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HOCKEY - FIH Pro League 10 Feb, 2024
India beat Spain 4-1 while Netherlands defeat Ireland 4-1 in BhubaneswarSports Bulletin ReportBhubaneswar (India): The Netherlands men got the second mini-tournament of the FIH Hockey Pro League in Bhubaneswar, India off to a perfect start with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Ireland. In the second match of the day, a dominant second quarter saw home side India getting the better of the Red Sticks, beating the Spanish side 4-1.(Men’s) Netherlands beat Ireland (5-1): Floris Wortelboer celebrated his 100th cap for the Netherlands in a hard-fought 5-1 win over Ireland. The Dutch stamped their authority on the match early, pressing high and applying immense pressure on the Irish defence. Tjep Hoedemakers opened the scoring off a short corner variation in the 12th minute, deflecting a rocketed pass over the postman’s head from a metre wide of goal. Jorrit Croon made it two in the 21st minute, swatting in a rebound off Jamie Carr’s mask after Joep de Mol had opened up the defence with great acceleration along the baseline. Ireland had some good opportunities, but missed a penalty corner and then clattered one into the upright from open play to trail 2-0 at half-time.The third quarter served up plenty of action. Carr made two good saves for Ireland before Jip Janssen scored his 50th goal for the Netherlands from a penalty stroke in the 35th minute. Within a minute Lee Cole responded for Ireland with a penalty stroke from a foul that resulted in a Dutch player receiving a 10-minute yellow card. The Netherlands’ problems grew worse when they were reduced to nine men with a green card three minutes later. This prompted the Irish to press hard but they couldn’t convert from two penalty corners, Pirmin Blaak making an excellent save as the quarter came to an end. The Netherlands regained control in the final quarter, Janssen scoring his second from a drag flick after 52 minutes, and Steijn van Heijningen adding one off an unlucky defender a minute later.(Men’s) India beat Spain (4-1): India thrilled their home crowd with an excellent 4-1 win over Spain. The teams were equally matched in the opening quarter, India having a slight edge courtesy of a Harmanpreet Singh drag flick in the seventh minute and some excellent work in goal by Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh. The Indians turned up the heat in the second quarter, testing the excellent Luis Calzado in goal repeatedly and winning five penalty corners in just four minutes. Harmanpreet Singh slotted in a penalty stroke in the 20th minute after his drag flick struck the postman on the line, and Jugraj Singh added a drag flick in the 24th minute for a 3-0 Indian lead at half-time.Spain came back in the third quarter, a strong circle carry from Enrique Gonzales earning a penalty stroke for skipper Marc Miralles to bury in the 34th minute. They went on to dominate the quarter but were denied by an exceptional Indian defence. Spain needed something early in the final quarter and they went after it, but India hit them on the break in the 50th minute, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay lashing in a one-touch reverse shot off a pass that deflected to him in clear space.
President Trophy: Kamran, Farhan and Saud Shakeel hit centuries
Abdullah AsjadRAWALPINDI: Kamran Ghulam, Sahibzada Farhan and Saud Shakeel struck centuries for SNGPL against WAPDA on day one of the final of the President’s Trophy Grade-I here at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.After being put into bat, SNGPL scored 479 for seven in 80 overs. After losing Test cricketer Abid Ali for no score, right-handed batters Sahibzada Farhan and Kamran Ghulam got together and knitted a 214-run partnership for the second wicket.Sahibzada, who has featured in five T20Is for Pakistan, top-scored for the side, scoring 161 off 206 balls, hitting 22 fours and two sixes. 28-year-old Kamran was the second centurion for his side in the first innings. He scored a 136-ball 101, which included 16 fours.Saud Shakeel, who has featured in 10 Test matches, and was also part of the Pakistan squad against Australia recently, returned undefeated on 123 off 81 balls, smashing 12 fours and four sixes.That SNGPL managed to score around six an over in 80 overs was largely due to a quick-fire 44 off 20 balls from Mubasir Khan. The right-handed batter, coming to bat at number seven, struck four sixes and two fours over the course of his innings. For WAPDA, captain Iftikhar Ahmed and Tahir Hussain bagged two wickets apiece.
POLO - Local News 09 Feb, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Newage Cables/Master Paints qualified for the main final of the Noon Polo Cup 2024 after winning their match against AR/PR played here at the Lahore Polo Club on Friday. Newage Cables/Master Paints played outstanding polo against AR/PR and outclassed them by 8-1½ to qualify for the main final. Adnan Jalil Azam smashed in five goals for the winning side while teammates Alman Jalil Azam, Sufi Farooq and Sahar Yaghoobi contributed one goal apiece. The only goal from the losing side came from Saim Abbas. In another match of the day played under the American system, Sheikhoo Steel/Diamond Paints won both of their matches to qualify for the subsidiary final. In their first match, Sheikhoo Steel/Diamond Paints defeated Zacky Farms by 3½-3. Mir Huzaifa thrashed in two goals and Sufi Haroon scored one for Sheikhoo Steel/Diamond Paints, which had a handicap advantage of a half goal, while for the losing side, Shah Shamyl Alam slammed in all three goals. In their second match of the day, Sheikhoo Steel/Diamond Paints edged out Sea Gold by 2½-2. Saim Abbas and Mir Huzaifa contributed one goal each for the winning side while Kashif Jamal banged in a brace for Sea Gold. In another match, Zacky Farms thumped Sea Gold by 4½-1. From the winning side, Zackaria Daud Ali Khan and Shah Shamyl Alam thrashed in two goals each. For Sea Gold, the only goal was scored by Shiraz Qureshi. Now, Newage Cable/Master Paints will take on ZS Polo in the main final to be played at Lahore Polo Club’s Ground 2 at 3:00 pm while the subsidiary final will also be contested at the same venue between Sheikhoo Steel/Diamond Paints and Guard Group 1:30 pm.
HOCKEY - FIH Pro League 09 Feb, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportBhubaneswar (India): Defending champions the Netherlands delivered another commanding performance as FIH Hockey Pro League action continued in Bhubaneswar, India on Friday. The Dutch were all class as they romped to a 6-2 victory over Australia while later in the day, India gave their home fans plenty to cheer about with a hard-fought win over the United States.(Women’s) Netherlands beat Australia (6-2):The Netherlands took full control of proceedings in their 6-2 win over Australia. They asked plenty of questions of the Australian defence throughout the match, connecting with long diagonal through-balls, making textbook inter-passes between players, and displaying moments of individual brilliance that all resulted in regular circle entries. Marijn Veen opened the scoring for the Dutch after seven minutes with a deft two-touch goal, popping the ball up and then lofting it into the top left corner from the reverse stick. Frédérique Matla then extended the lead just two minutes later, getting in front of the defence to slap in after a devastating baseline run from Marleen Jochems, and Yibbi Jansen added a scorching drag flick off a penalty corner to put the Dutch three in front. Australia finished the half with a flurry of penalty corners, but it took a deflection off a first-wave runner for Tatum Stewart’s rocketed drag flick to beat Josine Koning in the Dutch goal, making it 3-1 at halftime.Jansen added her second drag flick after 39 minutes, taking her tournament tally to an impressive 11 goals. Veen then completed her hat-trick with two quick goals, the first as the Dutch intercepted a poor free hit at the top of the Australian circle in the 48th minute, and the second from a somewhat fortuitous deflection off a defender’s stick a minute later. Australia pulled one back in the 52nd minute, Stephanie Kershaw intercepting a loose Dutch overhead and driving 50 yards up-field before two quick passes found Grace Stewart for a tap-in, but that did little to dent the Netherlands’ emphatic winning margin.Marijn Veen of the Netherlands was awarded player of the match for her hat-trick as said: “We played really good as a team so I’m happy with the win. It’s always nice to score but I’m more happy with the team performance.”(Women’s) India beat USA (3-1):India delighted the home crowd with a 3-1 win in a fast-paced encounter against the USA. The Americans looked to attack through the first half, but they turned over possession through impatience and inaccuracy to give the Indians plenty of advantage. Vandana Katariya put India ahead off a failed USA clearance in the ninth minute, volleying the ball in after it popped above her head from a goalmouth scramble. Deepika extended India’s lead with a glorious team goal, collecting a pass in the circle at full stretch after a good build-up and then recovering well to fire home off her reverse stick.The USA fought back in the third quarter with Sanne Caarls pouncing in the 42nd minute when India failed to clear their circle. The fourth quarter was played at full throttle as the USA sought an equaliser and India tried to find a two-goal cushion. Deepika ultimately gave India the last word, carrying the ball some 60m, beating four defenders outside the circle and passing to Salima Tete for the tap-in at the right post and the 3-1 win.India’s Deepika picked up the player of the match award and said afterwards: “I think we played really good and the team is doing a really good effort. So it’s only about the team effort, and thank you to the supporters, it’s for you also.”
U19 Men’s World Cup: India to meet Australia in final on Sunday
Sports Bulletin ReportBenoni (South Africa): India will take on Australia in the Men’s ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2024 final on Sunday (February 11, 2024) in Benoni South Africa. India confirmed their spot in the final after beating hosts South Africa by two wickets in a tense matchup on Tuesday. Chasing 245 for victory, India battled back from 32 for four to seal a memorable win thanks to a brilliant match-winning partnership between Sachin Dhas and captain Uday Saharan.Thursday’s second semi-final also provided no shortage of drama, as Australia emerged victorious over Pakistan by one wicket in the final over of the contest. Having bowled out Pakistan for a seemingly below par total of 179, Australia stuttered in their chase before their middle and lower order formed crucial partnerships to help them edge home in thrilling fashion.The highly anticipated final between the two sides will be hosted on Sunday 11 February at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, the same venue that staged both semi-finals, with the action commencing at 10h00 local time (SAST).India and Australia both head into the final undefeated, having topped their respective groups in both the initial stage and the Super Six stage, and can boast some of the most exciting young talent on the planet.Among the future stars that have impressed throughout the competition are skippers Uday Saharan of India and Hugh Weibgen of Australia, and both have their sights firmly set on lifting the coveted trophy on Sunday.India captain, Uday Saharan said: “As we approach the World Cup final, we carry the dreams of a billion hearts on our shoulders. Our journey has been a testament to our hard work, unity, and love for the game. In this final battle, we aim to create a legacy that inspires the next generation. It's not just a game; it's a chance to etch our names in history. Right from our first game, we have played with passion, determination, and a belief that we will get the coveted title home. In the final, against Australia, it is going to be no different as we go one step closer to defending the title successfully. Together, as one team, one nation, we march into the final, ready to seize our moment and make India proud. As a captain, I couldn’t have asked for anything more from my team as we stand at the cusp of creating history.”Australia captain, Hugh Weibgen said: “We're really pleased to have made it through to the final after a close game against Pakistan and we can't wait to take on India in Sunday's final. The whole squad has done a terrific job throughout the tournament, and it would mean so much to us as a group to lift the trophy on Sunday. This is an opportunity to make our coaches as well as family and friends extremely proud. They have helped and supported us along the journey. India have obviously also had an outstanding tournament so far and are a class team. We're expecting they will provide a challenge for us, and we are looking forward to it.”These sides have met twice before in an ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final, with India having won on both previous occasions in 2012 and 2018. Match Official appointments for Sunday’s final have also been confirmed, with Allahudien Palekar and Langton Rusere selected as the on-field umpires. Rashid Riaz will assume the role of TV umpire, with Roland Black acting as fourth umpire and Shaid Wadvalla as Match Referee.
POLO - Local News 08 Feb, 2024
LAHORE (Press Release): ZS polo beat Total Nutrition by 6-5 and qualified for the Main final of The Noon Polo Cup 2024 here at the Lahore Polo Club on Thursday.First match of the day we saw ZS playing outstanding polo against Total Nutrition and outpacing them by 6-5. From the winning team, Bilal Hayat Noon scored four goals and Aleem Yar Tiwana struck two goals. From Total Nutrition, Bilal Haye scored three goals, Usman Haye scored two goals. After winning from this Pool ZS Polo qualified for the Main final.In the 2nd match of day, Guard group beat Platinum Homes by 4.5-2, Guard group team, which had a half goal handicap advantage, Taimur Mawaz Khan scored three goals, while Agha Murtaza Ali Khan scored one goal. From the losing side Babar Manoo and Mustafa Aziz scored one goal each. Two more matches will be played on (Friday after that Finalist and Sub finalist decided after these games.
Sinf-e-Aahan CC Lounge Chess Tournament on February 10
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: A day Sinf-e-Aahan CC Lounge Chess Tournament will be played on February 10, 2024 (Saturday) at CC Lounge, Maqbool Market F-7/4 Islamabad under the banner of Islamabad Chess Association (ICA).According to an official of ICA, an engaging event will be featuring Rapid chess with 15min+05sec increments, organized in a Swiss Format spanning 7 competitive rounds. The entry fee will be only Rs. 1000, as the top three players will be awarded cash prizes. Willing players may contact Uzma Bibi at 0333-1145412.The Islamabad Chess Association ensures equal opportunities for all players. New players without a FIDE ID can fill out the form by 8th February, and the FIDE ID is complimentary for tournament players only.
Jinnah Gold Polo Cup: Olympia/AZB Polo, DS Polo claim wins
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Olympia/AZB Polo players and DS Polo team have won their matches of the Jinnah Gold Polo Cup after thrashing their respective opponents on its second day at the Jinnah Polo Fields.The tournament's intensity was palpable as teams from Pool A, FG Polo and DS Polo, locked horns in a high-stakes match that ended in a dramatic 5-5 draw, while Olympia/AZB Polo narrowly edged out Master Paints/Diamond Paints with a 5-4 victory.The clash between FG Polo and DS Polo was a showcase of skill and resilience. DS Polo, with Max Charlton leading the charge by netting three goals and Nico Roberts adding two, initially dominated the game. Their early strategy paid off, securing a 3-0 lead by the second chukker and extending it to 5-0 in the third. However, FG Polo, driven by Raul Laplacette's hat-trick and a goal from Mario Gomez, mounted a remarkable comeback. Scoring two quick goals to close the third chukker and adding three more in the final chukker, they levelled the score to 5-5, turning the match into an unforgettable draw.In the day's second match, Olympia/AZB Polo faced off against Master Paints/Diamond Paints in a closely contested battle. The team, led by the duo of Novello Astrada and Nicolas Corti who scored two goals each, along with a single goal from Ahmed Zubair Butt, showcased exceptional teamwork. Despite Amirreza Behboudi's two-goal effort for Master Paints/Diamond Paints and their two-goal handicap advantage, Olympia/AZB Polo's strategic plays in the final chukker secured them a slender 5-4 win.
SPORTS NEWS - School News 07 Feb, 2024
Report: Abdullah AsjadISLAMABAD: The National Students Games were held from February 1 to 5, 2024 at the different sports venues of the Pakistan Sports Complex, as 2500 students from all the Pakistan participated in the different sports disciplines.Results (February 1 to 5, 2024):Basketball (U-18 Boys):1st Position: BMI School 2nd Position: Federal Board Intermediate and Secondary Education FBISE3rd Position: FPGS School Rawalpindi Basketball (U-18 Girls):1st Position: Federal Board Intermediate and Secondary Education FBISE2nd Position: BMI School 3rd Position: The City SchoolBasketball (U-25 Boys):1st Position: Air University2nd Position: Westminster University3rd Position: International Islamic University IslamabadBasketball (U-25 Girls):1st Position: The city School2nd Position: International Islamic University 3rd Position: The Peace College HaripurCycling (U-18 & U-25):1st Position: The Peace College Haripur 2nd Position: Medical Institute of Sciences 3rd Position: The City SchoolArchery (U-18):1st Position: Forable School Islamabad2nd Position: Nust School Islamabad3rd Position: Al Huda International School Islamabad Archery (U-25):1st Position: Islamic Govt. Boys School 2nd Position: Primir High School Quetta 3rd Position: Islamia Boys High School RwpChess (U-20):1st Position: Learning Alliances School Lahore 2nd Position: The City School 3rd Position: Lahore Grammar school, Lahore Chess (U-25):1st Position: The City School2nd Position: Lahore Grammar school Lahore3rd Position: The Academy School E-Sports (U-18 & U-25):1st Position: Happy Home School Old Campus KHI2nd Position: The City School3rd Position: HHS Schooling System KHI Catch-ball (U-18):1st Position: Habib Girls School KHI2nd Position: The City School KP3rd Position: The City School RwpThrowball (U-18 Girls):1st Position: Habib Girls School Khi2nd Position: The City School 3rd Position: Divisional Publice School RwpThrowball (U-18 Boys):1st Position: Happy Home School Old Campus KHI2nd Position: Superior College Rwp 3rd Position: Public School Mirpurkhas
FOOTBALL - Int News 06 Feb, 2024
Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Guam, Nepal. And host Saudi Arabia to fight for a titleSports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): Saudi Arabia will host the 2024 West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) Women’s Championship. A milestone moment for women’s football in Saudi Arabia, the 2024 WAFF Women’s Championship will take place from 19-29 February in the coastal city of Jeddah.The host nation will be joined by Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, and two guests Guam and Nepal. The tournament will begin in group stage format with two groups of four, followed by the semi-finals and final with matches played at the King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City stadiums.The WAFF Women’s Championship is the latest international football tournament making its way to Jeddah, where the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup had recently been held. Jeddah also played host to the 2022 WAFF Futsal Championship where the national team rose to the occasion in front of its home fans and ended the tournament in second place with a silver medal.This upcoming edition also marks the Saudi Arabia women’s national team’s first-ever appearance in the WAFF Women’s Championship, as well as the first competition under Lluis Cortes, the new head coach. Since his appointment in December, the team has kicked off a new era in impressive fashion under the former Barcelona treble-winning coach, recording successive 2-0 victories against Syria.Lamia Bahaian, Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be hosting the WAFF Women’s Championship. Looking ahead to what promises to be a brilliant tournament, we’re especially excited about the impact this will have in terms of inspiring women and young girls across the Kingdom while supporting women’s football development nationally and regionally.“The individual and collective success of our domestic leagues, together with our success in hosting two editions of the SAFF Women’s Friendly Tournament and the 2022 WAFF Futsal Championship, shows that the foundations are in place for us to take the next big step in our journey. This means hosting an official 11-a-side competition. We’re excited to welcome members of the wider football ecosystem together for an incredible event – one that’s certain to showcase the full power of football as a force for good and a platform for turning dreams into reality.”WAFF General Secretary Khalil Al Salem said: “For WAFF, our mission has always been to promote football development by various means – including by organising championships across territories and paving the way for countries to compete and fans to become inspired. This announcement is the latest testament that our direction of travel is positive. With the WAFF Women’s Championship heading to Saudi Arabia, teams are competing in official competition in a new setting – with more opportunities to test themselves at the international level in front of audiences whose number one passion is football. There is no doubt that this tournament will witness high-level competition and exceptional organisation, building on the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's successful track record in hosting football tournaments at various levels.”
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