Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportPESHAWAR: President, Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF), Junaid Alam has been elected as the vice President of Judo Union of Asia (JUA) and Member Executive committee during JUA congress held in Kuwait on 26 Apri 2023.According to an official of PJF, Masood Ahmad re-elected as the member of JUA Education Coaching and Kata Commission. Obaid Al Anzi from Kuwait re-elected as President, Mukesh Kumar from India and Amal H.Abu .Shallak from United Arabs Emirates (UAE)  elected as General Secretary and Treasurer respectively.These elections were held in Kuwait at same place where South Asian Regional Elections were held a day prior and Junaid was elected as President of South Asian Zone.These elections were supervised by Marius Vizer, President International Judo Federation (IJF) from Hungary, Yasuhiro Yamashita Head of Japan Olympic Committee and host of Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Head of European Judo Federation.President IJF as well as Obaid Al Anzi congratulated Junaid Alam and welcomed him on board at this elite forum of Executive Committee where world Judo giants are present. He is the only new entry at Asian vice presidential level in this term of 2023-2027.Later his excellency Malik Mohammad Farooq, Ambassador of Pakitan to Kuwait invited Junaid Alam at Pakistan Embassy and again congratulated him on his successful achievements in a row.Junaid Alam said:“It is a great honour but I take it as a big responsibility indeed. Yes this is an ideal time for Pakistan to give priority to this Olympic sport which offers highest numbers of medals of one type at stake.My current appointments from a club level to International level including IJF Military and Police commission, it will be injustice if my country is not benifitted.”"I strongly believe that this opportunity would be optimamly utilized once my own country's Judokas are the first beneficieries . But unfortunately the only impediment left in the way to victory is petty politics between various stakeholders of our country, which is infact basic reason of downfall of National sports".

Sports Bulletin Report Tbilisi (Georgia): At the beginning of day 3 only Serbia, Mongolia or perhaps Germany or Uzbekistan looked capable of topping the leaderboard in a leapfrog-like takeover gazumping the hosts, but actually with a glance over the draw sheets it was pretty clear that Georgia had the delegation title sewn up. Their men were particularly strong at the back end of the tournament and the crowd increased their volume to match the size of the medal tally. We could talk ad infinitum about the energy of the Georgian men and their insatiable desire to fight to the bitter end. It’s always impressive, always entertaining and always produces drama, outstanding photos and an unrivalled atmosphere. Although Georgian National Day is held on 26th May annually, there was already a celebratory flavour in town today, thanks to the performances of local athletes who, delighted the spectators who had amassed in the Olympic Sport Palace. Georgia didn’t take all the medals though and some notable performances really stood out, particularly that of Anna-Maria Wagner. A return to grand slam gold for her after quite a lay-off shows how hard she has worked to regain a level that at one point dominated the -78kg category. She was clearly emotional and perhaps deserved to be as she made not one single mistake, looking every inch the champion as she stood above the recently unbeaten Italian.

Sports Bulletin Report PESHAWAR: The 14th National Ju-Jitsu Championship will begin in Peshawar on March 17, as the three-day event will feature elite local athletes, including current Asian medalist, with Pakistan WAPDA defending their titles in the men’s and women’s category, respectively Secretary of Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation (PJJF) Tariq Ali said: “We want to make Pakistan proud in the field of JuJitsu. Hopefully, the event will produce new talent for Pakistan. “The championship will be contested in 30 categories in which the country’s top teams includ­ing Navy, Wapda, Police, all provinces, GB & Islamabad will participate.” “Pakistani ju-jitsu players have been performing consistently in international events including Asian and World Championships and winning laurels for the country. This championship is being organized keeping in mind the current year’s international events including Asian Games and Asian Beach Games in China, Asian Martial Arts Games in Thailand and World Combat Games in Saudi Arabia. The best players of this event will be picked up for further train­ing and grooming to represent the country in these presti­gious events.”

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Japan here in cooperation with the Japan Karate Association (JKA) of Pakistan organized a Karate Workshop on Tuesday at the Hamidi Hall, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad. This workshop was held under the title of “7th JKA National Karate Camp” and Pakistani players from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Peshawar participated in the training workshop. The Workshop with the presence of Shina Katsutoshi, leading Karate player from Japan and JKA official instructor, 7th Dan (The levels consist of “Kyu (10 to 1)” and “Dan (1 to 10)”) offered opportunities for the participants not only to enhance their skills but also to explore the excitement of Karate as the Japanese martial arts. He was assisted by his co-instructors Kanda Osamu, Tanaka Junko as well as the instructors from JKA Pakistan during the workshop. ITO Takeshi, Charge d’ Affaires, Embassy of Japan in Pakistan together with the Deputy Director General (Technical) Mohammad Shahid Islam from Pakistan Sports Board inaugurated this one-day workshop. ITO witnessed the training sessions and expressed his gratitude to Shina and his team for arriving all the way from Japan to supervise and give valuable tips to the young karate learners in Pakistan.  Later ITO presented certificates to the participants of the training camp. While appreciating the participants for showing their interest in the traditional Japanese martial arts of Karate, ITO said that the purpose of holding this karate training camp was to provide an opportunity to the Pakistani youth to learn “real” karate which requires courtesy as well as mental endurance together with physical strength. He hoped that this training opportunity would prove beneficial for them to further polish their karate skills and also further strength ties between Japan and Pakistan through cooperation in various sectors including sports. ITO also thanked Japan Karate Association of Pakistan for holding Karate Workshop in Pakistan.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI: Pakistani athletes have demonstrated their tremendous skills by winning silver medal during the 7th Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship 2023 held from February 25 -28, 2023 at Bangkok, Thailand under the aegis of Ju-Jitsu Asian Union (JJAU). According to Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation (PJJF) General Secretary Tariq Ali, there were total 581 entries from 30 countries in this mega event, whereas, Pakistan just fielded only 3 players due to paucity of funds. Isra Waseem and Kainat Arif won a silver medal in the women’s category and Dilawer Khan Sannan and Isra Waseem took 5th in Mix category. Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation also received an award for best third National federation in the duo category in Asia. He said PJJF has extended their heartiest congratulations on this achievement of our talented players, who have always made our motherland proud at every international forum. “By the grace of Allah Almighty, our players have won these medals. Their hard work and dedicated training have paid off, they have proven their skills and won these medals. He also appreciated the hard work and commitment of PJJF coaches who trained the team and enhanced their skills and our champions have made us proud once again. Pakistani players outclassed and defeated all their best Asian teams in these categories.” He also thanked Pakistan Sports Board for providing National training camp for this mega event in Karachi Centre as it was very helpful for our national players. He added that India had made 30 entries into the championship whereas Kazakhstan and Thailand made 70 and 55 entries respectively. Their teams are being provided all possible facilities by the authorities. On the other hand, Pakistan who dominated as Asian champion from 2006 to 2017, despite lack of facilities or finances, is still bringing medals in each event wherever they participate which is quite incredible.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD, February 20: A three-member Korean delegation of Gyeonggido Taekwondo Association (GTA) arrived here on Monday for a 5-day visit to fix the modalities for establishing a Taekwondo Centre of Excellence (TCE) in Pakistan. The delegation was comprising GTA President Kim Kyuengduk, Executive Director, Kim Pyeong, Director Mun He Sung received a warm welcome by the Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination( IPC) Ehsan ur Rehman Mazari, Acting Director General, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Mohammad Ibrar, President Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF)  Col. (Retd.) Waseem Janjua, Korean Poomsae head coach Choi Seong and other officials at the arrival of Islamabad. The GTA delegation visited different locations of the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad to select the venue for the Taekwondo Centre of Excellence. It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) and Gyeonggido Taekwondo Association of Korea (TAK) have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate in the development of matters of mutual interest of this sport in both the countries. GTA President Kim Kyuengduk said: “We are very much happy to again here in Pakistan to find out some more options to establish centre of excellence for taekwondo and martial arts games. Gyeonggido Taekwondo Association decided to supports Pakistan and their talented kids to enhance their skills in the field of taekwondo. We want to establish this project in Pakistan because of wonderful efforts done by Pakistan Taekwondo Federation in last few years as well as Pakistan is like centre headquarter for South and West Asian countries and having easy approach for everyone having good option for GTA to establish centre of excellence here”. “I am very happy to receive warm welcome from Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Ehsan ur Rehman Mazari as he promised me if I would come Pakistan he will come to receive at airport. Ehsan Mazari is a gentleman who also want to promote sports in Pakistan as well”.  He said that GTA would continue their support with mutual cooperation as after establishing a centre of excellence. “We will hold many training camps, seminars, technical courses for players and officials to enhance their skills not only in taekwondo but also in martial arts taekwondo as well. Everyone wants to learn and win in the taekwondo but this is the game how to respect and educate others”.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): Pakistan taekwondo athletes could win just three bronze medals in the 10th Fujairah Open International Taekwondo Championship which was held at Dubai, United Arabs Emirates (UAE). According to president, Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) Col (Retd) Mohammad WasimJanjua, the 10th Fujairah Open International Taekwondo Championship was a huge success with more than 700 players from 36 countries. The tournament was organized by Fujairah Martial Arts Club (FMAC), and in three age-categories including Under-12, Under-14 Juniors, and Seniors’ participated. Pakistani contingent participated in the seniors’ category, as the Pakistan comprising 20 players, six referees, and five officials. Haroon Khan got bronze medal in male +58 kg Weight Category. Mohammad Arbaz Khan won bronze medal in male +63 kg Weight Category. Hamza Omer Saeed claimed the bronze medal in male + 87 kg Categary. “PTF is highly obliged to Pakistan Sports Board and Inter Provincial Coordination for continues support as well as approved financial grant for this prestigious event. However, the federation also managed to take this huge contingent through sponsors, their annual grant and self-financed by the athletes. The main aim for participation in this mega event was to give exposure to our athletes and also bring a soft image of Pakistan to other countries, “he concluded.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): The Pakistan Taekwondo team, consisting of talented young athletes, arrived in Dubai to participate in the coveted 10th Al Fujairah Open Taekwondo (G-2) Championship to be played at Sheikh Zayed Sports City. Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) has selected the players on their international performance including South Asian Games gold medalist Haroon Khan, Shahzeb, Hamza Saeed, Mazhar Abbas, Sinan Ashfaq, Arbaaz Khan while among the women players, the 4th Combaxx Asian Taekwondo Championship Gold medalist Naqsh Hamdani and Fatima Al-Zahra are part of the squad. Haroon Khan, who is a part of the national team, is upbeat, saying that the players are fully prepared for the coveted Al Fujairah Open Taekwondo Championship. “Participation in the international event will improve our game further and increase our experience during the championship” he said, adding, there will also be an opportunity of collaborating with world players to discuss with our contemporary players and professional coaches from other countries, which will be beneficial for us in the future. The Head Coach Yusuf Karami of Iran said that our players are fully fit both physically and mentally for the Fujairah Open and they will try hard to reach the victory stand by showing their hundred percent capability and performance.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: KARACHI: Waqar Ilyas and Tariq Ali have been elected president and secretary respectively of Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation (PJJF) for next four-year term, as the elections were held here at Conference Room of National Hockey Stadium. Barrister Iftikhar Raza Khan, Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan as Election Commissioner conducted the elections process. The General Council Meeting was attended by all voter member units of the Federation and observers from departmental units. The House approved the allocation of National Ju-Jitsu Championship 2023 to KPK Ju-Jitsu Association, which would be held in Peshawar in March 2023. The House also confirmed the hosting of South Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship in the month of May 2023 at Islamabad. Approval was also given to participation in upcoming international competitions. Names of elected office bearers: 1. Patron (Ahmed Jamal Ur Rehman, DIG-Police) 2. Chairman (Khalil Ahmed Khan) 3. President (Waqar Ilyas Khan 4. Senior Vice President (Kazim Ali Changezi)                          5. Vice President (Nasir Mahmood Khan)          6. Vice President (Col Ghulam Mehdi)           7. Vice President (Sundas Khan)                      8. General Secretary (Tariq Ali)                          9. Treasurer (Liaqat Ali)                                                                   10. Director Referee (Tehseen Ullah) 11. Associate Secretary (Mohammad Zaid Arif) 12. Executive Members (Six): Dr Haris Ashraf, Hafiza Neelum Muneeb, Syeda Madeeha Zaidi, Warda Hameed, Fayyaz Feroze, Mirza Farooq Ahmed  

Sports Bulletin Report ALMADA: With the 2nd day of Grand Prix Portugal 2023 now at an end, it’s time to take stock of another exciting day of competition. Here are some of the bigger stories that inspired us from today’s events. Nomonov Stakes his Claim for an Olympic Spot Uzbekistan has a good problem at -73kg, with multiple athletes currently making waves on the world circuit and looking to secure a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Two were present in Almada and with the early exit of Shakhram Akhadov at the hands of eventual bronze medallist Aranda Olalla of Spain, plus the absence of world number 6 Murodjon Yuldoshev, there was a chance for Obidkhon Nomonov to make a claim for that prize. He seized it with both hands, taking his first grand prix gold medal and it was not easy. Semif-inal Nomonov (UZB) vs Kang (KOR) His round 1 and 2 matches against Chikhelidze of Georgia and junior world champion Tanaka of Japan saw golden scores lasting more than 6 minutes, with Nomonov coming from behind against Tanaka to take the win with a huge driving ko-soto-gake. The Uzbek had to claw back the fight once again when he met Kang (KOR) in the semi-final, flattening his opponent with a beautiful uchi-mata to ko-uchi-gari combination, with only 3 seconds left on the clock. Another big throw in the form of a harai-makikomi against Smagulov (KAZ) in the dying seconds of the final secured the top spot, keeping Nomonov well in the running for that coveted Olympic place. Coughlan Wins Maiden Grand Prix Title Aoife Coughlan (AUS) gave a workmanlike performance in the -70kg category to take home her first grand prix gold medal and only the second ever for her country. Highlights included two wins using a strong turnover into kata-gatame, first on Sook (DEN) in round 1 and then on Eriksson (SWE) in the semi-final. She also used a nice ko-uchi-makikomi against Gercsak (HUN) in the quarter-final, who herself was on good form, throwing strongly in the early rounds but lacking stamina as the day went on. A tactical victory over top seed Rodriguez rounded out Coughlan’s performance, as she continues to build good momentum towards Paris. Latisev Spoils Muki’s Return to Form With Brilliant Bronze Sagi Muki has been in the doldrums recently. The high of an Olympic team medal aside, where he dispatched -90kg technician Igolnikov to help his native Israel take bronze, Muki hasn’t stood on a world tour podium for over 2 years, the last time being at the 2021 Masters in Doha. He seemed to have been lacking in confidence somewhat and has struggled recently against both the younger up-and-coming fighters and his long-time rivals. It was therefore great to see a hint of the form that made a world champion in the -81kg category. Despite going behind in all of his matches, he didn’t panic and managed to come back and win 3 out of 5 contests, including a couple of massive dropping ippon-seoi-nage. Despite this, he had to settle for 5th place, as 19-year-old Mihail Latisev (MDA) came to spoil the party. Latisev has a mean seoi-nage of his own, putting it to good use in the early rounds against Aregba (FRA) and Fernando (POR), before flooring the explosive Frank de Wit (NED) with a massive ura-nage and quite possibly chalking up the throw of the day. Latisev made light work of Muki, scoring two waza-ari in 45 seconds to win the bronze. We look forward to seeing what he can do next. Moraes Makes her First Mark at Senior Level Gabriella Moraes (BRA), ranked a distant 105 in the world, stormed through to the final of the -63kg category, to achieve her first major result at senior level and indeed her first medal on the World Judo Tour. The former cadet world silver medallist notched up 4 excellent wins, including a sage tactical victory against top seed Barrios (VEN) in the semi-final. After a tough first match against the similarly-ranked Novitski (ISR) in which she won with o-uchi-gari in golden score, she powered her way past the higher-ranked Zachova (CZE), Padilla Guerrero (ESP) and finally Barrios, scoring multiple times with a well-executed hikikomi-gaeshi. Against home hero Timo (POR) in the final, two careless attacks against her opponent’s arm cost her the fight but the Brazilian will be delighted with the result and will surely hope that this silver medal is the start of something big. -63kg: A Job Well Done for Timo and for Portugal Venezuela is not a small judo country anymore. For many years, they have been progressing and improving, reaching more and more final blocks of international competitions. That's why there is no surprise in having Anriquelis Barrios as the top seed of the category. We know that being in that position offers an advantage, but an advantage that is the consequence of regular good results. It also brings extra pressure and a sense of responsibility. -73kg: The Best Defence Is to Attack for Nomonov It was a true marathon if you wished to reach the final of the category as there were almost 60 athletes engaged. The best runners of the day were Zhansay Smagulov (KAZ) and Obidkhon Nomonov (UZB), who reached the final and competed for gold. With the early elimination of top seed, Sharkhram Akhadov (UZB), the draw table was quite open and offered chances to other athletes to shine. -70kg: Aoife Coughlan Upsets the Odds Despite Anriquelis Barrios not reaching the final in the lower weight division, her Venezuelan teammate Elvismar Rodriguez did succeed, to face Aoife Coughlan (AUS) for the gold medal. Rodriguez has been the leader of her team for quite a while. Looking at her prize list gives a good idea of it, since she already has nine grand prix medals to her name, nine grand slam medals and seven medals at the continental championships in Pan-America; quite something! But Rodriguez is still looking for the consecration at the world championships, Masters and of course Olympic Games. This new medal, whatever the colour will be a new step towards that goal. -81kg: Lee Is Back Of the tournament's eight seeds, only Achraf Moutii (MAR) failed to make it to the quarter-finals. We can therefore say without hesitation that the world rankings had a real impact on the course of the competition. Apart from Moutii and to the benefit of Zaur Dvalashvili (GEO), all top seeded competitors managed to make their way through the preliminary rounds to enter the quarter-finals, leaving no chance for the underdogs to find a place under the Portuguese sun.