Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Punjab University men's and women's teams won the first position in the All Pakistan Higher Education Commission (HEC) Rowing Championship 2023-24. As many as 12 men's and 10 women's teams from the country participated in the championship held at the University of Lahore and the University of Central Punjab, in which PU teams stood first. Punjab University men's team won 5 gold and 3 silver medals while the women's team won 6 gold and 2 silver medals as well. PU Director Sports Zubair Butt congratulated the players on this wonderful achievement.  

Abdullah AsjadISLAMABAD: The sports journalists of the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad celebrated the World Sports Journalists’ Day, as the ceremony took place at the residence of editor www.sports-bulletin.com Abdul Jabbar Faisal at Nayyab House Media Town on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.Veteran journalist Haji Mohammad Nawaz Raza graced the ceremony as a chief guest, a senior sports journalist from Daily Jang, a highly circulated Urdu daily of the Asia Shakil Awan, and political and social personality, Kirpa Raja Zaheer Ahmed were special guests. Other journalists, who participated in the ceremony, were included Nasir Aslam Raja, Zulfiqar Baig, Nasir Usman Hashmi, Mohammad Rizwan, Khurram Shahzad Awan, Mohammad Kabir Khan, Ijaz Ali, Mohammad Murtaza Bhatti, Sheraz Ahmed, Haroon Zulfiqar.On this occasion, journalists cut the cake to celebrate World Sports Journalists Day on July 2, 2024.     

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced the participation of the Pakistan Women's Futsal team in the AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup 2025. For the first time, the women's team will compete in any premier futsal competition under the umbrella of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).The qualification round is scheduled to begin at the start of 2025, with the round of 12 set to take place in May 2025. To prepare for the AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup 2025, the PFF has successfully organized five Futsal National Cup (FNC) competitions in major cities across Pakistan.MRF clinched the title of the Women's Futsal National Cup in Lahore. In Quetta, Hazara remained the crowned champions of the Women's Futsal National Cup. Smuff emerged victorious in the Women's Futsal National Cup in Islamabad, while the Karachi City team secured the win in the Women's Futsal National Cup in Karachi. These competitions were a part of PFF's efforts to develop women's futsal in Pakistan.Chairman PFF Normalisation Committee, Haroon Malik said: "I am pleased to announce that the PFF has confirmed the participation of the Women's Futsal team in the AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup 2025. This participation highlights PFF's commitment to developing women's futsal in Pakistan and providing our players with opportunities to compete at the international level", he added.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The officials of the Indian contingent for the Asian Juniors’ Individual Squash Championship 2024, Dalip Kumar Tripathi (Manager), and Mekhala Subadar (Manager-cum-coach) vowed to restore bilateral sports series between India and Pakistan, as this step would be a nice omen for both countries to boost their sports.While talking with www.sports-bulletin.com at Mushaf Squash Complex here Dalip Kumar Tripathi said: “I came first time to Pakistan along with squash players, and I am very happy here to meet with Pakistani people, who welcomed Indian players for this international squash fixture with the core of hearts. We are good, and Pakistani officials are caring for us and providing all the facilities in the capital city. However, we are not allowed to go outside the hotel.”Responding to a question, Dalip said that this event would be a great opportunity for Indian players to learn squash because Pakistan was the soil of world champions. “If there would be bilateral sports series in different sports including squash this step would be fruitful for the players of both national to enhance the skills of the game and improve the standard of respective games, as in the past bilateral series of hockey, and tennis were held between the Pakistan and India, “he added.Dalip divulged to this scribe that India got the basic squash system from Malaysia and started squash promotion at the grassroots level. “We hold 40 to 45 national tournaments in one year in different states, aiming to provide occasion to budding players. Players, who do well and learn the skills of squash later send them abroad for junior international tournaments. India squash is on the right track to reach on top at the international arena, “he replied to another question.“I wished to meet Jansher Khan, as he was a great legend of world squash but I could not found. I have met Jehangir Khan twice in other countries and I felt a great honor, and pride after meeting the former world champion and icon of squash. Our young players are encouraged if they meet Jensher Khan and Jehangir Khan but we could not manage, “he lamented while concluding his views. Females’ Manager-cum-Coach, Mekhala Subadar said: “I am satisfied with the player's performance in the ongoing 31st Asian Juniors’ Individual Squash Championship 2024, and this event will be helpful for the World Junior Squash Championship 2024, which will be played next month in Houston, United States of America (USA).”She further said that squash was growing day by day in India, as the school boys and girls both got equal opportunities to excel at the national level, as well as the international level. “We have a good system to enhance the standard of the game across the country and provide maximum facilities to players. We provide rackets and other squash equipment free of the cast to the players at lower level.While replying to a question, she said: “I am a former Indian squash player and won four national championship titles during my squash career. I visited Pakistan for the first time in 2004, the South Asian Games, which were taken place in the same city Islamabad. I found the people here very nice and loving and I have good wishes for them. Food is different but yummy and we enjoyed this trip. I am eager to go market and buy clothes and gifts for family and friends, “she said.“I like Pakistan dramas too. We got love from Pakistani common people and I will tell the people of India about the love of Pakistani people. We should provide occasions to common people for interaction each other and defame the image of both nations will be clear. Good relations between the common people will lead toward peace in the region and through sports we can do this easily, “she concluded.

Sports Bulletin RepoportThiruvananthapuram, Kerala (India): Dr. Rajmohan Pillai, and Sh. Sushil Malik will serve as the President, and Vice President respectively of the The Sports Climbing Federation of India (SCFI), as the SCFI has recently announced appointment of boths at the election, held at the Trivandrum Tennis Club.Heralding a new era for sports climbing in India, the gathering which was led by General Secretary Col. SP Malik, emphasized the importance of scientific athlete development while applauding the recent successes of young climbers. In order to improve athletes’ performance and overall health this development will incorporate a thorough strategy that will address nutritional psychological and physical levels. This development will also include a comprehensive approach covering physical, psychological, and nutritional aspects to enhance the performance and well-being of athletes.Addressing responsibilities that will come in advancing climbing to be considered on a broader level within sporting community, Sh. Sushil Malik stated, “High Performance is crucial for athletes as an athlete’s physiology is most tested when he climbs altitude. It is imperative that we begin to assist more athletes who are testing the limits of today’s climbing challenge with advanced recovery and guidance.”Sh. Sushil Malik acting Vice President, with his extensive international experience and dedication to promoting young talent, is expected to bring significant contributions to the SCFI. He has been instrumental in nurturing athletes at the grassroots level, particularly in the state of Haryana, where he has been actively involved in the boxing circuit. His efforts have led to the development of numerous young athletes who have excelled in their respective sports. As an entrepreneur passionate about promoting budding talent, Sh. Malik's leadership is anticipated to have a positive impact on the sport of climbing in India.Dr Rajmohan Pillai acting president in consideration of promoting climbing as an important sport shares, “We can see that Indian interest in climbing as a sport is growing today. The ecosystem must be more sustainable which means we must give our talents more sophisticated support so they can be well-prepared for their mission to thrive.”Dr. Rajmohan Pillai, with his extensive experience and leadership in the Beta Group, as the head of the body is expected to bring valuable insights and strategic direction to the SCFI and take it to new heights.The SCFI is committed to nurturing talent and promoting the sport of climbing across India. With the new leadership at the helm, the Federation is poised to elevate the standards of training and competition, ensuring that Indian climbers can excel on the global stage. Sh. Sushil Malik's dedication and vision are particularly celebrated, as his contributions are expected to drive the Federation's mission forward in a positive and dynamic direction. 

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The president, Pakistan Netball Federation (PNF), Mudassir Arain on Tuesday announced that the National Inter-provincial Netball Championship 2024 would roll into action on June 26 (Wednesday at Liaquat Gymnasium, Islamabad.He further said: “All arrangements of the championship have been completed and seven team each of men and women from across the country are participating in the championship, including Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Azad Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. Punjab and Sindh will defend their men's and women's title respectively.”“In the first round of men's event, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will face Gilgit-Baltistan in the first match. Balochistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir teams will meet in the second match and the third match will be played between Islamabad and Sindh. In the first round of women's competitions, Azad Jammu Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will meet in the first match. The second match will be played between Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan. In the third match, Islamabad and Punjab will meet, while the defending Sindh team has received a bye.”he concluded.

Nairobi (Kenya): The Pakistan Blind Women's Goalball Team has commenced their historic tour of Kenya with a resounding victory, defeating the host Kenyan team 10-4 in the first match of the series. Captain Karn Rafeeq led the team with an impressive nine goals, while Ramsha Ajmal scored one goal. Syeda Farwa Ali showcased exceptional defensive skills, repelling all attacks from the opposing team.The Principal Sports Officer of Kenya's Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Margaret Gati, attended the match and met with both teams, praising the blind players' efforts and highlighting the Kenyan government's initiatives to support visually impaired athletes. The series is expected to be highly competitive, with both teams eager to showcase their skills. (PR)  

Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) announced that the Saudi Arabia Women’s National Futsal Team secured back-to-back victories against the Serbia national team. The team recorded a 3-2 win in the first match, with goals from Albandary Mubarak, Seba Tawfiq, and Albandary AlHwsawi. This was followed by a 5-2 victory in the second match, with Albandary Mubarak scoring all five of Saudia Arabia’s goals.Aalia AlRasheed, Head of the Women's Football Department at SAFF, said: “These wins show just how much effort and passion our team puts into every game. Winning against a strong team like Serbia really boosts our national team’s confidence and highlights the progress we’re making in women's futsal. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the hard work of our players and coaching staff pay off in such a significant way. We’ve been focusing on building a strong, cohesive team, and these victories are indications that we’re on the right path. Our goal is to keep pushing forward, learn from every match, and continue to grow. We’re determined to keep this momentum going and reach even greater heights. The support from SAFF and the dedication of our players are key to our success, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved so far."The friendly matches were part of the national team’s ongoing training camp in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, which commenced on 23 May 2024 and will run until 15 June 2024. This camp is a critical component of the team’s preparation for upcoming competitions and matches, focusing on fitness, physical conditioning, and tactical development.Head Coach Mato Stanković, who has been instrumental in the team’s development, continues to guide the 20-player squad in this training camp. The national team players who are currently in Sarajevo are: Layla Ali, Leen Mohammed, AlBandry Mubarak, Noura Ibrahim, Atha Fahad, Abeer Nasser, Raghad Mukhayzin, Rahaf AlMansouri, AlHanouf Saud, Mohrah AlMalhi, Nadeen Saleh, AlBandry AlHawsawi, Raghad Saleh, Lana Abdulrazaq, Bayan Sadgah, Seba Tawfiq, Yara Alfaris, Raghad Munai, Manar AlOnaizi, and Noura AlAthel. 

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: President, Pakistan Blind Sports Federation (PBSF), Mohammad Waqas formally announced that the Pakistan female goalball team would visit Kenya for a bilateral series, as the squad would depart to Kenya on June 13 from Quaid-e-Azam International Airport, Karachi.Mohammad Waqas said: “This historic event marks a significant achievement for the team and a proud moment for Pakistan. The team, which has shown exceptional dedication and talent, is preparing intensively for the series. We are incredibly proud of our blind female goalball team for achieving this milestone. The series will not only highlight their talent but also promote inclusivity and the spirit of sportsmanship."

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Naila Kiani Pakistan’s leading female high-altitude mountaineer, has achieved yet another milestone by being declared the “National Goodwill Ambassador for Girls’ Education” by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training . In her new role, she aims to highlight the importance of girls' education across Pakistan and support initiatives by federal and provincial governments.Naila Kiani achievements in Mountaineering: She is the first Pakistani woman and the overall third Pakistani to have climbed 11 of the 14 highest peaks above 8,000 meters. She holds the distinction of being the first Pakistani woman to climb an 8,000-meter mountain within Pakistan. Kiani is also the first Pakistani woman to summit Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I (G-I), Gasherbrum II (G-II), Lhotse, Manaslu, Broad Peak, Annapurna, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. She is among the ten mountaineers worldwide, and the only Pakistani, to have climbed multiple (seven) peaks above 8,000 meters in less than six months, in 2023.Furthermore, she is the fastest Pakistani, regardless of gender, to have climbed all eleven 8,000-meter peaks in less than three years. She is the only female athlete to receive Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the highest civilian honour given to any female athlete in Pakistan.Advocate for Girls' Education: Naila Kiani’s appointment as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Girls' Education is a testament to her commitment to empowering women through education. She, herself an aerospace engineer and a banker, believes that education is the key to women's empowerment and the success of the country. As an ambassador, she will work tirelessly to:Raise awareness about the importance of girls' education: Support and promote initiatives by federal and provincial governments aimed at improving educational opportunities for girls. Inspire young girls across the nation to pursue their dreams and achieve their full potential.Naila Kiani said, "I am honored to be appointed as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Girls' Education. Education is the only route to women's empowerment and success in our country. I am committed to using my platform to support and advocate for educational initiatives that ensure every girl in Pakistan has access to quality education."