Sports Bulletin

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.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI: The Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation (PJJF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sports Medicine Association of Pakistan (SMAP) aiming to improve health awareness for its athletes. Dr. Ucksy Mallick, Vice President, South Asia, Asian Federation of Sports Medicine and President, SMAP, signed the document with Tariq Ali, Secretary General South Asia Ju-Jitsu Regional Association and Associate Secretary, PJJF, in a ceremony held at Karachi. The MOU between the two associations is an understanding that both shall educate and foster growth of participants / athletes of JiuJitsu Martial arts in Pakistan. The Sports Medicine Association of Pakistan (SMAP) shall provide for various courses, seminars, workshops on Sports Injuries, Sports Taping, First Aid & CPR, Doping in Sports and others for PJJF’s athletes and coaches across the country. The Sports Medicine Association of Pakistan (SMAP) extends is heartiest congratulations to the Members of PJJF for this great achievement as it would provide for the betterment of athletes health and sports in Pakistan.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI: Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ehsan-ur-Rahman Mazari along with Secretary General of South Asian Ju-Jitsu Regional Association and Association General of Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation Tariq Ali visited the ongoing National JiuJitsu Training Camp at Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Coaching Center Karachi. After assuring the coaches and players of the camp to improve the training and PSB's support, he expressed his best wishes for the success of the players in the upcoming various mega international events. Also, Tariq Ali presented a commemorative shield to Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination, Ehsanur Rehman Mazari on behalf of the Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation.

AA Report ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Shahzaib Khan and female athlete Naqsh Hamdani have qualified for the final after winning their respective semi-finals in their respective categories in the ongoing 4th Combaxx Asian Open International Taekwondo Championship G2 being organized by Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) at the Liaquat Gymnasium on Thursday. Shahzaib Khan downed Islalmov Zhakhrekan of Kazakhstan in the -54 Men’s semi-final contest While Naqsh Hamdani outplayed Zahro Mizzare of Afghanistan in the -53 women’s category semifinal. Besides, the following other players have also qualified for the finals in their respective categories of various contests. Female athlete Aidana (Kazakhstan) downed Ana Delo of Timor Leste in the -46 kg Women's semi-final while Indra Bajneet (Nepal) beat Maliha Ali of Pakistan in the semi-final of  -67 kg Women’s semi-final. Meanwhile, Farzan Falah (Iran) beat Ibrahim Zaki (Egypt) and outplayed n the semi-final of the -63 kg Men in the semi-final. Farzan Falah (Iran) beat Ibrahim Zaki (Egypt) in the -80 kg Men’s semis. In the semi-final of the -80 kg Men’s category, Hasan Bashiri (Iran) beat Alireza (Iran), In the earlier matches, Shahzaib Khan outplayed  Elwalid Mahdy Khalid from Egypt  2-0  in the -54 Men’s competition, while  Naqsh Hamdani beat compatriot Fakhra Khalid 2-0 in  -53 women’s category contest. Earlier, in the Quarterfinal of the -54kg Men’s contest,  Shahzaib Khan had downed Muhib Mohammad from Egypt by 2-1. In the -46 kg- women’s contest, Pakistan' Hana beat Yadiba from Kazakistan by 2-0 while in the -67 women’s contest, Nepal's Basnet beat Nisa Hala from Srilanka by 2-0. In the -63 Men’s contest,   Zaki from Egypt beat Noman from Pakistan by 2-0.

AA Report ISLAMABAD: Egypt’s Sherif Khairy and Iran’s Danial Bozurgishoob have clinched the gold medals in their respective senior category contests in the ongoing 4th Combaxx Asian Open International Taekwondo Championship G2 being organized by Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) at the Liaquat Gymnasium on Wednesday. Sherif Khairy beat Pakistan’s Hamza Saeed 2-0 in the final of the +87 kg Men’s contest while Danial Bozurgishoob from Iran overcame compatriot Omid Hussani 2-0 in the -74kg Men’s competition final. Meanwhile, in the female contests, it was Pakistan’s day as Pakistan’s female athlete Nusrat Bibi clinched the gold medal while Yasmeen Baig clinched a silver medal in their respective categories contests. In the final of the +73 kg (Women), Nusrat overwhelmed Afghanistan’s Yasmeen Azizi by 2-1. In another final of the -62 kg Women’s contest, Nazneen Azizi from Afghanistan won the gold medal. She outplayed Pakistan’s Sara Baig 2-0. Results (Semifinals): In the semi-final, Hamza Saeed overwhelmed compatriot Faizan Junaid 2-0 in the male 87 category while Sara Baig beat compatriot Hajra Shakeel 2-1 in the female -62kg contest. Yasmeen Azizi had reached the final after downing Pakistan’s Laiba Mohammad 2-0 in the semifinal while Omaid thrashed Kazakhstan’s Abdul Rehman 2-0 in the semifinal.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Pakeeza Khan and Asra Gul secured gold medals by winning their respective bouts on the first day of the Combaxx 4th Asian Open International Taekwondo Championship (G2) at Liaquat Gymnasium of Pakistan Sports Complex. In the -63 kg women's category, Pakistan's Pakeeza Khan earned a gold medal after outplaying compatriot Nuzra Jamal from Pakistan 2-0 in a one-sided game. Meanwhile, in the -55 kg women's category, Pakistan's Arsa Gul also lifted a gold medal comprehensively beating compatriot Ajwa Nadeem from Pakistan 2-0. Later, in the -49kg women's category, Bahrain's Yara Binthani won gold by overcoming Pakistan’s Aiman Khan 2-1. In the -63kg Male category, Omer Ismail from UAE athlete beat Mohammad Muath from Bahrain by 2-0.

President PTF Wasim Janjua hopes for only 1 or 2 gold medals in the Asian Open Taekwondo Championship faisal ISLAMABAD: President, Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF), Col (Retd) Mohammad Wasim Janjua on Sunday viewed off that couple of gold medals in the upcoming Combaxx 4th Asian Open International Taekwondo Championship (G2) would be acceptable performance of hosts athletes during the 4-day international fixture, which would be rolled into action here at Laiquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex from November 1, 2022. Responding to a question during a press conference at a local hotel, the head of PTF further stated that PTF responsibility was to provide opportunities for national athletes to excel at international level. “Federation is providing all crunch facilities to national players to enhance their skills and top international taekwondo players are participating in the mega regional event. If our players will grab one or two gold medals it will be an adequate performance and our players will bring maximum results, “he hoped. “We hold the camps to train the boys and girls under the guidance and administration of international coaches. Haroon and Shahzeb are our best players, who are able to lift the medals and hoist the green flag at the international arenas. Federation is doing sufficient at its end and trying its best to provide maximum opportunities to players at international level to develop their game skills and international exposure as well. If they compete with a high ranking opponent they will certainly learn more, “he replied another question. Janjua said that the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) would provide around Rs. 5 to 6 million (US$ 22, 586 to US$ 27,103) for the G-2 international event. “The top finest male and female athletes of various countries from across the globe have arrived here. International teams are practicing at championship venue Liaquat Gymnasium. Beside national and athletes over 100 volunteers and technical officials will play a vital role in holding a mega international sports showpiece, “he said. “Around 600 officials and athletes are also part of this mega event. The number of International Officials / athletes is more than 200. Technical delegate from Lebanon, Denial and Referee Chairman Sharam from Iran alongwith 30 International Referees (Male/Female) are there to conduct this prestigious championship. The other International referees and Member Supervisory Board are from Egypt, Pakistan, Jordan, Iran, Nepal, Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Palestine and Pakistan, “he added. He further divulged that PTF would host another international taekwondo event next year. “The bid of said event was approved in WT General Council Meeting on 23 Jun 2022 this year and we have the unique honour to have this championship in 2023 again, Inshallah which includes Senior Khyrougi and Poomsae Events, “he replied to a question. “Men and women besides hosts Pakistan, Afghanistan, Albania, Bahrain, Egypt, Great Britain, Iran,  Iraq, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Oman, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Timor-Leste, United states of America (UAE) and WT Refugee are participating in the 4-day international taekwondo fixture, “president PTF concluded after facing volley of questions.

11-man Sri Lanka players and officials arrive in the Capital City Islamabad AA Report  ISLAMABAD: The 11-man Sri Lanka taekwondo contingent including 5 girls, 4 boys and 2 officials have arrived here to take part in the 4th Combaxx Asian Open International Taekwondo Championship 2022, scheduled to be held from November 1 to 4, 2022 at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex. According to spokesman for Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF), top officials of PTF welcomed the guests on their arrival at Benazir International Airport Islamabad. Visitors were awarded warm welcome, who also garlanded the players and officials. On this occasion, Sri Lankan female athlete Madhushika Madushani said that she was happy to be in Pakistan, which is known in the world for sports dignity, producing world class athletes and sportsmen and sportswomen.  “The country is also known for traditional hospitality and unique aromatic dishes”, she said. Male athlete Tharanga Lamkal said: “We are well prepared for this grand Asian Open International which may prove a milestone in taekwondo history”.  Another visiting Sri Lankan athlete Nimesh Wiranga said: “Since world best players are featuring in the prestigious championship, it will provide them an opportunity to collaborate and interact with them and learn from their experiences”. Names of Sri Lanka Squad: 1. Ruwan Alahakoon (Head of Team) 2. Romesh Rathnasekara (Team Coach) 3. Tharanga Thilakarathna (Athlete) 4. Jewantha Thilakarathna (Athlete) 5. Nimesh Viranga (Athlete) 6. Sachithtra Bandaranayaka (Athlete) 7. Nuwan Jayasinghe (Athlete) 8. Irangani Mahadula (Athlete) 9. Madushika Madushani (Athlete) 10. Shashikala Gunawardhana (Athlete) 11. Nisansala Jayasinghe (Athlete)

faisal ISLAMABAD: The 10-time former national champion and national female taekwondo coach Najia Rasool Khan has said that Pakistani martial art athletes were competent to qualify for the quadrennial mega sports fixture of the world Olympics Games if they would be imparted particular international standard training facilities back-to-back for two years till Paris Olympics 2024. While talking to this reporter at Laiquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex here she further said that the top national taekwondo player Haroon Tareen was so close to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics but unfortunately he lost his bout in a fraction of seconds. “We have brilliant players like Haroon Tareen, Shahzeb Khan and Fatima Khawar and they are capable of bringing laurels for the country in the international competitions, “she added. Najia, 30 from Muzaffargarh further divulged, “We have enough facilities but we need training camps in which players can develop their game skills. Taekwondo is the most admirable martial game in the country and young budding girls and boys are enthusiastic to excel at national and international level but they need appropriate guide-line, coaching and training. We have enough facilities in Pakistan that meet international needs and standards.” To a question she said, “In past, when Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera was Director General of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) he provided enormous occasion to taekwondo players to excel at national and international level by holding the camps for players in a row at the different sports arenas of the country. We need honest efforts to uplift the standard of sports in the country and hoist the national green flag across the world, “she viewed. Former martial art athlete Najia Khan, who won 4 silvers and 3 bronze medals, suggested that the joint efforts of sports federation and sports insinuations along with sponsorship might uplift the standard of sports. “There is no minor sponsorship in all the sports except cricket. A player’s basic requirements are diet, equipment and training, as these facilities need money without sponsorship no one can move ahead at international level. We should take genuine steps to achieve the targets, “she asserted. Responding to another question, she said, “A coach needs to attend international coaching courses to reach the top level. At the present I am a level-II taekwondo coach and have attended six international coaching courses. We can increase the number of coaches by sending them abroad for courses or international representatives may be invited here for coaching lectures. In the ongoing modern area, the best and upgraded coaching facility is most important for the players, “she maintained. It is pertinent to mention here that unmarried Najia Rasool Khan, 30, belongs to Muzaffargarh and she is solitary from her family, who likes sports and is honored with Pakistan's colour too. She started her sports’ career In 2006 and finished in 2021 after that she is working with Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) as female coach and willing to make another mark in the field of sports as a coach. When she started to participate in sports activities only her mother supported her and the rest of her 8 family members were not willing to see Najia Rasool Khan in sports arenas.