Mohammad RizwanBusan (Korea): Day 6 of the ITTF World Team Championships Finals 2024 brought the tournament to a fever pitch as teams clashed in a battle for quarterfinals and Olympic qualification. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as players left their hearts on the table, striving for their chance to make history on the world stage. Eleven more teams joined the ranks of Olympic qualifiers. In the women’s teams, the stakes were higher than ever for the host nation, Korea Republic, as they squared off against Team Brazil in a pivotal match that would determine their Olympic fate. With the crowd roaring in support, the Korean team delivered a stellar performance, overcoming a fierce Brazilian squad to secure their place in Paris. Shin Yubin, Team Korea Republic said: I’m really grateful for all members of our team, and I’m happy now. As I think about the Olympics, I want to make sure I leave no stone unturned. I'm aiming to go out there and give it everything I've got. My goal is simple: no regrets. I want to finish every match knowing I've left it all on the table and given my absolute best." - Across the court, Chinese Taipei battled against a determined Indian side in a nail-biting encounter that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Chinese Taipei fought back from a 0-1 deficit against India, crushing the early optimism of the Indian side. India was unable to maintain their momentum and Chinese Taipei ultimately secured their Olympic berth, leaving India heartbroken at the round of 16 hurdle. Japan's powerhouse squad left no doubt about their Olympic aspirations, delivering a dominant performance against Croatia, leaving spectators in awe of their tenacity. The women stamped their authority with a commanding display and will now face the Elizabeth Samara led Romanian team. In the men’s teams, Korea Republic's dominant performance against India ignited the crowd with fervour and anticipation. Their straight set win not only secured their place in the quarterfinals but also confirmed their spot in Paris 2024. Meanwhile, Portugal achieved their goal of Olympic qualification with a thrilling victory over Croatia, earning them a hard-earned ticket to the next round against Team France. Germany's gritty victory over Iran also saw them securing their spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. As the intensity of the competition continued to escalate, Chinese Taipei's gripping encounter with Sweden unfolded in a five-set thriller that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final point. Despite the valiant efforts of the European Champions, Chinese Taipei emerged victorious, securing their passage to Paris and adding another remarkable chapter to their storied campaign. The final ticket to Paris in Busan was claimed by Denmark, whose resilience and determination were on full display in a gruelling match against Slovenia. Anders Lind, Team Denmark, said: “I feel absolutely amazing. This is one of the happiest moments in my career. What makes me even happier is my team, because we had a lot of matches in the last 24 hours and we’re very tired. I’m so proud of them and myself, we’re all happy.” Qualifiers are joining the ranks of teams already bound for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Among the women's teams, China, Australia, Egypt, Germany, USA, and Brazil had already secured their spots, while in the men's division, China, Australia, Egypt, Sweden, Brazil, and Canada had already booked their tickets to Paris. As the dust settled on an exhilarating day of competition and Olympic spots secured, teams are now shifting their focus to their pursuit of medals in Busan.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Muzamil Murtaza claimed two titles of the RLK Group Punjab Open Tennis Championship 2024 that concluded on a high note at the Punjab Tennis Academy, Bagh-e-Jinnah Lahore on Wednesday.Muzamil Murtaza showcased his supremacy on the court by first securing victory in the men's singles final against M Abid with scores of 6-4, 7-6. He didn't stop there; teaming up with Abdullah Adnan, Muzamil also triumphed in the men's doubles final, overcoming the duo of M Abid and Waqas Malik with a 6-3, 7-5 victory. "Winning not just one, but two titles at this championship feels surreal. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication we have put in," Murtaza expressed post-victory. The championship also saw Shimza Durab clinching the ladies' singles title by defeating Bismel Zia with a convincing 6-3, 6-1 in the final, showcasing her prowess on the court. The seniors' categories were equally competitive, with notable victories from Talha Waheed (GO Pakistan) and Arif Feroze in the doubles 45 plus category, and seniors champion Rashid Malik demonstrating his undiminished skill in the seniors 50 plus singles, outwitting Fayyaz Khan by 6-1, 6-1. The seniors 60 plus doubles title was claimed by Brig Ghazanfar/Waqar Nisar, who outshone Maj Saeed/Mubeen Malik 6-2, 6-1. In the boys/girls U-14 final, Abdur Rehman beat Huzaima 6-0. In the boys/girls U-12 final, Muaz Shahbaz beat Ohad e Mustafa 6-2 while the boys/girls U-10 title was lifted by Ayan Shahbaz, who thrashed Ehsan Bari 6-1. The concluding ceremony was graced by Dr. Rashid Latif Khan, Chairman of the RLK Group, as the chief guest, with Hasan Said, Director of RLSB, serving as the guest of honor. Hasan Said played a pivotal role in the tournament's successful organization. "Our commitment to tennis is unwavering. We aim not just to host tournaments but to nurture young talent, helping them bring glory to our nation," Dr. Khan remarked during the prize distribution ceremony. PLTA Secretary Rashid Malik extended his gratitude towards the RLK Group for their all-out support. "Their sponsorship and support have been invaluable. It is our collective hope to make this championship a cornerstone of Pakistan's tennis calendar," Malik stated. The tournament, celebrated for its competitive spirit and high professional standards, not only provided a platform for showcasing talent but also reaffirmed the commitment of the RLK Group and the PLTA towards the development of tennis in Pakistan.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship for Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup 2024 witnessed spectacular victories for BN Polo and FG Polo in their respective matches at the Lahore Polo Club on Wednesday. BN Polo showcased a stellar performance to secure a win against Olympia/AZB Polo with a score of 9-7. The dynamic duo of Babar Naseem and Hamza Mawaz Khan led the charge, netting three goals each, with Santiago Loza adding two more and Santos Iriarte chipping in with one. Olympia/AZB Polo's counterattack was spearheaded by Abdul Rehman Monnoo, who scored three goals, while Ahmed Zubair Butt and Nicolas Corti each contributed two goals. The match kicked off with BN Polo quickly establishing a 2-0 lead, maintaining the momentum to double their advantage by the end of the second chukker. Olympia/AZB Polo mounted a formidable comeback, leveling the score at 4-4, before BN Polo narrowly edged ahead to close the chukker at 5-4. The fourth chukker saw both teams locked in a tight contest, but BN Polo managed to maintain a one-goal lead. The decisive fifth chukker was fiercely contested, with BN Polo outscoring their opponents to clinch the victory at 9-7. The day's second match was an equally intense affair, with FG Polo edging out Diamond Paints/Master Paints by a narrow margin of 8-7. Raul Laplacette was the hero for FG Polo, delivering an outstanding performance with seven goals, while Raja Mikayial Sami contributed one goal. Diamond Paints/Master Paints' effort was led by Martin Gandhara with four goals, Mir Huzaifa with two, and Raja Temur Nadeem adding one to the tally. Following these matches, the league phase of the tournament concluded, with FG Polo, BN Polo, and DS Polo tied at six points each atop the points table. A penalty shootout will determine the team advancing directly to the final, while the second and third-place teams will face off in the semifinals on Friday.

Eight foreign players and 2 locals Ahmed Nael and Ahtesham reach the top-8 stageSports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: As many as 8 foreign players and 2 Pakistani Ahmed Nael Qureshi and Ahtesham Humayun moved into the quarterfinals of the Boys’ Singles fixture of the ITF Pakistan Zainab Ali Naqvi Memorial World Junior Championship Leg-2 after beating their respective rivals here at PTF -SDA Tennis Complex Garden Avenue on Wednesday.Results:Boys’ Singles (Pre-Quarterfinals:Jacob Kailiang Shen (HKG) beat Xiuyuan guo (CHN) 4-6, 6-4, 6-1Jiwan Park (KOR) beat Doruk Elbirlik (TUR) 4-6, 6-0, 6-0Kaigaoge Kang (CHN) beat Bilal Asim (PAK) 6-2, 6-4Dong Hyeon Euom (KOR) beat Amir Mazari (PAK) 6-1, 6-0Shijie Chen (CHN) beat Hamid Israr (PAK) 6-2, 6-4Ahmed Nael Qureshi (PAK) beat Makarov (RUS) 3-0 (Retd)Ahtesham Humayun (PAK) beat Ilya Kryukov (RUS) 4-0 (Retd)Oscar Reilly (NED) beat Mohammad Hamza Aasim (PAK) 7-6 (5), 6-4Girls’ Singles (Pre-Quarterfinals):Stefaniya Neporent (BLR) beat Deniz Cakil (TUR) 7-5, 6-3Gehansa Methndi (SRI) beat Sheeza Sajid (PAK) 6-2, 6-1Ekatrenia Pestereva (RUS) beat Hinru Zhong (CHN) 6-2, 7-6 (2)Chaewon Whang (KOR) beat Lidia Ratobylskaya (RUS) 6-1, 6-0Paramee Tadkaew (THA) 6-0, 6-1Katsiaryna Dubik (BLR) beatJosefa Beatrice (PHI) 6-1, 6-0Kira Kalinouskaya (BLR) beat Dicle Izgi (TUR) 6-1, 6-3Boys’ Doubles (Quarterfinals):Dong Hyeon Euom (KOR) / Jiwan Park (KOR) beat Kieran Lin (USA) / Ivan Makarov (RUS) 6-3, 6-3Hamid Israr (PAK) / Papangkorn Bunyarit(THA) beat Howard Chan (HKG)/ Xiuyuan Guo 6-4, 6-1Bilal Asim / Ahmed Nael Qureshi (PAK) beat Ulad Dalbusin (RUS) / Ilya Kryukov(RUS) 6-3, 6-1Girls’ Doubles (Quarterfinals):Ekatrenia Pestereva (RUS) / Stefaniya Neporent (BLR) beat Kira Kalinouskaya (BLR) / Katsiaryna Dubik (BLR) 4-1 (retd)Deniz Cakil (TUR) / Jingke Yan (CHN) beat Deren Cetinkaya (TUR) / Sheeza Sajid (PAK) 6-1, 6-0.

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The recently concluded DP World ILT20 Season 2 captured the attention of fans worldwide with its enthralling displays of athleticism and competitive cricket. However, beyond the fierce battles between international giants, this tournament provided a mega platform to unearth the burgeoning talent of UAE's own cricketers.Mohammad Waseem: The opening batter from the United Arab Emirates was the fourth highest run-getter this edition, with 321 runs in 12 matches at an impressive strike rate of 148. Providing an impetus at the top with his aggressive stroke play, Waseem’s exploits were crucial to the MI Emirates stellar campaign. The MI Emirates were the first team to secure their place in the play offs and subsequently went on to win the championship.Waseem’s stand out knock of the season came against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, where he struck an unbeaten 89 to ensure the MI Emirates would coast home with eight wickets in hand. Waseem’s tournament exploits earned him the Blue Belt which came with a cash purse of $15,000 for being the most outstanding UAE player, second time in a row.Alishan Sharafu: The top order batter for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders had a good season compiling 220 runs in the 11 innings he batted in, at a strike rate of 120. While his contributions played a significant role in his team’s qualification to the play-offs, his match winning knock of 82 not out from 47 deliveries against the Desert Vipers while chasing 155 was the fourth highest individual score in the tournament and also his best performance.Mohammad Jawadullah: Returning to his second season with the Sharjah Warriors, the left arm pacer was one of the leading wicket takers for the Sharjah Warriors this season with 10 wickets in 8 matches. Although the team had a forgettable season finishing in last place, the 24-year-old was consistent with his lines and lengths. His best performance of the tournament was against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders where he picked up 3 wickets for only 5 runs with an economy rate of 2.5 runs per over.Zuhaib Zubair: The Gulf Giants’ Zuhaib Zubair was one of the best bowlers from the UAE this season. In eight matches, the leg-spinner picked up 11 wickets with his leg breaks at an average of 16. He also logged some of the best figures of the tournament when he finished with 4/22 to power the Giants to a mammoth 79 run victory against the Sharjah Warriors.Mohammad Rohid: The 21-year-old left arm quick from the MI Emirates impressed one and all with his bowling, picking up nine wickets in the 16 overs he’s bowled in the tournament. While he may not have been among the top wicket takers of the tournament, his bowling showed a lot of promise. His best performance came against the Desert Vipers where he picked three for 21 in three overs, accounting for the wickets of Alex Hales, Adam Hose and Azam Khan.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Senator Salim Saifullah Khan handed over the PTF charge to Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, who was elected President-PTF in the recently held elections on the 10th of February 2024, in a ceremony at SDA-PTF Tennis Complex here on Wednesday.According to an official of PTF, the outgoing President, Senator Salim Saifullah Khan handed over the PTF reigns to Aisam ul Haq Qureshi and presented him a tennis racket on this occasion. Senator Salim Saifullah Khan felicitated Aisam and said he was confident Aisam would work hard to promote and develop tennis throughout Pakistan.On this occasion, Aisam ul Haq Qureshi thanked Senator Salim Saifullah Khan and assured him that he would work tirelessly for the betterment of tennis and especially focus on player development as well as the development of tennis infrastructure in the country.

Salman KhanMULTAN: Multan Sultans defeated Islamabad United by five wickets in the HBL PSL 9 here at Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday night, as this was second back-to-back victory for Multan Sultans. Multan Sultans’ decision to field first paid dividends as Islamabad United lost two early wickets. Carrying on his form from the previous game, left-arm pacer David Willey once again provided the first breakthrough for Multan Sultans as he took out opening batter Alex Hales for just two runs in the third over. Drama ensued in the following over as Colin Munro was caught on the first ball but the bowler overstepped, awarding the Islamabad opening batter a second chance. Only three deliveries later, Ali redeemed himself as he rattled Munro’s (8, 13b, 1x4) stumps. The fourth batter in, Jordan Cox, took charge from the get-go as he announced himself on the crease with a maximum against Willey on just the fourth ball he faced. In the next over, he produced a boundary against Olly Stone to help Islamabad United end the powerplay at 32 for two. Salman Ali Agha and Cox led the recovery for Islamabad. The two took on right-arm pacer Abbas Afridi, amassing 26 runs off his first two overs, as runs started to flow for the team after the powerplay. Khushdil Shah’s misjudgment in the deep cost two catches – in the seventh and ninth overs – as the third-wicket partnership grew to mount pressure on the home team. Leg-spinner Usama Mir struck in the 12th over to cut short the third-wicket stand after he trapped Cox leg-before. The English batter, who had reviewed the on-field umpire’s decision, walked back for a 41 on 28 on the back of two boundaries and as many maximums after the DRS showed three reds. Azam Khan could only manage to produce 13 from 10, including a four and a six, before he was caught by Willey at long-on, awarding Usama his second wicket of the night. Imad Wasim bagged a three-ball duck to bring Islamabad United down to 105-5 in 14.4 overs. Skipper Shadab Khan joined Salman on the crease. The pair added 35 runs for the sixth-wicket stand before Shadab (11, 9b, 1x4) fell to Abbas. A ball later, Abbas got his third wicket of the night after Salman (52, 43b, 3x4s, 2x6s) was caught by Khushdil. Ali dismissed Faheem Ashraf and Ubaid Shah cheaply and Naseem Shah was run out in the final over as Islamabad United finished at 144 in 20 overs. Ali, bagging three wickets at the expense of just 19 runs, was awarded player of the match for his crucial bowling effort. Abbas too picked up three wickets, while Usama had two to his name. Willey returned with one scalp as well.Defending 145, Islamabad United got off to a strong start as Naseem shattered opening batter Dawid Malan’s middle stumps, who had to return for a two-ball duck. Reeza Hendricks joined Mohammad Rizwan in the center and the two successfully saw through Naseem’s incredible new ball spell. They stitched a solid partnership yielding 71 runs to bring stability to the innings, until Rizwan (43, 33b, 6x4s, 2x6s) fell to his counterpart who had brought himself into the attack in the 11th over. Yasir Khan made eight off 11 before he fell victim to Imad, courtesy of a magnificent relay catch by Cox and Hales at deep midwicket. Hendricks took on Shadab in the 17th over, smashing a six and two fours on three consecutive deliveries to complete his half-century whilst bringing his team closer to the target.Shortly after, Tymal Mills struck to remove Hendricks (58, 46b, 6x4s, 1x6) and Naseem got Khushdil for just three runs in the penultimate over. Iftikhar Ahmed (18 not out, 17b, 1x6) and Willey (7 not out, 6b, 1x4), facing Mills in the final over, completed the remaining four runs to finish the game for Multan Sultans, with one ball to spare. Naseem was the best bowler for Islamabad United, picking up two wickets for 27 runs in four overs. Shadab, Imad and Mills had a wicket each. 

Mohammad Huzaifa Ibrahim outclasses American lad Christian Capella in straight games 3-0Sports Bulletin Report Houston (USA): Pakistan Squash Player, Mohammad Huzaifa Ibrahim has won the title of Houston Open Under -19 Squash Championship 2024 by defeating American player Christian Capella in straight games 3-0 in the final here at Houston Squash Arena Texas, United States of America (USA). The final score-line was 11-4, 11-8, and 12-10.It is pertinent to mention here that in the semifinal, Mohammad Huzaifa Ibrahim ousted Rustin Wiser of America 3-2 after a tough competition with game scores of 3-1, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9, and 12-10. With this victory, Mohammad Huzaifa succeeded in winning the 35th international title overall. 

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.