Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): The inaugural Hockey5s Asia Cup came to an end at Salalah, Oman as both Indian women’s and men’s teams claimed the gold medals. The top three finishers (men and women) were guaranteed a spot at the inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup 2024. Joining India in the women’s podium, and securing their spot at the World Cup, were Thailand as silver medalists, and Malaysia as bronze medalists. In the men’s competition, joining India in qualifying for the World Cup, were Pakistan who won the silver medal and Malaysia, who finished fourth behind Oman, who took bronze. As Oman have already qualified for the World Cup as hosts, Malaysia take the third available spot from Asia. In the women’s competition, India went unbeaten throughout the tournament, topping the Elite pool registering three wins in their three matches. Thailand finished second to secure their semi-final spot. Japan and Malaysia went into the crossovers against Indonesia and Hong Kong China, who finished as the top two teams in the challenger pool. Indonesia and Malaysia were the crossover winners and moved on to the semi-finals. India defeated Malaysia 9-5 in a goalfest in the first semi-final, while Thailand relied on a solid defence to take a 5-2 win over Indonesia in the second semi-final. The bronze medal match produced a thriller, with the teams ending regulation time tied at 4-goals apiece. Malaysia were down 4-1 at half-time but scored thrice in the second half to pull level and won the bronze medal in the shoot-outs. In the final Thailand led 2-1 midway through the opening half, but India scored 6 unanswered goals from that point on to snatch the gold medal and become the inaugural champions. In the men’s competition, Pakistan and India topped the Elite pool securing their spots in the semi-finals. Pakistan topped the group with 13 points, while India finished second on 12 points. In their pool stage head-to-head match Pakistan got the better of India in a 5-4 thriller. In the first stage of crossover matches, Iran and Oman defeated Japan and Kazakhstan to make it to the second stage crossover matches. Oman defeated Bangladesh 5-3 to make it to the semi-finals, while Iran’s challenge came to a halt in a 6-1 loss to Malaysia. India and Pakistan sealed a finals rematch, as Pakistan won their semi-final against Oman by a 7-3 margin, while India overcame an early 2-1 deficit to win 10-4 against Malaysia. The finals once again proved to be a tight contest between India and Pakistan as the momentum and lead switched hands multiple times. At the end of full time the teams were tied at 4-4 and the title was to be decided by a shoot-out. India edged the shoot-out and claimed the gold medal, with both teams securing a spot in the upcoming World Cup. Oman claimed the bronze medal with a 5-4 win over Malaysia. But with Oman already qualifying for the World Cup as hosts, the third available qualification spot from Asia went to Malaysia as the fourth placed team. The inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey5s World Cup 2024 will be played in Muscat, Oman from 24-31 January 2024, with 16 teams competing in both men’s and women’s tournaments. All 16 teams participating in the women’s competition have now qualified. Oman (hosts), Namibia, South Africa and Zambia (Africa), USA, Uruguay and Paraguay (Pan America), Netherlands, Poland and Ukraine (Europe) Australia, New Zealand and Fiji (Oceania), India, Thailand and Malaysia (Asia) will be the 16 teams to participate in the World Cup. All 16 teams participating in the men’s competition have now qualified. Oman (hosts), Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland (Europe), Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria(Africa), USA, Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica(Pan America), Australia, New Zealand and Fiji (Oceania), India, Pakistan and Malaysia (Asia) will be the 16 teams to participate in the World Cup. 

Ghani Ur RehmanPESHAWAR: A rising and talented junior cricketer of Peshawar, Mohammad Zaid Khalji has been touching the heights of cricket by showing his performance by scoring 6 tons and 24 half centuries in the current season.This talented cricketer, who plays in the Student Cricket Academy Gymkhana under the supervision of Coach Fakhar Alam, Mohammad Zaid Khalji has created a big name in a short period of time. Zaid Khalji, who is known for being a run machine, scored 142 runs with the help of 3 sixes and 16 fours against the Tribal Cricket Academy like every match. He surprised everyone by scoring runs.Zaid Khalji expressed his determination that he would make the name of Pakistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bright in the field of cricket. He said that he was very fond of cricket, if Allah wills, he will surely get success one day.Regarding Zaid Khilji, Coach Fakhr Alam said that Zaid Khilji was completely different from the children who play in the Student Academy and the entire Gymkhana Ground, as his style and skill with which he plays, it seems that this child will be successful in his mission. 

Sports Bulletin ReportAhmedabad (India): One of the most iconic and memorable sights of Ahmedabad is the Sabarmati Riverfront – and now, sprucing that up further is the Adani Sportsline managed Sports Park, offering some of the best sporting infrastructure for the people of the city and state. The Sports Park hopes to inspire and bring out the best of talent from Gujarat, with the facilities designed to support and encourage the sporting culture and also a healthier and fitter lifestyle.The Sports Park, for which Adani Sportsline won the rights after an intense bidding, was inaugurated today, on the 2nd of September, by Sh Kiritbhai Parmar, Hon’ble Mayor, in the august presence of Shri Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Enterprises; Smt. Mithali Raj, Former Captain, Indian Women Cricket; Shri Arunsinh Rajput, Whip Municipal Ruling Party; Shri Bhaskarbhai Bhatt, Leader Municipal Ruling Party; Shri Hitesh Barot, Chairman, St. Committee; Shri Kaushikbhai Jain, MLA; Shri Amitbhai P. Shah, MLA; Shri Surendrabhai Patel, Chariman, SRFDCL Project; Dr. Kiritbhai Solanki, M.P.; Shri M. Thennarsan, Municipal Commissioner, Ahmedabad; Shri Keshav Varma, IAS (Rtd.), Chairman, SRFDCL; Smt. Gitaben Patel, Dy. Mayor; and Shri Rajeshkumar Dave, Chairman, Recreation Cultural and Heritage Committee.The Sabarmati Riverfront Sports Park, which is open to one and all, houses designated jogging tracks, gymnasium and children’s playing areas, apart from housing multiple cricket pitches, and courts for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and tennis. Also, skating rinks with skateboards will be available to visitors and learners. The Sports Park encourages widespread participation in sports by offering accessible opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds through an option to book a slot and enjoy the game.The Sports Park will have various academies that will help introduce kids, who are between the ages of 5 and 7, to a variety of sports. The youngsters will then be allowed to pick their preferred sports, with the decisions based on their abilities, interests and aptitude, and specifically designed scientific training methods, with a special focus on strength and conditioning. This process is designed to help discover sporting talent in the city and the state so that they can then be fast-tracked to more suitable programs for further development.Mithali Raj said: “The Sabarmati Riverfront Sports Park is a fantastic initiative, and it is great to see Adani Sportsline step in and take charge. Sometimes, in sport, in India, this bit of initiative is all that’s lacking, as this helps ensure top class infrastructure for the next generations. I hope the cricket nets over here will help in harnessing talent which will represent India in the coming years.” Pranav Adani said: “The Sabarmati Riverfront is iconic and symbolises the city and people of Ahmedabad. We are extremely happy to be given this opportunity and will endeavour to take this sporting arena to greater heights. The state-of-the-art Sports Park will not only be well looked after but also it will look after our people in Ahmedabad, and hopefully, we will see the next sporting superstar come through the ranks from here. The Adani Group recognises the transformative power of sports and is keen to nurture and support the talent in the country, as we believe that by providing access to top-notch infrastructure, coaching, and training facilities, we can harness the immense potential of our youth.” 

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI:  The National Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Championship 2023 will spring into action on September 8 in Karachi under the auspices of the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation (PMMAF) in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and Sindh Mixed Martial Arts Association (SMA).According to an official, a three-day national event will conclude on September 10, 2023, at the same venue. It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation is an authentic body affiliated with Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA). The championship will witness male and female fighters from all over Pakistan who will be seen competing against each other in the upcoming fights for the ultimate title gain of the championship. The fighters will have fights in two different categories including MMA and Striking MMA However, Individual category is divided into different weight categories in which fights will be contested.President PMMAF, Zulfiqar Ali said:“All affiliated Units of Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation will also be featuring in this championship which including Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sindh, Islamabad, Gilgit Baltistan (GB), and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) players from their respective teams will be seen competing with all their skills so as to earn top honors in the championship.

Special ReportIn the realm of sports, there are individuals who exemplify determination and resilience, rising above challenges to achieve greatness. One such individual is Asif Abbasi, Pakistan's top wheelchair tennis player, whose journey from a world ranking of 400 at the beginning of 2023 to now holding the impressive rank of 156 in the world showcases his remarkable ascent.Abbasi's journey gained momentum with his participation in the Bolton, cinch Queen's club, and Nottingham wheelchair tennis tournaments. His outstanding performances in these events not only caught the attention of tennis enthusiasts but also propelled him to his current world ranking. From a humble start, he has surged ahead, leaving his mark on the international wheelchair tennis circuit.The pinnacle of his achievements came with his victory at the “Play Your Way To Wimbledon” National Finals tournament held at the prestigious Wimbledon tennis courts in London, United Kingdom (UK). This monumental win not only underscores Abbasi's exceptional skill and determination but also marks a historic moment for Pakistan in wheelchair tennis.What makes his journey even more inspiring is that he's accomplishing these feats single-handedly, despite work commitments. However, the lack of sponsorship is hindering his ability to participate in more international tournaments. Currently, ranked 156th in the world, Abbasi is confident with the proper support to achieve even greater success.Abbasi's achievements hold significance not only for himself but for Pakistan's tennis history. He's set to make history as he competes in the Para Asian Games in China from October 22nd to 28th, 2023. Abbasi firmly believes that disabled Pakistani athletes can bring honor to the nation on the global stage.Looking ahead, Abbasi's ambition extends to the Paralympics in 2024 in Paris, France. His dedication to representing Pakistan on this prestigious platform is unwavering.In light of his accomplishments, Abbasi is advocating for more support for disabled athletes in Pakistan. He emphasizes that with proper backing, disabled athletes can consistently perform on the international stage, further uplifting the nation's reputation.Asif Abbasi's journey embodies determination and a fervent belief in the potential of disabled athletes. His story is not only a personal achievement but also a call to action to acknowledge and uplift disabled athletes on their path to international success.

BIPIN DANIFormer Pakistani all-rounder Mudassar Nazar was one of the foreign invitees at the colourful and enjoyable 3rd Edition of Kenya Past Cricketers Reunion held in Nairobi last week. This was revealed by Subhash Modi, the Hon. Coordinator/PRO: Kenya Past Cricketers Reunion Third Edition 2023. Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Nairobi, he said, "Mudassar has not played cricket in Nairobi but was in charge of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in the past. We invited him with his wife Jackie Janmohamed, who is the former Chairlady of Cricket Kenya and also Immediate Past Chairlady of Africa Cricket Association and also the first Kenyan Lady Umpire to umpire top cricket league matches in Nairobi"."Her support for cricket in Kenya is simply praiseworthy. Jackie has been supporting our cricketing functions since its inception in 2018. We value her unending support. Jackie Janmohamed, besides one of our platinum sponsors, was also our honoured Chief Guest. Janmohamed lives in Nairobi but she travels a lot overseas. She is one of the well-known lawyers here in Kenya"."Mudassar Nassar, a well-known Pakistan Cricketing Icon is husband to Jackie Janmohamed. The reason for inviting Mudassar was because he has served ICC and Kenya's National Cricket Academy with dedication and commitment", added the former international umpire Modi.Mudassar lives in Pakistan, Nairobi, Dubai, and United Kingdom (UK) depending on his travel plans, and work commitments. 

BIPIN DANIDr Daminda Attanayake, who is currently working as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to the Sri Lanka Cricket team and also the medical representative to the International Cricket Council (ICC) from Sri Lanka has been appointed as an Event Chief Medical officer for the Asia Cup. She will be looking after the Sri Lanka leg of the Asia Cup. The ongoing Asia Cup is being hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the matches are being played in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Dr. Saleem Sohail is holding the same post and is looking after the event in Pakistan. "Event Chief Medical Officers are responsible for the co-ordination and governance of medical services provided by event medical staff to players, officials and team management during the event in both host cities (at the match, practise venue and at team hotels)", one of the sources aware about development said to this reporter. "Both Dr. Daminda Attanayake and Dr. Sohail will also ensure the proper processes outlined in the Medical Handbook are adhered to. They will also ensure that proper structures are in place to support emergencies and health issues related to spectators and other venue staff in both countries, Pakistan and Sri Lanka", the source further added. Dr. Daminda has also experience of working as a Team Physician to National Hockey and Netball teams and the Contingent Doctor for the Commonwealth Games 2018 in Australia. The decision on replacement of the injured player, if any, during the tournament will lie with the medical panel of the PCB, it is learned.  

Ghani Ur RehmanPESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) has announced the team, which will participate in the National Junior Boxing Championship to be held in Faisalabad from September 9 under the banner of the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF).According to an official, athletes from different districts of the province participated in the trials organized by the management committee of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Boxing Association (PBA) to choose the lads for the national juniors’ fixture. The trials were supervised by the Secretary of the Management Committee of the Provincial Boxing Association and former international boxer Khaizrullah.Names of selected players:Abrar (Swat) and Safian (Peshawar) in 46 kg weight, Zameer of DI Khan and Adnan of Swat in 48 kg, Syed (Kohat) and Abdullah Khalid (Hazara) in 50 kg, Shahid (Kohat) in 52 kg. And Musa (Peshawar), Ismatullah from G Main Bannu and Ahmed from DI Khan in 57 kg, Ismail from Hazara in 60 kg, Abdul Raziq from Swat and Asadullah from DI Khan, while Hussain from Hazara and Yusuf from DI Khan in 63 kg.Speaking to the media on this occasion, Secretary of the Management Committee of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Boxing Association Khaizrullah said that the responsibility assigned to him by the Boxing Federation would be my best effort to fulfill that in a benefiting manner.

Sports Bulletin ReportPeshawar: A talented Wushu player from Peshawar, Ubaid ullah Khan, has made a unique place in the Wushu game, now he is busy preparing for international competitions, he said that he loved martial arts.While talking to media he further added that he was trained by coach Najmullah Safi in Rehmat Martial Club. “I won the club level competitions and this series of successes continues from district to provincial and Pakistan level and if Allah wills, I will make Pakistan famous in international level competitions as well, “he said.

Skipper Babar Azam, Ifikhar Ahmed hit tons, Green Shirts pile-up 342 in 50 oversSports Bulletin ReportMULTAN: A couple of remarkable innings, Babar Azam (151), and Iftikhar Ahmed (109 not out), helped Pakistan to post a comprehensive triumph against minnows Nepal by 238 runs in the opening fixture of the Asia Cricket Cup 2023 here at Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.Chasing a challenging target of 343 runs, inexperienced XIs Nepal faced an early setback as Kushal Bhurtel was dismissed for just 8 runs. The wickets continued to tumble for Nepal as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf wreaked havoc with their pace and accuracy. Aarif Sheikh showed resistance with a gutsy 26, but the rest of the batting line-up struggled to cope with the pressure exerted by Pakistan's bowlers.Shadab Khan's spin proved to be the undoing of Nepal's middle order, as he claimed four vital wickets. The Nepal batters struggled to find their rhythm against Shadab's variations and impeccable line and length. As a result, Nepal's innings came to a swift end at 104 runs in 23.4 overs.Earlier after opting to bat first, Pakistan's captain Babar Azam led from the front, showcasing his sublime skills with a scintillating knock of 151 runs off 131 balls. His innings was marked by 14 boundaries and four towering sixes, as he anchored the team's innings and guided them to a formidable total. Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq were dismissed in quick succession due to brilliant efforts in the field by Nepal.Mohammad Rizwan contributed a crucial 44 runs, displaying his ability to find gaps and rotate the strike effectively. Iftikhar Ahmed then stole the show with a breathtaking display of power-hitting, smashing an unbeaten 109 off just 71 balls, which included 11 boundaries and four sixes. He was involved in a 214-run partnership with Babar Azam – the highest fifth-wicket stand for Pakistan in ODIs as the duo’s efforts propelled Pakistan to 342-6.Scores in Brief:Pakistan beat Nepal by 238 runsPakistan: 342-6 in 50 overs (Babar Azam 151, Iftikhar Ahmed 109 not out; Sompal Kami 2-85, Karan KC 1-54, Sandeep Lamichhane 1-69)Nepal: 104 all out in 23.4 overs (Sompal Kami 28, Aarif Sheikh 26; Shadab Khan 4-27, Haris Rauf 2-16, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-27)Player of the Match: Babar Azam (Pakistan)Pakistan Squad: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir (travelling reserve).Nepal Squad: Rohit Paudel (c), Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Bhim Sharki, Kushal Malla, Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Pratish GC, Mousom Dhakal, Sundeep Jora, Kishore Mahato, Arjun Saud