Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: Islamabad United beat Karachi Kings by five wickets on Thursday night at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. Shadab Khan-led United now sits in the second position on the points table with nine points edging Gladiators and Zalmi with better net run rate while Kings are stationed at fifth with six points.Chasing a modest total of 151, United’s opening batters put on a 28-run opening partnership before Mir Hamza drew the first blood for the Kings removing Colin Munro (9, 11b, 2x4s) followed by the prized scalp of Alex Hales (18, 13b, 2x4s, 1x6) as well.Islamabad accumulated 47 runs in the powerplay losing two wickets with Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan in the middle. The duo kept the scorecard ticking and at the halfway mark United required 73 off 60 balls.Blessing Muzarabani, bowling the 13th over, brought an end to the 58-run third-wicket partnership as he got Salman caught behind for 33 off 30 balls, including a boundary and a six. Zahid Mahmood took a simple return catch in the 15th over to jolt United again as Azam returned for a meager nine off eight balls.Islamabad needed a mere 36 off the last five overs when skipper Shadab (34, 26b, 4x4s) was undone by Hamza as Seifert pouched another catch. Faheem Ashraf announced himself with a towering six to the crease.Haider Ali and Faheem bailed out United with an unbeaten 36-run sixth-wicket partnership that sealed the deal for them. Haider looked in sublime touch, hitting the winning runs in the penultimate over, as he racked up a fluent unbeaten 26 off 16 balls with two fours and a six.Faheem, named player of the match for his heroics with the ball and fine efforts with bat and field, too returned with an unbeaten 12 on eight as United bagged a crucial win with five wickets in hand and eight balls to spare. Hamza picked up a three-wicket haul while Muzarabani and Zahid bagged one each.Earlier, Islamabad United won the coin toss and asked Karachi Kings to bat first. The Kings' opening pair of Shan Masood and Tim Seifert got off to a steady start with a 34-run opening partnership, which was broken by Faheem in the fifth over. Shan’s (10, 12b, 1x4) lean form in the HBL PSL 9 continued as he top-edged a length delivery against Faheem with Imad Wasim taking a fine catch.After Kings accumulated 38-1 in the powerplay, Faheem returned to remove Seifert, who had raced to 26 off 19 balls comprising five boundaries, in the seventh over courtesy of a spectacular catch by Munro at deep cover boundary.Veteran batter, Shoaib Malik struggled to get off the blocks and skied one off the bowling of Imad returning for a paltry six-ball one leaving Karachi Kings 45-3 after eight overs. Tymal Mills, returning to the United side in place of Naseem Shah, struck on the second ball of his spell to dismiss Mohammad Nawaz (5, 3b, 1x4).James Vince and Kieron Pollard got together in the ninth over and brought a semblance of stability to the Kings’ innings with a 58-run fifth-wicket partnership off just 33 balls.Pollard took apart Shadab, hitting him for three sixes across two overs, while Vince hit Mills for three consecutive boundaries in the 14th over. On the following ball, Mills took his revenge and brought an end to Vince’s 29-run outing aided by five boundaries.Faheem returned to complete his quota of four overs as he sent down two economical overs, the 15th and 17th of the innings, yielding only nine runs and rounding off his four-over spell for just 16 runs.Hunain Shah struck in the 17th over to remove Pollard for 39 off 28 balls on the back of three boundaries and as many sixes. Mohammad Irfan Khan (16, 13b, 1x4, 1x6) also followed Pollard in the next over as Mills outfoxed him.Karachi scrapped their way to 150-7 in the allotted overs. Mills picked up three wickets. Faheem chipped in with two wickets while Imad and Hunain bagged one each.

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The year 2024 sees the EAP host four ICC Pathway Events across Senior Men’s, U19 Women’s, and U19 Men’s. The bumper year will see all nine Associate Members of the EAP participate in at least one event, as each team strives to take the next step in qualification to the ICC World Cup, in the respective formats.Starting in Indonesia, Bali will play host to the second ever ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier. The inaugural event, also hosted in Bali in 2022, saw Indonesia successfully qualify for their first ever ICC World Cup, a special memory for all involved.Wesika Ratna Dewi, former captain of the Indonesian Women’s under-19 team said: "I feel proud whenever I represent my country and I know how it feels to win this qualifier and go to an ICC World Cup. It is difficult to achieve success at this level and it is important not to waste the opportunities we are given. The Indonesian coaching staff and team are well prepared for this event, and I am excited to see the next generation play. I wish all teams much success and look forward to seeing top level cricket at my home in Bali."All eyes then turn to Samoa who play host to back-to-back events with the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup EAP Division 2 Qualifier followed immediately by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier A. This festival of cricket in Samoa will allow the country to showcase its talent to the world, both on and off the field.Sala Stella Siale Vaea Tagitau, General Manager of Samoa Cricket said: “Hosting two international cricket tournaments in Samoa not only shows the nation's commitment to sporting excellence but also provides growth opportunities for both Samoa as a country and Samoa Cricket as a sports organisation. These tournaments serve as a motivating force and inspiration in fostering community unity through more people participating in cricket, increased fans and commercial partners, promoting tourism, and empowering our youth with invaluable cricket skills, cultural experiences and friendship. Through these events, Samoa emerges on the global stage, reinforcing its stature as a vibrant sporting destination while propelling Samoa Cricket to unprecedented heights of success and recognition.”Completing the events is the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier B, to be hosted in South Korea on the the 10th Anniversary of cricket’s inclusion in the 2014 Asian Games, held in Incheon, South Korea. The event represents the first time South Korea has hosted an ICC event and aims to make a big impact in bringing cricket into a large market relatively new to cricket.Kim Nam Ghi, Chairman of Korea Cricket Association said: "Hosting a prestigious event like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier B signifies a monumental milestone for Korea Cricket Association and cricket development in Korea. Beyond the excitement of international cricket returning to our shores, this tournament holds immense significance for us in terms of junior development and nurturing the dreams of aspiring athletes.“Being part of this event not only provides a platform for our players to showcase their talent on a global stage but also inspires them towards higher goals, including the dream of participating in future Olympic events. The exposure and experience gained through events of this calibre are invaluable in shaping the future of cricket in Korea and fostering a strong sense of sportsmanship and camaraderie within our cricketing community."Rob Gomm, ICC Regional Development Manager EAP said: “2024 is shaping up to be a huge year in cricket for the EAP Region. All Associate Members have a chance to take the next step in ICC World Cup qualification and bring pride to their fans back home. I want to wish all the hosts the very best with their preparations. The eyes of the cricketing world will be on us, and I am confident we will deliver four world-class events.”ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup EAP QualifierHost: Indonesia (Bali)Dates: 14 – 20 May 2024Participating teams: Fiji, Indonesia, PNG, SamoaICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup EAP Division 2 QualifierHost: Samoa (Apia)Dates: 6 – 10 August 2024Participating teams: Indonesia, PNG, Samoa, VanuatuICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier AHost: Samoa (Apia)Dates: 17 – 24 August 2024Participating teams: Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, VanuatuICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier BHost: South Korea (Incheon)Dates: 28 September – 5 October 2024Participating teams: Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, South Korea

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: FG Polo narrowly overcame Master Paints/Diamond Paints with a tight score-line of 9-8 in an electrifying semifinal clash of the 3rd President of Pakistan Polo Cup National Open Championship 2024 at Jinnah Polo Fields on Thursday.The match was part of a high-profile event sponsored by Askari Bank, Habib Metro Bank, and Faysal Bank. The game was witnessed by a spirited crowd, comprising numerous families and spectators who joined the officials of Jinnah Polo Fields in witnessing the intense competition unfold. Raul Laplacette emerged as the hero for FG Polo, orchestrating the victory with an impressive tally of six superb goals. He was well-supported by Mian Abbas Mukhtar, who contributed two crucial goals, and Raja Mikayial Sami, who added one to their total. On the opposing side, Master Paints/Diamond Paints showcased their prowess with Amirreza Behboudi leading their charge with five fabulous goals, and Sufi Mohammad Haroon adding three to their tally. The match kicked off with both teams going toe-to-toe, maintaining a neck-and-neck competition until the end of the second chukker. However, Master Paints/Diamond Paints shifted gears and adopted a more aggressive playstyle, allowing them to secure a commanding 8-4 lead. As the fifth round commenced, FG Polo found themselves trailing by four goals. Undeterred, they orchestrated a remarkable rally, scoring five consecutive goals in a stunning comeback, clinching the match with a 9-8 victory.

Sports Bulletin ReportTorino (Italy): Seven years later, the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) Youth World Championships will make its return to China, as Guiyang is set to be the second city in the country to host the event – the first one being Guangzhou in 2016.Kicking off on Thursday, 22 August, only a few days after the end of the Paris Olympics, the Youth Worlds are the largest IFSC event in the calendar by number of participating athletes, matching perfectly with the 4.3 million people that populates the Guiyang municipality. The schedule of the event, running until Saturday, 31 August, will feature competitions in all Climbing disciplines – Boulder, Lead, and Speed – and three age groups – Under 16, Under 18, and Under 20. At last year’s Youth World Championships in Seoul, South Korea, Belgium’s Hannes Van Duysen added two accolades to the World Cup silver he won in Hachioji, Japan, only a few months earlier – gold in men’s U20 Lead, bronze in men’s U20 Boulder. Similarly, Sara Copar of Slovenia won the women’s U20 Lead gold medal and placed second in the women’s U20 Boulder event. “My experience at last year's Youth World Championships experience was awesome. I think the organisers did a great job and so did the routesetters. The routes and boulders were amazing. I was able to fight hard but also enjoy while climbing,” said Copar, born in 2005 and still eligible to compete at the 2024 edition. “Competing in such big competitions is always something special. There is no place for mistakes, and you really must show up and do your best. That is why those competitions can be stressful. But if the atmosphere is good and if you have good people around you who support you, everything is possible.“Everything was happening so fast and there was not much time to process what was happening in between the rounds. In the end, I achieved something, which still feels insane with people who really mean a lot to me.” Indeed, with the two medals won in Seoul, the Slovenian climber from Lasko brought her total medal count at the Youth Worlds to five golds and three silvers, all won between 2019 and 2023 in Boulder, Lead, and Combined. She concluded: “The best part outside of the competition was seeing all my friends from other countries again and meeting some new ones. We had so much fun there. We were exploring the city and trying new things together. It was an amazing experience.” 

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Parkha Ijaz of Defence Raya Golf Club emerged as the title winner in the 3rd Ghazala Ansari Julke Challenge Cup that culminated at Lahore Gymkhana Golf Course on Thursday.  The tournament concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony graced by Chairperson Finance of Lahore Gymkhana Sarmad Nadeem as chief guest, who represented Chairman of Lahore Gymkhana Salman Siddique in his absence. Other notable attendees were Captain Golf Club Raza Saeed, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee Dr. Asma Afzal Shami, Ladies Golf In-charge Ayesha Hamid, Tournament Director Mrs. Bela Azam, also representing sponsors Julke, Chief Referee Munazza Shaheen, prize winners, players and their families.  Parkha Ijaz outperformed her competitors in the WAGR Open Category A, registering a remarkable aggregate gross score of 234, securing her the prestigious trophy. Following her was Humna Amjad, with an aggregate gross score of 243, while Dr. Aania Farooq clinched the third spot with a score of 251. The net category saw Bushra Fatima, hailed as a future star of Pakistan's golf circuit, winning with an impressive net score of 152. Amna Amjad and Ana James Gill rounded out the second and third places, respectively. In Category B, Uzma Khursheed took the top spot with a gross score of 199, closely followed by Shabana Waheed and Gulnaz Mehboob. The net category was dominated by Saqiba Batool, with Rabia Tiwana taking second place. The Category C saw Sadia Asim leading with a gross score of 198, with Mina Zainab and Rabia Rashid completing the top three. Arooj Kanwal won the net category, with Sobia Waseem and Babara Amin in pursuit. The seniors category celebrated Ayesha Hamid and Shehnaz Moin as the net and gross winners, respectively. Special accolades for nearest to the pin and longest drive were awarded to Parkha Ijaz and Bushra Fatima, respectively. Addressing the gathering, chief guest Sarmad Nadeem said, "This women's exclusive tournament consistently surpasses milestones with each passing year. The level of organization, particularly evident in the prize distribution ceremony, is truly exemplary and deserving of high praise. It is my sincere hope that we witness the gradual evolution of this tournament into a renowned international event." In her eloquent address, Dr. Asma Afzal Shami said, "History has shown us that nations which flourish and progress are those that honor their past heroes. To commemorate the accomplishments of our esteemed women golfers from the past, we have organized a series of women's golf championships. These remarkable women serve as our inspirations and role models. "The highlight of the 3rd Ghazala Ansari Julke Challenge Cup was the unprecedented participation of 13 Category A girls in the WAGR Open category, setting a new benchmark for the tournament. Equally noteworthy was the inclusion of young talents from the ACE Junior Golf League. Their remarkable skills and performances significantly contributed to the event's prestige and demonstrated the bright future of golf," she emphasized. Expressing his sentiments, Asad Malik, the son of legendary golfer Ghazala Ansari, said, “Dedicating this golf tournament in the name of Ghazala Ansari holds a special place in our hearts, and we are committed to organizing it annually.  “The impeccable organization, management, and the prize distribution ceremony set a new standard, establishing it as one of the country's most professionally managed golf tournaments. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to Dr. Asma Afzal Shami and her team for orchestrating this event in such an exemplary and pioneering fashion,” he asserted. 

Sports Bulletin ReportWah Cantt (Rawalpindi): Top seed Aqeel Khan stunned 4th Hamza 2-0 in straight sets in a men’s singles match of the 4th Chairman POF Board, National Ranking Tennis Tournament at POF Tennis Complex on Thursday.On the fourth day of the tournament, in Men's Single Category top seed Aqeel Khan defeated Hamza Roman with the score-line of 6-0, 6-1. Mohammad Shoaib beat Barkat Ullah at 6-3, 6-2. Yousaf Khalil beat Muzammil Murtaza with 6-2, 6-1. Mohammad Abid beat Abdullah Adnan with 6-1, 6-1. In Boys under 18 category, Mohammad Faizan defeated Ehsan Bari with 4-1, 4-1 while Hamza Roman beat Mohammad Salar with 6-4, 7-5. In the girls Under 18 category, Soha Ali overcame Sheeza Sajid with the score-line of 0-6, 6-2, and 6-4 while Lalarukh Sajid defeated Mahrukh Sajid with 6-4, 7-6 (4).

Sports Bulletin ReportTaxila (Rawalpindi): The Youth Sports League Men’s Handball Provincial concluded here at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), which was held under the banner of Prime Minister's Youth Programme Talent Hunt at the Multi-Purpose Hall, UET from March 2 to 6, 2024.As many as five teams including Islamabad, Sakardu, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, and Gilgit. Akmal Hussain, Director Sports UET Taxila, undertook the responsibility of organizing the league, ensuring its smooth execution, and fostering an environment conducive to talent exploration and sportsmanship.The closing ceremony of the Provincial League was graced by the esteemed presence of Prof. Dr. Qaiser Uz Zaman Khan, Vice Chancellor of UET Taxila, as a chief guest. Alongside him were distinguished guests including Dr. Jawad Hussain, Registrar of UET Taxila, Dr. Adnan Habib, Chairman of the Sports Committee, and Ghulam Abbad Hussain, Deputy Director of Security at UET Taxila.Speaking at the event, Akmal Hussain, alongside Prof. Dr. Qaiser Uz Zaman Khan, Vice Chancellor of UET Taxila, expressed gratitude towards all participants, officials, and supporters who contributed to the success of the league. They emphasized the importance of such initiatives in promoting sportsmanship, healthy competition, and talent development among the youth.The Prime Minister's Youth Programme Talent Hunt: Youth Sports League aims to provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills, nurture their talent, and pursue excellence in their chosen sport. Through such initiatives, the government endeavors to encourage active participation in sports, foster a culture of fitness and well-being, and identify and groom future sporting champions.The Provincial League for Handball (Men) witnessed thrilling matches, displaying the prowess and determination of the participating teams. The spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie was evident throughout the event, reflecting the core values of fair play and respect.Additionally, the event received recognition from the Higher Education Department, further highlighting its significance in promoting sports at the university level. As the league concluded, participants and organizers alike look forward to future editions of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme Talent Hunt: Youth Sports League, with hopes of continued success and growth in promoting sports at the grassroots level.

Sports Bulletin Report Wah Cantt (Rawalpindi): Yousaf Khalil, Abdullah Adnan, Hamza Roman, Muzamil Murtaza, Mohammad Abid, Mohammad Shoaib, Barkat Ullah, and Aqeel Khan have won their respective matches on the third day of the Men’s Singles Event of the 4th Chairman POF Board, National Ranking Tennis Tournament is being played at POF Tennis Complex on Wednesday.Men’s Singles:Yousaf Khalil beat Saqib Hayat 7-6 (2), 6-2Abdullah Adnan beat Zalan Khan 6-1, 7-5Hamza Roman beat Hamid Israr 6-2, 6-1Muzamil Murtaza beat Nalain Abbas 6-1, 6-3Mohammad Abid beat Sami Zeb Khan 7-5, 6-0Mohammad Shoaib beat Shahzad Khan 6-3, 6-3Barkat Ullah beat Jibran Ul Haq 6-0, 6-1Aqeel Khan beat Heera Ashiq 6-4, 6-4Boys’ U18 Singles:Asad Zaman beat Sheryar Anees 6-4, 6-1Hamid Israr beat Mohammad Yahya 6-0, 6-3Mohammad Salar beat Inam Qadir 6-3, 6-4.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The thrill of competition intensifies at the 3rd Ghazala Ansari Julke Challenge Cup, with Bushra Fatima and Parkha Ijaz locked in a fervent duel, a mere two strokes apart after an electrifying second day at Lahore Gymkhana Golf Course.Fatima, who began her round on Wednesday with a promising birdie on the second hole, completed the front nine just one over par. However, the back nine presented tougher challenges, leading her to finish seven over, tallying a total gross score of 80. Parkha Ijaz, despite a rocky start with a double bogey on the first par 4 and finishing the front nine seven over par, made a remarkable recovery on the back nine, closing just one over par and matching Fatima's score of 80. Bushr’s initial two-stroke lead holds, setting the stage for a captivating final round that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.The competition also saw action in categories B and C for handicaps between 13 to 36, alongside the vibrant participation of junior girls from the Ace Junior Golf League. The young athletes were divided into age groups of 6 to 10 years and 10 to 14 years, competing over 9 and 18 holes respectively.In the 9-hole division, Maria Waqar clinched the first gross with an impressive 51 strokes. Hajra Mohammad Khan followed with 60 strokes for the second gross, and Zaynab Akram secured third with 62 strokes. The event was a showcase of budding talent, with participants eager to follow in the footsteps of Ghazala Ansari, a revered figure in the sport with a handicap of 1.The 18-hole category witnessed a remarkable victory by a 7-year-old golf prodigy, Ayra Ather Yaseen of Ace Junior Golf League, who outperformed competitors significantly older. Starting golf at the tender age of 4, she demonstrated skills well beyond her years, securing the first gross title of the GA Challenge Cup. Mahnoor Syed, with 106 strokes, claimed the second gross, showing great potential for future success. Fariah Amin and Nabiha Nafees rounded out the top spots with 118 and 120 strokes, respectively.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Jinnah Polo Fields were alive with excitement as FG Polo team registered an easy victory over BN Polo with a score of 9-5 on the second day of the 3rd President of Pakistan Polo Cup (National Open Championship) Finale 2024, sponsored by Askari Bank, Habib Metro Bank, and Faysal Bank, here at Jinnah Polo Fields on Thursday. The match drew a large crowd of families and enthusiasts, all eager to witness the high-stakes competition. FG Polo, showcasing remarkable teamwork and strategy, secured their win with Raul Laplacette leading the charge. Laplacette, the star of the match, delivered an outstanding performance by netting seven goals, propelling FG Polo to 9-5 triumph. He was well-supported by teammates Andres Llorente and Mian Abbas Mukhtar, who contributed one goal each to the team's tally. On the opposing side, BN Polo's efforts were led by Hamza Mawaz Khan and Hilario Ruiz, each scoring two goals, with Santiago Loza adding one to their total. The match kicked off with FG Polo taking the reins early on, as they delivered a powerful start by netting two swift goals in the first chukker, establishing an early 2-0 lead. This initial momentum was further amplified at the start of the second chukker, with FG Polo extending their lead to a comfortable 3-0. However, BN Polo, undeterred by the early setback, mounted a vigorous comeback with two consecutive goals, narrowing the gap to a single point at 3-2. As the third chukker unfolded, the competition intensified, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination. The chukker was marked by an evenly matched battle, with each team managing to score one goal apiece. FG Polo maintained their slender lead at 4-3, setting the stage for a nail-biting continuation of the match. The fourth chukker turned the heat up further, with both teams adopting an aggressive approach in an attempt to seize control of the game. It was during this crucial phase that FG Polo demonstrated superior gameplay, outmaneuvering BN Polo to score four impressive goals. Despite BN Polo's efforts, which resulted in two goals, FG Polo extended their lead to 8-5, showcasing their tactical superiority and teamwork. In the fifth and final chukker, FG Polo managed to score another, cementing their triumph with a final score of 9-5. The match was expertly officiated by field umpires Nico Scortichini and Mark John Holmes, ensuring a fair and competitive environment. Anticipation now builds for the next match, where BN Polo will face off against Master Paints/Diamond Paints on Saturday.