Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Legacy FC and Karachi City FC have secured their spots in the final of the National Women's Football Club Championship 2024, following their impressive performances in the semi-final matches held at Jinnah Sports Complex, Islamabad. Karachi City FC will face Legacy FC in the final on Saturday (August 10, 2024), at 8:30 pm at the same venue.In the first semi-final, Legacy FC showcased their dominance on the field with a resounding 6-0 victory over Karachi United. Eman Mustafa was the star of the match, delivering an outstanding performance with four goals. Kayanat Bukhari also contributed significantly, scoring a brace to secure the win for Legacy FC.The second semi-final saw Karachi City FC display their prowess, overwhelming Hazara Quetta with an 8-0 triumph. Zahmena Malik and Suha Hirani each scored a brace, while Nadia, Zulfia, Sanah and Aliza added a goal each, ensuring Karachi City FC's place in the final.

Sports Bulletin ReportParis (France): Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem won the gold medal in the final of Javelin Throw event at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024 on Thursday.Arshad lauched a throw of 92.97-meter in his second attempt which was enough for him to secure gold medal. Pakistan's first Olympic medal winner since Barcelona 1992 ended the night with another gigantic 91.79m throw on his final attempt.Even Nadeem's last throw would've seen him break the Olympic record held by Andreas Thorkildsen of Denmark (90.57m in Beijing 2008) had it not been bettered by himself earlier in the final.This is the first-ever individual gold medal in Olympics for Pakistan, maiden n athletics and first gold in any discipline in the last 40 years.Pakistan won an Olympic medal after the gap of 32 years. The last time Pakistan won an medal was in 1992 when the national hockey team clinched bronze by defeating the Netherlands 4-3 at the Barcelona Olympics.Meanwhile, India's Neeraj Chopra, who was defending his gold, made a throw of 89.45 and bagged the silver medal. Grenada's Anderson Peters fetched the bronze medal with a throw of 88.54m.Neeraj Chopra fails to make it two gold medals in a row and despite the second-best throw of his career with 89.45m on his second attempt, it wasn't enough to beat Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan who crossed the 90m mark twice and set a massive Olympic record.The 26-year-old becomes the fifth two-time Olympic medallist from India after adding a silver to his Tokyo 2020 gold medal. Only Norman Pritchard, Sushil Kumar, PV Sindhu and Manu Bhaker have achieved the same with the latter claiming two bronze medals at Paris 2024 Olympics.Athletes' Best Throw at Javelin Throw Final1- Arshad Nadeem (Pakistan) — 92.97m2 - Neeraj Chopra (India) — 89.45m3- Anderson Peters (Grenada) - 88.544 - Jakub Vadlech (Czech Republic) - 88.505 - Julius Yego (Kenya) - 87.726- Julian Weber (Germany) - 87.407- Keshorn Walcott (Trinidad and Tobago) - 86.168 - Lassi Etelatalo (Finland) - 84.589 - Oliver Etelatalo (Finland) - 82.6810- Toni Keranen (Finland) - 80.9211 - Luiz Mauricio (Brazil) - 80.6712. Andrian Mardare (Moldova) - 80.10

Sports Bulletin ReportParis (France): Indonesia’s Veddriq Leonardo took Olympic gold in the men’s Speed – the first for climbing, the first for Indonesia at Paris 2024 and the first for his country in a sport other than badminton.China’s Wu Peng won silver and USA’s Sam Watson won bronze in what was a consistent and fast finals series with five out of the eight races all producing sub-5 races.The first was Wu versus the world champion Matteo Zurloni of Italy with just 0.002 in it as Wu posted a 4.99(5)s and Zurloni a 4.99(7)s. Wu also had to beat the world record holder Watson to set up the final race with Leonardo who first beat France’s Bassa Mawem and then Iran’s Reza Alipour Shenazandifard.Leonardo posted a PB of 4.48s in the semi-final with Alipour Shenazandifard, and he had to as the Iranian also scored a PB of 4.84s. Leonardo’s PB didn’t last that long as he also needed another, this time of 4.75s, to beat Wu for the gold medal as Wu posted his PB of 4.77s in yet another close race.On his in Leonardo said: "I feel very happy, I feel very joyful to bring the first gold medal for Indonesia at Paris 2024 to my country."On dealing with the pressure he said: "I was very excited, and there was also anxiety. My heart raced, but I stayed focused and finished it."Looking at the immediate future, there is another goal for Leonardo: "Now I'm going back to Indonesia and focusing on training. We train together in Indonesia and focus on the next competitions and also to break the world record."There will be a welcoming party. It is going to be amazing for me."After his silver Wu said: "I'm not in my best shape today. Usually I feel lighter and I don't need so much power to get up. Today my body felt heavy but I managed to make quick adjustments."I was nervous but tried to focus on myself. I didn't think about how others would be performing. For me it was important to just get over the first round, I didn't want to put too much pressure on myself. But I was really happy to have made it to the final."After losing at the semi-final stage, Watson had to compose himself for the bronze small final against Alipour Shenazandifard. And the American composed himself very well as he once again lowered his

Sports Bulletin ReportParis (France): Thursday’s action at South Paris Arena 4 has set up a thrilling Gold Medal match in the Women’s Team event for Saturday at Paris 2024. Just like in Tokyo 2020, China’s Women’s Team will face Japan in a much-anticipated showdown as they battle for gold. China secured their place in the final after a dominant 3-0 victory over Korea Republic. The match began with Chen Meng and Wang Manyu winning the doubles encounter 3-1 (11-4, 11-5, 9-11, 11-9) against Shin Yubin and Jeon Jihee. Sun Yingsha then extended China’s lead with a commanding 3-0 (11-5, 11-1, 11-3) victory over Lee Eunhye. Wang Manyu sealed the win, defeating Jeon Jihee 3-0 (11-3, 11-7, 11-3), ensuring China’s chance to fight for their fifth consecutive Women’s Team Gold Medal at the Olympics. In the other semifinal, Japan's Women's Team advanced to the final with a dramatic 3-1 victory over Germany. The match kicked off with Miu Hirano and Hina Hayata securing a 3-1 (11-3, 11-3, 6-11, 11-8) win in the doubles against Xiaona Shan and Yuan Wan. Germany's 18-year-old sensation, Annett Kaufmann, levelled the score with a stunning 3-0 (11-9, 11-8, 11-8) victory over world number 8 and 16-year-old Miwa Harimoto, showcasing her remarkable talent on the world stage. However, Miu Hirano regained Japan's lead with a 3-0 (11-7, 11-6, 11-9) win over Yuan Wan. The tie was decided in the final singles match, where Miwa Harimoto delivered a dominant 3-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11-0) victory over Xiaona Shan, securing Japan's spot in the gold medal match and making Harimoto the youngest table tennis medallist at Paris 2024. 

Mohammad Azam DarISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) has announced the schedule for the Independence Day Inter-Provincial Basketball Championship for Men and Women, set to commence on Saturday (August 10, 2024) here at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex.According to Ouj-e-Zahoor, the organizing secretary of the championship and the general secretary of the Federal Basketball Association (FBBA), all arrangements have been completed for the successful five-day championship. The event is being organized under the supervision of the Federal Basketball Association in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).He further informed that this year is especially significant as it's the first time a Woman's Inter-Provincial Basketball Championship is being organised. Six teams in both men's and women's events have been divided into two pools. In the men's event, Pool A includes Punjab, Sindh, and Islamabad (B), while Pool B comprises Balochistan, KP, and Islamabad (A). Similarly, in the women's event, Pool A includes Punjab, Balochistan, and Islamabad (B), and Pool B includes Islamabad (A), KP, and Sindh.Ouj-e-Zahoor stated that in order to select the men and women teams from the Federal Capital Territory trials were conducted and promising sportspersons were shortlisted for training camp. The inaugural match of the championship will be played between Punjab and Islamabad (B), while KP will compete against Islamabad (A) in the first round. The event is a celebration of Independence Day and aims to showcase the country's basketball talent, with over 170 sportspersons and officials participating in the championship.He also said that the semi-finals of the championship would be played on August 13, while the final on August 14 at the same venue to mark the celebration of Independence Day.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, Shahid KhanAfridi has signed an agreement with Kashmir Supreme League to join as Supreme Ambassador of the KSL.According to an official of KSL, cricketer Shahid Khan Afridi has signed an agreement with the Kashmir Supreme League, as a brand ambassador. Chairman, Kashmir Supreme League Masood Khan and Shahid Afridi signed the contract in Islamabad.Shahid Afridi expressed his determination to highlight the Kashmir cause worldwide through KSL. The Kashmir Supreme League will be held in mid-November while the trials will be held from August 10 in Muzaffarabad.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: President, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi called on the newly appointed Director General, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Mohammad Yasir Pirzada at his office in Pakistan Sports Complex.On this occasion, tennis star Aisam congratulated to Pirzada on assuming his role as DG-PSB. Pirzada thanked Aisam and assured Aisam to provide full support for the promotion of tennis in the country. Also, Pirzada felicitated Aisam on becoming the President of PTF.During the meeting, Aisam briefed Pirzada on various tennis activities in Pakistan including the upcoming Davis Cup against Barbados in September 2024, recent visit of ATP representative to Pakistan, ITF Futures, ITF Juniors, and the Pakistani teams' international commitments.

Sports Bulletin ReportParis (France): The women’s hockey final at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be contested between reigning champions the Netherlands and China, with the Asian giants reaching their first Olympic final since Beijing 2008.The Netherlands women – the reigning Olympic, World, European and FIH Hockey Pro League champions – proved simply too strong for semi-final opponents Argentina, claiming a 3-0 triumph over their fierce rivals to reach the Olympic final for the sixth successive Games. Netherlands beat Argentina (3-0): In front of an enthusiastic sell-out crowd, the Netherlands were in irresistible form against Las Leonas, dominating their illustrious opponents with goals from Luna Fokke, Laura Nunnink and Yibbi Jansen.The result means that the possibility of the Netherlands winning both hockey gold medals remains very much on, with the men playing their final, against Germany, tomorrow (8 August). For Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Argentina, the result means that they will play for bronze on Friday (9 August). China overcame Belgium (1-1 and 3-1 on shoot-out): In a match filled with huge drama, China opened the scoring through Zou Meirong’s penalty corner, successfully defending their lead until the final two minutes when Emma Puvrez slapped home a fabulous leveller, sending the huge numbers of Belgian fans into raptures. Capitalising on the momentum, the Red Panthers lead early in the shoot-out when goalkeeper Aisling D’Hooghe denied Chen Yang before Vanessa Blockmans produced an outrageous lob that clipped the crossbar on the way to establishing a 2-1 advantage. However, China showed incredible character to score their next three attempts, with goalkeeper Ye Jiao denying Ambre Ballenghien, Justine Rasir and Delphine-Daphne Marien to break Belgian hearts.

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: The 18th STBA Independent Bowling Tournament will be played on August 13, and 14, 2024 at Royal Rodale Club DHA Karachi under the banner of Sindh Tenpin Bowling Association (STBA).According to an official of STBA, the competitions will be held in different categories including Men’s Amateur, Men’s Singles, and Men’s Doubles. The closing ceremony will take place on August 14, 2024.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board’s men’s national selection committee today announced a 17-member Pakistan squad for the ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh. The first Test will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 21-25 August, while the second Test will be held from 30 August-3 September in Karachi.The Pakistan Test side’s training camp will commence at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 11 August and will be supervised by red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. The Bangladesh cricket team is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad in the wee hours of 17 August and expected to train in the same afternoon.Names of players for Test Series: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Shaheen Shah AfridiThe 17-member Test squad will be led by Shan Masood, while left-handed middle-order batter Saud Shakeel has been appointed as vice-captain. Saud takes over from Shaheen Shah Afridi as part of the selectors’ strategic decision that is aimed at managing Pakistan’s lead fast bowler’s workload management during the period from 21 August 2024 to 5 April 2025 in which Pakistan is scheduled to play nine Tests, 14 T20Is and, at least, 17 ODIs.Of the 17 players picked for the first Test series of the 2024-25 season, 13 players were involved in Pakistan’s last series against Australia in December/January 2023-24. Mohammad Huraira, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali have been rewarded for their consistent performances in the domestic circuit as well as for Pakistan Shaheens, while Naseem Shah is returning to the red-ball side after 13 months.Kamran Ghulam aggregated 1,025 runs in 11 first-class matches in the 2023-24 season and then had scored 148 runs in three innings against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin last month, including 100 not out in the first match. He was part of the squad for the home series against New Zealand in December/January 2022-23 but didn’t feature in the drawn two-match series.Fast bowler Mohammad Ali has been recalled after last featuring in the opening two Tests against England in 2022. He took 24 wickets in six first-class matches in the 2022-23 season, followed by 47 wickets in 14 first-class matches in the 2023-24 season. In the two four-day matches against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin, Ali took nine wickets, including six for 63 in the second innings of the second match.Huraira stroked a sparkling double-century against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin last month. He also had stellar last couple of first-class seasons. In the 2022-23 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Huraira was the only batter to break the 1,000-run barrier, aggregating 1,024 runs in 11 matches for Northern. In the 2023-24 first-class season, the 22-year-old right-hander scored 961 runs in 14 matches for the Faisalabad Region and Higher Education Commission (HEC). He was part of the squad for the tour to Sri Lanka in July 2023 but didn’t feature in the series, which Pakistan won by 2-0.Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali (injured), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr (injured), Noman Ali and Sajid Khan were the players who failed to retain their places in the Test side.Imam managed 57 runs in two Tests against Sri Lanka and then scored 94 runs in the Perth and Melbourne Tests, Faheem took one wicket in the Perth Test, Sajid claimed three wickets in the Sydney Test, while Nawaz and Noman didn’t play in any of the Tests.Names of players for ODI Series: Saud Shakeel (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saad Khan, Saim Ayub, Sameen Gul, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Umar AminPlayer support personnel – Umar Gul (head coach-cum-manager), Ghulam Ali (batting coach), Fahad Masood (fielding coach), Dr Imtiaz Khan (physiotherapist), Faisal Rai (analyst), Yasir Malik (trainer), Shafqat Shabbir (media and digital manager) and Malang Ali (masseur)Saud Shakeel will captain Pakistan Shaheens in the first match against Bangladesh ‘A’. The squad will also include Test team members Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub and Sarfaraz Ahmed.For the four-day match, Pakistan Shaheens will commence their training session on Wednesday afternoon at the Islamabad Club under head coach Umar Gul. Jason Gillespie and Azhar Mahmood will assist Umar Gul before shifting their attention to the national side’s camp on 11 August.Following the four-day match, the eight Test probables will join the national side and the selectors will announce their replacements in the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the remaining matches against Bangladesh ‘A’.The PCB has been in contact with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and it is expected that the revised schedule of the Pakistan Shaheens versus Bangladesh ‘A’ series will be announced shortly.