ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): The exciting ATF U12 Team Competition South Asian Qualifying Event, held at Kathmandu, Nepal, concluded with India emerging victorious in both the Boys' and Girls' categories competitions. The tournament, hosted by the Nepal Tennis Association and supported by the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, saw seven nations from the South Asian region battle it out for a coveted spot at the U12 Finals later this year.In a thrilling boys' final, top-seeded India defeated Pakistan with a 2-0 score to claim the championship title. Sri Lanka secured a hard-fought 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in the 3rd-4th place playoff to clinch the bronze medal. Nepal outplayed Maldives in a close 2-1 contest to finish fifth, while Maldives and Bhutan rounded out the standings in sixth and seventh place respectively.The girls' category witnessed India maintaining their dominance, securing their fourth consecutive win with a 2-0 victory over Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka finished a close second with three wins, while Bangladesh managed a commendable third place with two wins. The host nation, Nepal, finally found their winning touch, defeating Maldives in a tight 2-1 encounter to finish fourth. Maldives, unfortunately, couldn't register a win throughout the tournament.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan outclassed Australia 3-0 in the last 3-match Sarsabz Volleyball Series encounter at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Thursday evening. The final score-line was 26-24, 25-20, and 25-20.This historic series win marks a significant achievement for both the Pakistan Volleyball team and the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF). The players showcased exceptional skill, teamwork, and determination throughout the series, reflecting the rigorous training and strategic planning that went into preparing for these matches.The trophy presentation was graced by the esteemed presence of Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme, Government of Pakistan. In his address, Mr. Khan praised the team for their remarkable performance and dedication, highlighting the importance of such victories in promoting sports and inspiring youth across the nation.Chairman PVF, Chaudhry Mohammad Yaqoob said: This victory is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of our players and coaching staff. It also reflects our commitment to elevating the standard of volleyball in Pakistan and competing at the highest levels internationally."The series win against Australia, a formidable opponent, is not only a boost for the team’s morale but also a significant milestone in the history of Pakistani volleyball. The matches were well-attended by enthusiastic fans, whose support played a crucial role in motivating the players.Following this triumphant series, the Pakistan Senior Volleyball Team is set to depart for Bahrain to participate in the AVC Challenger Cup. The tournament is scheduled to be held from June 2-9, 2024.

Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): In a new era for Saudi Arabia football, the 2023/24 Roshn Saudi League proved a game-changing season - with more goals, interest, and growth for the league than ever before.Omar Mugharbel, Saudi Pro League CEO, said: “The 2023/24 Roshn Saudi League season will be remembered as a milestone moment in the growth of elite football in Saudi Arabia. Some of the best players in the world chose the Roshn Saudi League to showcase their incredible talents alongside the next generation of young Saudi talent. Their arrival amplified even further the huge interest in the league from fans, broadcasters and sponsors. It is impossible to overstate how much of a game-changing season 2023/24 has been.”On the pitch, champions Al Hilal created football history, and global headlines, by setting a world, top-flight record for the number of successive victories – winning 34 games in a row across all competitions in an unbeaten campaign.Cristiano Ronaldo built on his success in calendar year 2023, where he netted the most club goals in the world with 54 in 59 appearances and also set a record for most goals scored in a season. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who made his Al Nassr debut in January 2023, scored an incredible 35 goals from 31 Roshn Saudi League matches in the 2023/24 campaign. In the most entertaining season of the modern era a total of 909 goals were scored – an increase of 40% from last year’s campaign.The season began with major internationals signings such as Karim Benzema, Neymar, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, N’Golo Kante, Georgino Wijnaldum, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ruben Neves attracting 156 players from 54 countries that have been part Roshn Saudi League. With a focus on developing young Saudi talent to excel on the global stage, the age eligibility for young players was reduced from 18 to 16 years old with the average age of players season dropping to 27.5 years old.Off the pitch, the transformation of the league generated even wider global attention. These were reflected in major milestones achieved across metrics such as broadcast deals, sponsorship agreements, and social media reach. More than 160 countries broadcast the Roshn Saudi League on 38 global platforms taking the league to more football fans than ever before. Digitally the Roshn Saudi League social media channels grew with 6.72 million new followers, representing a 141% increase from the start of the season.

PAF, and WAPDA reach semifinals after beating Police and Sindh Greens respectivelySports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Pakistan Wapda continued their winning journey by beating their opponents and reached in the semifinal round of the ongoing All-Pakistan Muhammad Majid and Abdul Nasir Memorial Basketball Tournament here at Siddique Memon Sports Complex on Thursday.On the third day of the six-day event, PAF showed some aggressive game against the Police to win the third consecutive victory by 75-40 points. PAF’s Mehtab Akram scored 18 points and Mohammad Akhtar scored 14 points. In the second match, Balochistan faced another defeat against Sindh Greens by 43 points to 85 points. Taimour Zaheer and Rana Athar of Sindh Greens scored 15, 15 points respectively.In the third match, Punjab Rangers defeated Sindh Whites by 81 points to 56 points. Mohammad Mudassar scored 26 points and Fakhar Akram scored 16 points and played a vital role in Rangers’ victory. In the fourth match, Wapda also won their third consecutive victory against Sindh Greens by 91-50 points.

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Pakistan Wapda, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Rangers, Sindh Greens have won their matches in the first round of the All-Pakistan Mohammad Majid-Abdul Nasir Memorial Basketball Tournament here at Siddique Memon Sports Complex on Tuesday.Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui inaugurated the 6-team fixture while Associate Secretary of Pakistan Basketball Federation Mohammad Yaqoob Qadry and other personalities were also present on the occasion. On the first day of the event, Pakistan Wapda after a one-sided competition defeated Sindh Whites by 74 points against 36 points. In the second match, Pakistan Rangers defeated Balochistan by 74-40 points while Sindh Greens defeated Sindh Whites by 84-53 points. In the fourth match, Pakistan Air Force defeated Islamabad by 75 points against 43 while Police defeated Sindh Yellow by 62-32 points.

Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): The Men’s Indoor Asia Cup 2024 came to an end over the past week with Iran claiming the title following a stunning 7-1 victory over Malaysia in the final, as both teams secured their spot at the upcoming FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025, which will be played in Poreč, Croatia from 3-9 February 2025. 8 teams competed in the Men’s Indoor Asia Cup 2024, in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan from 21-25 May 2024. Iran, Thailand, Singapore and Tajikistan were placed in Pool A, while Malaysia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Oman were placed in Pool B. Iran, 8-time winners of the competition, were dominant in the Pool A, winning all their matches, with Thailand finishing in second place. In Pool B, it was Malaysia in the top place, followed by hosts Kazakhstan in second. The format of the Indoor Asia Cup 2024, saw the top two teams from each pool placed into one pool, for a second round-robin stage. Iran once again topped the pool with 2 wins and a draw. Malaysia finished second with one win and two draws. As the top-2 finishers in the second round-robin phase, Iran and Malaysia qualified for the final, and with two spots available from the competition for the upcoming FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025, both Iran and Malaysia had qualified for the premier indoor hockey event. The final was a stark contrast to the pool stage match between Iran and Malaysia, which had ended in a 3-3 tie. Iran showed their championship mettle to run away with the contest, scoring four unanswered goals in the opening quarter, effectively putting the result beyond doubt. The final score ended up as 7-1 in the favour of Iran, who claimed their 9th consecutive Indoor Asia Cup title and will once again be among the top teams in the World Cup, where they became the first Asian team to snag a podium place with a bronze medal in the 2018 edition, and followed it up by another bronze medal performance in the most recent edition in Pretoria 2023. 

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.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan outclassed high-ranked Australia in straight games 3-0 in the opening fixture of the 3-match bilateral volleyball series at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Tuesday. Spiker, Hammad Arshad was declared the best player of the match.The Sarsabz Volleyball Series 2024 kicked off today with a thrilling encounter in an exhilarating display of skill and determination. The final score-line was 25-22, 25-22, and 25-20, as the hosts made a significant achievement for the Green Shirts and the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF).The match was a testament to the hard work and preparation of the Pakistani players, who demonstrated exceptional teamwork and strategy on the court. The victory has set a positive tone for the series and has energized the fans and supporters of volleyball in Pakistan.The Sarsabz Volleyball Series 2024, featuring three matches between Pakistan and Australia, promises to deliver more exciting volleyball action. The second match of the series is scheduled for tomorrow, 29th May 2024, at 6:30 PM. Fans can catch the live broadcast on Geo Super and the official YouTube channel of Pakistan Volleyball.This series is not only an opportunity for the Pakistani team to showcase their talent but also a significant step in strengthening international sports relations and fostering a competitive spirit among athletes. The PVF extends its gratitude to the fans, sponsors, and media partners for their unwavering support and invites everyone to join in and cheer for the green shirts in the upcoming matches.Pakistan Team: Murad Jehan (captain), Kashif Naveed (Vice Captain), Usman Fariyad, Afaq Jan, Fakhar Watto, Aimal Khan, Murad Wazir, Waleed Khan, Ali Haider, Hammad Arshad, Musawar Khan, Zaheer Jutt, Nasir Ali, Yaseen khan Australia Team: Nehemiah Mote (captain) Luke Perry, Arshdeep Dosanjh, Jackson Holland, Trent O’dea, Matthew Aubrey, Max Senica, Beau Graham, Thomas Heptinstall, Sam Flowerday, Nicholas Butler, Ethan Garrett, William D’arcy Miles, Jacob Baird. 

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: All Pakistan Mohammad Majid-Abdul Nasir Memorial Basketball Tournament will start on Tuesday (May 28, 2024) here at the Siddique Memon Sports Complex under the control of the Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF).According to Associate Secretary PBBF, and Tournament Director Mohammad Yaqoob Qadry, the teams of Pakistan Air Force (PAF), WAPDA, Police, Rangers, Islamabad, Sindh Green, Balochistan, and Sindh White will compete in the six-day event to be concluded on June 02.Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui will inaugurate the event while Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori will be the chief guest of the closing ceremony of the tournament, and will distribute prizes among the players. Four matches will be played daily, as the semifinals will be played on June 1, while the final on June 2, 2024.

Green Shirts to face Australia on May 29 at Liaquat Gymnasium Pakistan Sports ComplexAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Australia volleyball squad have arrived here to play a three-match bilateral series against hosts Pakistan, as the opening match of the tie will be played at Liaquat Gymnasium Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on May 29, 2025.According to an official of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF), a strong Australian volleyball squad arrived in Islamabad on Sunday ahead of a three-match volleyball series against the hosts Pakistan. This marks the first time the Australian team will play on the soil of Pakistan. Murad Jehan will lead Pakistan in the series.The top officials of PVF welcomed the visiting team at Islamabad International Airport. The Australians will hold a practice session on May 27 (Monday) at the venue. Nehemiah Mote will lead Australia in the series. Daniel Ilott will act as head coach, with James Begley, Alec Walker, and Brendan Garlick serving as coaches.Names of Australia Team: Nehemiah Mote (captain) Luke Perry, Arshdeep Dosanjh, Jackson Holland, Trent O’dea, Matthew Aubrey, Max Senica, Beau Graham, Thomas Heptinstall, Sam Flowerday, Nicholas Butler, Ethan Garrett, William D’arcy Miles, and Jacob Baird.The first match of the three-match series will be held on May 28 at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad. The second match will be played on May 29, and the third match of the series will be held on May 30. All matches will start at 6:30 pm.Chairman PVF, Chaudhry Mohammad Yaqoob said: "Australia has some good players in their squad, and we encourage fans to come and cheer for the Green Shirts, who have recently shown excellent performance by winning the Central Asian Volleyball League."