Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (October 18, 2021):-Hosts Islamabad and Kashmir secured their place in the final of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) T20 Cricket Champions Trophy after beating Gujranwala and Peshawar respectively at E-9 cricket ground on Monday. In the first match, Kashmir won the toss and elected to bat first. Kashmir scored 219 for the loss of two wickets. Nisar scored unbeaten 92 runs. In replyPpeshawar team could score 213 runs in 20 overs for the loss of 3 wickets, as Kashmir won by 6 runs and qualified for the final. While in the second match, Islamabad after winning the toss elected to bat first and second 176 runs in allotted 18 overs. Ayub khan was the top scorer with 78 runs. In reply, Gujranwala bold out on 138 runs in 17.3 overs. Aanis from Islamabad took 2 wickets. Hosts Islamabad won the match by 38 runs and qualified for the final. The final of the PAF T20 Cricket Champions Trophy for the blind 2021will be played between Kashmir and Islamabad at PAF Cricket Ground E-9 Islamabad on Tuesday. The closing ceremony will held at 1230Hrs at same venue.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (October 18, 2021):-Jawz cricket club outclassed ESCO cricket club by 80 runs in a match at Marghazar cricket ground. After winning the toss being bating first,  Jawz club managed 248 for 9 runs on the board in 35 overs fixture. Shahid Ilyas hit brilliant ton 115 runs was major contributors for the winners. Junaid took 4 for 33 wickets for ESCO. In response, ESCO  scored 160 runs in 35 overs with loss of nine wickets Zarak made  56 runs, as Haseeb took 4 wickets from Jawz club.

SPORTS REPORTER Rawalpindi (October 18, 2021):-Pakistan WAPDA defeated Muslim Club Chman 3-0 goals in the 13th Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) match while between Pakistan Army and Sui Southern Gas Company held match was goalless draw at Municipal Stadium Rawalpindi. In the first match, Pakistan WAPDA took 1-0 lead at the end of the first half against Muslim Club. In the 17th minutes of the first half, Shahbaz Tariq scored first goal for Pakistan WAPDA and Ashfaquddin doubled the margin 2-0 in the 49th minutes. Third goal was scored by Ahmad Faheem for Pakistan WAPDA in the 66th minutes. Players of Muslim Club tried to reduce the margin but they could not succeed. The match ended 3-0 in the scheduled times of 90 minutes. Mohsin Ali received the yellow card for Pakistan WAPDA for foul playing. Asmat Ullah acted as match Commissioner. Ahmad Rauf supervised the match while assisted by Mehboob Ali and Yasir Rahman. The second match was played between Pakistan Army and Sui Southern Gas Company  that ended goalless draw. Both teams could not succeed any score in the scheduled times. Adnan Anjum supervised this match, Mehboob Ali and Dilawar Khan were assisted to him. Former international goalkeeper Jamshed Rana presented a prize money of Rs 10,000 to the Goalkeeper of Sui Southern Gas Company, Ehsanullah for showing good performance during the match between Pakistan Army and SSGC, on behalf President, Pakistan Football Federation, Engr. Syed Ashfaq Hussain Shah.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Islamabad (October 18, 2021):-The Olympic flame for the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 was lit today in Ancient Olympia, Greece. This marks the start of its journey to China where, in just over 100 days, the Games will begin.  As a symbol of peace, unity and solidarity, the Olympic flame will convey the values of Olympism to all those that see it on its travels. The flame will help build anticipation amongst Olympic fans eager to witness the world’s best winter sports stars in action, whilst also inspiring thousands of athletes who are making their final preparations for these Games. Due to the COVID-19 countermeasures, today’s ceremony in Olympia was held under strict conditions, with only a limited delegation present. The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, and several guests were in attendance, showing their solidarity with the Beijing 2022 Games. These included the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou; the members of the  IOC Executive Board; and the IOC’s Beijing 2022 Coordination Commission Chair,  Juan Antonio Samaranch. The Chinese delegation was led by IOC Vice-President, Special Representative and Vice-President of Beijing 2022 and Vice-President of the Chinese Olympic Committee Yu Zaiqing. The ceremony was hosted by the Hellenic Olympic Committee President and IOC member Spyros Capralos.  Also present was the Mayor of Olympia, Georgios Georgiopoulos. Speaking at the ceremony, IOC President Thomas Bach made it clear that the Olympic Games have always stood above conflict: “In our fragile world, where division, conflict and mistrust are on the rise, the Olympic Games always build bridges. They never erect walls. “The foundation for the ancient Olympic Games to take place in peace was a sacred truce – the ekecheiria. This Olympic Truce ensured a halt to hostilities, allowing athletes and spectators to travel safely to Olympia and home again. The ekecheiria demonstrates that already the ancient Greeks understood that for the Olympic Games to unfold their unifying power, they must stand above any political conflict. In this way, already 3,000 years ago, there was an inseparable link between the Olympic Games and peace. “This peace mission, handed down to us since ancient times, requires that the Olympic Games be respected as politically neutral ground. Only this political neutrality ensures that the Olympic Games can stand above and beyond the political differences that existed in ancient times, as well as today.” Turning to the host city, he added: “Beijing will write history as the first city ever to host both the summer and winter editions of the Olympic Games. The Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 will connect the Chinese people with the world, bringing to life China’s vision to engage 300 million people with sport on snow and ice, changing winter sport forever. The entire world will see this passion when China welcomes the best winter sport athletes.” Peace and solidarity were an important theme throughout President Bach’s speech in Ancient Olympia. He concluded by saying: “The Olympic Games cannot address all the challenges in our world. But the Olympic Games set an example for a world where everyone respects the same rules and one another. They inspire us to solve problems in friendship and solidarity. They build bridges leading to better understanding and friendship among people. This is the timeless message that this Olympic flame will send from our spiritual home here in Ancient Olympia, to Beijing, and to the world.” Representing Beijing 2022, Yu Zaiqing said: “This is a historic moment as we are gathering here in the ancient city of Olympia to celebrate the lighting of the Olympic flame for the XXIV Olympic Winter Games.” He continued: “The Olympic flame embodies our unswerving pursuit of excellence. It highlights our resolve to always challenge our limits and surpass ourselves. And it sheds light on our journey ahead, to overcome difficulties with greater solidarity and closer cooperation. Amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease, the Olympic flame has brought us confidence, warmth and hope. It has been a source of strength in our fight to defeat the pandemic.” The traditional ceremony, held near the Temple of Hera, celebrates the Olympic Games’ Greek heritage, connecting the modern Games to their historic origins. After the Olympic flame was lit by the High Priestess, it began its journey with Greek skier Ioannis Antoniou, an Olympian who also assumed the role of first torchbearer for the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014. The flame was then passed to Chinese Olympian Li Jiajun, a winner of five medals in speed skating at the 1998, 2002 and 2006 Olympic Winter Games (two silver and three bronze medals). After the ceremony, the Olympic flame will be transported to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, where on 19 October the official handover to the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee will take place before the flame departs for China. A welcome ceremony will be held in Beijing on 20 October, with the flame initially going on display to the public at the Beijing Olympic Tower before setting off on a flame exhibition tour. Closer to the Games, a traditional Olympic Torch Relay will be held. More information will be announced by the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee after the arrival ceremony on 20 October. Around 2,900 athletes, representing approximately 85 National Olympic Committees, will compete in what will be the most gender-balanced Olympic Winter Games in history, between 4 and 20 February 2022.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Lausanne, Switzerland (October 18, 2021):-The International Hockey Federation (FIH) and Polytan, a member of Sport Group, today announced an extension to their long-standing worldwide hockey partnership through to 2024. In response to the partnership’s recent success delivering climate positive turfs for Tokyo 2020 (made from 60% sugar cane), the extension is designed to ensure hockey becomes a leader in the development of sustainable sports facilities. In line with FIH’s Sustainability Framework for Hockey and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the partnership will focus on the following: People Fundamental for healthy communities, sport needs to be accessible to all. Polytan will support FIH’s drive to make a positive impact on all those involved in hockey by continuing to promote high quality, durable hockey facilities that maximise precious space by withstanding thousands of players on a weekly basis. Alongside the growth of traditional facilities, the partnership will tackle the development of Hockey5s. Hockey5s courts that require less space and appeal to changing recreational habits will allow many more people to enjoy hockey. Additionally, Polytan’s portable turf technology will bring the first-ever FIH Hockey5s World Cup to downtown Oman in 2024, giving local children and adults the opportunity to be thrilled by world-class competition. Planet Protecting the planet so it can support the needs of present and future generations should be a fundamental commitment for all organisations. Polytan is dedicated to working with FIH to ensure hockey activities leave as small a footprint on the planet as possible. The Poligras turfs developed for Tokyo 2020 were created using bio-based materials (60% sugar cane), and were manufactured to strict ISO 14001 environmental management and ISO 9001 management standards. Also, the overall system used at the Tokyo Olympic venue required a third less water than the Rio 2016 venue. The partnership will focus on innovations that deliver CO2 reduction, bio-based green technology, dry elite level turf and end-of-life recycling as well as turf longevity through good maintenance practices. Prosperity FIH’s final sustainability goal is about ensuring hockey continues to grow and prosper. With 46 years working with hockey, the Polytan team is fully behind this goal. As the sole supplier of hockey turf for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and the FIH Hockey World Cups (2022/2023), Polytan will deliver the finest turfs, ensuring that players perform to their best and that hockey looks bright and vibrant. Additionally, Polytan and FIH have successfully created a new category for hockey turf - Temporary Overlay Pitches (TOP) - which provides a cost-effective means of hosting top-level hockey in existing sports stadia and other venues. These Big Stadium hockey events have been successfully delivered for both the FIH Hockey Pro League and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifiers allowing hockey to break free from the limitations of existing venues to attract record crowds. As hockey fans return to big events, the TOP systems will bring the sport to new locations and audiences, creating thrilling experiences for the players and further growing the game. Thierry Weil, CEO, FIH: “We are delighted that our trusted partner Polytan, which continues to innovate and invest in hockey, has extended its partnership with FIH. Over the years Polytan has repeatedly delivered world-class facilities for the Olympics and Hockey World Cups. They are leaders in sustainable sports surfaces and construction, so we are very happy to have their support in hockey’s sustainable future, in particular for producing water-free elite pitches in the years to come.” Frank Dittrich, CEO, Sport Group: “Sustainability is key in the development of all our products. Sport Group, with our investment in green technology, is transforming the future of sports surfaces. Our long-term partnership with the FIH allows us to invest in hockey turf innovations that will help the game be a leader in sustainable sport.” Stephen Niven, CEO Polytan Asia Pacific: “Our relationship with hockey began in 1976 with the first turf at the Montreal Olympics. Since then, Sport Group, through Polytan and AstroTurf, has remained committed to the global game. It is a pleasure to be part of the sport; hockey is exciting, welcoming and is equally amazing for men and women, girls and boys. Shifting our partnership focus to sustainability will further progress the sport and our Poligras hockey turfs will continue to be the leader in player and environmental performance.”

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT MUSCAT, OMAN (October 18, 2021):-Scotland overcame Bangladeshi tigers by just six runs in the second fixture of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 at Oman Cricket Academy ground on Sunday night. Scotland team set a target of 141 runs to win for the Bangladesh but they could only score 134 for 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Bowler Chris Greaves was awarded the "Man of the Match" title as he picked up two wickets as well as scoring 45 runs. Brad Wheal picked up the wickets of Nurul Hasan and Mahmud Ullah to leave Scotland in the ascendancy. Mark Watt got his first wicket of the match by sending Afif Hossain back to the pavilion. Mushfiqur Rahim was the top batsman for the Bangladesh squad but he could only add 38 runs to his team's score, which was not enough to meet the target set by the Scottish team. For Bangladesh, Mehdi Hassan took 3 wickets, while Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rehman took 2 wickets each.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Paris (October 18, 2021):-The 2021 edition of the Paris Grand Slam ended this Sunday 17th October with the last seven categories of the draw. This restart of competitions in Paris after the shutdown due to Covid and with it being only a few short months after the Tokyo Olympic Games, was very interesting in more ways than one. First of all, it was a magnificent celebration of the fifty-year history of this legendary tournament. Between 1971 and 2021, the heroes of French and world judo were often built in Paris, because winning in France was and still is a necessary step for a successful career. The list of victories at the world championships and the Olympic Games can go on for pages; a title during the Grand Slam in Paris marks the memories of the athletes themselves and of judo fans. For long minutes, the 8,000 spectators were able to express their joy in front of a parade of world judo legends. There was: Lucie Decosse (FRA) Yvonne Boenisch (GER) Kate Howey (GBR) Keiji Suzuki (JPN) Masahi Ebinuma (JPN) Vitaly Makarov (RUS) Céline Lebrun (FRA) Jean-Luc Rougé (FRA) Haruki Uemura (JPN) Yasuhiro Yamashita (JPN) Udo Quellmalz (GER) Cathy Fleury (FRA) Guiseppe Maddaloni (ITA) Neil Adams (GBR) Ki-Young Jeon (KOR) Angelo PARISI (FRA) Emilie ANDEOL (FRA) Madeleine MALONGA (FRA) Gévrise EMANE (FRA) Fabien CANU (FRA) Frédéric DEMONTFAUCON (FRA) France Judo, for the delight of the public, then made space for the French National Team who performed the historic feat of winning the first ever mixed team Olympic title in Tokyo during the summer: Amandine BUCHARD, Sarah-Leonie CYSIQUE, Margot PINOT, Madeleine MALONGA, Romane DICKO, Luka MHKEIDZE, Kilian LEBLOUCH, Guillaume CHAINE. Also present were the French Paralympic medallists Sandrine MARTINET and Hellios Latchoumanaia. If the audience in the French capital is always concise and passionate it is because they love and know judo and enjoy the show produced by athletes coming from all corners of the globe. They also love to celebrate their heroes and have a privileged moment with them. If some of the competitors present today competed during the weekend, like Guillaume Chaine, several others are still recovering from this summer but they all reassured the public that they will soon be back. Amandine Buchard was clear, “We will be here in February for the next Paris Grand Slam!” -81kg: Sasaki Demonstrates His Talent One could expect an explosive final between the prodigy Tato Grigalashvili (GEO) and the winner of the Guangzhou Masters in 2018, Takeshi Sasaki (JPN). The Georgian remains in the eyes of many specialists a great champion in the making, capable of attacking in all directions and with spectacular movements. For the moment, the international results of the world number one are still a little below what could be expected of him. At 21 he is still young and has several years to expand his record. Today he found someone stronger than him with Sasaki who gave Grigalashvili no chance by throwing him twice, the first time with a reverse shoulder movement and the second time with a spectacular hip technique. Grigalashvili could rub his head a bit at the end of the final wondering what happened. The reigning world champion, Matthias Casse returned to competition in Paris and undoubtedly hoped for better than a fifth place. The two Japanese in the category decided otherwise. For the bronze medal it was Sotaro Fujiwara who won against Casse. In the second match for a bronze medal, it was Bolor-Ochir Gereltuya (MGL) who won against Tizie Gnamien (FRA) after being led by a waza-ari, but then scoring a clear ippon. Medals, flowers and cheques were presented by Mr Mustapha Berraf IOC Member and President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa and Mr David Inquel, Vice President of France Judo Final GRIGALASHVILI Tato (GEO) vs SASAKI Takeshi (JPN) Bronze Medal Contests GNAMIEN Tizie (FRA) vs GERELTUYA Bolor-Ochir (MGL) CASSE Matthias (BEL) vs FUJIWARA Sotaro (JPN) Final Results 1. SASAKI Takeshi (JPN) 2. GRIGALASHVILI Tato (GEO) 3. GERELTUYA Bolor-Ochir (MGL) 3. FUJIWARA Sotaro (JPN) 5. GNAMIEN Tizie (FRA) 5. CASSE Matthias (BEL) 7. GRAMKOW Tim (GER) 7. HEIJMAN Jim (NED) -70kg: Japan Strikes Again For Barbara Matic this Paris Grand Slam was an interesting and above all important test. World champion in Budapest in June, the Croatian skipped the Zagreb Grand Prix, in her own country, in order to better prepare for the meeting in Paris. Dressed for the first time on the international circuit in her beautiful red bib, she approached the competition with seriousness and concentration, to reach the final against the Japanese Saki Niizoe. Barbara Matic said, “I was feeling great but in the final something weird happened. We went into ne-waza, she strangled me and I started to feel dizzy. It is ok now, though, she was stronger today.” After a rather balanced start to the final, even if Matic showed some small signs of imbalance, it was finally on the ground, once again that Niioze found the solution by pinning Matic already locked in by a potential shime-waza from the Japanese judoka. And that makes six gold medals for Japan already! After a long golden score and a close match, Yoko Ono won a bronze medal. At the same time, Hilde Jager, fifth in Zagreb a few weeks ago, concluded her weekend with a bronze medal after having defeated Ellen Santana (BRA). Medals, flowers and cheques were presented by Mr Jean Luc Rougé, General Secretary of the International Judo Federation and Mr Anthony Le Daniel, Vice President of France Judo Final MATIC Barbara (CRO) vs NIIZOE Saki (JPN) Bronze Medal Contests JAGER Hilde (NED) vs SANTANA Ellen (BRA) ONO Yoko (JPN) vs PETERSEN POLLARD Kelly (GBR) Final Results 1. NIIZOE Saki (JPN) 2. MATIC Barbara (CRO) 3. JAGER Hilde (NED) 3. ONO Yoko (JPN) 5. SANTANA Ellen (BRA) 5. PETERSEN POLLARD Kelly (GBR) 7. YEATS-BROWN Katie-Jemima (GBR) 7. TSERENDULAM Enkhchimeg (MGL) -90kg: Nagasawa too Strong for the Others Khusen Khalmurzaev (RUS) does not have the same prize list as his illustrious twin brother Khasan, who was Olympic champion in Rio in 2016, but still the Russian is a regular on the international circuit. This time he reached the final against the Japanese Kenta Nagasawa, who once again won the gold medal. With already seven gold medals under the Japanese flag, Keiji Suzuki, who recently replaced Kosei Inoue as the head coach for men, can be satisfied. The mother country of judo is already preparing the new Olympic cycle and even if they did not come to Paris with their number ones, they are proving to be on top. Vitaly Makarov, Khalmurzaev's coach said: “We knew the Japanese opponent would wait and counter-attack and that happened. Khalmurzaev started his attack; it was a good one but Nagasawa stopped it well and managed to return the situation.” The two bronze medals went to Luka Maisuradze (GEO) and Anri Egutidze (POR). Medals, flowers and cheques were presented by Mr Andrey Kryukov, General Secretary of the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan and Ms Ericka Merion, Board Member of France Judo Final KHALMURZAEV Khusen (RUS) vs NAGASAWA Kenta (JPN) Bronze Medal Contests MURAO Sanshiro (JPN) vs EGUTIDZE Anri (POR) MAISURADZE Luka (GEO) vs MATHIEU Alexis (FRA) Final Results 1. NAGASAWA Kenta (JPN) 2. KHALMURZAEV Khusen (RUS) 3. EGUTIDZE Anri (POR) 3. MAISURADZE Luka

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Dubai (October 18, 2021):-Scotland sent shockwaves through the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a six-run win over Bangladesh and captain Kyle Coetzer explained that this is a result that has been a long time in the making. Scotland sent shockwaves through the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a six-run win over Bangladesh and captain Kyle Coetzer explained that this is a result that has been a long time in the making. The Scots booked their place at the tournament back in 2019 but have spent much of the Covid-19 pandemic having to readjust their plans as tours and matches have been postponed. That has left plenty of time for planning and despite some early struggles in Oman, it all came together as Chris Greaves inspired the team to victory that puts Scotland in a strong position in Group B. And for Coetzer, who was part of the Scotland team that beat Bangladesh back in 2012, it was also important to remember just how many sacrifices the team has had to make simply to get here. He said: “It's a huge win for us, it’s something we’ve been planning for a long time. It’s been a long two years since the qualifying tournament.  “Until a month ago we had played two games of cricket as a group so there was a lot of planning behind the scenes, a lot of guys working hard and it sometimes seemed you were working for nothing because our tours kept getting cancelled. So that was really hard for us to manage.  “But now we’re reaping the rewards of keeping the faith that this tournament would come around and we would be a better team for it when we arrive out here.  “There have been a lot of sacrifices for many players, associate cricket is very hard and to get the opportunity we do when we get out here, it’s important to take it because otherwise if you get brushed aside people don’t appreciate how hard associate cricket is. We’ve made some good strides and I’m really proud.” Batting first, Scotland found themselves in trouble as Mahedi Hasan (3/19) and Shakib Al Hasan (2/17) made inroads and reduced their opponents to 53 for six. However, Greaves hit 45 off 28 deliveries to carry the team to 140 for nine, before taking two wickets as the chase fell short with Coetzer impressed by the belief of his side, who he knows are capable of more. He added: “It’s a special feeling to beat Bangladesh. It’s not the first time we’ve beaten them but we know the strength in depth in their squad.  “I think they gave us a lesson at the start of the innings with the skill that they put on show. It took a real fighting effort today. I was saying to our guys that we’re never out of the game and always believe. We’ll be looking for a more wholesome performance next time.” Next up for Scotland is a clash with Papua New Guinea, who were well beaten by Oman in their opening game. Bangladesh, meanwhile, take on the hosts in desperate need of a win, and for skipper Mahmudullah, it was their batting that faltered in this encounter, with Mushfiqur Rahim’s dismissal for 38 proving the crucial moment in the match. He said: “I think Mushy’s (Mushfiqur) wicket was the turning point because Mushy was looking good today. Probably a set batter has to stay but I think as a batting unit, we are disappointed so it’s a concern. We need to see where we made those mistakes and try not to repeat those mistakes in the next game. “I think the bowlers were on the right track, we picked up six wickets before they had scored 60 runs but after that, they had a good partnership. I have to give credit to those batters who built the partnership for Scotland, they played better cricket than us. We were just not good enough tonight. “We’re really disappointed. On that wicket and that ground, I think 140 was very much gettable. As a batting unit, we made a lot more mistakes than the right things. So we need to see the areas where we could have done better and we need to pull our socks up and try to win the next game.”

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (October 18, 2021):-A new era for Olympic education has started this Sunday: the International Olympic Academy (IOA) in ancient Olympia has been officially reopened after a two-year renovation. The revamped facilities of the interdisciplinary centre for Olympic education and studies were inaugurated during a ceremony attended by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach and the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou. The modernisation work was made possible by a EUR 12.5 million investment from the IOC. “Here at the renovated International Olympic Academy next to the birthplace of the Olympic Games in ancient Olympia, the Olympic values will be brought to a new generation of young people who are athletes, students, teachers or people active in sport,” said the IOC President. Spyros Capralos , IOC Member and President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC), added: “The 60th birthday of the International Olympic Academy is marked by the completion of the renovation works carried out over the last one-and-a-half years, with the valuable financial support of the International Olympic Committee. Without this support, it would have been impossible to carry out a restoration project of this scale.  I would like to express my sincere thanks to IOC President Thomas Bach, as well as to all the teams involved in the renovation project, for this great result. The International Olympic Academy, with its new, renewed profile, will continue its educational work unhindered, aimed at spreading Olympism.” “The official opening of the renovated premises is now a reality, fulfilling a longstanding vision,” said IOA President Isidoros Kouvelos. “The IOA’s reform opens a new chapter. I feel very grateful that, from the very first moment, the IOC President, Thomas Bach, trusted this vision and expressed his willingness to walk with us and, in close alignment, make an important contribution to the Olympic Movement; to pave the way in order to strengthen the IOA’s role at the service of humanity.” The renovation The decision to undertake the renovation of the IOA premises was taken by the HOC, as the owner of the site, with the approval of the tripartite agreement between the HOC, the IOA and the IOC, in order to modernise the facilities of the international centre for Olympic education and open up new possibilities for the IOA to host groups from within and beyond the Olympic Movement. The project began in March 2020 following the lighting ceremony of the Olympic flame for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 at ancient Olympia, with work including the total renovation of the accommodation facilities, conference rooms, dining hall and kitchen, library, and sports facilities. The installation of cutting-edge technology and networks, an upgrade of the external lighting, water filtering and sewerage system, plus improved accessibility for wheelchairs were also significant aspects of the modernisation. Revamp of the educational programmes and services offering To coincide with the re-opening, the IOA has also launched a new strategic plan, which is accompanied by organisational developments and plans to further build on its 60 years of experience and enlarge its offering for the broader Olympic Movement, as well as widening its reach by offering online programmes. The International Olympic Academy Located in ancient Olympia, next to the archaeological site, and supported by the IOC and the HOC, the International Olympic Academy is devoted to delivering unique Olympic educational programmes and experiences. The IOA was established in 1961 with the mission to preserve and spread the principles of the Olympic spirit; to study and implement the educational and social principles of Olympism; and to consolidate the scientific basis of the Olympic ideal. The IOA welcomes young people, college students, educators and Olympic athletes, as well as administrators and institutions that wish to understand, connect, study and learn about Olympism and its philosophy in a meaningful way. Collaboration between the IOA and the IOC The reopening of the IOA also marks the beginning of strengthened collaboration between the IOA and the IOC, namely the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage (OFCH) and its Olympic Studies Centre (OSC), with the common objective of strengthening Olympic education and studies.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Brussels (October 18, 2021):-Belgium's women's and men's teams made it a weekend to remember for their home supporters, with both teams claiming second FIH Hockey Pro League victories over Germany in two pulsating matches on Sunday in Brussels. It was the women's teams who were in action first, with Belgium's Red Panthers claiming their second win in two days over Die Danas. Stephanie Vanden Borre earned her second Player of the Match award of the weekend thanks to a superb penalty corner double that sent Belgium on their way to victory, finding the bottom left corner with two near identical strikes in the 10th and 21st minutes respectively. The home favourites were guilty of wastefulness in front of goal and could easily have been out of sight had they taken their numerous chances, with Germany pulling themselves back into the contest thanks to a goal on debut from Stine Kurz, who found the back of the Belgian net with a penalty corner drag-flick five minutes before the end of the third quarter. Germany went for broke in the final minutes of the match, replacing their goalkeeper with an outfield player in a bid to find an equaliser. However, it was Belgium who benefitted the always risky tactic, with France De Mot showing fine skills to evade numerous German tackles before flicking into an unguarded goal from a narrow angle to delight the home fans. "It is not every year you get six points against Germany, so we are very happy", said Vanden Borre in the post-match interview for broadcast. "[Wednesday's defeat against the Netherlands] was a game that we learned a lot from, and today we proved that we can do it against a really good team so we are happy with our six points." Belgium's men came into Sunday's match on the back of a 6-1 victory over Germany, a score-line that perhaps did not reflect the true nature of an excellent contest. The second game was another thriller, with Germany striking early thanks to Niklas Wellen's superb close range penalty corner deflection before Belgium turned the match on its head with three goals in just four minutes either side of the quarter-time break. Sebastien Dockier scored two wonderful team goals, with Tanguy Cosyns also on target as the reigning Olympic, World and FIH Hockey Pro League champions showed exactly why they are currently the best men's team on the planet. Lucas Windfeder's penalty corner drag-flick ahead of half-time kept Germany within touching distance, although Thibeau Stockbroekx put the Belgians into a 4-2 lead after fine work from the exceptional Victor Wegnez. Again Die Honamas hit back, with Malte Hellwig netting at the end of the third quarter to set up a thrilling final 15 minutes. Eventually though, it was the home favourites who prevailed, with Nicolas de Kerpel completing a 5-3 score-line from close range after another wonderful exchange of passes from the Tokyo 2020 gold medallists. "If you look at the game yesterday, it was 6-1 of course, but our goalie had an amazing game and it could have been 6-4 or 6-5", said Belgium midfielder Victor Wegnez, who created two goals in the second game to be named Player of the Match. "Today I think they were more efficient in front of goal. We struggled a little bit to enter the game, but then we started to put our game in place and deserved the win." Outgoing Germany head coach Kais Al Saadi, taking charge of the team for the very last time, said: "It was much better than yesterday. We were much more competitive. The boys tried everything they could to get a good result against the Olympic champions. I'm very proud of the team and the two years, what we have accomplished together. It was always good fun, and I'm very disappointed to not see them in the future, but they have a bright one, so [I have] no worries about it." The FIH Hockey Pro League Season 3 action resumes on Wednesday 10 November with the Netherlands women taking on Belgium in Amsterdam for the second time, with the Dutch running out 2-0 winners in the first encounter on Wednesday 13 October. To see the complete FIH Hockey Pro League match schedule, please click here. Keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the Watch.Hockey app, event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. FIH Hockey Pro League Sunday 17 October 2021 – Brussels (BEL) Women Belgium 3, Germany 1 [Match 2 of 2] Player of the Match: Stephanie Vanden Borre (BEL) Umpires: Hannah Harrison (ENG), Alison Keogh (IRL) and Jonas van 't Hek (NED – Video) Men Belgium 5, Germany 3 [Match 2 of 2] Player of the Match: Victor Wegnez (BEL) Umpires: Jonas van 't Hek (NED), Dan Barstow (ENG) and Alison Keogh (IRL – Video)