Pakistan's World Junior Champion Hamza Khan prepares to defend historical titleOne year ago, in Melbourne, Hamza Khan made history.After coming back from match ball down in the semi-final to reach the championship match, the 17-year-old ended 37 years of hurt as he became Pakistan’s first WSF World Junior Champion since Jansher Khan in 1986 as he fought back from a game down to beat Egypt’s Mohamed Zakaria 3-1.This week, in his last year of junior eligibility, Khan is heading to Houston, Texas, to defend his title, with the 18-year-old seeded second, behind last year’s beaten opponent Zakaria.To learn more about Khan’s preparation for his title defence, we spoke to the Peshawari shortly before his victory at the 31st Asian Junior Individual Championships in Islamabad.Hamza, thanks for speaking with us today. Looking back to last year’s win in Australia, can you talk me through the moment you won it?“When I beat Zakaria, I fell on the court and gave thanks to my God and my parents; especially my father Mr Niaz Ullah Khan, who was my first coach too and every single time he advised me how to avoid mistakes and told me every day ‘you can win, you have a lot of skills’“When I won the title, I couldn’t believe what I had done. My first thanks was to God and I was too happy, the win made me feel really good.”Pakistan is one of the great squash nations, but until your win had not had as much recent success. How much pressure did you feel in Australia?“When I left Pakistan for the championship, I was travelling alone and all I was thinking about was winning the championship. I did my training at midnight because I was so excited!“In 2022 in Nancy, France I reached the semi-final so this time, in Melbourne, I decided I had to win.”What was the reaction like when you won the title?“After I won the title, the Pakistani community gave me so much respect, and the Pakistan Squash Federation and Army Sports Directorate gave me a lot of respect.“All the news channels showed my win so I was very happy and satisfied.”How has training been since winning the World Junior Championships?“I have learned and been very punctual in my career. I will try my best to defend my titles in Houston.“I have been training regularly and was feeling confident against Nicolas Mueller [Khan made his senior World Championship debut this year with a first round defeat to Swiss No.1 Mueller in Cairo]. I was fully satisfied that I will beat Nicolas but one day after reaching reaching Egypt, I had fever due to throat infection and so I lost and also missed a good chance to improve my ranking.”Which sporting heroes will be inspiring you in Houston?“As I mentioned before, my father is my big supporter and also the Army Sports Directorate and Pakistan Squash Federation, they all support me. Then, [Pakistan squash legends] Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan and [Egyptian former World No.1s] Ramy Ashour and Amr Shabana, I like them all very much.“I am very thankful to the whole Pakistani community, Pakistan Army Sports Directorate, Pakistan Squash Federation and my parents who support me every single time.”

Sports Bulletin ReportBangkok (Thailand): WTT Star Contender Bangkok 2024 has wrapped up in sensational fashion. With USD 250,000 at stake, the event delivered dramatic battles in the heart of the land of smiles. In the Women's Singles final, Mima Ito (JPN) triumphed over Honoka Hashimoto (JPN) in a gripping six-game battle, winning 4-2 (11:6, 12:14, 4:11, 11:5, 11:8, 11:5). Ito, competing in her first singles final since WTT Star Contender Ljubljana 2023, showcased her championship pedigree to secure her fifth WTT Series title. Hashimoto, who began her journey in the qualifying rounds, put up a valiant effort in her first-ever WTT Series final, making a memorable debut at her first WTT Star Contender event.“Facing Hashimoto is always a close match, just like the ones we had in Japan. We've had many matches where no one could predict the winner until the very last moment. Given the fierce competition and today's hot weather, we couldn't stop sweating and had to take a lot of pauses during the match for this reason. I'm glad I was able to compete calmly in such conditions.” – Mima ItoIn the Men's Singles final, Tomokazu Harimoto (JPN) delivered a dominant performance against defending champion Lin Gaoyuan (CHN), winning 4-0 (11:3, 11:8, 11:6, 11:9). Lin, the top seed and wildcard, entered the final as the defending champion from last year’s WTT Star Contender Bangkok, having equaled his best effort of the season from WTT Star Contender Doha 2024. Harimoto, who already boasts a WTT Star Contender title from Doha 2021, secured his second consecutive triple crown following his historic win at WTT Contender Tunis last week.“It’s incredible to have won the final 4-0 today. I gave everything in both the semifinals and the final, yet I still feel energized. This event has significantly boosted my confidence in my physical strength. Following last week’s victories in Tunis, securing a triple crown for the second consecutive week and winning six titles in two weeks is beyond anything I imagined. When I left Japan, I hoped for one or two titles. Achieving this is simply unbelievable, and I’m absolutely thrilled.” - Tomokazu HarimotoIn Mixed Doubles, Tomokazu Harimoto and Hina Hayata (JPN) dominated Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem (HKG) with a 3:1 victory (11:3, 11:8, 9:11,11:8). This triumph marked their fourth Mixed Doubles title in 2024, continuing their incredible form following victories at WTT Contender Tunis and WTT Star Contender Ljubljana.Honoka Hashimoto and Hitomi Sato (JPN) claimed the Women’s Doubles title by defeating top seeds Jeon Jihee and Shin Yubin (KOR) 3:1 (9:11, 11:7, 11:8, 13:11). Hashimoto and Sato, unbeaten in WTT events this year, secured their second WTT Series Women’s Doubles title, having previously won at WTT Contender Rio de Janeiro and WTT Feeder Cappadocia.

Sports Bulletin ReportSouthampton (England): Hosts English Women defeated New Zealand by 59 runs in the opening fixture of a five-match T20 International series at The Utilita Bowl, Southampton, Englnad on Saturday.England Women opened their five-match Vitality IT20 series against New Zealand with a 59-run win at The Utilita Bowl, Southampton. Opener Danni Wyatt's 76 from 51 balls, Nat Sciver-Brunt's 47 from 23 as well as Freya Kemp's unbeaten 26 saw England finish on 197-3.Sarah Glenn, one of England’s four spinners in their line-up, took three wickets in the 10th over, including Suzie Bates on 43 and captain Sophie Devine for a duck which were decisive. Charlie Dean took two while Linsey Smith, Sophie Ecclestone and left-arm seamer Kemp claimed a wicket each.Women’s One-Day International Series:26 June: 1st Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street – England won by nine wickets30 June: 2nd Women’s One-Day International – New Road, Worcester – England won by eight wickets3 July: 3rd Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol – England won by five wicketsWomen’s T20 Series:6 July: 1st Women’s IT20 – The Utilita Bowl, Southampton – England won by 59 runs9 July: 2nd Women’s IT20 – The 1st Central County Ground, Hove11 July: 3rd Women’s IT20 – The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence13 July: 4th Women’s IT20 – The Kia Oval, London17 July: 5th Women’s IT20 – Lord’s, London.  

Sports Bulletin ReportEdgbaston (UK): The World Championship of Legends (WCL) match between India and Pakistan champions is highly anticipated and cricket fans worldwide are looking forward to it. With all 23000 seats sold out, the anticipation has reached a fever pitch guaranteeing stadium patrons an amazing experience. Approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) the World Championship of Legends got underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 3 and will run through July 18.Younis Khan said: “We are excited to play India in this esteemed tournament, our longtime competition. Our group has put in a lot of preparation and we are sure we can put on an amazing show. For us, it’s about pride and passion for both the sport and our nation, it’s not just a game.”Suresh Raina said: “Playing Pakistan is always an honor and tomorrow’s game is no exception. On the field our squad is fired up and prepared to give it our all. We hope that our performance will make the fans proud because of their amazing energy and support.”Harshit Tomar Founder & CEO of World Championship Legends said: “There is an incredible level of excitement and anticipation when one of the most passionate and legendary rivalries in cricket history is involved in our inaugural tournament. The sold-out stadium and the tremendous support from the crowd highlight the special appeal and importance of this meeting. This historic match perfectly captures the essence and history of cricket and we are honored to be the host of it”Legends of retired cricket from all over the world came together for the inaugural edition of World Championship of Legends including Australia Champions, South Africa Champions, West Indies Champions, India Champions and Pakistan Champions. Legendary athletes that have made noteworthy contributions to the sport make up each team which elevates the competition and increases its excitement.India Champions (Squad): Yuvraj Singh (c), Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Gurkeerat Mann, Rahul Sharma, Naman Ojha, Rahul Shukla, RP Singh, Vinay Kumar, Dhawal Kulkarni, Saurabh Tiwary, Anureet Singh, Pawan NegiPakistan Champions (Squad): Shahid Afridi (c), Sharjeel Khan, Umer Akmal, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, Misbah Ul Haq, Abdul Razzaq, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanveer, Sohail Khan, Abdul Rehman, Aamir Yamin, Taufeeq Umer, Shoaib Maqsood, Yasir Arafat, Tanveer Ahmed  

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced the details of men’s 2024-25 home international cricket season. The national team will compete in three Test series and participate in the first ODI tri-series in 21 years in the lead up to the eight-team ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on home turf.In the curtain-raiser series of the 2024-25 home international season, Bangladesh will play two Tests in Rawalpindi (21-25 August) and Karachi (30 August-3 September). The international season will culminate with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, proposed for 9 March.In between, Pakistan will host England for three Tests in Multan (7-11 October), Karachi (15-19 October) and Rawalpindi (24-28 October), and the West Indies will visit for two Tests in Karachi (16-20 January) and Multan (24-28 January). Additionally, New Zealand and South Africa will participate in an ODI tri-series in Multan from 8-14 February.Bangladesh last played a Test in Pakistan in February 2020, while England swept the three-Test series in December 2022. The 2025 series will also mark the West Indies’ first Test tour to Pakistan since November 2006 when Brian Lara captained the side against Inzamam-ul-Haq men. Pakistan last hosted the West Indies for a Test series in October 2016 in the United Arab Emirates.Apart from the home international fixtures, the men's team will tour Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa from 4 November to 7 January, playing two Tests, nine ODIs and nine T20Is.In the period from August 2024 to March 2025, the Pakistan men's cricket team will play nine Tests, nine T20Is and, at least, 14 ODIs. The number of ODIs may increase based on their performance in the ODI tri-series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.Alongside international cricket, the PCB will be involved in planning and delivering an expanded and more competitive PCB Domestic Cricket Season 2024-25, as well as women's domestic and international cricket events and competitions. The HBL Pakistan Super League 2025 is also being planned for April/May 2025.The nine Tests against Bangladesh, England, South Africa and the West Indies will be part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. To date, Pakistan has played five Tests in two series against Sri Lanka and Australia, winning two and losing three. This has placed them in fifth position on the points table with 22 points. India leads the table with 74 points after three series, followed by Australia (90 points from four series), New Zealand (36 points from three series), and Sri Lanka (24 points from two series).With each of the top nine Test-playing nations scheduled to play six series (three home and three away) in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, strong performances in the upcoming four series could put Pakistan in contention for a place in the final, scheduled for Lord's in June 2025.Karachi, Multan and Rawalpindi will share the seven Tests and four ODIs between them. Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium is currently undergoing redesign and redevelopment work as part of preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but is expected to be ready to stage most of the high-profile matches from 19 February to 9 March. The ICC will announce further details of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in due course.Bangladesh in Pakistan (Two Tests)21-25 Aug – First Test, Rawalpindi30 Aug-3 Sep – Second Test, KarachiEngland in Pakistan (Three Tests)7-11 Oct – First Test, Multan15-19 Oct – Second Test, Karachi24-28 Oct – Third Test, RawalpindiWest Indies in Pakistan (Two Tests)16-20 Jan – First Test, Karachi24-28 Jan – Second Test, MultanNew Zealand and South Africa in Pakistan (ODI tri-series)8 Feb – Pakistan v New Zealand, Multan10 Feb – New Zealand v South Africa, Multan12 Feb – Pakistan v South Africa, Multan14 Feb – Final, MultanPakistan to Australia (three ODIs, three T20Is)4 Nov – First ODI, Melbourne8 Nov – Second ODI, Adelaide10 Nov – Third ODI, Perth14 Nov – First T20I, Brisbane16 Nov – Second T20I, Sydney18 Nov – Third T20I, HobartPakistan to Zimbabwe (three ODIs, three T20Is)24 Nov – First ODI, Bulawayo26 Nov – Second ODI, Bulawayo28 Nov – Third ODI, Bulawayo1 Dec – First T20I, Bulawayo3 Dec – Second T20I, Bulawayo5 Dec – Third T20I, BulawayoPakistan to South Africa (Three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests)10 Dec – First T20I, Durban13 Dec – Second T20I, Centurion14 Dec – Third T20I, Johannesburg17 Dec – First ODI, Paarl19 Dec – Second ODI, Cape Town22 Dec – Third ODI, Johannesburg26-30 Dec – First Test, Centurion3-7 Jan – Second Test, Cape Town.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) started the 3rd PGF Juniors Golf Coaching and Talent Hunt Program in collaboration with Islamabad Police, aiming to dig out young golfing talent across the region.According to an official of PGF, this year's program has attracted approximately 450 juniors aged between 4 and 12 years, marking a significant increase from the previous camp which hosted 238 juniors. The participants have been divided into six main groups namely Tiger, Shaheen, Angel, Shahbaz, Commando, and Eagle, with each group tailored to accommodate 35-40 juniors based on their age and gender.Led by a team of seasoned professionals including Karam Hussain, Senior Professional of PGF, Malik Pervaiz, Ex-PAF, and Zubair Hussain, Professional PGF, under the directorship of Malik Mohammad Kamran, who currently serves as the Manager of Pakistan Golf Federation, the program aims not only to hone golfing skills but also to introduce the sport to families who are new to golf. This initiative is part of PGF's broader mission to make golf accessible and appealing to a wider audience.Malik Mohammad Kamran said: "This summer school is the largest event ever held in the history of Pakistan, underscoring our commitment to developing golf at the grassroots level. We are excited to witness the enthusiasm and talent of these young golfers and are grateful for the support from Islamabad Police in making this program a success."The PGF Juniors Golf Coaching & Talent Hunt Program represents a pivotal opportunity for young golf enthusiasts to learn and grow in the sport, fostering a new generation of skilled players who may one day represent Pakistan on the international stage.

Sports Bulletin ReportHouston, Texas (USA) As the dust settles on India's triumphant campaign at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, preparations for yet another cricketing spectacle in America, the Legends Intercontinental T20 (LIT20), are in full swing. The league, featuring cricket legends such as Graeme Swann, TM Dilshan, and Liam Plunkett, is set to take place from August 16 to 28, 2024, at Moosa Stadium Houston in Texas, USA.Mohit Joon, a businessman from India, developed a disciplined and industrious work ethic at a young age, inspired by his father's dedication to his profession. At 26, he launched his own IT business, which he has successfully operated for years. His vision for a more advanced digital nation has enabled him to establish productive relationships with some of the world's leading experts in the field. He aims to create an empire that enhances both the medical field and the economy.Looking forward to his role, Mohit Joon stated, "I am excited to join the Legends Intercontinental T20 League as a promotor. Hosting and administering such a significant event is an incredible opportunity, and I look forward to cultivating a global fanbase."Welcoming Mohit as the promotor, Arun Pandey, COO & Chairman of Legends Intercontinental T20, said, "We are thrilled to welcome Mohit Joon to the LIT-20 family. The preparations are in full swing for the inaugural season. The successful T20 World Cup has made a great impact on the USA audience, we aim to leverage it with LIT-20 and take cricket to the next level. Joon's addition is essential to our ongoing journey."Beyond his role in the LIT20, Joon has ambitious plans to build an empire spanning multiple industries, starting with the food and beverage sector. He envisions operating several restaurants nationwide, owning mines, completing numerous government construction projects, and obtaining construction stakes in seven-star hotels. His goal is to provide luxury and welfare through travel goods and other necessities, uniting the entire world.The Legends Intercontinental T20, scheduled to be held at Moosa Stadium in Texas, will feature a single round-robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the knockout phase. The tournament will include doubleheaders every day, a total of 24 thrilling matches. The event will feature seven teams: Indo Kings, Asian Avengers, Euro Rangers, American Mavericks, Trans-Tasman Titans, African Lions, and Caribbean Vikings, showcasing legendary cricket talents from around the world.  

Abdullah AsjadISLAMABAD: The sports journalists of the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad celebrated the World Sports Journalists’ Day, as the ceremony took place at the residence of editor www.sports-bulletin.com Abdul Jabbar Faisal at Nayyab House Media Town on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.Veteran journalist Haji Mohammad Nawaz Raza graced the ceremony as a chief guest, a senior sports journalist from Daily Jang, a highly circulated Urdu daily of the Asia Shakil Awan, and political and social personality, Kirpa Raja Zaheer Ahmed were special guests. Other journalists, who participated in the ceremony, were included Nasir Aslam Raja, Zulfiqar Baig, Nasir Usman Hashmi, Mohammad Rizwan, Khurram Shahzad Awan, Mohammad Kabir Khan, Ijaz Ali, Mohammad Murtaza Bhatti, Sheraz Ahmed, Haroon Zulfiqar.On this occasion, journalists cut the cake to celebrate World Sports Journalists Day on July 2, 2024.     

Defending champion Mohammad Hamza Khan placed second seed, Mohammad Zikria on topSports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Defending champion, Pakistani lad Mohammad Hamza Khan has been placed second seed in the WSF World Junior Squash Championship, which will roll into action from July 12 in Houston, United States of America (USA). Mohamad Zakaria from Egypt on top seed, as the international squash show piece will conclude on July 23, 2024, as the draws and seedings have been announced on Tuesday.In the women's draw, defending champion Amina Orfi of Egypt has been declared top seed as the 17-year-old aims to equal national legend Nour El Sherbini's haul of three World Junior titles. The two-time champion, who has risen as high as World No.11 in the PSA World Rankings this season, will receive a bye in the first round and, should the tournament go to seedings, will contest an all-Egyptian final against Fayrouz Aboelkheir.In the men's draw, 2023 runner up Mohamad Zakaria has been made the early favourite, with the Egyptian targeting a first ever title after a painful defeat to Pakistan's Hamza Khan last year. Khan, who last year ended Pakistan's 37-year wait for the title, has been named No.2 seed, meaning that the Houston crowd could be in for a second showdown between the two in the final.Hosts USA meanwhile have three players seeded inside the top eight across both draws. In the women's draw, Caroline Fouts is seeded [3/4], with Riya Navani seeded [5/8]. In the men's draw, Rishi Srivastava is the sole American seeded, with the 18-year-old seeded [3/4]. Draws and seedings for the team events, which are being held concurrently for the first time in World Juniors history, will be announced following the commencement of the individual event.Women's Seeding (1-8):[1] Amina Orfi (EGY)[2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY)[3/4] Nadien Elhammamy (EGY)[3/4] Caroline Fouts (USA)[5/8] Janna Galal (EGY)[5/8] Nour Megahed (EGY)[5/8] Riya Navani (USA)[5/8] Anahat Singh (IND)Men's Seeding (1-8):[1] Mohamad Zakaria (EGY)[2] Hamza Khan (PAK)[3/4] Juan Torres (COL)[3/4] Rishi Srivastava (USA)[5/8] Marwan Abdelsalam (EGY)[5/8] Omar Azzam (EGY)[5/8] Jose Santamaria (COL)[5/8] Javier Romo (ECU).

Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has updated the world hockey ranking and the Netherlands is number 1 while Great Britain spotted second place. Pakistan is still crawling in the 16th position in the men’s ranking.In the women’s world rankings, Netherlands (3534) continue to be the dominant force at the top of the rankings. A second consecutive Pro League title, their fourth in the five seasons of the event, came after yet another excellent season where they won 15 out of their 16 games! Such is Netherlands’ dominance, that their 571-point lead over second placed Argentina (2963) is nearly as big as the 583-points that cover Argentina in second all the way down to China in eighth place on the world ranking table. Germany (2834), who achieved their best ever finish in the FIH Hockey Pro League as runners-up, are ranked third in the world, and look among the strongest contenders for a podium place finish in Paris 2024. Belgium (2771) in fourth and Australia (2743) in fifth are two more teams that had impressive ends to their Pro League seasons as they make a strong case for medal contention at the Olympics. England (2443) in sixth, Spain (2409) in seventh and China (2380) in eighth are separated by less than 65 points. Each of the three teams have shown they are capable of playing excellent hockey and it would not be a surprise to see them punch above their weight at Paris 2024. In the men’s world rankings, Netherlands (3069) continue to remain in the top spot, which they have held for nearly a year now. While Netherlands fell short of retaining their FIH Pro League title, their season was still littered with impressive wins as they finished second in the table. England (2986) have closed the gap to Netherlands in the world rankings but stay second in the standings following a title fight in the Pro League, before eventually settling for a third place. Belgium (2939) had an up and down season in the Pro League, but a final day win over Netherlands sees them climb into third place in the world rankings, ahead of FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 winners Australia (2921), who find themselves in the fourth spot. Less than hundred points cover teams between fifth and seventh places. World Cup winners Germany (2765) find themselves in fifth, followed by Argentina (2690), who had a much improved season in the FIH Hockey Pro League as they finished fourth, four places better than their previous campaign where they came close to getting embroiled in a relegation battle. A poor European leg of the Pro League saw India (2688) drop a lot of points in the Pro League as well as the world rankings, where they now find themselves in seventh, just two points behind Argentina. Spain (2365), eighth in the world rankings, lead a quartet of teams all headed to the Olympics. Hosts France (2241) find themselves in ninth, following an impressive showing at the FIH Hockey Nations Cup, where they finished as runners up. New Zealand (2219) were the winners of the Nations Cup, qualifying for the upcoming season of the FIH Hockey Pro League and round out the top-10 in the world rankings. Ireland (2043) found it tough going in their first Pro League season, but two late season wins against Belgium showcased the improvement in the side headed into the Olympics, as the eleventh ranked team in the world.