after a scramble near the box as Hannan Shahid was the quickest to react. The silver medallists of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup earlier this year drew the game level in cinematic style with less than a minute to go. Desperate defending from Malaysia resulted in a penalty stroke that was converted with ease by Abu Mahmood. France beat Canada (4-0): Olympic hosts France began their journey in Poland with a comfortable win over Canada despite a slow start to the game. Both teams started on the front foot, and earned a penalty corner each early in the first quarter, but failed to convert. It was a recurring theme throughout the match with France unable to find the back of the net from nine penalty corners. The first goal came in the 25th minute as Les Bleus stepped on the pedal. The Canadian defenders were frustrating the French, but the deadlock was finally broken with a cheeky finish from Gaspard Baumgarten. The next three of their goals came in the final quarter, but the match provided plenty of drama as both sides missed penalty strokes. The miss from Canada was painful for the team as Brendan Guraliuk powered through the midfield, showcasing excellent dribbling skills before being brought down, only to be outsmarted by Edgar Reynaud from the spot.  The final quarter saw France apply pressure early on and it proved crucial as Baumgarten sent a pile driver from the left. His deflected shot was tapped in by Eliot Curty. In the 53rd minute, another penalty stroke favoured the French and this time, Victor Charlet made no mistake. A minute later, Curty did the hard work to set up Blaise Rogeau to seal the deal as the Canadians ran out of steam. Austria beat South Africa (4-3): Penalty corners was the name of the game as Austria joined the comebacks bandwagon against South Africa in an entertaining game. The start saw the higher-ranked South Africa show their class, going up only after four minutes. The lovely team goal started from the midfield as Nqobile Ntuli provided the final touch, falling backwards. They looked the better organised side in the beginning and underlined that with a well-taken penalty corner by Mathew Guise-Brown. What initially looked like a one-sided game switched almost instantly when a brisk counter-attack from Josef Winkler earned a penalty corner for Austria, emphatically converted by Julian Kaiser. The speed of play from the Austrians troubled their opponents, who looked like world beaters in the first five minutes, and another penalty corner in the 20th minute saw them level the scores thanks to Fülöp Losonci. Four minutes before the half-time, Maximilian Scholz gave the Austrians the lead. The confidence of taking the lead meant that they controlled the game soon after the restart. Drag flickers were giving South Africa a tough time and Scholz got his second of the game to put them in a comfortable position. While South Africa showed that they too could excel at penalty corners with yet another sublime finish from Guise-Brown, Austria did enough to hold on for a crucial win.New Zealand beat Poland (4-2): The hosts almost gave New Zealand a run for their money as they went down 4-2 in the last match of the day. It would be unfair to say that the home crowd didn’t play their part, but in the end, it was a small difference in quality that made all the difference for the Black Sticks.Brad Read read the game well and finished off a neat team move to give New Zealand the lead. The team from Oceania made it difficult for the Poles with some slick passing and Jake Smith doubled it at the beginning of the second quarter.The Poles failed to capitalise on a few counterattacks, but a penalty corner from Damian Jarzembowski brought some balance to the game midway through the second quarter. The experienced Kane Russell almost gifted the hosts an easy chance when he fouled Gracjan Jarzyński, but the resulting penalty stroke was put wide. New Zealand regained control of the game and Jonty Elmes and Simon Child put the result beyond doubt. The duo showed composure to score one each to leave the hosts to rue their missed chances.    

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: In the third round of the PCB Women’s University Cricket Tournament, University of Karachi beat IBA by 10 wickets at IBA Cricket Ground in Karachi.After restricting IBA to 80-8 in the stipulated 20 overs, the University of Karachi completed the chase in 6.2 overs.Opening batter Yusra Amir starred with an unbeaten half-century (57 not out, 27b, 10x4s) while Arijah Haseeb chipped in with an unbeaten 19 off 11 balls hitting four boundaries to seal the chase.University of Karachi’s Arijah Haseeb claimed four wickets giving away 14 runs in her four overs while Ramsha Amir and Kinza Wahab picked up one wicket each.Scores in briefUniversity of Karachi beat IBA by 10 wicketsIBA 80-8, 20 overs (Munira Hassan 14, Zoha Adnan 14; Arijah Haseeb 4-14)University of Karachi 81-0, 6.2 overs (Yusra Amir 57 not out, Arijah Haseeb 19 not out)Player of the match – Arijah Haseeb (University of Karachi)Saturday’s fixtures: Kinnaird College vs University of Punjab (COMSATS Ground), Lahore College Women University vs Government College University (GCU Ground), Women’s University Multan vs Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU Ground), International Islamic University vs Fatima Jinnah Women’s University (Viqar-Un-Nisa College).

Sports Bulletin ReportDallas, TX (USA): Pakistan cricket team have arrived in Dallas, Texas, United States of America (USA) to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, as Green Shirts will take on the USA in their first match of the prestigious fixture on June 6, 2024.Pakistan Squad: Babar Azam (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman KhanPlayer support personnel: Wahab Riaz (senior team manager), Mansoor Rana (team manager), Gary Kirsten (head coach), Azhar Mahmood (assistant coach), Simon Helmot (fielding coach), David Reid (mental performance coach), Aftab Khan (high performance coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Irtaza Komail (chief security officer), Mohammad Imran (masseur), Mohammad Khurram Sarwar (team doctor), Talha Ijaz (analyst), Raza Kitchlew (media and digital manager) and Drikus Saaiman (strength and conditioning coach). 

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Naila Kiani Pakistan’s leading female high-altitude mountaineer, has achieved yet another milestone by being declared the “National Goodwill Ambassador for Girls’ Education” by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training . In her new role, she aims to highlight the importance of girls' education across Pakistan and support initiatives by federal and provincial governments.Naila Kiani achievements in Mountaineering: She is the first Pakistani woman and the overall third Pakistani to have climbed 11 of the 14 highest peaks above 8,000 meters. She holds the distinction of being the first Pakistani woman to climb an 8,000-meter mountain within Pakistan. Kiani is also the first Pakistani woman to summit Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I (G-I), Gasherbrum II (G-II), Lhotse, Manaslu, Broad Peak, Annapurna, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. She is among the ten mountaineers worldwide, and the only Pakistani, to have climbed multiple (seven) peaks above 8,000 meters in less than six months, in 2023.Furthermore, she is the fastest Pakistani, regardless of gender, to have climbed all eleven 8,000-meter peaks in less than three years. She is the only female athlete to receive Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the highest civilian honour given to any female athlete in Pakistan.Advocate for Girls' Education: Naila Kiani’s appointment as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Girls' Education is a testament to her commitment to empowering women through education. She, herself an aerospace engineer and a banker, believes that education is the key to women's empowerment and the success of the country. As an ambassador, she will work tirelessly to:Raise awareness about the importance of girls' education: Support and promote initiatives by federal and provincial governments aimed at improving educational opportunities for girls. Inspire young girls across the nation to pursue their dreams and achieve their full potential.Naila Kiani said, "I am honored to be appointed as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Girls' Education. Education is the only route to women's empowerment and success in our country. I am committed to using my platform to support and advocate for educational initiatives that ensure every girl in Pakistan has access to quality education." 

Sports Bulletin ReportDallas (USA): Junaid ‘The X-Man’ Siddiqui’s signature leg spin is set to light up the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, more than a decade on from the Canada star’s international debut.The 39-year-old all-rounder grew up playing street cricket amid the bustle of Karachi before moving to Toronto with his family at the age of 13.Siddiqui will now showcase his trademark aggression at the crease as part of his country’s historic maiden T20 World Cup squad and is looking forward to displaying his distinguished ‘X’ celebration on after every wicket he takes.Junaid Siddiqui said: “It was something to spice it up a little bit because I was very aggressive and when I was taking wickets, I would run off the camera every single time on the left. When I wanted to celebrate, me and my wife came up with something along the lines of an X to mark that the batter has gone. It’s more to save myself a bit of aggression and use it for one action. It came out well, people started liking and I just continued it. When I started leg spin in T20s, not many spinners could come and bowl in the powerplay. I was unique in that way.”Siddiqui was one of the first homegrown Canadian players to play first-class cricket and did so in Sri Lanka before being selected for his national team. The right-hander was recalled to the squad having last played an international T20 in 2022 and is now relishing the prospect of the opening day showdown against the USA in Dallas.“Playing in Sri Lanka was a huge experience for me because that motivated me so much. I played all my cricket in Canada where I couldn’t compete as much and there was not a lot of exposure, yet I was able to get picked in a first-class team. That gave me a huge boost where I thought I could pursue this as a profession. I’m proud and happy that I was able to do it for so long and I’m still doing it. There are setbacks, and every country has to face how to move forward beyond a World Cup and how to make a team – the process has happened over the last 13 years. We just don’t want to be a participant in the World Cup, we want to make sure that we go out there and be the best of us, we don’t want to be a passenger sitting in the bus. It (selection) was a big call. With what I have been doing for the last two years, I was expecting it one way or another because I had good performances behind me. When I found out, it was the best news of my life.”Playing in a tournament close to home is one thing but knowing how to play on an American wicket is another and Siddiqui is prepared for exactly what to expect. The seasoned pro has recently played for California Golden Eagles in the United States Premier League and believes the American wickets will provide high-scoring contests.“We have played on a few wickets like in Dallas and we know it’s a really good wicket to bat on with Major League playing there last year. The bowlers definitely have to be ready with these really good wickets. I’ve played a lot of cricket in the US on a contract and tournament basis and they have done a good job. The facilities are good, you will see high-scoring games and it will be a really fun World Cup.”Siddiqui need not look far for cricket idols growing up with Herschelle Gibbs and Abdul Qadir providing much inspiration for his career of longevity. Still, the one constant in his life remains his Muslim faith. As he prepares for a group stage against the USA, Ireland, India and his birth country Pakistan, he is using his belief and the support of his family to remain grounded on the biggest of stages.“My belief came from my performances, staying consistent. My parents and family gave me a lot of support and prayed for me, especially my wife. Their support made me want to keep going and that made a big difference. You work hard, you be humble, a kind person and leave everything in God’s hands. If it’s good, it will come to you, if it’s not, someone else will have it better.”

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Islamabad and Punjab Rangers have confirmed their berths in the semifinals of the ongoing All Pakistan Mohammad Majid and Abdul Nasir Memorial Basketball Tournament at Siddique Memon Sports Complex Karachi, which is being played under the umbrella of Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF).On the fourth day of the pool round matches, Islamabad boys continued their journey of another consecutive victory in the tournament pool round matches by defeating Sindh Yellow by 52-14 points to qualify for the semifinal round. Ali Kazmi was the top player for Islamabad, who scored 19 points while Momin Javed scored 15 points. For Sindh Yellow Daniyal Khan scored 08 points for the losing team.Top team Wapda also continued their outstanding performance to move ahead in top-four stage along with PAF, Rangers and Islamabad, as they thrashed Punjab Rangers in the last pool round match by 82-71 points. Kaleemullah and Mohammad Israr scored 22 and 17 points respectively. Sindh Whites outclassed Balochistan in the third match on day four by 87-46 points.Pakistan Wapda will face Islamabad in the first semifinal which will be held on Saturday while Pakistan Air Force will fight against Punjab Rangers in the second semifinal of the memorial tournament.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: It was a good day for Argentina at the FIH Hockey Pro League in Antwerp, Belgium on Thursday with both their women’s and men’s sides getting the better of Australia. The women’s side romped to a 5-0 victory for a sixth straight win, while there was just one goal between the sides in the men’s encounter. Meanwhile, Belgium’s women’s side drew 1-1 with China before snatching the extra point in a shootout and the men’s team came from behind twice to get the better of Spain.(Women’s) Argentina beat Australia (5-0): Argentina delivered a devastating second-half performance in a 5-0 win over Australia. Las Leonas dominated the stats throughout, defending well when necessary, escalating the pressure as the game progressed, and creating goal-scoring opportunities at will in the second half. It was a patient start though, Stefania Antoniazzi scoring the only goal of the first half with a 21st-minute field goal.The Argentinians ramped up the pressure in the third quarter and Lara Casus bagged her first international goal from a penalty corner variation in the 41st minute. They then ran rampant through the final quarter, and only Jocelyn Bartram’s heroics in the Hockeyroos’ goal prevented a far bigger scoreline. Maria Granatto scored a diving penalty corner deflection in the 46th minute, Eugenia Trinchinetti hammered in a field goal four minutes later, and Agustina Gorzelany added a penalty stroke for Argentina’s fifth goal as her side comfortably extended their winning streak to six games.(Women’s) Belgium 1 – 1 China (SO: 4 – 3): Hosts Belgium defended desperately to claim a share of the points in a 1-1 draw against a rampant China and then went on to win the resulting shootout 4-3 for a bonus point. Belgium’s Elodi Picard was by far the busier of the two goalkeepers as China enjoyed huge dominance in territory, possession, penalty corners, and circle penetrations throughout the 60 minutes. China just couldn’t finish, and it was Louise Versavel who put Belgium ahead in the 20th minute from a goalmouth scramble after a Chinese error.The Belgians found themselves in a pressure cooker for the entire second half as China raised their intensity. But the Chinese struggled to find the back of the net until the 50th minute when Xiaoxue Zhang equalised with a field goal. The momentum was very much with China but they still couldn’t find a winner, and they were left to rue missed opportunities as they gave up the lead twice in the shootout.(Men’s) Argentina beat Australia (2-1): Argentina came from behind to clinch a tight 2-1 win against Australia. The Aussies were better in the first half and took the lead through Tim Brand’s 7th-minute tap-in at the left post. Both teams missed opportunities as the half progressed and Australia led 1-0 at the break.Argentina raised their intensity and drew level with a Nicolas Della Torre drag flick just seconds into the third quarter. Lucas Toscani then put Argentina ahead with a 40th-minute field goal, and the quarter ended at a frenetic pace after a flurry of green cards opened some space. The Argentinians defended well through the final period and the Kookaburras sacrificed their goalkeeper to chase a result with 4 minutes remaining, but Tomas Santiago rounded off his magnificent personal performance to deny them at the death.(Men’s) Belgium beat Spain (3-2): Hosts Belgium came from behind twice in a nail-biting 3-2 win over Spain. The vastly more experienced Belgians dominated the opening half without reward, although Spain looked threatening on the break and created a couple of chances.The match came alive in the second half when Pepe Cunill put Spain ahead with a 34th-minute drag flick. John-John Dohmen levelled matters for the Red Lions in the 41st minute, but Antonio Sanz restored Spain’s lead immediately. Three minutes later Belgium equalised again through a sensational Loïck Luypaert drag, and Alexander Hendrickx then gave the Belgians the lead with another, 5 minutes from time. Luis Calzado saved a penalty stroke for Spain with two minutes remaining to give his team one last roll of the dice, but Belgium managed to hold them out, much to the relief of the home supporters.

Sports Bulletin ReportLondon (UK): England beat Pakistan by seven wickets in the fourth and final T20I of the series at the Oval on Thursday to take the series 2-0. Both teams wrapped up their preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 by warming up in the two T20I games at the Oval and Edgbaston while the games at Cardiff and Headingley were washed out.In pursuit of the 158-run target Jos Buttler and Phil Salt walked out all guns blazing as they hammered the ball to all parts of the ground. The duo ransacked 78 runs in the powerplay as Salt hit five fours and two sixes while Buttler belted five fours and one six.Haris Rauf removed Salt (45, 25b, 6x4s, 2x6s) in the 7th over and Buttler (39, 20b, 7x4s, 1x6) in the 9th over as England cruised to 102-2 at the halfway mark. Haris returned in the 11th over to dismiss Will Jacks with a searing yorker (20, 18b, 1x4, 1x6) who had hit him for a six a ball before.In the following over Jonny Bairstow belted Shadab Khan for two consecutive sixes to keep the run-rate abreast. An unbeaten 46-run fourth-wicket partnership between Brook (17 not out, 14b, 1x4, 1x6) and Bairstow (28 not out, 16b, 1x4, 3x6s) took England home with 27 balls remaining and seven wickets in the bag. Rauf was the lone wicket-taker for Pakistan.Earlier, after England invited Pakistan to bat first, the opening batters Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam put on a solid 59-run partnership hitting eight fours and a six. Jofra Archer drew the first blood for England as he removed Babar (36, 5x4s, 1x6) on the last ball of the powerplay.In the seventh over, Adil Rashid rattled Rizwan’s stumps who departed after scoring 23 off 16 balls with the help of three fours. England managed breakthroughs at regular intervals as the spin duo of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid eked out the vital scalps of Fakhar Zaman (9, 9b, 1x6) and Shadab Khan (0, 1b) respectively leaving Pakistan 84-4 at the halfway mark.Azam Khan copped a five-ball duck in the 11th over. Usman Khan, in his breezy knock of 38 off 21 balls, smacked three boundaries and two sixes. Liam Livingstone delivered a double-wicket maiden dismissing Usman and Shaheen Shah Afridi as he left Pakistan reeling at 126-7 after 15 overs.Iftikhar Ahmed (21, 18b, 2x4s) and Naseem Shah (16, 18b, 1x4, 1x6) pushed Pakistan past the 150-run mark before England wrapped up Pakistan’s innings for 157 all out in 19.5 overs. For England Rashid, Livingstone and Mark Wood bagged two wickets each. Archer, Moeen and Chris Jordan struck once apiece.