Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The 10th JA Zaman Memorial Open Golf Championship 2024 will tee off on Friday (March 23) at Lahore Gymkhana Golf Club, Hamid Zaman, Head of the Zaman Family, during a press conference flanked by Shaukat Javed, Convenor Golf of Lahore Gymkhana, Ahyan Mumtaz, Bilal Zaman, Asim Zafar, Ayesha Hamid and Bela Azam announced on Tuesday.While unfolding the details of the championship, Hamid Zaman said that JA Zaman Memorial Championship, a PGA and PGF-sanctioned tournament, evolved to become one of the biggest golf tournaments nationwide with a total prize money of Rs. 7.5 million. “The tournament is being professionally organized by Ahyan Mumtaz, who himself is a golfer. It attracts the top golfing talent from across the country and is one of the most anticipated matchups of the golfing calendar in Pakistan, “he added.Shaukat Javed said that the top 100 ranked golf professionals of Pakistan would compete in the main draw from February 29 to March 3, making it one of the most competitive fields in golf across the country. “The championship also includes nationally recognized golf amateur players who compete for glory and honors in victory. Total prize money of Rs 7.5 million and a chance to win a HAVAL on a Hole-in-One makes the Championship one of the top purses in Pakistan golf. Eight categories of players including juniors, ladies, professionals, senior professionals, junior professionals, amateurs, veteran golfers, and ladies will compete in the tournament. Competing golf players add up to 500 plus, “he further disclosed.“The championship is held in the memory of JA Zaman, an iconic symbol who was a man of infinite decorum and grace. He left behind an indelible impact on his entrepreneurial abilities and his passion for golf in particular. JA Zaman’s family, which is the principal sponsor of this championship, is pleased to make possible, with the gracious cooperation of the Lahore Gymkhana Golf Committee, such a prestigious event where, no doubt, only the best of the sport will be showcased”. “Notable champions participating in the Championship are Professionals Ahmed Baig, Mohammed Matloob, Mohammed Shahzad, Hamza Amin, Mohammed Alam, Minhaj Maqsood, and prominent amateurs Qasim Ali Khan, Salman Jehangir and Mohammed Shoaib. As for ladies, Parkha Ijaz and Rimsha Ijaz, who enjoy a standing in World Golf Rankings will also be showing their skills in the ladies section”, he concluded. 

Sports Bulletin ReportTorino (Italy): The Executive Board of the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) has voted to include the Palestine Social Sport Climbing Club Association (PCA) as the newest Member Federation of the organisation. The PCA is the 26th IFSC Member Federation in the Asian continent, and is led by President Hiba Shaheen, Vice President Tawfiq Alnejada, and Secretary General Taher Sharaf. The admission of the Palestinian Federation, along with the ones of Federations representing Bolivia, Guam, and Nigeria, will be ratified at the XXI IFSC General Assembly, taking place in Santiago, Chile, on 22 and 23 March. 

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan Wheelchair Tennis No.1 player, Asif Abbasi earned second position in the ITF3 Wheelchair Tennis Tournament, as scammed in the final against high-ranked (World No. 104) rival Nemeth Roland from Hungary at Bolton Tennis Arena, United Kingdom on Tuesday. The final score-line was 7-6, and 6-4.According to available information from abroad, Abbasi's journey to the final was nothing short of inspiring, showcasing his resilience and talent on the international stage. Abbasi's campaign began with a dominant performance against a local player, securing a convincing victory with a score of 6-0, 6-1. In the quarterfinals, he faced a formidable opponent, the French player seeded second in the tournament and ranked 69th in the world. Despite the tough challenge, Abbasi displayed exceptional tennis prowess and emerged victorious with a score-line of 6-4, 6-3.In the semifinal, he went head-to-head with an Italian opponent in a nerve-jangling contest. Pakistan man with unwavering focus and determination clinched victory after a fierce battle, winning with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 6-1, securing his place in the final.In the final showdown, Abbasi faced a seasoned and matured player, showcasing his skills against a formidable opponent. Though the match was fiercely contested, Abbasi ultimately fell short, losing with a score of 7-6, 6-4. However, his performance throughout the tournament has earned him praise and admiration for his outstanding achievements on the court.Abbasi's remarkable journey to the final serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes in Pakistan, highlighting the potential and talent within the country's wheelchair tennis community. His resilience, determination, and remarkable talent continue to elevate the profile of wheelchair tennis in Pakistan and inspire a new generation of athletes.Asif Abbasi is now gearing up for his next challenge, the ITF2 wheelchair tennis tournament, which begins on February 21, 2024. With his recent success as motivation, Abbasi is hopeful to perform well in this tournament and further solidify his position as a formidable force in the world of wheelchair tennis. Abbasi aims to raise his world ranking and an ultimately willing to participate in the Paris Paralympic this year.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The ITF Pakistan Zainab Ali Naqvi Memorial World Junior Championship Leg-2 resumed after a two days break due to rain twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad here at PTF -SDA Tennis Complex Islamabad on Tuesday. A ceremony was held at PTF Complex today to dedicate Court No-1 of the Complex to the memory of the late Zainab Ali Naqvi. Henceforth, Court No-1 will be called Zainab Ali Naqvi Court.The dedication ceremony was graced by Zainab's parents, who had especially flown in from Karachi. Also in attendance were Senator Salim Saifullah Khan, Ex-President-PTF; Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, President of PTF, and a large number of foreign and local players' parents, coaches, and tennis lovers.Senator Salim Saifullah Khan and Aisam ul Haq paid rich tribute to the young and talented Zainab and expressed their condolences and deep sympathies to her parents on their own behalf and on the behalf of all those present on the occasion. The tennis fraternity is indeed in great shock and she will be always remembered.Results (Boys’ Singles Round-I):Xiuyuan Guo (CHN) beat Papangkorn (THA) 6-4, 6-2Doruk Elbirlik (TUR) beat Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan (PAK) 6-2, 6-4Jacob Shen (HKG) beat Mohammad Salar Khan (PAK) 6-1, 6-0Ahmed Nael Qureshi (PAK) beat Ye Chan Choi (KOR) 6-1, 6-1Ahtesham Humayun (PAK) beat Howard Chan (HKG) 6-3, 6-1Mohammad Hamza Aasim (PAK) beat Jun An (KOR) 6-4, 6-2Amir Mazari (PAK) beat Nuran Wikramasinge (SRI) 6-3, 2-6, 6-2Kaigaoge Kang (CHN) beat Akmal Arabdjanov (UZB) 6-0, 6-1Bilal Asim (PAK) beat Par Chandragholica (THA) 6-1, 6-3Shijijie Chen (CHN) beat Asad Zaman (PAK) 6-0, 6-1Ilya Kryukov (RUS) beat Ju Hun Choo (KOR) 6-2, 6-1Dong Hyeon Euom (KOR) beat Ege Avci (TUR) 6-1, 6-1

LAHORE (Press Release): Lahore Qalandars have strengthened their squad by welcoming South African left-arm spinner, George Linde, into their ranks. Linde, who has just arrived in Multan, is now eligible for selection in the upcoming clash against Multan Sultans scheduled for February 21.New Zealand’s hard-hitting middle-order batter, Tom Bruce, is also on his way to join the squad and will be fully available on the bench from February 24 onward. With his addition, Lahore Qalandars’ roster with overseas player will be fully completed.Lahore Qalandars are without the services of Rashid Khan (recovering from a back injury), Dan Lawrence (missed out due to national selection for England), Shai Hopes (playing in BPL and partially available), and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (did not receive NOC).Lorcan Tucker, the Irish wicket-keeper who flew in for the opening game against Islamabad, will return after the Multan leg. 

Afghanistan Embassy overpower Iran Embassy 3-2 in final of 16 team showAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Afghan Embassy team have won the title of the Gerrys Diplomatic Football League Season 7 after beating the Iran Embassy in the final after a nerve-jangling contest 3-2 here at Mini Football Ground, Islamabad club. The Qatar Embassy team secured third place by defeating the SB Royal team in penalties in a third-position play-off after the match ended 5-5 draw.Afghan Ambassador in Islamabad Sardar Mohammad Shakib visited the ground to enjoy the final. Also, Nabi Shirazi DHM Iran Embassy, Sheldon Godinho COO Gerry’s Visa among other diplomats and guests were present on this occasion.According to an official, as many as 16 soccer teams from sixteen embassies from 28 different nationalities. The participating players in the teams were ambassadors, diplomats, local staff, and students. The Gerry’s Diplomatic League matches were played for almost 4 months in which teams were divided into two groups of eight and then the top four teams qualified for the knock-out stages. The matches were played during the weekends at Mini football ground, Islamabad Club.The League was supervised by Mubasher Sanjrani, the founder, organizer of the prestigious league, and the former International footballer and futsal player of Pakistan. The League sponsors for season 7 were Gerrys Visas with title sponsors, SB Sadiq Group with Power sponsor, Sanjrani Oxen, Royal Business Solutions, Alamco Duty Free, and East West Insurance Company.The Diplomatic Football League is one of the most anticipated Football League in Islamabad for the diplomatic community, which provides healthy activity to the participating teams along with a positive soft image of the friendly environment in Pakistan while bringing different nationalities together. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Quetta Gladiators registered their second win of HBL PSL 9 as they sealed the game against home team, Lahore Qalandars, by a margin of five wickets at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Monday night.Khawaja Nafay, playing his second HBL PSL game, starred with a glitzy unbeaten half-century after walking into bat at number three. Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Lahore Qalandars succumbed to their second consecutive loss.In pursuit of a challenging 188-run target against the home team, Quetta Gladiators' opening batters once again gave the team a solid start. Saud flicked Shaheen Shah Afridi toward deep fine on the last ball of opening over to register his first boundary of the game.On the last ball of the third over, he hit Shaheen for an outrageous six over the keeper’s head. Jason Roy too joined him in the act as he hit Jahandad Khan for two boundaries in the fifth over. The duo brought up fifty-partnership in five overs while the powerplay yielded 61 runs.Saud (40, 23b, 7x4s, 1x6) was outfoxed by a Zaman Khan yorker on the fifth ball of the seventh over giving Lahore their first breakthrough. Three balls later Sikandar Raza hit Roy’s stumps as he departed for 19 ball 24 with the help of four boundaries. The 29-run third-wicket partnership between Rilee Rossouw (18, 13b, 3x4s) and Khawaja Nafay lasted for 19 balls before Haris Rauf got rid of Rossouw in the 11th over.On the first and fifth ball of the same over, Nafay let loose and hit Haris Rauf for two towering sixes injecting momentum into Quetta’s innings. The 22-year-old held his nerve through challenging times while living up to the hype that led to his arrival at the HBL PSL. Leg-spinner Salman Fayyaz struck in the 14th over to remove Sarfaraz Ahmed, leaving Quetta 130-4 with 58 runs required from 41 balls.Sherfane Rutherford chipped in with 14 off 12 balls before Shaheen Shah Afridi knocked him over in the 17th over. Nafay brought up his maiden HBL PSL fifty off 29 balls, by hitting Rauf over wide mid-off in the following over.Quetta chased the 188-run target with five balls to spare and winning runs coming off the bat off Nafay who returned undefeated on 60 off 31 balls, laced with four boundaries and three sixes.Earlier in the evening, Lahore Qalandars won the toss and opted to bat first. Akeal Hosein took the new ball for Quetta. Fakhar Zaman got an early reprieve on the second ball of the opening over as he chipped the ball to Mohammad Wasim Jnr in the covers who dropped an easy catch.Fakhar’s (6, 9b) struggle came to an end on the first ball of the third over as he handed a straight catch to Jason Roy at mid-on..Sahibzada Farhan and Rassie Van der Dussen upped the ante with a few boundaries in the powerplay despite a disciplined start by Quetta’s bowlers. Lahore finished the powerplay with 43 runs for the loss of one wicket.Abrar Ahmed was introduced to the attack in the seventh over of the innings and he tested Sahibzada with tight lines who replied with a four over extra cover and six over deep mid-wicket on the last two balls of the over.Abrar returned an over later to tilt the balance of the game in Quetta’s favour by removing Rassie van der Dussen, with a ball that pitched on good length slightly outside off-stump and deceived the batter with a bit of turn before crashing into the stumps.Sahibzada brought up his half-century off 39 balls, his second consecutive HBL PSL half-century. The fifth ball of the 13th over saw Sahibzada (62, 43b, 6x4s, 3x6s) removed by Hasnain, caught by Nafay, before hitting back-to-back sixes in the same over. Left-hand batter Jahandad was promoted up the order and he came out all guns blazing hitting the first ball for four, a harbinger of what was to follow.Abdullah (11, 10b, 1x6) departed in the 14th over after he was caught behind off the bowling off Hosein. Jahandad and Sikandar Raza got together to stitch a quick-fire partnership of 45 runs off just 21 balls. Jahandad amassed 23 runs off the 16th over against Abrar, where he hit three massive sixes, showcasing his pinch-hitting ability. The partnership was broken by Mohammad Amir who dismissed Raza (18, 12b, 1x4, 1x6) on the fourth ball of the 17th over.Lahore collected 34 runs off the last three overs as they ended on 187 for seven in their 20 overs. Skipper Shaheen chipped in with a cameo of 12 off eight balls, which included a first-ball six, while Jahandad finished 45 not out off just 17 balls, smashing three fours and four maximums.For Quetta, Hasnain and Hosein bagged two wickets apiece while Amir, Wasim Jnr and Abrar chipped in with one wicket each.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: On the final day in Santiago del Estero, Argentina and Germany couldn’t break a 2-2 deadlock and headed to a shootout for the second time in the mini-tournament. Lucas Martinez scored the winner for the Leones to take the bonus point with a 4-3 shootout result. Two first-half goals and a solid defensive performance gave the German women a 2-0 win over the Leonas, their first win over Argentina in the teams’ last eight matchups.(Men’s) Netherlands beat Ireland (2-1): Back-to-back FIH Hockey Pro League champions the Netherlands had to grind out their 2-1 win over debutants Ireland, who are proving to be tough competitors despite their lack of exposure at the highest level. The Irish defended well before taking the lead against the run of play in the 12th minute, Matthew Nelson banging in a penalty corner rebound. The Dutch hit back with two Jip Janssen drag flicks, one in the 15th minute, and another in the 23rd that struck a brave postman hard on the way in. The Dutch led 2-1 at half-time but their error rate was poor by their exceptional standards.While the second half remained goalless, it didn’t lack entertainment. The Dutch dominated the stats with plenty of strong circle entries and penalty corners, but they lacked their usual clinical touch and were denied by the brilliant Irish defensive effort led by Jamie Carr in goal.(Men’s) India beat Spain (2-2 SO: 8-7): Hosts India played out a riveting 2-2 draw against Spain with both teams earning a point each. The Indians went on to claim the bonus point by winning the shootout 8-7. Jarmanpreet Singh gave India the perfect start when he collected an overhead in the opening minute and slammed it in from an acute angle. But José Basterra struck back immediately for the Spanish, his third-minute drag flick giving the Red Sticks a chance to settle down. Borja Lacalle then snatched a stunning field goal for Spain from a long-range counterattack following an Indian error just seconds from the quarter mark. The Spanish went on to dominate the remainder of the first half and led 2-1 at half-time.India started the third quarter well as Abhishek pounced on a penalty corner rebound for the equaliser in the 35th minute. The rest of the match was tightly contested with goalkeepers PR Sreejesh for India and Rafael Revilla for Spain both doing excellent work. The final quarter was a frantic affair full of opportunities, dramatic video referrals, and tension, but neither team could find a winning goal. The shootout delivered more exciting action with 15 consecutive goals scored, the match eventually ending with Spanish captain Marc Miralles putting his shot wide, much to the relief of the local fans.(Men’s) Argentina beat Germany (2 -2 SO: 4-3): In the final day of the mini-tournament in Santiago del Estero, hosts Argentina came out of the gate in good form. Nicolas della Torre and Tomas Domene each released superb drag flicks on the game’s opening two penalty corners for a 2-0 Argentina lead. Germany were flat and uninspiring despite loading their roster with a more experience side from a day earlier against Belgium. Late in the first half Germany started to show some flair as hard work for Raphael Hartkopf created a chance for Paul-Philipp Kaufmann to one-time on goal. The ball was well struck and keeper Tomas Santiago got a piece of it but Hartkopf finished the run and tapped in to cut Argentina’s lead to one.Germany came out of the gate with good intensity and were rewarded just moments into the third quarter. A brilliant ball across the goal was deflected in by Elian Mazkour to make it 2-2. Both teams struggled to look threatening in the circle as play hypnotically moved between the 23-meter areas and for the second-consecutive match-up the game needed a shootout. An important save from Tomas Santiago on Malte Helwig, followed by a great finish from Lucas Martinez gave Argentina the 4-3 shootout win and the bonus point. (Women’s) Germany beat Argentina (2-0): Despite having most of the pace and possession, Argentina struggled to generate quality scoring chances against Germany. Two first-half penalty corners that were mistrapped and circle entries with no outcome was the story of Argentina’s performance. Die Danas capitalised on their few chances, first on a penalty corner deflected into Valentina Raposo’s body on the line giving Viktoria Huse the go-ahead finish from the stroke mark. Argentina continued to hunt for an equaliser but despite a high count of circle penetrations, German keeper Nathalie Kubalski had yet to be tested. At the other end, a quick free hit left Argentina scrambling and a ball from Jette Fleschütz found its way through traffic to a waiting Pauline Heinz at the back post to lift Die Danas 2-0. The second half was all Argentina but the Leonas lacked that clinical quality expected of the No. 2 ranked team in the world. Two Agustina Gorzelany flicks were steered away by the gloves of Kubalski, while a goalmouth scramble was cleared on the line by Jule Bleuel and shots from Maria Granatto and Agustina Albertarrio went uncharacteristically unconverted. Kubalski then denied Victoria Manuele from close range and another Gorzelany flick to seal Germany’s first win over Argentina since 2021. 

Sports Bulletin ReportJeddah (Saudi Arabia): Jordan defeated host Saudi Arabia 3-1 in the opening match of the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) here on Monday night. Despite a spirited performance throughout the 90 minutes from Lluís Cortés’ side, Jordan took control of Group A, where Saudi Arabia can still qualify for the knockout stage with matches against Lebanon and Guam still to come on Wednesday and Friday.Taking place in Jeddah until February 29, the 2024 WAFF Women’s Championship is the first official 11-a-side women’s tournament ever held in Saudi Arabia. This year’s eighth edition welcomes seven nations alongside the hosts, including Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Guam, and Nepal.The WAFF Women’s Championship is the latest international football tournament making its way to Jeddah, where both the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and 2022 WAFF Women’s Futsal Championship have been held.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Three goals on the game’s opening three penalty corners gave the German men a 3-2 win over a young but spirited Belgium side on the penultimate day of the mini-tournament in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. Die Danas put away the Belgium Red Panthers 3-1 in women’s play, despite Germany having ample more chances than the scoreline would imply. The women’s mini-tournament in Rourkela wrapped up with the Netherlands extending their impressive winning record with a 3-1 victory over Australia. Yibbi Jansen added three more to her league-leading tally, as Maria Verschoor celebrated her 200th international. The other match of the day between hosts India and the United States had to be decided in a shootout after the teams remained locked on 1-1 at the final whistle, the home side eventually securing the extra point. (Women’s) Netherlands beat Australia (3-1): Maria Verschoor celebrated her 200th cap for the Netherlands with a 3-1 win over Australia. Verschoor was in action early, winning a penalty stroke for Yibbi Jansen to put her side ahead in the second minute. The Dutch went on to control the first quarter and Jansen added drag flicks in the 13th and 14th minutes to complete her hat-trick. The rest of the half was much tighter with goalkeepers Jocelyn Bartram and Anne Veenendaal both having plenty of work to do. Stephanie Kershaw pulled one back for Australia in the 20th minute with a penalty corner deflection to make it 3-1 at half-time.Both teams had chances in a fast-paced and physical second half. Although there was plenty of exciting action, there were no more goals scored. That saw the Netherlands to their 12th straight victory of the season, so extending their impressive unbeaten streak to 45 games. Jansen moved even further ahead at the top of the goalscoring table with 15 goals. Australia next take the field in FIH Hockey Pro League action against Belgium on 29 May in Antwerp, while the Netherlands next meet Germany in Utrecht on 22 June.(Women’s) India beat USA (1-1 SO: 2-1): Hosts India played out an exciting 1-1 draw with a resolute United States in a match that ebbed and flowed throughout. Both teams earned a point for the draw – a first in the tournament for the USA this season – and India went on to win the shootout 2-1 for a bonus point. The Americans have taken too long to get into their recent games, but they looked lively from the push back and India struggled to gain control. Deepika eventually gave the Indians a slender 1-0 half-time lead with an excellent drag flick, but they missed a further three opportunities.The USA fought all the way through the second half and Ashley Sessa’s equaliser from a 45th-minute penalty corner variation set the stage for an enthralling finish. There were nail-biting moments at both ends of the pitch, but neither team could find a winning goal and the match ended in a draw. Savita was once again the hero for India, keeping out four shots as her team won the shootout 2-1. Both teams will be back in FIH Hockey Pro League action in Antwerp on 22 May, India facing Argentina and the USA up against Belgium.(Men’s) Germany beat Belgium (3-2): Germany head coach André Henning said before the match he wanted his team to be more efficient in the circle and his side delivered. Henning’s side went three-for-three on the game’s opening penalty corners, first a nifty slip to the left for Justus Weigand to flick in. Germany was well in control of the game, utilising multiple long aerials from defender Tom Grambusch to stretch the Belgian defence. In the second quarter, Grambusch and Weigand scored powerful flicks to secure a 3-0 lead. The Red Panthers bent but would not break, as Jeremy Wilbers finished out of the air at the back post to get Belgium on the board. Emmanuel Stockbroekx nearly tapped in a second for Belgium but Alexander Stadler was quick to make the save. After surviving periods being short-handed Belgium earned a penalty corner near the end of the third. The powerful flick from Thomas Crols was stopped on the line by Niklas Bosserhoff’s body to allow Willems to seal a penalty stroke goal and get Belgium within one, trailing 3-2. The final quarter was a scrappy and tight affair as Germany’s Michel’s Struthoff rang a blast off the crossbar while a late penalty corner from Belgium saw Alexander Stadler make back-to-back saves. Germany had a breakaway in the final seconds of the game but a charging Simon Vandenbroucke had a superb challenge to leave the game 3-2 for Germany. (Women’s) Germany beat Belgium (3-1): Germany came out with good possession and most of the attack but lacked consistency on their circle efficiency in their 3-1 win over Belgium. Through most of the game it was skipper Nike Lorenz who was all over the pitch creating the opportunities for Germany, first having a drag flick denied on the line by Tiphaine Duquesne, then having Elena Sotgiu’s out-stretched foot deny her on the backhand. Finally Germany found a way through after Sotgiu made a great save on a penalty corner blast from Lena Micheel but the rebound was taken down well by Stine Kurz and the resulting blast ricocheted off a Belgian defender to mark a 1-0 lead for Germany. Germany head coach Valentin Altenburg was not pleased with the lack of conversion in the first half and the team chat at the break must have paid off.Minutes into the third quarter Jette Fleschütz blasted a back-hand shot after a nifty passing play that started from Lorenz to make it 2-0 for Germany. Die Danas continued to pressure and generate multiple penalty corners but Sotgiu, her post player Duquesne, first runner and even the cross bar continued to stymie the Germans. Belgian keeper Maïté Bussels made her senior debut at the start of the fourth quarter and did well to weather a wave of German shots and a penalty corner. The Red Panthers did have a look at goal through a tight-angled shot from Felicia Theunissen but Lisa Schneider looked sharp. Belgium’s effort never died and Pauline LeClef capitalised off a great passing play to cut Schneider’s shutout. A sloppy looking Germany finally pulled it together for a tip from Sara Strauss to make it 3-1.