Sports Bulletin ReportParis (France): Reigning Olympic men’s gold medallists Belgium recorded an astonishing victory over Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Australia, with Tom Boon netting a sensational hat-trick as the Red Lions triumphed 6-2 to move top of Pool B in an absorbing Olympic Games Paris 2024 hockey encounter.On a day that featured only men’s matches, India and Argentina were also winners in Pool B, while Pool A leaders the Netherlands were pegged back by Great Britain as the race for the quarter-finals heated up on a scorching hot day at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium. Men’s Pool A: The Netherlands (7pts) finished Day 4 sitting at the top of the standings thanks to a 2-2 draw against Great Britain (5pts), who rescued a valuable point thanks to a brilliant late double from Lee Morton. “I don't score many” said GB’s Morton on his brace. “It’s my first Olympic goal, and I get to score two.” Third placed Great Britain sit one point behind second placed Germany (6pts), who bounced back from Sunday’s loss to Spain in brilliant style. Gonzalo Peillat (2), Christopher Rühr, Justus Weigand and Mats Grambusch all netted in a 5-2 win over South Africa (1pt), who are fifth in the table. “South Africa showed (by drawing against Great Britain on Sunday) that they can compete on the highest level”, said Germany scorer Rühr. “So we had to play our A-game today, and we played really well and scored five goals, which is not even undeserved.”Spain (4pts) ended the day occupying fourth place in Pool A having twice trailed host nation France (6th - 1pt) – who led early thanks to two wonderful goals from Timothee Clement – before a Pepe Cunill’s 51st minute penalty corner earned a 3-3 draw for the Red Sticks. “We obviously wanted to win this match because we would have had six points and would be in a very good position”, said Spain’s Cunill. Although we drew the match, we know that we gained a really important point that gives us more chances to qualify.” Men’s Pool B: Belgium (1st - 9pts) produced easily their best performance of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, crushing Australia (3rd – 6pts) 6-2 thanks to a hat-trick from Tom Boon and additional goals from Alexander Hendrickx, Florent van Aubel and Antoine Kina. The Red Lions thrilled the thousands of watching Belgian fans by securing their place in the competition quarter-finals, although Belgian midfielder Victor Wegnez was cautious in his post-match assessment. “I think we got lucky a few times, and while it is a great result it is only a pool match so we don’t want to get too excited”, said Wegnez, a gold medallist from Tokyo 2020. “It was just amazing to play in front of those fans. It was a pretty much a home crowd, which is the beauty of Belgium being so close to Paris.” Earlier in the day, eight times Olympic champions India (2nd - 7pts) – who are yet to face Australia and Belgium – claimed their second win of the competition, seeing off Ireland (6th - 0pts). Harmanpreet Singh scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over the Green Machine, a result which also confirmed their safe passage through to the quarter-finals. “It was a good result for us”, said India striker Sukhjeet Singh. “We played well in a structured way to stop the Ireland team, so we are very happy.”Rio 2016 gold medallists Argentina (4th – 4 pts) battled to their first victory in Paris, with New Zealand (5th – 0pts) being downed by goals from Tomas Domene and Lucas Martinez.

ISLAMABAD (faisal): Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has invited 40 players from different departments for a national training camp, which will get underway here at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex from July 31. The final selected team will participate in the Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament.Pakistan Hockey Federation asked players to report to Camp Commandant Olympian Sheikh Usman at 2 pm on July 31 at the Naseer Banda Hockey Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad. Asian Men’s Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament will be held in Hollenbeur, China from September 8 to September 17, 2024.Names of invited players: Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan (Mari Petroleum), Muneebur Rahman (ZTBL), Ali Raza (Punjab), Mohammad Abdullah (Mari Petroleum), Ehtisham Aslam (ZTBL), Mohammad Sufyan Khan (Mari Petroleum), Imad Shakeel Butt (National Bank), Abubakar Mahmood (National Bank), Arshad Liaquat (Mari Petroleum), Rana Abdul Waheed Ashraf (WAPDA), Moin Shakeel (WAPDA), Mohammad Salman Razak (WAPDA), Murtaza Yaqub (WAPDA), Abdul Hanan Shahid (WAPDA), Ijaz Ahmed (WAPDA), Abdul Rehman (Air Force), Osama Bashir (Air Force), Zakaria Hayat (Navy), Ghazanfar Ali (Customs), Hammaduddin Anjum (WAPDA), Roman (WAPDA), Abdul Rehman (WAPDA), Aqeel Ahmed (WAPDA), Abdul Manan (Customs), Arbaz Ahmed (Mari Petroleum), Afraz (Mari Petroleum), Basharat Ali (Navy), Mohammad Nadeem Khan (KPK), Junaid Manzoor (National Bank). Ahmed Nadeem (Punjab), Mohsin Khan (Air Force), Rao Arsalan (Pak Army), Waseem (Pak Army), Rizwan Ali (Air Force), Samin (Punjab), Aleem Usman (WAPDA), Faisal Qadir (National Bank), Shahzeb Khawar (Punjab), Hammad Ali (Navy), Abdul Rehman (Punjab Rangers). 

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan registered its third consecutive win in the 15th Asian Men’s U18 Volleyball Championship after thrashing Kuwait in straight games 3-0 in Bahrain, as the final score-line was 25-19, 25-11, and 25-19. Earlier Green Shirts defeated South Korea and arch-rival India at the same venue.According to an official of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF), the match, held today, showcased Pakistan's prowess as they won with a decisive 3-0 game sweep. The final score was 25-19, 25-11, and 25-19, reflecting the team's dominance throughout the game.With this victory, Pakistan has successfully won all three of their pool matches, securing the top spot in their group. The team has demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork, making a strong statement in the tournament. Their victories against South Korea, India, and now Kuwait have propelled them into the next round with confidence and momentum.The victory over Kuwait solidifies Pakistan's position as a formidable contender in the championship. The team's comprehensive performances have earned them a place in the next round, where they will face Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) on August 1st, 2024, at 09:00 PM Pakistan time.The 15th Asian Men’s U18 Volleyball Championship features 16 participating countries, including Bahrain, Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Iran, China, Lebanon, Philippines, India, Korea, Kuwait, and Pakistan.

London (PR): The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirms that Matthew Mott has stepped down as the England Men’s White-Ball Head Coach with immediate effect.The decision follows England’s recent ICC T20 World Cup campaign, where the team was knocked out at the semi-final stage by eventual winners India.Mott, who met with Rob Key, ECB’s Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, last week, will leave his role after two years in office.Appointed in May 2022, the 50-year-old Mott enjoyed immediate success, leading the team to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia in the autumn of 2022. Under his leadership, England achieved white-ball series victories against Australia, Bangladesh, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Pakistan.Assistant Coach Marcus Trescothick will take charge on an interim basis for the rest of the home summer. In September, the team will play a white-ball series against Australia, which includes three Vitality IT20s and five Metro Bank ODIs from 11 to 29 September.Rob Key, ECB’s Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, said: “On behalf of everyone connected to England cricket and me personally, I would like to thank Mathew for all he has done for the team since his appointment. He can be proud of his achievements as he leaves his post as one of only three coaches who have won a Men’s World Cup with England.“After three World Cup cycles in a short space of time, I now feel the team needs a new direction to prepare for the challenges ahead. This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for the team's future success. With our focus shifting towards the Champions Trophy early next year and the next cycle of white-ball competition, it is crucial that we ensure the team is focused and prepared.“Marcus Trescothick is well respected in the dressing room and will take charge of team affairs alongside white-ball captain Jos Buttler. Marcus and Jos have a good rapport, and I think their partnership will help us maintain continuity and stability.“The search for a full-time replacement will now begin. It is essential that we go through the right process to ensure we get the best person for the job.”Matthew Mott, said: “I am immensely proud to have coached the England Men’s team; it has been an honour. We have put everything into trying to achieve success over the past two years, and I am incredibly proud of the character and passion that the team has displayed during that period, including a magnificent T20 World Cup victory in 2022.“I would like to thank the players, management, and everyone at the ECB for their commitment, support, and hard work during my time. I leave with many great friendships and incredible memories."Finally, I would like to thank the England fans, who have always backed us and given us fantastic support wherever we have travelled around the world.”England Men’s Interim White-Ball Head Coach, Marcus Trescothick, added:“I am looking forward to working with Jos Buttler, the players and coaches over the next few weeks. The focus is building towards the series against Australia and our plans for next year’s Champions Trophy campaign.“England cricket is in a strong position, and the potential is huge, given the quality we have available. It is about harnessing that potential and developing the work that has already been put in place by Mathew Mott and the rest of the set-up. I’m excited about the challenge and shaping how we want to play.”

Sports Bulletin ReportPanama (Bahrain): The Pakistan U18 Volleyball Team showcased a stellar performance, securing a commanding victory over India in the 15th Asian Men’s U18 Volleyball Championship here on Monday. In a highly anticipated and closely watched match, Pakistan defeated India with an impressive scoreline of 3-0. The final score-line was 25-20, 29-27, and 25-15.This victory marks a significant achievement for Pakistan, as the team exhibited outstanding skill and determination to triumph over their traditional rivals. The match was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and support staff.Key performances by players like Ajmal Junaid, Abubaker, Mohammad Yahya, and Mohammad Anas were instrumental in securing this win. Their exceptional play and coordination on the court were key to Pakistan's success.The victory against India has not only uplifted the spirits of the team but has also brought immense joy to volleyball fans across Pakistan. The Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) extends its heartfelt congratulations to the team and urges the media to highlight this significant achievement.Pakistan’s next match is scheduled against Kuwait on 30 July 2024 at 09:00 PM Pakistan time. The team is determined to continue their winning streak and bring further glory to the nation.

Sports Bulletin ReportParis (France): A 14-year old Japanese skateboarder with no major sponsorship swept aside all before her in Paris become the new Olympic champion in Women’s Street Skateboarding.Coco Yoshizawa from Kanagawa won top honours after holding off a spirited challenge from 15-year-old compatriot Liz Akama who briefly took the reins from Coco before having to settle for silver when the new champion pulled her first ever competitive bigspin kickflip frontside boardslide on a handrail to retake the lead and gold with a single Best Trick still to spare. In bronze came 16-year-old Brazilian star Rayssa Leal, who was 13 points off the pace at the end of the Run section but brought the large and vociferous Brazil contingent in the packed stadium in Place de la Concorde to fever pitch with a comeback of her own.

Paris (France): With the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium bathed in sunshine, the women’s team of Belgium, Germany, Australia and Spain all secured victories in their first matches at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. In the men’s competition, Germany suffered defeat at the hands of Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands emerged triumphant, and South Africa and Great Britain played out a pulsating draw.Women’s Pool A: Belgium started their Olympic campaign with a hard fought 2-1 victory over China thanks to a superb, roofed finish from Charlotte Engelbert with five minutes remaining. “There were good things and bad things”, said Belgium’s Emma Puvrez on the occasion of her 200th international appearance. “China is a very good team to play against, they're very technical as well as physical so it was a difficult start for us.”Germany also began their quest for gold positively as goals from Charlotte Stapenhorst and Nike Lorenz secured a 2-0 win over Japan. "We created loads of chances but they defended really well”, said Stapenhorst. “I think we're just glad that we got this tournament started."Germany and Belgium moved level on points with Day 1 winners the Netherlands, with the Oranje’s superior goal difference keeping them top of the standings. Women’s Pool B: Australia and Spain kept pace with Day 1 winners Argentina by snatching narrow wins against South Africa and Great Britain respectively. The Hockeyroos fought back from a goal down to beat the African continental champions, with Stephanie Kershaw and Tatum Stewart on target to give the three-time Olympic gold medallists a 2-1 win. "It was very tough”, said Australia’s Kaitlyn Nobbs. “They came out with a lot of energy and we tried to match it. But I think we built really well into the game and eventually got the results."Rio 2016 gold and Tokyo 2020 bronze medallists Great Britain suffered defeat in their competition opener, with Barcelona 1992 gold medallists Spain earning a 2-1 triumph courtesy of early goals from Laura Barrios and Lola Reira."[Great Britain] compete very well in these kinds of tournaments”, said Spain’s Reira. “This match was important because it was the first one, but also because we faced them. They have a lot of experience and it gives them strength."Men’s Pool A: Spain recorded the most eye-catching result of the day with a superb 2-0 victory over Germany, with goals from Jose Maria Basterra and Pepe Cunill kickstarting the Red Sticks’ Olympic challenge. The result left Spain sitting fourth in the table, level on points with Germany who are third due to their superior goal difference.The Netherlands sit proudly at the top of Pool B thanks to a comprehensive 4-0 win against France, with the home fans once again making an incredible noise throughout the contest. Tijmen Reyenga, Koen Bijen, Jonas de Geus and Duco Telgenkamp all netted for the Oranje, with Bijen describing scoring his first Olympic goal as “a really special and emotional moment, with my family watching in the stands”.The contest was also noteworthy for being the first Olympic hockey match to feature mixed gender on-field umpiring teams, with Irene Presenqui (ARG) and Sean Rapaport (RSA) calling the contest. More details about this story can be found here. Great Britain ended the day second in Pool A after a late penalty corner deflection from Rupert Shipperley snatched a 2-2 draw against South Africa. Despite being disappointed on missing out on all three points, South Africa’s Dayaan Cassiem felt proud of his team’s performance. “Our energy was much better today, I think we really came out firing”, said Cassiem. “I’m really proud of the boys. Men’s Pool B: In the day’s only Pool B match, reigning Olympic champions Belgium overcame a monumental challenge from New Zealand’s Black Sticks to emerge 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Alexander Hendrickx and Florent van Aubel. The result puts Belgium clear at the top of the pool, although they have played a game more than nearest rivals India and Australia, who are both in action on Monday (29 July).Notable figures in attendance on Day 2 included Spanish royals Leonor, Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofia as well as Bollywood actor Amol Palekar, Spanish National Olympic Committee President Alejandro Blanco Bravo and Chris Jenkins, the President of the Commonwealth Games. (PR)

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan overpowered South Korea 3-2 in the 15th Asian Under-18 Volleyball Championship 2024 in Manama, Bahrain in their opening fixture after a nerve-jangling contest on Sunday night. The final score-line was 22-25, 25-23, 25-17, 20-25, and 15-13.According to available information from abroad, Pakistani teenager players showcased exceptional skill and determination as they secured a thrilling victory against South Korea. The regional volleyball championship, taking place from 28th July to 4th August 2024, saw Pakistan emerge victorious with a final score of 3-2 after a nail-biting match.The match was a testament to the team's resilience and strategic game-play. Key players Ajmad Junaid, Abubaker, Mohammad Yahya, and Mohammad Anas delivered outstanding performances, contributing significantly to the team's success.The team is being led by Head of Delegation Mohammad Kamran, with Mohammad Buksh Javed as Team Manager, Head Coach Saeed Ahmad Khan Sadi, Assistant Coach Mohammad Suleman, Physio Mohammad Salman, and Referee Mohammad Sabtain providing essential support and guidance.Mohammad Kamran said: "We are extremely proud of our team's performance today. Our guys showed Great Spirit and determination against a strong opponent. This victory is a significant step forward for us in this championship."The next match for Pakistan will be against India, scheduled for 29th July 2024 at 6:30 PM Pakistan time. The team is geared up and ready to continue their winning streak in the upcoming games.

Sports Bulletin ReportParis (France): Reigning men’s world champions Germany stole the headlines on the opening day of the hockey competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 thanks to an impressive victory over host nation France at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium. There were also wins for the men’s teams of Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and India, while the women of Argentina and the Netherlands also prevailed on a rainy but hugely entertaining day. Men’s Pool A: Germany, Great Britain and the Netherlands opened their respective Olympic campaigns with victories, getting early points on the board in the race to reach the quarter finals. Great Britain claimed a 4-0 victory against Spain, although the match was far closer than the scoreline would suggest. The Red Sticks impressed in the early stages but GB were exceptional in front of goal with Nick Park, Gareth Furlong (2) and Rupert Shipperley all on target. Park’s stunning chipped finish opened the Olympic scoring in style, with the man himself describing it as “the best goal I’ve ever scored”.The Netherlands versus South Africa game was a thrilling encounter, with the Oranje snatching a 5-3 win thanks to strikes from Jip Janssen (2), Jonas de Geus, Tjep Hoedemakers and Duco Telgenkamp. “We were happy with the first half, we played very well and were strong defensively but the second half was a bit messy”, said double goal-scorer Janssen. “South Africa have some very good players (who are) world class, so you can never underestimate them.”Germany stormed to an 8-2 victory over host nation France, with the packed stands creating an astonishing atmosphere. Germany were ruthless in front of goal, with Justus Weigand and Niklas Wellen both scoring doubles alongside contributions from Thies Prinz and a goal each for captain Mats Grambusch and his younger brother Tom. "It's an awesome start, it's definitely how we wanted to start the tournament”, said Germany’s Christopher Rühr. "Absolutely amazing atmosphere. To play France in France as a start is something you dream of, and I think we managed to play really well."Men’s Pool B: While Belgium, Australia and India were all recorded wins, the Pool B matches were fiercely contested. Reigning Olympic champions Belgium were given a stern test by Ireland before emerging 2-0 winners thanks to strikes from Tom Boon and Alexander Hendrickx. Speaking after the match, Hendrickx said: "It was a good performance. It’s not our best performance, but it’s logical that we want to grow during the tournament, to do each game better and better. It’s a good base to start on.”Blake Govers scored a stunning penalty corner drag-flick as Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Australia battled to a hard earned 1-0 victory over Rio 2016 gold medallists Argentina. Govers was full of praise for Los Leones, stating: “We know the Argentinians are a really good outfit, they defend really well. We got a couple more chances, but we’re pretty happy. It’s the Olympics, so a win is a good result.”The India versus New Zealand clash was another tight affair, with Harmanpreet Singh’s late penalty stroke sealing a 3-2 win for the eight times Olympic champions. Talking about how he kept his nerve from the penalty spot, Harmanpreet said: "It's a mental thing. You need to stay focused and just go for it. I tried to manipulate the goalie with my eyes and it worked, but the win is all because of the team."Women’s Pool A: Yibbi Janssen scored four times as the Netherlands opening their Olympic title defence with a 6-2 triumph over host nation France. However, it was still a memorable moment for the Olympic debutants, with Yohanna L’Hopital and Paola Le Nindre sending the home fans into raptures with goals against the reigning Olympic, World, European and FIH Hockey Pro League champions. Although proud moments for the home favourites, it was the Oranje who made the perfect start as they bid to claim their fifth Olympic gold medal. Women’s Pool B: Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Argentina were 4-1 winners in their Pan American derby match against USA, with Rocio Sanchez - Argentina’s flagbearer in Friday’s dazzling opening ceremony – Agustina Gorzelany, Julieta Jankunas and Zoe Diaz netting for Las Leonas. Commenting on the support of the Argentina fans in the stadium, Maria Campoy – who made her 100th appearance for her country – said: "You can feel the chants and the support. Argentines are always everywhere, and they support us a lot."

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Besides top seed, Saddam Ul Haq, Sakhi ullah, Anas Ali Shah, and Shahab Khan moved into the semifinals of the ongoing Jahangir Khan PSA Satellite Series Squash Championship 2024 after thrashing their respective challengers Fawad sharif (3-0), Abdullah Butt (3-0), Zain Anwar (3-0), and Abdul Basit (3-2) respectively here at PN Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex on Sunday. The semifinals will be played on Monday at the same venue at 10:00am.In the last quarterfinal, Shahab Khan toiled hard on the court to tide-over his opponent Abdul Basit 3-2 in a well contested five games affair. The final score-line was 11-7, 6-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5, as the match lasted 50 minutes.Results (Round-2):Saddam Ul Haq beat Sikander Khan (3-2) 9-11, 11-6, 12-10, 7-11, 11-4 (33 minutes)Fahad Sharif beat Mohammad Babar (3-1) 11-7, 9-11, 11-2, 11-6 (33 minutes)Sakhi ullah beat Hurraira Khan (3-1) 11-9, 9-11, 11-3, 11-3 (23 minutes)Abdullah Butt beat Varun Asif (3-2) 9-11, 11-7, 10-12, 12-10, 12-8 (47 minutes)Anas Ali shah beat Azan Khalil (3-1) 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-1 (32 minutes)Zain Anwar beat Hassan Pracha (3-1) 10-12, 11-5, 11-4, 11-5 (27 minutes)Shahab Khan beat Shayan Khan (3-0) 11-3, 11-7, 11-4 (18 minutes)Abdul Basit beat Cavish Farrukh (3-0) 11-6, 11-7, 11-6 (18 minutes)Results (Quarterfinals): Saddam Ul Haq beat Fawad sharif (3-0) 11-5, 11-5, 11-9 (27 minutes)Sakhi ullah beat Abdullah Butt (3-0) 11-9, 11-1, 11-6 (19 minutes)Anas Ali Shah beat Zain Anwar (3-0) 11-9, 11-9, 11-9 (28 minutes)Shahab Khan beat Abdul Basit (3-2) 11-7, 6-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5 (50 minutes)