Sports Bulletin ReportParis (France): The women’s hockey final at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be contested between reigning champions the Netherlands and China, with the Asian giants reaching their first Olympic final since Beijing 2008.The Netherlands women – the reigning Olympic, World, European and FIH Hockey Pro League champions – proved simply too strong for semi-final opponents Argentina, claiming a 3-0 triumph over their fierce rivals to reach the Olympic final for the sixth successive Games. Netherlands beat Argentina (3-0): In front of an enthusiastic sell-out crowd, the Netherlands were in irresistible form against Las Leonas, dominating their illustrious opponents with goals from Luna Fokke, Laura Nunnink and Yibbi Jansen.The result means that the possibility of the Netherlands winning both hockey gold medals remains very much on, with the men playing their final, against Germany, tomorrow (8 August). For Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Argentina, the result means that they will play for bronze on Friday (9 August). China overcame Belgium (1-1 and 3-1 on shoot-out): In a match filled with huge drama, China opened the scoring through Zou Meirong’s penalty corner, successfully defending their lead until the final two minutes when Emma Puvrez slapped home a fabulous leveller, sending the huge numbers of Belgian fans into raptures. Capitalising on the momentum, the Red Panthers lead early in the shoot-out when goalkeeper Aisling D’Hooghe denied Chen Yang before Vanessa Blockmans produced an outrageous lob that clipped the crossbar on the way to establishing a 2-1 advantage. However, China showed incredible character to score their next three attempts, with goalkeeper Ye Jiao denying Ambre Ballenghien, Justine Rasir and Delphine-Daphne Marien to break Belgian hearts.

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: The 18th STBA Independent Bowling Tournament will be played on August 13, and 14, 2024 at Royal Rodale Club DHA Karachi under the banner of Sindh Tenpin Bowling Association (STBA).According to an official of STBA, the competitions will be held in different categories including Men’s Amateur, Men’s Singles, and Men’s Doubles. The closing ceremony will take place on August 14, 2024.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board’s men’s national selection committee today announced a 17-member Pakistan squad for the ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh. The first Test will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 21-25 August, while the second Test will be held from 30 August-3 September in Karachi.The Pakistan Test side’s training camp will commence at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 11 August and will be supervised by red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. The Bangladesh cricket team is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad in the wee hours of 17 August and expected to train in the same afternoon.Names of players for Test Series: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Shaheen Shah AfridiThe 17-member Test squad will be led by Shan Masood, while left-handed middle-order batter Saud Shakeel has been appointed as vice-captain. Saud takes over from Shaheen Shah Afridi as part of the selectors’ strategic decision that is aimed at managing Pakistan’s lead fast bowler’s workload management during the period from 21 August 2024 to 5 April 2025 in which Pakistan is scheduled to play nine Tests, 14 T20Is and, at least, 17 ODIs.Of the 17 players picked for the first Test series of the 2024-25 season, 13 players were involved in Pakistan’s last series against Australia in December/January 2023-24. Mohammad Huraira, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali have been rewarded for their consistent performances in the domestic circuit as well as for Pakistan Shaheens, while Naseem Shah is returning to the red-ball side after 13 months.Kamran Ghulam aggregated 1,025 runs in 11 first-class matches in the 2023-24 season and then had scored 148 runs in three innings against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin last month, including 100 not out in the first match. He was part of the squad for the home series against New Zealand in December/January 2022-23 but didn’t feature in the drawn two-match series.Fast bowler Mohammad Ali has been recalled after last featuring in the opening two Tests against England in 2022. He took 24 wickets in six first-class matches in the 2022-23 season, followed by 47 wickets in 14 first-class matches in the 2023-24 season. In the two four-day matches against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin, Ali took nine wickets, including six for 63 in the second innings of the second match.Huraira stroked a sparkling double-century against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin last month. He also had stellar last couple of first-class seasons. In the 2022-23 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Huraira was the only batter to break the 1,000-run barrier, aggregating 1,024 runs in 11 matches for Northern. In the 2023-24 first-class season, the 22-year-old right-hander scored 961 runs in 14 matches for the Faisalabad Region and Higher Education Commission (HEC). He was part of the squad for the tour to Sri Lanka in July 2023 but didn’t feature in the series, which Pakistan won by 2-0.Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali (injured), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr (injured), Noman Ali and Sajid Khan were the players who failed to retain their places in the Test side.Imam managed 57 runs in two Tests against Sri Lanka and then scored 94 runs in the Perth and Melbourne Tests, Faheem took one wicket in the Perth Test, Sajid claimed three wickets in the Sydney Test, while Nawaz and Noman didn’t play in any of the Tests.Names of players for ODI Series: Saud Shakeel (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saad Khan, Saim Ayub, Sameen Gul, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Umar AminPlayer support personnel – Umar Gul (head coach-cum-manager), Ghulam Ali (batting coach), Fahad Masood (fielding coach), Dr Imtiaz Khan (physiotherapist), Faisal Rai (analyst), Yasir Malik (trainer), Shafqat Shabbir (media and digital manager) and Malang Ali (masseur)Saud Shakeel will captain Pakistan Shaheens in the first match against Bangladesh ‘A’. The squad will also include Test team members Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub and Sarfaraz Ahmed.For the four-day match, Pakistan Shaheens will commence their training session on Wednesday afternoon at the Islamabad Club under head coach Umar Gul. Jason Gillespie and Azhar Mahmood will assist Umar Gul before shifting their attention to the national side’s camp on 11 August.Following the four-day match, the eight Test probables will join the national side and the selectors will announce their replacements in the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the remaining matches against Bangladesh ‘A’.The PCB has been in contact with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and it is expected that the revised schedule of the Pakistan Shaheens versus Bangladesh ‘A’ series will be announced shortly.

Karachi United, Legacy FC, Karachi City FC, and Hazara Quetta WFC qualify for semifinalsSports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Karachi United, Legacy FC, Karachi City FC, and Hazara Quetta WFC moved into the semifinals of the National Women's Football Club Championship 2024 after winning their respective matches at Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Wednesday.Legacy FC showcased their dominance with a 3-0 victory over TWK. Eman, Kayanat, and Alina each scored a goal, demonstrating their exceptional skills and teamwork.In the last group match of the final stage, Hazara FC faced off against Highlanders FC in a closely contested battle. Hazara FC emerged victorious with a 2-1 win. Farishta and Sadiqa were the goal scorers for Hazara, while Sosan opened the scoring for the Highlanders.Karachi United will face Legacy FC in the first semi-final of the National Women's Football Club Championship 2024 on August 8 at 5:30 PM at Jinnah Football Stadium, Islamabad followed by the second semi-final between Karachi City FC and Hazara Quetta WFC at 8:30 PM.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan Soccer Futsal Federation (PSFF) has picked-up 23 lads for a training camp aiming to prepare strong team for forthcoming FIFUSA Futsal World Cup, which will be held in September this year 2024.According to an official of PSFF, the players have been selected on merit after conducting two days trials at National University of Modern Languages (NUML). Over 250 players took part in the trials to show their game skills. Zener Caro, Cuban Ambassador, who visited trials venue, said:  “I am impressed with the talent and dedication shown by all the participants. The level of the trials was high, and it looked to be a tough decision for coaches to select the final squad.”Mubashar Sanjrani, General Secretary PSFF said: “Federation welcomes and appreciates futsal players who traveled from all over the Pakistan to participating in this trials. We are confident that the chosen players to represent the national futsal team in the World Cup will demonstrate remarkable in the international arena.”PSFF Chairman Sardar Rafiq Sanjrani, President Tariq Mahmood, vice President Adeel Riaz, Director Admin NUML Brig (Retd) Mazher Masood(R), and other officials of PSFF attended the trials proceeding.Names of selected players: Abdul Moiz, Malik Hammad, Usman Aftab, Masood Khan, Iqbal Hussain, Mohammad Wali, Jalees Mir, Ahsan Iqbal, Abdul Rafey, Taimoor Nadeem, Khyzer Ahmed, Mian Syed Ali Shah, Rana Abbas, Sadain Ali, Munib Asghar Sheikh, Raza ullah, Mohammad Yasin, Aftab Hussain, Umer Saeed, Shoaib Hameed, Mir Wais Khan, Hammad Hasan, Umer Mehboob.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Independence Day Inter-Provincial Basketball Championships for Men’s and Women’s will commence from August 10, 2024 at the Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad.According to the Secretary General of the Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF), Khalid Bashir, the five-day championship is being organized at Liaquat Gymnasium under the auspices of the Federal Basketball Association (FBBA) with support of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). The event is a celebration of Independence Day aiming to showcase the country's basketball talent.The championship will feature men's and women's competitions, with teams from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan and Islamabad Capital Territory will be competing for the championship title. Over 170 players and officials will take part in championship.“All arrangments of the championship have been finalized as Federal Basketball Association (FBBA) will supervise the event`` Khalid said, adding that the federation is doing their best to promote the basketball in the country.

Sports Bulletin ReportPanama (Bahrain): The Pakistan Under-18 Volleyball Team continued their winning habit in the 15th Asian Men’s U18 Volleyball Championship 2024 after thrashing Chinese Taipei 3-1 here on Thursday, as the final score-line was 25-20, 24-26, 25-18, and 25-23.Key performances from players Muhtat Ali Shah, Abubaker, Mohammad Yahya, and Mohammad Anas were instrumental in clinching this victory. Their exceptional play, coordination, and determination were evident throughout the match, helping Pakistan secure an important win in this prestigious tournament.Head Coach Saeed Ahmad Khan Sadi expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "The boys showed great character and composure, especially after losing the second set. Their ability to bounce back and execute our game plan was commendable."With this victory, Pakistan maintains a strong position in the championship. The team will face Japan in their next match on 2nd August 2024 at 1:30 PM Pakistan Time. This upcoming match promises to be another exciting encounter as Pakistan aims to continue its winning streak.

ISLAMABAD (PR): The Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) has formed a new Scrutiny Committee to investigate the affairs of the Karachi Basketball Association (KBBA) and evaluate the affiliated basketball clubs.Initially, Mahfooz-ul-Haq was appointed as the chairman of the committee. However, due to personal reasons, he excused himself from the position. Consequently, the PBBF reconstituted the committee, appointing Mohammad Ashfaq as the new chairman. The committee also includes Islam Khan Niazi and Wasim ur Rehman as members.The newly formed committee has been tasked with thoroughly scrutinizing the operations and governance of the KBBA. The PBBF has expressed confidence that the committee will conduct a comprehensive review and submit its findings in a timely manner.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The All Islamabad Junior Full Contact Martial Arts Championship concluded at the Capital Arena, Mega Zone F-9 Islamabad under the banner of Islamabad Sports Board in collaboration with Full Contact Martial Arts Islamabad. The boys and girls from various local Martial Arts clubs of twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad participated in different weight categories competitions.Bushra Iqbal Rao, Director of the Islamabad Sports Board and Development Office of the Commissioner Office Islamabad graced the closing ceremony as chief guest along with Sports Secretary Islamabad Chaudhry Mohammad Afzal and Associate Secretary Ramzan Kasuri.Grand Master Muzmal Mehboob and Shimok from the management of Capital Arena were the hosts of championship while MegaZone, Sensei Ibrahim from Risalpur served as the referee with the team of Corner judges included Sajid Hasan, Nauman Akhtar, Ali Khan, and Zia ul Haq, while Senior Master Entakhab Alam led the Supreme Jury.Participants demonstrated exceptional talent and determination, earning praise from spectators and officials alike. Trophies, medals, and cash prizes were awarded to the successful competitors by Director Sports, who congratulated the event organizer Qamar Nadeem and his team for the well-executed championship and their dedication to promoting self-defense training among youth.Director Sports assured continued support for such initiatives and reiterated the Islamabad Sports Board's commitment to developing a comprehensive plan to promote not only martial arts but all sports across Islamabad. This plan aims to elevate sports at both national and international levels, fostering a healthier society and enhancing Pakistan's reputation in the global sports arena. 

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Anas Ali Shah has won the title of the Jahangir Khan PSA Satellite Series 2024 after beating Saddam-ul-Haq in straight games 3-0 in the final at the PN Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex in Karachi. In a thrilling men's final, Anas Shah outpaced fellow Pakistan Army player Saddamul Haq 3-1, dominating the match from start to finish. After losing the first game 5-11, Anas made a strong comeback and won the next three games by 11-5,11-6,11-8 to claim the title in 32 minutes. In the U-17 category, Adnan Zaman showcased exceptional skill, defeating Zuhaib Khan 3-0 to claim the title. The finals were graced by squash legend Jahangir Khan and Atif Wasi, who distributed prizes among the winners and runners-up. Jahangir Khan said: "We have a wealth of squash talent in Pakistan, and we're working to provide them with maximum international exposure to help them excel. However, we urgently need government and corporate investment to support these players and reclaim Pakistan's squash glory."