Sports Bulletin

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), Ahsan Iqbal, inaugurated the National Conference on Revival of Sports here on Friday, and emphasized the government’s commitment in improving Pakistan’s sports landscape.Declaring 2025 as the year of sports revival in Pakistan, the minister expressed his determination to take Pakistan’s sports to new heights. “All-out efforts are being made to improve Pakistan’s sports,” he said.The minister highlighted the importance of the conference in reviving and improving sports in the country. “Victory is not won on the field of play, but it has to be planted in the mind,” he said here at a local hotel.He pledged to provide comprehensive support to Pakistan’s talented athletes, saying that the country has immense talent. The aim of today’s conference is to offer broad-based support to these athletes, he said.Ahsan announced several initiatives to promote sports, including the preparation of 2028 Olympics, promotion of institutional sports, and establishment of an endowment fund for players. He also mentioned the installation of astro-turfs to highlight sports from the grassroots level.The minister said Pakistanis were second to none in the world in terms of intelligence and hard work. However, he was of the view that despite having a population of 250 million, Pakistan failed to qualify for even five sports in the Olympics.Ending doping in sports in Pakistan is a top priority, he stressed, adding that despite funds being allocated for National Games in 2016 and 2017, the event did not take place.Ahsan said that he was imprisoned in the previous government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for building Narowal Sports City. “Sports should be kept away from politics,” he said.Ahsan also criticized the previous PTI government for dismantling departmental sports structures, which had harmed the development of sports. He said he will also write a letter to all departments to restore sports within a week. We plan to build seven astro turfs for hockey, four of which have already been completed.The minister also highlighted the achievements of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, including ending load shedding and terrorism, and bringing peace to the country.He also highlighted PML-N’s government’s achievements in resolving the energy crisis, combating terrorism, and restoring lights of Karachi.Ahsan also emphasized the need for sports revival in Pakistan, saying that a nation’s character is reflected in its sports. “If a nation is labeled as thieves, bandits, or corrupt, then that nation is defeated,” he said.He highlighted the success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project and drew a comparison with the development of sports infrastructure. Germany built 400 squash courts in one year, while Pakistan built only four in the same timeframe.Looking ahead to 2047, when Pakistan and India will mark 100 years of their independence, he said, India has made significant strides in sports but expressed his determination to create a new chapter of development in Pakistan sports.“We must invest in our youth and sports infrastructure to create a vibrant sports culture in Pakistan. This is crucial for building a positive image of our nation and promoting national unity and pride.”He said that Pakistan will host the South Asian Games in 2025 and aims to become one of the top ten economies in the world, including the sports sector. He also revealed plans to hire foreign coaches to develop sports in Pakistan.With a renewed focus on sports development, Pakistan aims to reclaim its position as a sporting nation and inspire a new generation of athletes and citizens alike. The conference brought together sports officials, athletes, and other stakeholders to discuss ways to revive Pakistan’s sports sector. (SBR)

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, April 6, was celebrated here by the national hockey players and officials under the banner of Pak Heroes Club and Mohammedan Academy Pakistan Junior Captain Hannan Shahid said: “We wield our sticks not just to score goals, but to break down barriers and build bridges of understanding. On this International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, let us celebrate the unifying power of our sport and strive to create a world where every match played brings us closer to harmony and progress." Pakistan Develop Squad Captain Murtaza Yaqoob said: “On this International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, let us remember that the true victory lies not in the number of goals we score, but in the bonds of friendship and understanding we forge. Field hockey teaches us resilience, teamwork, and respect, qualities that transcend borders and unite us in the pursuit of a more peaceful and inclusive world." Pakistan Police Team Captain Imran Azhar said: “As we commemorate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, let’s recognize that every hit, every sprint, and every goal carries the potential to create positive change and pave the way for a more inclusive and peaceful World.”Director Asian Hockey Federation Ghulam Ghous said: “This day primarily teaches us about improving our society and surrounding through caring about everyone. We have to defend the rights of everyone and help them to achieve their aims following the path of humanity. Our thinking should align our actions and the interests of the people surrounding us.”Abid Zia, Chief Executive Crown Micro said: “Justice is the main tool for developing peace in the society.”Amer Sheikh, Chief Executive City Bread said: “Sports teach us tolerance, teamwork and ethics and these are implemented in our daily lives automatically.” Former International player Khalid Qureshi, Iftikhar Butt, Mohammad Shahid, Mohammad Yaqoob, Usman Shaukat, Abdul Qadir Zahid, and Toheed ul Hassan were also present to celebrate this occasion.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Olympian javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem called on Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Faisal Ayub Khokhar at National Hockey Stadium on Tuesday. Senior athletics coach Salman Iqbal Butt was also present on this occasion.Talking on this occasion, Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Faisal Ayub Khokhar assured Arshad Nadeem that Sports Board Punjab will provide every kind of support to him for the preparation of the Paris Olympic Games. “The whole of Pakistan is proud of Arshad’s feats and after several decades, now there is a hope that Pakistan can win an Olympic gold medal through Arshad Nadeem,” he added.Expressing great confidence in star javelin thrower, Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that Arshad will live up to the expectations of the nation and clinch Pakistan’s first track and field medal in the Paris Olympics. “All required resources and facilities will be provided for Arshad’s international standard training so that he can win laurel in the Olympic Games,” he opined.Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that a focal person will be appointed on behalf of the Punjab Sports Department to facilitate the training of Arshad at the Punjab Stadium. “The construction work at Arshad Nadeem Stadium will also be started soon in Mian Channu,” he informed.Expressing his determination on this occasion, Olympian javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem said that he is committed to getting the Olympic gold medal for Pakistan. “I’m grateful to Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Faisal Ayub Khokhar for promising the best facilities for my training”. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Mohammad Aamir of Pakistan Army has won the title of the Lahore-Kasur Lahore Open Road Cycle Race by covering a distance of 70 Kilo-meters in 2 Hours 22 minutes and 17 Seconds on the occasion of Pakistan Day.Mohammad Bilal also from Pakistan Army garbed second position while Mohammad Arsalan third. Adeel forth (Punjab), Mohammad Hasnain fifth (Army) and Mohammad Shakil sixth (Punjab) positions respectively. The race paddled-off from Punjab Football Stadium at 08.00 am Sharp from Punjab Stadium Opp. Gaddafi Stadium Lahore towards Ferozpur Road Kalma Chowk, Model Town, Kanchi, Chungi Amer Sidhu, Gajumata, Khana Kacha, Mustafabad (Laliani) and turn back Kasur ByPass to ward Lahore and Terminated at Kalma Chowk Overhead bridge. Metro Bus Station opp Gadafi Stadium Lahore. A record 60 cyclists from Pakistan Army, Pakistan Wapda, Pakistan Railways, Higher Education Commission (HEC) and all division from Punjab took part in this mega Road Cycle Race. This race was organized by Punjab Cycling Association in collaboration with Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Management Committee for the Sport of Cycling in Pakistan for the promotion and development for the game of Cycling.The chief guest for the opening ceremony was Mozam Khan, Former International Cyclist who flagged-off the race from Punjab Stadium. Faisal Ayub Khokhar Worthy Minister for Sports Punjab graced as chief guest for closing and prize distribution ceremony at the office of Punjab Olympic Association at National Hockey Stadium Lahore and awarded the cash award, Trophies and medals to first six positions holders of the Race. Rai Mohammad Asghar Manager Wapda team, Ch. Mohammad Shahbaz Assistant Manager Wapda team also present there with Idris Haider Khawaja Secretary General Punjab Olympic Association.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The enthralling second phase of the Nayza Armwrestling Championship Season 2 concluded at Nayza Amaan Square, Gulberg, setting the stage for a grand finale on February 24, 2024 at Nayza G1 Market Johar Town. The grand finale promises to be a thrilling contest with a double elimination format, featuring top contenders from the initial rounds across various weight categories. In the second phase competitions, emerging victorious in the -60 kg youth category were Murtaza, Sajjad, Shams, Danish, and Mian Ahmed, all securing their spots in the finale. The -75 kg youth category saw Haider King, Abdullah Nisar, Muhammad Umair Iqbal, and Moosa Butt advance, showcasing their strength and skill. In the -85 kg division, Hammad Butt and Hamza Butt earned their places in the final round, while the 85+ kg category saw Shazil Ali and Muzammil Khawar vying for the title. Additionally, Usman Ghani triumphed in the 80+ kg senior category, adding to the roster of talented athletes set to compete in the championship's culmination. With contenders now preparing for the ultimate challenge, the Grand Finale of the Nayza Armwrestling Championship Season 2 is poised to be a spectacular display of power, technique, and determination.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Rawalpindi division girls’ table tennis team stunned the strong Lahore team by 3-2 in the final of the Under-16 Talent Hunt Programme Inter-Division Table Tennis Championship team event at Nishtar Park Sports Complex (NPSC) Gymnasium Hall on Wednesday.Lahore team remained runners up while Sahiwal team finished third in the event organised under the auspices of Punjab Sports Department as part of Sports Board Punjab's Annual Sports Calendar Programme.Dr Qurra-tul Ain was the Chief Guest on this occasion. Director Sports Yasmeen Akhtar, Punjab Table Tennis President Irfanullah Khan, Chief Sports Consultant Hafeez Bhatti, administrator NPSC Gymnasium Hall Mustafa Shah and other officials were also present on this occasion.Dr Qurra-tul Ain distributed prizes among the top position holders. The participating male and female table tennis players and officials also had group photographs with the chief guest. DG Sports Punjab Dr Asif Tufail also congratulated the winning team.Earlier, in the first semi-final of the girls' team event, Rawalpindi Division defeated Sahiwal by 3-0 and qualified for the final. In the second semi-final of girls, Lahore Division reached the final after defeating Multan by 3-1.Lahore defeated Multan by 3-1 in the first semi-final of the boy's team event while in the second semi-final, Bahawalpur defeated Faisalabad a margin of 3-2 and qualified for the final.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Secretary of Tourism Gilgit-Baltistan Asifullah Khan has revealed that a three-day Sarfaranga Cold Desert Jeep Rally would be held from October 6 to 8, 2023.He further said in a press conference at the local hotel that there would be many new activities along with tourism sports and women would also be involved in the activities.“This will be the fifth edition of the annual jeep rally on the highest and coldest desert in the world and on the highest mountains. On the way to the rally, there is also the most beautiful view of the Indus river belt, this year Sarfaranga Desert Jeep Rally has a total length of 80 kilometers and this year the theme of the rally will be “Go Green” which means boycotting all kinds of plastic, ‘he added.On this occasion Shagar Waliullah said: “The role of the community is important to maintain the law and order situation, along with the police, the community has also been trained”.Shamil, who played an important role in the Jeep Rally, said that the purpose of such events was to provide an opportunity to the media so that they could convey the message to the people, and promote tourism in Pakistan.The prize money of the Sarfaranga rally will be 7 million while the number of women participating in the rally will be 5 this time. The purpose of organizing the rally is to promote tourism in Pakistan. 

Chairman of Muslim Hands Pir Syed Lakht Hasnain vows to support Street Children Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Chairman of Muslim Hands, Pir Syed Lakht Hasnain vowed to continue full support of the Pakistan Street Children Football Team, which won silvers medals in the Norway Cup 2023, as well as to establish football academies in the country to uplift the standard of soccer in Pakistan. Muslim Hands would also give education, and recognition to other unknown street children.The silver medal team arrived here on Monday at Islamabad International Airport and were warmly welcomed by the local players, parents of the boys, and officials of Muslim Hands, Later, in the afternoon the players visited the National Press Club (NPC) to attend the ceremony that was held in their honour.Chairman of Muslim Hands Pir Syed Lakht Hasnain said:“Pakistan team earned the second position in the tournament, which is a great honour for Pakistan. Muslim Hands managed all the needs of players to make them international players. We selected the players from all over the country on merit. Our coach Rasheed Ahmed did not compromise on merit and picked up the squad after a strict process. We hold camps all over Pakistan. We are satisfied with the performance of the players, as the Pakistan team scored 28 goals in the tournament and conceded only three goals”.“Although, our young guys were well prepared for the event and they toiled hard in the camp in the dog days of June/July, however, they were not familiar with playing in European conditions, as the pitches were wet in some matches. It was difficult for our players to give a hundred percent in such type of weather. We are happy with the team’s results. We claimed second position three times back-to-back, as we were runner-ups in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, and were third in 2024 in Brazil.”“During the tournament, the excitement was visible in the Pakistani community in Norway, due to the excellent performance of our team, Norwegians also became fans of the Pakistani team and were supporting our lads. I came from England to welcome the team. A total of eight matches were played in the cup, seven of which were won by the Pakistani team, while only in the final match Pakistani team played brilliantly throughout the match and finally lost on penalty kicks.”Captain Tufail Shamari said:“Our team played well in the tournament and we lost the final of penalty kicks, as the match was leveled 1-1 during the regular time. Our team went 0-1, and I scored a goal to bounce back in the gold medal battle. However, our luck was not good and we lost the final after 10 penalty kicks in the sudden death phase. We were provided nice facilities during the trip and being a leader of the Green Shirts I am pleased with the players’ performances. Our player Asad Nasir from Islamabad got the award of the best defender of the tournament, which is a great respect and honour for the whole nation.”  

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI:-On the occasion of World Environment Day celebrated around the world, a tree- plantation ceremony was organized at KPT Sports Complex in collaboration with Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Environment Commission and Karachi Port Trust.Sarwat Gilani, a well-known actress of Pakistan Television (PTV), Special Olympic Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Lakhani, Environment Commission Member Tehmina Asif, Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Manager Sports Major (Rtd) Mehmood Riaz, and other guests planted saplings along with special children on this eve. PTV actress, Sarwat Gilani said:“The increasing environmental pollution is gradually strengthening its grip on our environment. If special attention is not paid to the protection of the city, the harmful effects of pollution will increase shortly. The efforts of the POA Environment Commission for the elimination of environmental pollution, and appeal to the public to do more to achieve a happy and healthy society free from density”.Chairperson of Special Olympic Pakistan, Ronak Lakhani, said:“A pollution-free environment is key for every field including sports. A healthy environment ensures a healthy mind and healthy body and as such we should make efforts both collectively and individually to contribute to drives aimed at controlling pollution.”Tehmina Asif said:“Around 55% of the waste collected in our country daily includes plastic, which is mostly burned and the smoke that rises is very dangerous for human life. Pollution is also very harmful to our aquatic and marine life and also the economy because the employment of millions of fishermen is related to it. We have to protect our sea as well as the land. It is necessary to play our full individual and collective role to protect our water resources and eliminate marine pollution”.Major (retd) Mehmood Riaz said:“KPT is taking great measures to reduce environmental pollution. There should also be a collective effort and every citizen has to be responsible for pollution by any of his actions. Along with talking about the problems, there should also be individual and collective efforts to solve them. Every citizen must be responsible for their actions which cause pollution”.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI: The 1st Rope Skipping and Jump Rope Championship concluded in Karachi, In the event, as the employees of Karachi University took part in the different disciplines. Abdul Basit Director Physical Education of Karachi University, graced the closing ceremony as a chief guest. He shared his thoughts and congratulated the players for being a part of the rope skipping championship. Sindh won the title of Boys & Girls (Single & Team) National Jump Rope & Rope Skipping Championship 2023 and got the Trophy Sindh Captains Muneeba Aktar and Mohammad Husain. National Jump Rope and Rope Skipping Championship was started on 3rd March at Karachi University, Karachi. Results of Games. 1st Position. (Sindh) Boys and girls Single & Team Event 2nd Position, (Baluchistan) Boys and girls Single & Team Event 3rd Position, (KPK) Boys and girls Single & Team Event