SPORTS REPORT Lahore (August 4, 2021):-Umar Akmal has been allowed to resume club cricket activities as part of his rehabilitation process, which commenced last month. In the processes completed to date, Umar has shown remorse, attended an anti-corruption lecture and participated in a Q&A session conducted by the Security and Anti-Corruption Department. His rehabilitation programme is expected to conclude next month, following which he will become eligible to participate in the Pakistan domestic cricket season 2021-22.    

SPORTS NEWS Tokyo (August 3, 2021):-The men’s Hockey gold medal match at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will be contested between the two highest ranked teams in the world, with Australia set to face Belgium in a dream title match here at the magnificent Oi Hockey Stadium.  Goals from Tim Brand, Blake Govers and a late tap-in from Lachlan Sharp put the mighty Kookaburras into their first Olympic final since Athens 2004, when Jamie Dwyer famously scored a dramatic golden goal to win Australia’s only Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey, something they will be determined to change here in Tokyo. Australia’s opponents in the gold medal match – which takes place on Thursday 5 August at 19:00 Japan Standard Time (UTC/GMT+9) – will be reigning World and FIH Hockey Pro League champions Belgium, who defeated eight times Olympic gold medallists India 5-2 in a thrilling semi-final contest watched by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Dr Thomas Bach. Red Lions defender Alexander Hendrickx scored his third hat-trick of the competition, taking his remarkable tournament tally to 14 in seven matches, just three goals short of the record 17 scored by Netherlands legend Ties Kruize at the Munich 1972 Games. The bronze medal match between Germany and India will be played on Thursday 5 August at 10:30 JST. Germany will be aiming to match the third place finish they achieved at Rio 2016, with India looking for a first Olympic medal since Moscow 1980. Many thought that it would be difficult for this evening’s semi-final to live up to the brilliance of the morning’s incredible encounter between Belgium and India. However, the clash between Australia and Germany was another sensational contest between two teams playing at the very top of their games. Australia took the lead when Tim Brand showed lightning-quick reactions to volley Flynn Ogilvie’s right-field pass into the Germany net just seven minutes into the contest. Germany pulled level three minutes later, with Lukas Windfeder sending a low penalty corner drag-flick against the backboard for his sixth goal of the tournament. The two teams went hard at each other throughout the second period, but it was Australia who put their noses in front again when Blake Govers netted his seventh goal at Tokyo 2020 with a typically fierce penalty corner drag-flick. The Australian defence – marshalled by goalkeeper Andrew Charter and central defender Matt Dawson – were outstanding in the third and fourth periods, repelling numerous attacks as Germany threw everything they had at their opponents. The result was eventually sealed in 59th minute when Tom Wickham broke through Germany’s last line of defence and supplied Lachlan Sharp, who tapped into an empty net after Die Honamas had replaced goalkeeper Alexander Stadler with an outfield player in a last-ditch attempt to turn the situation around. “It was great to get the result … what a great occasion and a great moment”, said Australia captain Aran Zalewski, who made his 200th international appearance this evening, before commenting on when his team will start focussing on the gold medal match. “I think we’ll enjoy tonight’s win. We’ve still got 48 hours I think before the game. We’ll stay the course, do what we usually do – recover, de-brief tonight’s game and move on sometime tomorrow and start looking at Belgium really closely.” Looking ahead to the Belgium match, Kookaburras head coach Colin Batch said: “The hockey fans are in for a real treat, aren’t they. The last time we met each other in a final was in the Pro League in 2019. This will be very different. Both teams have fought their way through some difficult matches to get to the final, and it is not easy these days as there are a lot of good teams around. They [Belgium] would have been pleased with their win this morning against India, so I think it will be a great game and two very good teams.”  Reflecting on his team’s defeat, Germany’s Mats Grambusch said: “We have to recognize that we are not dangerous enough in the opponent's circle compared to Belgium and Australia. Australia has this quality of scoring goals with few chances. We are simply not making enough of the many opportunities and corners. In the end, what counts is what is on the scoreboard - it is of no use to you if you were superior. But we will also get out of this situation and get bronze on Thursday! " Wednesday 4 August is women’s semi-finals day, which begins with a re-match of the gold medal game from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Reigning World, European and FIH Hockey Pro League champions the Netherlands will be heavy favourites against title holders Great Britain but, as we have already seen here in Tokyo, nothing can be predicted.  The two sides go head-to-head at 10:30 JST, with the second semi-final – between Argentina and surprise package India – being scheduled for 19:00. Las Leonas are aiming to reach the Olympic final for a third time, having claimed silver at both the Sydney 2000 and London 2012 Olympic Games. India’s sensational 1-0 quarter-final triumph over Pool B winners Australia provides enough evidence that they should not be underestimated.  Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – Hockey competitions 3 August 2021 – Day 11 Results - Men’s semi-finals India 2-5 Belgium Australia 3-1 Germany Upcoming fixtures All times Japan Standard Time (UTC/GMT+9) Women’s semi-finals – 4 August 2021 10:30 – Netherlands v Great Britain 19:00 – Argentina v India Men’s medal matches – 5 August 2021 10:30 – Bronze – Germany v India 19:00 – Gold – Australia v Belgium Women’s medal matches – 6 August 2021 10:30 – Bronze 19:00 – Gold

SPORTS REPORT Lahore (August 3, 2021):-Dr Najeebullah Soomro, who has made a name in Australia sport with his research, practice and contribution, has been appointed as the Pakistan Cricket Board’s Chief Medical Officer following a robust recruitment process. The position had become vacant following the resignation of Dr Sohail Saleem. Dr Najeebullah is an MBBS from Karachi’s Dow University of Health and Sciences and a PhD from Discipline of Exercise and Sports Science, The University of Sydney (Thesis: Cricket Injury Prevention). This was completed in collaboration with Cricket Australia in creating the world’s first Cricket Injury Prevention Programme (CIPP) and injury surveillance mobile app (TeamDoc) for community cricket. Dr Najeebullah is also a dual trained Injury Epidemiologist & Sports Scientist, having completed Master of Public Health from The University of Sydney, majoring in Epidemiology and Injury Prevention. Dr Najeebullah’s consultancy in Sports Science and Medicine spans national and international organisations, such as Cricket Australia, Cricket New South Wales, Cricket Victoria, Pakistan Cricket Board, IronMan Western Australia, FIFA, Rugby League, Netball and Australian Football League. In 2018, Dr Najeebullah published the world largest cricket injury study, which included data from more than 12,500 cricketers around the world, making him one of the top cited cricket researchers in the world. He is presently leading Sports Medicine and Science at the South Fremantle Football Club, which is a champion Western Australian AFL team. Dr Najeebullah, will relocate from Perth to assume his responsibilities at the National High Performance Centre in October.

SPORTS NEWS Tokyo (August 3, 2021):-For the very first time in history, Sport Climbing athletes today participated in an Olympic Games, as the sport made its long-anticipated debut at Tokyo 2020. A total of 20 climbers took to the Olympic walls within Tokyo’s Aomi Urban Sports Park, competing in the Men’s Combined qualification event for a spot in Thursday’s final. First on the agenda was Speed, where France’s Bassa Mawem triumphed and took the men’s Speed Olympic Record with a time of 5.45 seconds – just 0.25 seconds shy of the current World Record. Joining the sub-six-second scores were Mawem’s younger brother, Mickael, with 5.95 seconds, and Japan’s Tomoa Narasaki, who chose not to climb a second time after stopping the clock at 5.94 in his first run. After placing third in the Speed round, Mickael Mawem put on another stellar performance in Boulder by achieving three tops and four zones. Securing first place, the French athlete positioned himself firmly at the top of the Combined table with a score of three, followed closely by Narasaki with four points. The pair were the only two athletes to find a solution to the second of four blocs, which mixed together a concoction of balance and strength. The Czech Republic’s Adam Ondra closed the Boulder round in third place with two tops and three zones. When asked his thoughts on Sport Climbing’s debut at the Olympic Games, Ondra said: “It's a big step for Sport Climbing. In the world of the competition, it's been a big dream for years, and climbing deserves to be here as a sport. Unfortunately there's only one set of medals, but it will be a good stepping stone for the future where hopefully it will be all three single disciplines." The Men’s Combined qualification round concluded with Lead, with Austria’s Jakob Schubert taking the top spot with a score of 42+, matched by Colin Duffy of the USA. Spain’s Alberto Ginés López reached 41+, therefore closing the Lead round as the only other athlete to climb above hold 40. When asked about the conditions during the competition – over 30°C and 80% humidity – Duffy said: "It was definitely in the back of my head, the fact that I'm not really used to finding this much humidity. Lead is a really unforgiving discipline, one slip or just one small mistake and you’re off. But I was able to just kind of put it in the back of my head and get in my zone and just do what I do best, which is just climb." Despite placing 11th in Lead, Mickael Mawem bagged himself an unbeatable birthday present: the top position in the Combined ranking and thus, a spot in the final. His brother Bassa faced an unfortunate bicep injury during the Lead round, falling at hold seven. However, thanks to his first place in Speed, Mawem achieved a place in the final alongside his younger sibling. An update on his condition will be given in the morning once he has been assessed by his medical team. Following today’s qualification, the following eight Olympians will head into the Men’s Combined Final this Thursday: 1. Mickael Mawem (FRA) 2. Tomoa Narasaki (JPN) 3. Colin Duffy (USA) 4. Jakob Schubert (AUT) 5. Adam Ondra (CZE) 6. Alberto Ginés López (ESP) 7. Bassa Mawem (FRA) 8. Nathaniel Coleman (USA) When asked about participating in his first Olympic Games – the very first in which Sport Climbing has been featured on the programme – Ginés López said: "Everything is amazing. Every day is amazing. I'm so excited to be here, to compete in a few days." Next up on Sport Climbing’s Olympic schedule is the women’s Combined qualification, which will take place tomorrow, 4 August, from 5:00 PM (UTC+9:00). The men’s Combined final is scheduled for 5 August, with the women’s Combined final taking place on 6 August.

SB REPORT Tokyo (August 2, 2021):-India women produced the performance of their lives to claim a stunning quarter-final victory over Pool B winners Australia, with the team that finished fourth in Pool A to be guarenteed a first top four finish at an Olympic Games since Moscow 1980. Gurjit Kaur scored the only goal of the game as India, who finished 12th in the standings at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, ensured their ambition of medalling in Tokyo was kept alive and kicking.  India’s opponents in the semi-finals will be Argentina, who defeated the much-fancied Germany in the day’s first quarter-final. Goals for Agustina Albertarrio, Victoria Granatto and rising star Valentina Raposo earned Las Leonas a comprehensive 3-0 victory over the much-fancied Germany, eliminating the team that finished second in Pool A to march into the semi-finals. It is the fifth time that Argentina’s women have reached the final four of the Olympic Games, having medalled on each of the four previous occasions (silver – Sydney 2000, London 2012; bronze – Athens 2004, Beijing 2008). The two remaining women’s quarter-finals – the Netherlands versus New Zealand and Spain versus Great Britain – will take place this evening. The women’s semi-finals will take place on Wednesday 4th August. Quarter-finals Germany 0-3 Argentina Argentina were worthy winners of their quarter-final against Germany, with the team that finished 3rd in Pool B claiming their place in the semi-finals by defeating the 2nd ranked team from Pool A. Las Leonas produced arguably their best performance of the competition to overpower Die Danas, a team many saw as potential medallists here in Tokyo thanks to a European silver medal and four wins out of five in their pool. The giants of Pan American hockey were largely dominant in the first two quarters but excellent defending from Germany kept them at bay until the final three minutes of the second period, with Agustina Albertarrio’s close range tip-in and Victoria Granatto’s angled penalty corner deflection establishing a 2-0 lead. Germany gave everything they had to get back into the contest but goal-scoring chances came and went before Argentina put the result beyond all doubt with eight minutes of the match remaining. The goal came from the stick of 18-year-old defender Valentina Raposo – one of the breakout stars of Tokyo 2020 – who smashed a blistering penalty corner strike against the Germany backboard. "I can't believe it”, said Argentina’s Victoria Granatto, referring to scoring in an Olympic quarter-final. “Every player who scores it's a great moment for us and today was for me. But I think we did a very, very good game and all the team needs to be happy for this because we fight till the end." Germany’s Franzisca Hauke, who announced her international retirement, said: “We are so disappointed. We had the goal to win a medal in Tokyo and it didn't work out.  We haven't been at our best today and that's what makes us really sad because we could do better. And if you do your best game and you lose, it's not that disappointing like it is now.” Australia 0-1 India India’s women are now certain to at least match their highest ever finish at an Olympic Games after recording the biggest shock of the competition to beat the Hockeyroos of Australia. A fourth-place finish at Moscow 1980 was India’s previous best, although they have good reason to set their sights even higher this time around. India, who lost their first three matches of the competition and finished fourth in Pool A, matched runaway Pool B winners Australia throughout the first two quarters, and came closest to breaking the deadlock when Rani’s angled deflection rattled the right post as lively Indian attackers caused real problems for the Hockeyroos’ defence. Australia certainly had their chances, with India goalkeeper Savita being tested numerous times before the Asians snatched a shock lead when Gurjit Kaur’s penalty corner drag-flick somehow found its way into the bottom right corner. The Hockeyroos threw everything they had at India in the latter stages, winning numerous penalty corner opportunities. However, India – with goalkeeper Savita in truly inspired form – stopped the three times Olympic gold medallists from getting the goal they so desperately needed, with India’s women matching the achievement of their men’s team by reaching the final four for the first time in over 40 years. “I don't know what to say because emotions are too high at the moment, and we all are very happy because it was not an easy game to win from Australia", said elated India captain Rani. "But I'm super proud of my team; each one of them really worked so hard throughout the game. And we just said one thing to each other, 'Just believe in ourselves, we can do this well.'” Hockeyroos captain Edwina Bone said: "There's all sorts of emotions that are going on. Disappointment, but I'm still really proud of the way that we played today.  We came in with lots of momentum, we created lots of opportunities and unfortunately that's how sport goes sometimes. It can be cruel and today just wasn't our day unfortunately." The evening matches begin at 18:30 as reigning World, European and FIH Hockey Pro League champions the Netherlands (1st Pool A) face Oceania continental champions New Zealand (4th Pool B) before Spain (2nd Pool B) and Great Britain (3rd Pool A) go head-to-head at 21:00. Day 10 (Evening): The semi-final line-up for the women’s Hockey competition of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 has been revealed, with the Netherlands and Great Britain joining Argentina and surprise package India in the final four. The Netherlands – the reigning World, European and FIH Hockey Pro League champions – powered to their sixth win on the bounce in Tokyo with a 3-0 quarter-final victory over New Zealand, with Lidewij Welten, Frederique Matla and Lauren Stam on target as the Oranje confirmed a seventh successive appearance in the medal matches. The Dutch will face Rio 2016 gold medallists Great Britain in the semi-final, with GB sealing their place with a drama-filled shoot-out victory against Spain. As she did against the Netherlands in that famous final in Rio de Janeiro five years ago, goalkeeper Maddie Hinch produced a sensational goalkeeping performance to save all of Spain’s shoot-out attempts as GB won 2-0.   Earlier in the day, India women produced the performance of their lives to claim a stunning quarter-final victory over Pool B winners Australia, with the team that finished fourth in Pool A now guaranteed their first top four finish at an Olympic Games since Moscow 1980. Gurjit Kaur scored the only goal of the game as India, who finished 12th in the standings at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, ensured their ambition of medalling in Tokyo was kept alive and kicking.  India’s semi-final opponents will be Argentina, who defeated the much-fancied Germany in the day’s first quarter-final. Goals for Agustina Albertarrio, Victoria Granatto and rising star Valentina Raposo earned Las Leonas a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Die Danas, eliminating the team that finished second in Pool A to march into the semi-finals. Across both the men’s and women’s Hockey competitions, teams from seven different nations representing four continents have qualified for the semi-finals here at Tokyo 2020 - India (2), Great Britain, Netherlands, Argentina, Australia, Germany and Belgium. Netherlands 3-0 New Zealand Having won all five of their matches in Pool B, the Netherlands started their quarter-final clash with New Zealand in assured fashion, dominating the Black Sticks and scoring goals in each of the first two quarters to firmly take control. Lidewij Welten got the ball rolling in the seventh minute when she tapped home after fine work down the right from Laurien Leurink, who worked her way along the backline before sending the perfect pass into the path of her onrushing team-mate.   That lead was extended in the second quarter by Frederique Matla’s perfectly placed penalty stroke, which was awarded after Caia van Maasakker’s penalty corner drag-flick hit the body of a New Zealand defender on the goal-line. The third and final goal for the Netherlands came from the stick of Lauren Stam, sending a penalty corner drag-flick into the goal via the left glove of New Zealand goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon.  “I’m very happy that we won with the team and got to the semi-finals”, said Netherlands goal-scorer Lauren Stam, who is competing in her first Olympic Games, after the contest. “Of course, it is really nice to score an Olympic goal as well. I have ‘goosebumps’, as you say in English.  I’m excited about everything [here in Tokyo], about the [Athlete’s] Village, the Olympics; I’m very honoured to play here.” Commenting on the emotions of losing their quarter-final match, New Zealand captain Stacey Michelsen said: "Pretty heart-breaking. We were a little bit disappointed with the way that we came through the pools, and we obviously set ourselves up for a very difficult quarter-final against the world No.1. But we were excited for the game, we put everything out there and we certainly worked hard as a team, but unfortunately it just wasn't enough against a better side today.” Spain 2-2 Great Britain (0-2 After Shoot-Out) The quarter-final between Spain and Great Britain was fiercely contested from start to finish, with the Red Sticks proving equals to the reigning champions – 3-1 winners against Spain at the same stage at the Rio 2016 Games – throughout this thrilling, high-octane contest. The two teams went hard from the very first whistle, showing incredible bravery in the battle to keep their Olympic title hopes on track. It was Great Britain who edged ahead early in the second quarter when Hannah Martin’s quick hands allowed her to move past three Spanish defenders before firing a diving slap-shot between the legs of Spain goalkeeper Maria Ruiz. Martin’s wonderful solo goal was cancelled out three minutes later by a perfectly executed Spanish penalty corner routine, with Belen Iglesias sending an angled deflection inside the left post. Great Britain retook the lead in the third quarter when Grace Balsdon launched a penalty corner drag-flick into the top right corner of the Spanish goal. Spain hit back yet again, with Berta Bonastre showing superb skills to control a high ball before lifting it over the head of the helpless Maddie Hinch to force a shoot-out. GB’s shot-stopper Hinch was exceptional in the shoot-out, stopping all four Spain’s attempts on goal, with Hannah Martin and Sarah Jones scoring what proved to be decisive goals as the title holders booked their ticket to the semi-finals. Tuesday 3rd August is men’s semi-final day at the Oi Hockey Stadium, with the four highest ranked teams in the world all fighting it out for the chance to reach the gold medal match. At 10:30 (JST), India men will look to move one step closer to a ninth Olympic title when they take on reigning World and FIH Hockey Pro League champions Belgium. The evening match will be played at 19:00 and will see 2004 Olympic gold medallists taking on four times winners Germany. The two teams met in the semi-final stage of the London 2012 Olympic Games, with the Kookaburras looking to avenge the 4-2 defeat suffered at the hands of eventual champions Germany.

SPORTS NEWS Saint Lucia (August 2, 2021):-The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Saint Lucia franchise are to change their name from the Zouks to the Kings. The team is owned by K.P.H. Dream Cricket Private Limited who also runs the Punjab Kings franchise at the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Saint Lucia Kings will share branding and other assets with their colleagues at the IPL as the ownership team moves to further cement ties between the two brands. This synergy will help build on the successes the team has had since the new owners arrived after they finished as runners-up at last year’s Hero CPL tournament. The Kings will play their first match of this season against the Jamaica Tallawahs on Friday 27 August. The Kings side will be coached by Andy Flower and will have the likes of Faf du Plessis, Andre Fletcher, Rakheem Cornwall and Wahab Riaz in their ranks. Commenting on the new brand identity Darren Sammy, Assistant Coach and Mentor, Saint Lucia Kings, said: “I love the logo and I love the new name. It’s a pleasure to be associated with the Kings Franchise and I truly hope that the name can inspire our players to play like the true Kings that we are!” ABOUT THE HERO CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE: First started in 2013, the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere. There was a combined broadcast and digital viewership of over 500 million during the 2020 season to make it one of the most watched leagues in world cricket. Trinbago Knight Riders are the current Hero CPL champions, and the other competing teams are Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Saint Lucia Kings and Jamaica Tallawahs. The 2021 tournament will take place in St Kitts & Nevis from 26 August to 15 September.

SPORTS DESK Islamabad (August 2, 2021):-FIFA has launched ReachOut, a campaign designed to raise awareness of the symptoms of mental health conditions, encourage people to seek help when they need it, and take actions every day for better mental health. With the support of past and current football players, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), FIFA is underlining the importance of greater awareness around mental health. In launching #ReachOut, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, said: “This campaign is very important in raising awareness about mental health conditions and encouraging a conversation which could save a life. In FIFA’s Vision 2020-2023, we pledge our commitment to make football work for society, and I thank the players and Ms Enke, who have contributed to this important initiative. “Depression and anxiety affect rising numbers of people worldwide, and young people are among the most vulnerable. Having a conversation with family, friends or a healthcare professional can be key. FIFA is proud to launch this campaign, supported by the World Health Organization and ASEAN to encourage people to #ReachOut.” The campaign hears from FIFA Legends Aline, Vero Boquete, Cafu, Laura Georges, Luis García, Shabani Nonda, Patrizia Panico, Fara Williams and Walter Zenga. FIFA.com also speaks with former Bolton Wanderers and Team GB forward, Marvin Sordell, and Sonny Pike, who was labelled the ‘next big thing’ at 14, about their experiences with depression. Teresa Enke also discusses the pain of losing a loved one to suicide, and her work with the Robert Enke Foundation. Depression affects more than 260 million people in the world while around half of all mental health conditions start by age 14. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in young people aged 15-29. Among active football players, 23 per cent report sleep disturbance, while 9% have reported depression and a further 7% suffer from anxiety. Among retired players, these figures increase, with 28% struggling to sleep and depression and anxiety affecting 13% and 11% respectively (source: FIFPRO) Working from home, unemployment, school closures and social isolation have affected people around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic; the challenges for people with mental health conditions, for whom access to treatment has, in many cases, been disrupted, are even greater. “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is as important as ever to look after our mental and physical health,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. “WHO is delighted to support the #ReachOut campaign, spearheaded by FIFA to encourage people to talk about their mental health.” The video awareness campaign features Legends, current players and special guests, who have lent their support to this mental health campaign, and at times sharing their lived experience. The campaign is being shared on FIFA digital channels, with multimedia toolkits provided to the 211 FIFA member associations and to media agencies to facilitate dissemination and use within Europe and beyond. Meanwhile, players from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam reinforce WHO advice on how to help to keep our minds healthy, as well as our bodies, in the special ASEAN edition of #ReachOut. Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi said, “Mental health and well-being are just as important as physical health and safety. Under the Chairmanship of Brunei Darussalam, ASEAN is taking steps to advance cooperation with external partners on mental health, in order to provide the ASEAN Community with the necessary and appropriate mental health and psychosocial support services.”

SPORTS NEWS Tokyo (July 31, 2021):-Olympic debutants Ireland missed out on a place in the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Hockey competition, suffering a heart-breaking defeat to reigning champions Great Britain in the final match of the women's pool phase. Following India’s dramatic 4-3 win over South Africa earlier in the day, the Green Army went into the match against the Rio 2016 gold medallists knowing that only a victory – even by the narrowest of margins - would be enough to secure a place in the knock-out stages. However, it was not to be for the Irish, whose Olympic dream ended with a 2-0 loss. The first match of the evening session saw the Netherlands confirm their status as the winners of Pool A with a 3-1 triumph over Germany, who finished second in the standings. Quarter-finals – Monday August 2, 2021: 09:30 – Germany (2nd Pool A) v Argentina (3rd Pool B) – Match 3 12:00 – Australia (1st Pool B) v India (4th Pool A) – Match 4 18:30 – Netherlands (1st Pool A) v New Zealand (4th Pool B) – Match 1 21:00 – Spain (2nd Pool B) v Great Britain (3rd Pool A) – Match 2 Semi-Finals Winner Match 1 v Winner Match 2 Winner Match 3 v Winner Match 4

SPORTS NEWS Tokyo (July 31, 2021):-Standing at the base of the Olympic climbing wall in Tokyo, President of the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) Marco Scolaris today convened a conference call with representatives of over 50 Member Federations. “Years of passion led us here,” Scolaris said, on the eve of Sport Climbing’s historic Olympic debut from 3-6 August at Tokyo 2020. Under normal circumstances, most of the people on the call would have been in Tokyo for the Games, but the COVID-19 pandemic that has kept spectators out of the venues has also forced the Sport Climbing community to largely follow the action from their homes. Scolaris addressed the many sacrifices the Olympic Movement, together with the people of Japan, have had to make just to stage the XXXII Olympiad. And while Climbing’s Olympic debut may not be taking place under ideal circumstances, “at the end of the day, our passion remains the same, and passion lives here today and is driving us,” Scolaris said. “Passion is taking us now to our walls, to our climbs.” Joining the IFSC President at the Aomi Urban Sports Park were IFSC Vice President Kobinata Toru and IFSC Secretary General Debra Gawrych. It is a proud moment for all three senior figures of the organisation, but perhaps particularly significant for Vice President Toru as he will witness the Climbing’s debut in his home country. As the meeting progressed, those joining had the opportunity to see athletes scaling the walls as part of the second unofficial training session. In addition to updating the members on activities since their last virtual gathering on 26 June, Scolaris outlined the initiatives that have been put in place by Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) to provide the best possible television coverage for viewers around the world. They include augmented reality and a Digital Fan Engagement suite that will bring reactions from friends, families, and fans to the athletes in Tokyo. “In addition to that,” Scolaris said “Sport Climbing will be the only sport at the Games to benefit from innovative Virtual 3D Graphics that will take the sport to a whole new level. To help audiences understand the challenges faced by the athletes and get insight into how they solve problems, computer-generated graphics will enrich the coverage of Sport Climbing.” He also introduced the members of the IFSC team that are on the ground bringing the competition to life and those that didn’t travel but are providing significant support for the operations remotely. The IFSC President shared some rousing final words, encouraging everyone to play their part in making the Sport Climbing event at Tokyo 2020 a success by supporting the athletes from afar. “This is the time to take a deep breath, look up, and climb… higher, stronger, and faster – together. Join us in spirit, make the athletes feel your cheer, let us share the passion. May our community, our people join together and pack the Aomi Urban Park, on the screens, in the air.

SPORTS DESK Islamabad (July 31, 2021):-The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can confirm that England Men's all-rounder Ben Stokes will take an indefinite break from all cricket with immediate effect. Stokes has withdrawn from England's Test squad ahead of the LV= Insurance Test series against India starting next week to prioritise his mental wellbeing and to rest his left index finger, which has not fully healed since his return to competitive cricket earlier this month. The ECB fully supports Ben's decision, and we will continue to help him during this period away from the game. Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, Ashley Giles, said: "Ben has shown tremendous courage to open up about his feelings and wellbeing. "Our primary focus has always been and will continue to be the mental health and welfare of all of our people. The demands on our athletes to prepare and play elite sport are relentless in a typical environment, but the ongoing pandemic has acutely compounded this. "Spending significant amounts of time away from family, with minimal freedoms, is extremely challenging. The cumulative effect of operating almost continuously in these environments over the last 16 months has had a major impact on everyone's wellbeing." "Ben will be given as long as he needs, and we look forward to seeing him playing cricket for England in the future." Stokes will be replaced in the squad by Somerset's Craig Overton. We request that privacy is given to Ben and his family during this time.