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National Open, Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup: FG Polo lift trophy
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: FG Polo clinched the coveted trophy of the Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship for Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup 2024 after defeating BN Polo by 8-6 in the main final played at historic Aibak Polo Ground of the Lahore Polo Club on Sunday.The match was a showcase of skill and determination, with Raul Laplacette leading FG Polo with a remarkable performance, scoring six of the team's eight goals. Andres Llorrente contributed the other two, ensuring their team's dominance. BN Polo's Santiago Loza responded fiercely, achieving a hat-trick of goals, supported by Hamza Mawaz Khan with two goals and Santos Iriarte adding one to their tally. The final was a rollercoaster of emotions and skills, beginning with BN Polo's quick lead of 2-0. FG Polo, however, quickly narrowed the gap by the end of the first chukker and continued to build momentum, eventually overtaking BN Polo. Despite a strong comeback from BN Polo to level the score at 4-4, the decisive fifth chukker saw FG Polo unleash their prowess, outscoring their opponents to clinch the championship with an 8-6 victory. The match was expertly overseen by field umpires Mark Holmes and Nicolas Scortichini, with Juan Zubiaurre acting as the match referee. In the aftermath of their triumph, FG Polo Captain Mian Abbas Mukhtar expressed gratitude for the team's hard work and preparation, attributing their success to divine favor. The championship also saw Olympia/AZB Polo taking home the subsidiary final trophy, narrowly defeating Diamond Paints/Master Paints by a 4-3 margin. The Lahore Polo Club took the occasion to honor contributions to the sport, presenting awards to notable individuals including a lifetime achievement award to former President Lahore Polo Club Irfan Ali Hyder. Awards were also distributed to various club staff for their exceptional service. Highlighting individual excellence, Raja Mikayial Sami received the best Pakistani player of the year award, while Raul Laplacette was named the best foreign player. Other accolades included the highest goal-scorer of the tournament awarded to Max Charlton, and recognition for the best local and final's best mare, showcasing the integral role of equine talent in the sport.
TENNIS - ITF Juniors 24 Feb, 2024
Pakistan’s Ahmed Nael Qureshi overpowers Shijie Chen from China in straight sets 2-0 in finalAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s rising tennis star, Ahmed Nael Qureshi outclassed high-ranked Shijie Chen from China in straight sets 2-0 in Boys’ Singles final of the ITF Pakistan Zainab Ali Naqvi Memorial World Junior Championship Leg-2 at PTF -SDA Tennis Complex Garden Avenue Islamabad on Saturday. The final score-line was 6-1, and 6-3.In the Boys’ Single final, pencil thin Ahmad Nael Qureshi exhibited classic game of tennis to overcome high ranking challenger Shijie, as he took over control on the match from starting and did not allow his rival to settle the feet on the court and finished first set at 6-1.In the second set, Ahmed Nael kept the same pace and game quality and won the set after conceding just three games and won the prestigious title for Pakistan after a long time. Senator Salim Saifullah Khan Ex-President-PTF, Aisam ul Haq Qureshi-President-PTF, Col (Retd) Ziauddin Tufail, and Mohammad Arif Qureshi Treasurer -PTF congratulated Ahmed Nael on his memorable victory.Senator Salim Saifullah Khan Ex-President-PTF was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. The closing ceremony was also attended by Col. Ziauddin Tufail [R], Col. Sadaf Akram, Saeed Ahmed-SEVP-PTF, Mansoor Ahmmad Khan DDG-PSB and a large number of players, coaches, parents, and tennis lovers.Senator Salim Saifullah Khan paid rich tributes to the young and talented Zainab Ali Naqvi- a young tennis player who had come to Islamabad from Karachi to participate in the ITF Juniors Tournaments and passed away on 12th February 2024 in Islamabad. The Ex-President-PTF said that the tennis fraternity is indeed in great shock and Zainab will be always remembered.Results (Finals):Boys’ Singles: Ahmed Nael Qureshi of Pakistan beat Shijie Chen of China 6-1, 6-3Girl's Singles: Kira Kalinouskaya of Belarus beat Paramee Tadkaew of Thailand 6-4, 6-2
FOOTBALL - Int News 24 Feb, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportJeddah (Saudi Arabia): Guam thrashed Saudi Arabia 2-0 and exited the hosts from the title race for the 2024 West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) Women’s Championship.With qualification out of reach for both teams following previous results against Jordan and Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Guam went head-to-head with a third-place finish in Group A up for grabs. While Saudi Arabia played well and went close on numerous occasions, Guam took all three points.Despite being unable to register a victory in its first-ever appearance in the competition, progression has been clear for all to see under new head coach Lluís Cortés as the team gave a solid account of themselves against strong opposition.For the women’s national team, attentions now turn to the future. The players will return to their club teams where they will resume playing in the second season of the Women’s Premier League until April. 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.
TENNIS - ITF Juniors 23 Feb, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan slim & smart tennis player, Ahmed Neal Qureshi cruised into the Boys’ Singles final of the ITF Pakistan Zainab Ali Naqvi Memorial World Junior Championship Leg-2 after thrashing Jacob Kailiang Shen from Hong Kong 2-0 at PTF -SDA Tennis Complex Islamabad on Friday. The final score-line was 6-4, 6-3.Results (Semifinals):Ahmed Nael Qureshi (PAK) beat Jacob Kailiang Shen (HKG) 6-4, 6-3Shijie Chen (CHN) beat Kaigaoge Kang (CHN) 6-2, 6-4Girls’ Singles (Semifinals):Kira Kalinouskaya (BLR) beat Stefaniya Neporent (BLR) 6-4, 6-1Paramee Tadkaew (THA) beat Ekaterina Pestereva (RUS) 6-4 (Retd)Boys’ Doubles (Final):Dong Hyeon Euom(KOR) / Jiwan Park (KOR) beat Kaigaoge Kang(CHN) / Oscar Reilly 6-4, 5-7 (10-8)Saturday’s Schedule:GIRLS SINGLES FINAL: 10:30 amBOYS SINGLES FINAL: 01:30 pm
Dutch Hockey Club clinch three-match Series 2-1 against HEC
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Oldenzaal Hockey Club aka Billy Club of Netherlands have won the thrice match tie 2-1 after beating the hosts Higher Education Commission (HEC) hockey team on a penalty shoot-out 4-3, as the score-line was 1-1 after all 4 quarters at Nasser Bunda Hockey Stadium Islamabad on Friday.Both teams started the match at a bit slow pace and were looking defensive, however, after a few minutes, players showed nice game skills and attacked the goalposts but could not score a goal. In the 11th minute, Mubasher scored a field goal and put the hosts in a 1-0 lead. He received the pass from the right side and diverted the ball into the goal without wasting a fraction of a second.The HEC team upheld the lead till the end of the third quarter. However, in the 52nd minute Dutch player Niels Engberink leveled the match 1-1 after scoring a goal on a penalty corner. The scoreboard remained unchanged 1-1 till the final whistle. Each side was given 5 penalty shoot-out to get the results of the 3-match tie.Mattis Barttelink, Ruben Kattier, and Leen Timmers scored goals for the Dutch Club while Jan Willem Wunbergen and Niels Engberink failed to score goals. Ali Murtaza and Mubasher showed excellent stick work and pushed the ball into the net but the other three lads including Ahmed Raza, Mohammad Zain, and Shaheer Ali missed the goals.The diplomats from various countries watched the match along with Olympians, sports enthusiasts, and university students from twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Ambassador of Dutch to Pakistan, Henny de Vries, the Australian High Commissioner, Neil Hawkins, Acting Ambassador of Romania to Pakistan, Eduard-Robert Preda, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan, Totuiaev Ulanbek Asankulovich, the High Commissioner-designate of Brunei Darussalam, Colonel (Retd) Pengiran Haji Kamal Bashah and Ambassador of Morocco to Pakistan and Dean of the African Corps Mohammed Karmoune were present on occasion.
HOCKEY - Ice Hockey 22 Feb, 2024
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Holland's Ambassador in Islamabad Henny de Vries hosted a reception to honor the Dutch team of Oldenzaal Hockey Club (OHC) aiming to highlight the pivotal role of sports diplomacy in fostering international relations and building bridges between nations.Henny de Vries said on this occasion: “Hockey holds a special place in the hearts of both the Dutch and Pakistani people, and it this week is a testament to the power of sports in bridging cultures and fostering understanding. The matches played in Lahore, and the upcoming match in Islamabad, have not only showcased the skill and ability of our athletes but have also provided an opportunity for cultural exchange and mutual appreciation.”The Ambassador expressed her gratitude to Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy for extending the invitation to the club and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for their invaluable support. The presence of such influential voices from the media, sports, and diplomatic community underscored the collective commitment to leveraging sports as a vehicle for strengthening international relations.Through initiatives such as these, the Dutch Ambassador emphasized the willingness to continue leveraging the power of sports to foster mutual understanding and friendship between the Netherlands and Pakistan.Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC assured of HEC support in the revival of Hockey through the generating national and international opportunities for aspiring players. He also thanked the Dutch embassy for coming forward for a noble cause of promoting sports and cultural exchange excursions in Pakistan. Also, Incharge Sports & Co-curricular Activities Division HEC, Javed Ali Memon, sports personalities, and diplomats attended the ceremony.
FOOTBALL - Int News 22 Feb, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportJeddah (Saudi Arabia): Lebanon overpowered Saudi Arabia 3-2 in a group stage match of the 2024 West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) Women’s Championship on Wednesday night, and the hosts’ hopes ended to reach the semifinal of the prestigious women’s soccer fixture.In another spirited performance where improvements under new head coach Lluís Cortés were again apparent, Lana Abdulrazak and Seba Tawfiq showcased their talent by scoring goals for Saudi Arabia. Still, despite their efforts, Lebanon emerged victorious with goals from Christy Maalouf and Syntia Salha, securing a spot in the semi-finals and effectively ending Saudi goals from Christy Maalouf and Syntia Salha were enough for Lebanon to seal victory and send them through to the semi-finals.While qualification from Group A is out of Saudi Arabia’s reach in the team’s first-ever appearance in the competition, they have another opportunity to showcase their talent against Guam on Friday night in the third and final group stage fixture.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 is the latest international football tournament making its way to Jeddah, where both the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and 2022 WAFF Futsal Championship have been held.
TENNIS - ITF Juniors 22 Feb, 2024
Pakistani Ahmed Nael, and Jacob, Shijie, and Kaigaoge qualify for Boys’ Singles semifinalsAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Ekaterina Pestereva from Russia, Paramee Tadkaew from Thailand, Stefaniya Neporent from Belarus, and Kira Kalinouskaya from Belarus advanced into the semifinals of the Girls’ Singles discipline of the ITF Pakistan Zainab Ali Naqvi Memorial World Junior Championship Leg-2 after beating their respective opponents in quarterfinals here at PTF -SDA Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue on Thursday.Rising tennis lad, Ahmed Nael Qureshi kept the hope alive of Pakistan for the title, as he thrashed his challenger Dong Hyeon Euom from Korea in straight sets 2-0 with the final score-line of 6-4, and 6-2. Also, Jacob Kailiang Shen from Hong Kong, Shijie Chen from China, and Kaigaoge Kang from China jumped into semifinals after winning their respective matches.Results:Boys’ Singles (Quarterfinals):Jacob Kailiang Shen (HKG) beat Jiwan Park (KOR) 6-3, 2-6, 6-3Shijie Chen (CHN) beat Ahtesham Humayun (PAK) 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-1Kaigaoge Kang (CHN) beat Oscar Reilly (NED) 6-4, 6-4Ahmed Nael Qureshi (PAK) beat Dong Hyeon Euom (KOR) 6-4, 6-2Girls’ Singles (Quarterfinals):Ekaterina Pestereva (RUS) beat Gehansa Don (SRI) 6-0, 6-2Paramee Tadkaew (THA) beat Chaewon Whang (KOR) 6-2, 6-2Stefaniya Neporent (BLR) beat Jingke Yan (CHN) 6-3, 6-4Kira Kalinouskaya (BLR) beat Katsiaryna Dubik (BLR) 3-1(Retd)Girls’ Doubles (Semifinals):Gyuree Nam (KOR) / Chaewon Whang (KOR) beat Dicle Izgi (TUR) / Paramee Tadkaew (THA) 6-1, 6-2Stefaniya Neporent(BLR) / Ekaterina Pestereva(RUS) beat Deniz Cakil (TUR) / Jingke Yan (CHN) 6-0, 6-4
Pakistan surprise India by 5 wickets Blinds Cricket T-20
Badar Munir leads Green Shirts to win with a superb knock of 129 runs off 63 ballsSports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Pakistan Blinds Cricket team defeated arch-rival India by 5 wickets in the first contest of the 3-match Blinds Cricket T-20 bilateral series at International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket Academy Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday.Captain Nisar Ali won the toss and opted to put India in to bat first. Pakistan's bowler Badar Munir made an early breakthrough by dismissing the dangerous Sunil Ramesh in the third over. Despite this, India managed a competitive total of 213 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Indian captain Dargah Rao contributed with 61 runs off 42 balls, while Venkatesh Rao scored 49 runs off 37 balls. Pakistan's bowlers Badar Munir and Kamran Akhter claimed 2 wickets each.In response, Pakistan faced early setbacks, losing a couple of wickets, including Captain Nisar Ali, who scored 18 runs off 11 balls. However, Badar Munir took the charge with an exceptional innings, and guided Pakistan to chase down the target of 214 runs in the 20th over with 5 wickets in hand. Badar Munir's unbeaten knock of 129 runs off 63 balls, including 5 sixes and 18 fours, proved decisive. Indian bowlers Durga Rao Parsaad and Nakulabadanayak managed to take one wicket each.
HOCKEY - FIH Pro League 21 Feb, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Australia’s men extended their unbeaten run to five matches with a convincing victory over Spain as FIH Hockey Pro League action continued in Rourkela, India on Wednesday.As they have done in several of their previous matches, the Kookaburras came from behind to beat the Spanish 4-1 in an encounter where the Red Sticks were left to rue numerous missed shots and ill-discipline. (Men’s) Australia beat Spain (4-1): Pepe Cunill ran out for Spain for a 50th time in a losing cause as Australia came from behind to win 4-1. The match got off to a flying start with two excellent team goals. Pere Amat gave the Red Sticks the lead with a second-minute tap-in before Flynn Ogilvie responded for the Kookaburras two minutes later. Nathan Ephraums then put Australia ahead with skilful work close to the goalkeeper in the eighth minute before both keepers had the final say in the quarter. Johan Durst made a good double save for Australia and Rafael Revilla saved two drag flicks as the clock ran down. The second quarter produced fewer opportunities until Jeremy Hayward’s drag flick for Australia screamed in off the postman’s head in the 25th minute. Spain laced a shot wide in the final seconds of the half and Australia led 3-1 at the break.The second half was hard-fought and physical, and both teams were creative and looked dangerous if they found space to attack. The Kookaburras had a good spell towards the end of the third quarter and were rewarded when Tim Brand squeezed in a field goal in the 44th minute. That ended the scoring but not the action as Australia picked up a green card and Spain were handed two yellows in the final quarter. (Men’s) Netherlands beat India (1-1 SO: 4-2): The Netherlands and hosts India played out a cracking 1-1 draw to earn a point each, with the Dutch winning the shootout 4-2 for a bonus point. The Indians created the first scoring opportunities of the match, but it was Floris Middendorp who pounced on a rebound to score his first international goal for the Netherlands in the fourth minute. Krishan Pathak then made a crucial double save off a penalty corner as the clock ran down on the first quarter. The second period was hard-fought but remained goalless, meaning the Dutch led 1-0 at half-time.India started building momentum through an intense third quarter and found an equaliser in the 38th minute, Hardik Singh finishing sharply from a recycled penalty corner. India promptly threw away possession with a poor pass across their own 23-yard area, but Pathak was on hand with another great save to set up a tense finish. Both teams had their chances in a thrilling last quarter, but when the final hooter sounded the scores remained locked at 1-1, and the Dutch prevailed 4-2 in the ensuing shootout.
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