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ATHLETICS - Int News 05 Nov, 2024
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Rudn Enclave Housing Society (REHS) has become the main sponsor of the South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) Cross Country Race, which will be held on November 24, 2024 here at Fatima Jinnah Park F-9.REHS inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SAAF officials at a local hotel in a colourful ceremony on Monday. Country Head of REHS, Malik Asad Abbass and Chairman Islamabad Athletics Association (IAA) and Head of Organizing Committee Brig (Retd) Sultan Satti signed on the documents. Director Land of Rudn Enclave Usman Qureshi was also present on this occasion. Ex-Chairman Joint Chiefs of Committee Lt. General Eshan-ul-Haq was the chief guest of the ceremony.Also, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Raja Prevaiz Ashraf, Chairman SAAF, Major General (Retd) Mohammad Akram Shai, Managing Director Batulmal Raja Zamurd Khan, former squash world champion Qamar Zaman, Commonwealth Games gold medal winner weightlifter Nau Dastgeer, mountaineer Sajid Sadpare and other top officials and sports persons from twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad were present in the ceremony.Country Head REHS, Malik Asad Abbas said: “This is honour for us to sponsor an international sports event, which will be held first time in the history of Pakistan’s sports. Eight regional countries of South Asian including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan and hosts Pakistan will participate in the international race. We will build a sports stadium in our Rudn Enclave and establish international standard facilities for the players. We will also prepare an international standard athletics track and for t his purpose federation will have to provide technical assistance. We will support the sports events in future too aim to bring up talented budding players.”
POLO - Local News 04 Nov, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE; Team Diamond Paints edged out FG/Din Polo with a 6-5 victory to secure the coveted Misha & Ibrahim Polo Cup 2024 trophy. The thrilling showdown kept spectators on the edge of their seats as Diamond Paints clinched the title victory in the final moments on Sunday. The guest of honor for the event was Reinhold Jakobi, Head of Nestlé Professional Business Switzerland, alongside Jason Avanceña, CEO of Nestlé Pakistan. Other notable attendees included members of the Lahore Polo Club Executive Committee: Mohammad Nasir, Feroze Gulzar, and Secretary Lt Col (R) Amir Umar, among others. A large crowd of spectators and families also gathered at Lahore Polo Club to witness and enjoy the intense final. Raja Jalal Arslan and Chaudhry Hayat Mehmood each converted three goals for Diamond Paints. For FG/Din Polo, brothers Farhad Shaikh and Rafay Shaikh slammed in two goals each, while Raja Mikael Sami added one goal. Ch. Hayat Mehmood opened strongly for Diamond Paints, scoring a remarkable field goal, but FG/Din Polo quickly responded with two consecutive goals to secure a 2-1 lead. In the second chukker, FG/Din Polo extended their advantage to 3-1. However, Diamond Paints mounted a spirited comeback, scoring twice in succession to even the score at 3-3. The third chukker remained tightly contested, with each team adding a goal to bring the score to 4-4. The fourth and deciding chukker saw FG/Din Polo take a slight edge as Raja Mikael Sami netted a goal, making it 5-4. Yet, in a thrilling final push, Team Diamond Paints rose to the occasion. Ch Hayat Mehmood and Raja Jalal Arslan scored back-to-back goals in the closing moments, sealing an incredible comeback and clinching the prestigious Misha & Ibrahim Polo Cup 2024 trophy for Diamond Paints. Earlier in the subsidiary final, Seafa Logistics International claimed victory over Total Nutrition with a half-goal handicap, finishing 7½-7 to win the subsidiary final.
Ahmed Zafar Hayat lifts CNS Amateur Golf Championship 2024
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Ahmed Zafar Hayat has won the title of the 17th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Amateur Golf Cup that concluded here at the Margalla Greens Golf Club on Sunday. The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf graced the closing ceremony as chief guest and distributed the prizes among the players.President of the Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF), Lt Gen Qazi Mohammad Ikram Ahmed, and CEO of Serena Hotels, Aziz Bolani, were also present.Prize Winners (Subsidiary Prizes):Longest Drive – Humna Amjad (Rumanza) – Distance: 206 yardsClosest to Pin – Zhao Xiao Lan (Margalla) – Distance: 18 feetLongest Drive – Mohammad Hassan Shahid (Rawalpindi) – Distance: 272 yardsClosest to Pin – Mohammad Mahad Khan (PAFI) – Distance: 2 ft 9 inLongest Drive – Admiral Mohammad Amjad Khan Niazi (MGGC) – Distance: 271 yardsClosest to Pin – Brig Shuaib Kiani (RGC) – Distance: 3 ft 10 inLongest Drive –Hassan Abbasi (RGC) – Distance: 294 yardsClosest to Pin – Noman Asghar (GYM) – Distance: 6 ftJunior Boys3rd Net – Master Hassan Shahid (Rawalpindi GC) – 3 under parRunners Up Net – Master Mohammad Tauseef (Rawalpindi GC) – 6 under parNet Winner – Master Mohammad Abbas (Sona GC) – 12 under parSenior Amateur (Men):3rd Net – Brig Mohammad Aslam (RGC) – 1 under parRunners Up Net – Brig Hamid Ali Bashir (RGC) – 2 under parNet Winner – Maj Shuaib Ud Din (RGC) – 2 under parAmateur Ladies:3rd Net – Zeenat Ayesha (ICGC) – 3 over parRunners Up Net – Hajra Ajmal (RGC) – 1 under parNet Winner – Zhao Xiao Lan (MGGC) – 7 under parAmateur Men (Handicap 5 – 9):3rd Net – Cdr Mohammad Naeem Mirza (MGGC) – 2 under parRunners Up Net – Col Ali Uzair (RGC) – 3 under parNet Winner – Hassan Abbasi (RGC) – 7 under parAmateur Men (Handicap 4.4 & Below):3rd Net – Khalid Mehmood (RGC) – 1 under parRunners Up Net – Cdre Shahid Masood (MGGC) – 4 under parNet Winner – Mohammad Irtaza Hussain (MGGC) – 11 under parGross Prizes (Junior Boys):3rd Gross – Master Abdullah Ansar Raja (KGC) – 5 over parRunners Up Gross – Mahad Khan II (PAF I) – 5 over parGross Winner – Abdullah Khan (RGC) – Even parSenior Amateur (Men)3rd Gross – Brig Mohammad Masood Qureshi (RGC) – 13 over parRunners Up Gross – Brig Mohsin Farooq Malik (RGC) – 13 over par Gross Winner – Capt Alam Afzal PN (MGGC) – 5 over parAmateur Ladies:3rd Gross – Anna James Gill (Royal Palm) – 24 over parRunners Up Gross – Ami Quin (Garden) – 17 over parGross Winner – Humna Amjad (Rumanza) – 8 over parAmateur Men (Handicap 5 – 9):3rd Gross – Mohammad Yasir Khokhar (PAFI) – 15 over parRunners Up Gross – Bilal Tariq Khan (MGGC) – 13 over parGross Winner – Rashid Riaz Malik (ICGC) – 5 over parAmateur Men (Handicap 4.4 & Below):3rd Gross – Umer Farooq (MGGC) – 6 over parRunners Up Gross – Inam Ul Haq Malik (Garden) – 5 over parChampion – Ahmad Zafar Hayat (MGGC) – 7 under par
PGF selects Mohammad Israr and Mohammad Shoaib for Sri Lanka tour
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) has selected two players, Raja Mohammad Israr from Garden City Golf & Country Club, Islamabad, and Malik Mohammad Shoaib from Lahore Gymkhana Golf Club to represent Pakistan in the Sri Lanka Amateur Open Golf Championship, which will take place from November 5 to 7, 2024, at the Colombo Golf Club in Sri Lanka.According to an official of PGF, Raja Mohammad Israr and Malik Mohammad Shoaib are among the top ten players in the list of Pakistan Nationals, World Amateur Golf Ranking and hold top positions in the National Amateur Rankings. Both athletes have consistently demonstrated outstanding skill and sportsmanship in national and international tournaments, making them valuable ambassadors for Pakistan's amateur golf talent.Achievements of Raja Mohammad Israr:Champion at Nur Khan Memorial Open Golf Championship2nd Place at the Sindh Open Golf Championship and 28th CNS Open Golf Championship4th Place at COAS Open Golf Championship and CJCSC Open Golf ChampionshipTop Finishes in multiple national tournaments, including a 5th Place at the Smart City 63rd National Amateur Golf Championship and other notable placements in the KPK Open, Asghar Khan Amateur Championship, J Zaman Memorial, and the 31st Corps Commander Championship.Achievements of Malik Mohammad Shoaib:Champion at the COAS Open Golf Championship, Smart City 62nd National Amateur Golf Championship of Pakistan, and the 40th Millat Tractors Governor’s Cup Golf Tournament5th Place at J Zaman Memorial Open and 31st Corps Commander Amateur Golf ChampionshipConsistently strong performances in other major national tournaments, reflecting his resilience and dedication to the sport.The Pakistan Golf Federation aims to provide fair representation and international exposure to top amateur golfers by rotating international invitations among the highest-ranked players. Players ranked above Raja and Shoaib, including athletes like Numan Ilyas, Qasim Ali Khan, Salman Jehangir, Saad Habib Malik, Hussain Hamid, and Ralfe e Aslam Raja, have recently represented Pakistan in notable championships such as the Faldo Series, Asian Amateur Championship, APGC Nomura Cup, Asian Games, and the King Hamad Trophy. Through this selection strategy, the PGF ensures that all top-ranked amateur golfers get the chance to experience the competitive atmosphere of international tournaments, thus contributing to their growth and development. This initiative underscores PGF's commitment to nurturing golf talent and positioning Pakistan as a competitive force in amateur golf worldwide.
Pakistan vs Australia: First One Day International on November 4 at MCG
Mohammad Rizwan to become 31st ODI Captain, Mohammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub to make debutMohammad IsmailMelbourne (Australia): Pakistan will face hosts Australia in the first One Day International of three-match rubber here at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on November 4, 2024 (Monday).Both sides last met in the 50-over format during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 20 where Australia defeated Pakistan by 62 runs at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The last time both sides featured in a bilateral ODI series was in March/April 2022, when Australia visited Pakistan and the hosts won the series 2-1.Pakistan have also announced their playing XI for the first ODI, with Mohammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub making their debut. 21-year-old Irfan has already featured in three T20Is for Pakistan, while he has played 24 List-A matches, scoring one century and three half-centuries. Left-handed opening batter Saim has been a part of six Tests and 23 T20Is for Pakistan and has featured in 35 List-A matches accumulating 1,472 runs with the help of four centuries and seven half-centuries.Mohammad Rizwan said: “It is an honour to lead the Pakistan team and we are ready to take on Australia in their own backyard. We all know Australia are a very good side, and world champions, but we look forward to competing hard as we have a number of young and exciting players in our squad and it is their chance to grab the opportunities coming their way. We have had productive training sessions here in Melbourne since our arrival and with the support of Almighty, we look forward to produce positive results in the series. We are scheduled to play a good number of ODIs before the next year’s ICC Champions Trophy back in Pakistan. The forthcoming series beginning with Australia, then Zimbabwe, South Africa and the home Tri-nation tournament will help us assemble a right combination going into the mega event at home. We are expecting fans to come in good number to support us in this series, as they have been a huge support for the team wherever we have played in Australia.”Pat Cummins, Australia’s ODI captain: It’s always great to have such high intensity game which makes the start of summer and it’s a great opportunity for youngsters to get going. Pakistan are quite a decent side and they have players who have scored big runs. We have played against them in recent years, so I think it’s always a fairly even match. There is going to be good crowd tomorrow at the MCG as we are playing against Pakistan.”Playing XI for first ODI (in batting order): Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (captain/wicket-keeper), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Mohammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad HasnainSchedule of matches:4 Nov – 1st ODI vs Australia; Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne (2.30pm local time start)8 Nov – 2nd ODI vs Australia; Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (2pm local time start)10Nov – 3rd ODI vs Australia; Perth Stadium, Perth (11.30am local time start)14 Nov – 1st T20I vs Australia; Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane (6pm local time start)16 Nov – 2nd T20I vs Australia; Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney (7pm local time start)18 Nov – 3rd T20I vs Australia; Bellerive Oval, Hobart (7pm local time start).
CNS Amateur Golf Championship: Mohammad Irtaza earns 2 stokes lead
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Mohammad Irtaza Hussain (67) earned a vital 2 points lead on the second day of the 17th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Amateur Golf Championship 2024 here at Margalla Green Golf Club (MGGC) on Friday. Ahmed Zafar Hayat was second with the score of 69 points.Humma Amjad maintained her lead with (150) on the second day followed by Ami Qin with (159) score. Alam Afzal also maintained his lead on the second day.Results (Day-2)Amateurs: Mohammad Irtaza Hussain (67), Ahmed Zafar Hayat (69), Mohammad Yasir Khokhar (72), Bilawal Khan (72), Nouman Asgher (72), Mohammad Moazzam Khan (73), Mohammad Umer Khokhar (74)Ladies:Humna Amjad (150), Ami Qin (159), Zebunnisa (166), Anna James Gill (166), Zhao Xiao Lan (171), Tehmina Ahmed (173), Zeenat Ayesha (179), Hajra Ajmal (179)Seniors: Alam Afzal (147), Shuaib ud Din (150), Mohammad Masood Qureshi (155), Mohsin Farooq Malik (155), Khalid Mohammad Ameen (156), Mohammad Abrar Khan (156), Mohammad Orangzeb (159), Ameen Raja (160).
POLO - Local News 01 Nov, 2024
LAHORE (PR): FG/Din Polo qualified for the main final of the Misha & Ibrahim Polo Cup 2024 after defeating Rijas/Platinum Homes in a nerve-jangling contest at Lahore Polo Club on Friday.Large crowds, including families and enthusiastic spectators, gathered at the Lahore Polo Club to enjoy the action-packed games. Sponsors Misha and Ibrahim, along with their families, were also present to support the event.The first match of the day proved a thrilling encounter, where FG/Din Polo, after an intense battle, edged out Rijas/Platinum Homes by a narrow margin of 7-6½. For FG/Din Polo, Raja Mikael Sami emerged as hero of the match as he played outstanding polo and smashed in four superb goals while his teammate Mian Abbas Mukhtar added three in the team’s tally.For Rijas/Platinum Homes, Bilal Noon also played well and fired in fabulous four goals, and Mohib Faisal Shahzad contributed two, but they, despite having one handicap goal advantage, couldn’t finish the match well, thus losing it with a margin of just a half goal. FG/Din Polo will now face Diamond Paints in the main final.In the second match, Total Nutrition defeated Sheikhoo Steel with a score of 9-5 in a competitive encounter. Raja Jalal Arsalan, filling in for Saqib Khan Khakwani, led Total Nutrition with four goals, while Bilal Haye scored three, and Usman Haye contributed two. For Sheikhoo Steel, Agha Musa Ali Khan and Osman Aziz Anwar each scored two goals, while Maisam Haider Baloch added one. Total Nutrition will now compete against Seafa Logistics International in the subsidiary final.
Pakistan to meet South Africa in opening match Blind Cricket T20 World Cup on November 23.
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan will take on South Africa in the opening fixture of the 4th edition of the Blind Cricket T20 World Cup in Ghani Institute of Cricket DHA Lahore on November 23.The final will be played on December 3, 2024 at Multan Cricket Stadium. World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) on Friday announced the schedule, as the 7 nations will fight for top honour during the 11-day fixture. The matches will be played in two cities Lahore and Multan. Australia and England teams are not participating in the prestigious international showpiece of blinds’ cricket.According to the President World Blind Cricket Ltd, Syed Sultan Shah, the mega event will feature blind cricket teams of Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, Nepal and Afghanistan. The Indian team will be defending their title in the extravaganza. It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan players were denied visa by India government for the previous edition and event was held without Green Shirts.The opening match of the tournament will be played between South Africa and hosts Pakistan on November 23 at the Ghani Institute of Cricket Ground, DHA, Lahore while traditional rivals, India and Pakistan, will face each other on November 25.The arrival of all participating foreign teams will be completed by November 21 and the opening ceremony of the World Cup will be held on November 22 in Lahore.The iconic city of Lahore will host 15 matches of the event, including the opening match, while the historical city of Multan will host 9 matches, including both semifinals and final.While talking to this reporter, president WBCC Syed Sultan Shah said that England and Australia would not participate in the T20 World Cup 2024. “They had already scheduled bilateral series. Secondly, their security demands were high which was not possible to manage. Both teams bring their own security personals and they were asking for a big amount, “he added.
FOOTBALL - Int News 01 Nov, 2024
LAHORE (PR): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced the completion of its contract with Stephen Constantine, head coach of the Pakistan Men’s Football Team.Appointed by the Haroon Malik-led Pakistan Football Federation Normalisation Committee as Head Coach in September 2023, Stephen Constantine guided Pakistan to a historic achievement with its first-ever victory in the first round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, securing a 1-0 win over Cambodia at Islamabad's Jinnah Stadium.In a heartfelt message, Stephen Constantine said: "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the PFF for entrusting me with the incredible opportunity to lead the Pakistan National Team through some of its most historic achievements. The unforgettable scenes at Jinnah Sports Stadium on October 17, 2023—when our 1-0 victory over Cambodia secured Pakistan’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers—will forever be etched in memory. To my staff—every individual on and off the pitch—you were phenomenal. Few will ever truly understand the level of commitment and sacrifice you poured into this journey. Your dedication was invaluable to our mission, and it was an honor to lead alongside you. Thank you for everything you did for me, the team, and the country."In a message to the fans, he said: "To the people of Pakistan—the fans, and everyone who cares deeply about football—it has been a privilege to lead the Shaheens over the past year. Your support from beginning to end has meant everything to us, and I am grateful to each of you. To the players—you achieved something unparalleled for Pakistan Football, and you did it with heart and style. You made history, and you reignited hope for 250 million people who believe in Pakistan Football once more."Chairman NC, Haroon Malik said: “PFF and the football community will forever remember his World Cup qualifier match victory. His invaluable contributions to Pakistani football left an indelible mark in history”
CAS International Squash Championship: Ibrahim on top seed
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Egyptian lad, Ibrahim Elkabbanni will be top seed player of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) International Squash Championship, which will be held from November 18 to 22, 2024 at Mushaf Squash Complex in the premises of Pakistan Sports Complex.Secretary, Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF), Ammir Nawaz told this scribe that players for 8 foreign countries would also participate in the championship. “Local 7 players are in the list of 24 players. Also, 5 from Egypt, 4 from Malaysia, 2 from England, 2 from Kuwait and one each from Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands are among 24 players. Anas Ali Shah, Abdullah Nawaz, and Farhan Mehboob got the wild card entries. Noor Zaman is the second seeded player of CAS Squash Championship 2024, “he added.“Mohammad Ashab Khan, Nasir Iqbal, Tayyab Aslam are also seeding players. Our players are toiling hard under the supervision of coach Fahim Gul and we hope our players will perform up to mark. Tournament is pursuing prize money of US$ 15,000, which will be disbursed according to rules of Professional Squash Association (PSA), “he concluded.
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