Firas Tariq's 2 goals lead Saudi Arabia to a comprehensive victoryAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The high-ranked soccer team Saudi Arabia toyed low-ranked hosts Pakistan 3-0 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier at the Jinnah Football Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Thursday night.Firas Tariq Nasser Al-Buraikan scored the first goal for Saudi Arabia in the 26th minute. After fifteen minutes, the Saudi footballer netted another one, giving the visitors a 2-0 edge over the hosts after the first 45-minute half.However, their efforts were thwarted when Saudi Arabia’s Musab Fahd Al-Juwayr netted the third goal of the match in the 51st minute of the match. Pakistan are bottom-placed at Group G of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The South Asian team lost to Saudi football team 4-0 in the first leg of the qualifying matches when they faced off in Al Ahsa. The green shirts will face Tajikistan on June 11 in Dushanbe in what will be their final round 2 away fixture. 

Sports Bulletin ReportTashkent (Uzbekistan): The Pakistan Men's Volleyball Team secured a thrilling victory against Vietnam in the quarterfinals of the AVC Challenger Cup, held from 2-9 June 2024. Pakistan triumphed with a score of 3-2 sets, with points being 19-25, 27-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-12. It was a closely contested match, showcasing excellent performance from both teams.This victory propels Pakistan into the Semi-Finals, where they will face either Korea or Bahrain on 8 June 2024 at 9:00 PM Pakistan time. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and the strategic leadership of Ch Muhammad Yaqoob, Chairman of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation.Junior Team Update: On the same day, the Pakistan Junior Team competed against Iran in the CAVA U-18 Volleyball Championship. Despite a valiant effort, Pakistan narrowly lost the match by 2-3 sets, with scores of 25-23, 25-13, 22-25, 21-25, and 8-15. The match was intensely competitive, highlighting the potential and skill of the young athletes.

Sports Bulletin ReportDallas, Texas (USA): The United States of America (USA) cricket team overcame former champions Pakistan in the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup match in a super over to claim an upset and historical victory in Dallas Texas USA on Thursday.After being put into bat on a tricky surface, Pakistan stuttered to 159 for seven after slipping to 26 for three and then 98 for five. In their run-chase on a wicket that turned into a batting paradise, the USA reached 104 for one in 13 overs before Pakistan fought back to leave the home side needing 15 runs off the last over. Haris Rauf conceded three runs off the first three deliveries but went for 11 runs off the last three deliveries as the USA tied the match by finishing at 159 for three.In the Super Over, Mohammad Amir bowled a nine-ball over in which the USA scored 18 runs. In reply, the USA’s left-arm fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar displayed tremendous composure and conceded only 13 runs, including picking Iftikhar Ahmed’s wicket in an eight-ball over.This was the USA’s biggest victory in their 31-match history, while for Pakistan, it was one of the most shocking results in a 242-match career. A couple of weeks ago, the USA had also beaten Bangladesh 2-1 in a three-match series, while they defeated Canada by seven wickets in their tournament opener.Thursday’s shocking result can be ranked alongside Zimbabwe’s victory over Australia in the 2007 event, the Netherlands' victory over England in the 2009 and 2014 tournaments, Afghanistan’s victory over the West Indies in the 2016 tournament and Namibia’s victory over Sri Lanka in the 2022 competition.The USA has now won both of their matches and have games against Ireland and India remaining, while Sunday’s match against India will potentially be a must-win match for Pakistan to keep their chances of a Super-Eight stage qualification alive. Pakistan will also play Canada (11 June) and Ireland (16 June).A 68-run second-wicket partnership between captain Monank Patel and Andries Gous set up the USA’s historic victory. Patel scored 50 off 38 balls with seven fours and a six, while Gous contributed 35 off 26 balls with five fours and a six.After Gous fell to Haris Rauf and Mohammad Amir accounted for Patelto limit the USA to 111 for three in 14.1 overs, Aaron Jones and Nitish Kumar stitched an unbroken 48 runs off 35 balls for the fourth wicket. Jones finished unbeaten on 36 with two fours and two sixes, including a maximum off Haris’ fourth delivery, while Kumar remained not out on a run-a-ball 14 that included a final-ball four that tied the match.Earlier in the day, and after Steven Taylor took a breathtaking catch in the first slip to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan on the eighth ball of the match, Pakistan struggled to 159 for seven with the last 10 overs producing 93 runs for the loss of four wickets. In the second half of the innings, Shaheen Shah Afridi chipped in with an invaluable 16-ball 23 not out with a four and two sixes and Iftikhar Ahmed contributed a 14-ball 18 with three fours.At the top of the order, captain Babar Azam and Shadab Khan produced a 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket in 48 balls to put Pakistan back on course to a decent total before back-to-back wickets of Shadab and Azam Khan reduced Pakistan to 98 for five, which became 125 for six in the 16th over following the departure of Babar.Shadab scored at a strike-rate of 160 when he contributed 40 runs off 25 balls with a four and three sixes, while Babar was trapped in front of the wickets after scoring 44 off 43 balls with three fours and two sixes.

Sports Bulletin ReportTashkent (Uzbekistan): Pakistan Under-18 Junior Volleyball Team overpowered Uzbekistan in straight games 3-0 in the CAVA U18 Volleyball Championship in Uzbekistan’s capital city Tashkent on Wednesday. The final score-line was 25-17, 25-23, and 25-22.Key players Muhtad Ali Shah, Talal Ahmed, and Khizar Hayat showcased exceptional skills and were instrumental in securing the victory. The next challenge for the Pakistan Junior Team will be against Iran, with the match scheduled for Thursday.In other exciting news, the Pakistan Senior Men's Volleyball Team is set to face Vietnam in the Quarter Final of the AVC Challenger Cup 2024 on June 6, 2024, at 6:30 PM.

Sports Bulletin ReportGniezno (Poland): Pakistan, and France joined New Zealand, in the semifinals of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup Poland 2023-24 after playing out an 11 goal thriller here at Hockey Stadium Gniezno on Wednesday. Pool B saw France finish first, followed by Pakistan. Malaysia finished third after defeating Canada in the first game of the day.France beat Pakistan (6-5): France topped Pool B with a third straight win, beating Pakistan 5-6 in a nail-biter. The Olympic hosts turned on the heat from the word go and came prepared to exploit the weaknesses in Pakistan’s backline. It was Victor Charlet who broke the deadlock in the seventh minute. With a minute to go for the first quarter, Eliot Curty found Blaise Rogeau, who sent a rocket that bounced off the bar for their second. There was no coordination at the back as Gaspard Baumgarten made it 0-3 with seven minutes to go in the first half. Two minutes later, Charlet got his second through another penalty corner.For all their defensive frailties, Pakistan has been one of the most exciting teams to watch while attacking. One such attempt in the 26th minute led to a penalty stroke that was converted with ease by Abu Mahmood. Suddenly, the French were not as organised as they were before, allowing Pakistan to get under their skin. A penalty corner in the 29th minute saw Sufyan Khan’s initial shot saved only for Murtaza Yaqoob to score the rebound.The third quarter was all France again as Charlet delivered from the penalty corner yet again with an emphatic finish for his hat-trick in the 39th minute. Pakistan responded in the first minute of the final quarter thanks to Ashraf Rana Waheed who finished a superb ball from Amad Butt, who found him from a long way out. Pakistan continued to threaten Les Bleus and Butt was sensational in the build-up for the fourth, as Rehman Abdul made it 4-5 in the 52nd minute.Pakistan were all over France and a penalty corner in the 56th minute made it 5-5 as Hannan Shahid reacted quickly after Mahmood’s initial shot was saved. Everyone believed the comeback was complete, but Pakistan switched off and Charlet, who started the scoring, finished it with another penalty corner.Malaysia beat Canada (4-2): Malaysia got their first win of the Pool phase as they beat Canada 4-2 in Gniezno. They quickly set the tone for the game, scoring a field goal thanks to Fitri Saari smashing one in from the centre of the circle in the second minute. The second goal came four minutes later when Faizal Saari made a good run down the left before squaring it for Abu Kamal Azrai, who lost balance and fell as he fired in. A simple and beautiful penalty corner technique from Syed Cholan gave the Speedy Tigers their third goal in the 22nd minute.Canada started showing their aggressive side in the second half and were rewarded in the 41st minute when Rooopkanwar Dhillon’s powerful penalty corner snuck in. But the celebrations were short-lived as Muhajir Abdu Rauf’s shot was deflected off an unlucky Thomson Harris.For all their efforts, the Malaysians couldn’t keep a cool head and disciplinary issues almost cost them. Maansarovar Sidhu came up with a clever finish in the 51st minute to take advantage as Faris Harizan got a 10-minute yellow card towards the end of the third quarter. In the end, Malaysians came up with the goods to see off the game. 

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD (June 5, 2024): Hosts Pakistan will collide with giant Saudi Arabia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier Round-II match on Thursday (June 6, 2024) here at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex under the floodlights, as the visiting team officials are yet to assemble the best squad for the competitions.Soon after the press conference of the coaches of both teams, the reporter contacted the media official of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), Mohammad Yashal for the names of Saudi Arabia team players he told this scribe that they had not finalized the list of players and they would provide tomorrow (Thursday).The coaches and captains of both teams were optimistic during the press conference, determined to play positive games, and would try their best to win. Pakistan Squad: Yousuf Butt, Saqib Hanif, Hassan Ali (Goalkeepers), Abdullah Iqbal, Mohammad Fazal, Haseeb Khan, Rao Omer Hayat, Mamoon Moosa, Mohammad Saddam, Waqar Ihtisham, Moin Ahmed, Abdul Rehman (Defenders), Rahis Nabi, Otis Khan, Ali Uzair, Umair Ali, Toqeer ul Hassan, Alamgir Ghazi, Ali Zafar (Midfielders). Imran Kayani, McKeal Abdulah, Fareedulah, Adeel Younas, Shayak Dost (Forwards).

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is proud to unveil its “Table Tennis Planet Ambassador” programme on the occasion of World Environment Day, celebrated annually on 5 June. This initiative aims to empower players committed to fostering a more sustainable sports ecosystem. The ITTF has appointed Adriana Diaz and Martin Perry as the first Table Tennis Planet Ambassadors. Both are professional table tennis and Para table tennis players willing to make a difference and to be more involved in sustainability efforts. Table Tennis Planet Ambassadors are elite athletes who demonstrate a commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. These athletes actively work towards a more responsible lifestyle and a sustainable indoor sports ecosystem.Adriana Diaz, currently ranked World No. 12, is one of Puerto Rico’s most celebrated sports icons. She has achieved remarkable success at the Pan American Games and made history as the first female table tennis player to represent Puerto Rico at the Olympics in 2016. In 2019, she won the island’s first gold medals in the Pan American Games. Her exceptional achievements earned her the title of “Athlete of the Decade” in Puerto Rico in 2020. With her sisters, Adriana has launched a notebook collection designed and manufactured only with eco-friendly, alternative and sustainable materials."I am thrilled to be a part of this program as l strongly believe in the importance of promoting sustainability and being mindful of our impact on the world. I was fortunate to grow up on a beautiful island, rich in nature and biodiversity. As an indoor sport athlete, I know how important nature is to well-being and I want to act now, to ensure future generations can also have access to nature. I look forward to identifying some concrete actions I can support and encourage others to join." -- Adriana DiazMartin Perry is a Para table tennis player competing in class 6 representing Great Britain. He is a double European Team Champion and a World Championships bronze medallist. Perry will make his Paralympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games. Martin is also an advocate for reducing plastic waste and has been actively involved in campaigns promoting the use of reusable materials within the sports community.“I was unaware of the impact of climate change and the importance of living a more sustainable life until I started competing for Great Britain and was privileged to travel the world playing table tennis. It was an eye-opening experience for me as I was made aware of just how much waste we pollute and the impact it has on people’s lives, particularly in deprived countries and areas. It’s only now that I’m able to look back on my upbringing and understand the cost-effective lifestyle my parents had to live by, but now I am able to see the damage such a lifestyle and lack of available alternatives leaves not only on us as people but the environment and the world around us. I can’t for one second claim to lead the most sustainable lifestyle, who can? But what I can claim is to actively look for more sustainable solutions to my everyday actions. I am excited ITTF and table tennis are taking necessary steps and commitments to climate change and nature and look forward to playing my part and encouraging others to do the same as every action counts.” -- Martin Perry.

Pakistan WAPDA overcome Pakistan Air Force 68-67 in a nerve-jangling finalAbdul Jabbar FaisalKARACHI: Pakistan Wapda overcame Pakistan Air Force (PAF) with the margin of solitary point 68-67 in the final of the All Pakistan Mohammad Majid-Abdul Nasir Memorial Basketball Tournament, which concluded on Sunday at Siddique Memon Sports Complex Karachi.In the final, both teams displayed exceptional skills, tenacity, and battle till the final whistle. Wapda, however, did well in the last quarter, securing a thrilling 68-67 points victory. Zainul Hassan of Wapda was the hero of the final, producing a sparking performance with 34 points, while his teammate Mohammad Israr added 10 points. Despite a valiant effort from PAF, Wapda’s dominance in the closing stages proved decisive. Umair Jan led the scoring for PAF with 26 points, followed by Umair Siddiqui with 12 points.Managing Director of United Medical and Dental College Dr. Bilal Faiz was the chief guest of the concluding ceremony, who presented the winning trophy to the captain of the Pakistan Wapda team. Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) Secretary General Khalid Bashir, Karachi Basketball Association (KBBA) President Mohammad Yaqoob, Tournament chief organizer Dr. Umer Daraz Khan, PBBF Associate Secretary Yaqoob Qadry, and the other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.Earlier In the third position match, Punjab Rangers secured a convincing 72-61 points victory against Islamabad. It is important to mention that Mohammad Majid and Abdul Nasir represented Pakistan in basketball. They served the basketball as the players and officials at national and international levels.

Sports Bulletin ReportTerrassa (Spain): With just one day to go for the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup Spain 2023/24, the players and coaches of all teams have spoken to express their expectations. The 2nd edition of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup will be played from 3 to 9 June 2024 in Terrassa, Spain.Canada – Sheldon Rostron, Head Coach said: “As a team we are excited to face some of the best at the Nations Cup in Terrassa, Spain. We are eager to compete again at high level event which is important to continue the growth of this team as we start a new cycle. These matches will push us and help us gain valuable insights but also show more of what we can expect from this team going forward. We're ready for a challenge and looking forward to competing at this event.” Chile – Camila Caram, Captain said: "The Nations Cup will be an interesting tournament, because all the teams are closely contested in the rankings. Every game will be very tough. This is an important challenge, because last time we were seventh and we want to improve that position. The championship will probably be very emotional, but we are focused on the tournament, tactics and technique. We'll see about the emotional part later. It's my last tournament with the Diablas after 18 years with the Chile jersey and I want to enjoy the experience to the fullest. It's nostalgic, but I'm ready to give it my all on the court." Ireland - Facundo Quiroga, Head Coach said: "The girls have put in a lot of work over the last three months to arrive at this tournament in the best possible form. They have challenged each other to grow as individuals and as a team, and we are enjoying the hockey we're playing. I believe we can go far in this Nations Cup if we play our game and enjoy the tough moments of the competition. We have an exciting challenge ahead of us." Italy – Andres Mondo, Head Coach said: "This FIH Nations Cup edition comes at a very complicated period, for all countries and especially for us, because we have a lot of players still involved in National Championships; for this reason, it was also not possible for us to arrange an ideal training. We expect to grow during the tournament, to be competitive and to put new players and new skills in our group. We are very proud and enthusiastic to know that our players always give their best for Italy." Japan – Yuri Nagai, Captain said: “For this Nations Cup, we aim to win and make it a great tournament that leads to the Paris Olympics. Our entire team will work hard together. We will make detailed adjustments and prepare well. Thank you for your support.” Korea – Jungeun Seo, Captain said: "I'm both excited and a bit worried about participating in this year's Nations Cup. As a senior, it's my responsibility to lead the juniors in such a big competition, and I'll do my best to make it a good experience for them. I also need to perform well myself and show what I can do. Competing against world-class teams is going to be tough, but I believe Team Korea can go far. My goal is to lead the players, value teamwork, and become a united team. No matter the outcome, I know we will learn a lot, grow, and come back stronger. I really hope everyone prepares well, stays injury-free, and returns home safely." New Zealand – Phil Burrows, Head Coach said: “The team is feeling energised and excited to be back playing tournament hockey. We are very committed to progressing our game throughout the tournament and beyond. Our expectations are to be in the hunt for the Nations Cup, which means our first focus point is topping our pool.” Spain – María López, Captain said: “We are very excited to play at home in Terrassa. We hope that the Spanish crowd can enjoy our performance and Spain can play the FIH Hockey Pro League next season.” 

Sports Bulletin Report Bahrain (June 2, 2024): The Pakistan Volleyball team crushed Kazakhstan in straight games 3-0 in their opening fixture of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup 2024, as Green Shirts lunched campaign with an impressive victory with the score-line of 25-19, 25-19, and 25-21.Head Coach Ruben Wolochin said: "The boys played with great determination and executed the strategies perfectly. This win is a testament to their hard work and dedication."Supporting Coach Wolochin is Brazilian Physical Trainer Lucas Rodrigues, who has been instrumental in enhancing the team's physical conditioning. Assistant Coach Muhammad Ismail Khan and Analyst Juan Cobucci have also played crucial roles in preparing the team for this high-stakes tournament.Chairman of PVF, Chaudhry Mohammad Yaqoob, praised the team's performance and expressed optimism for the upcoming matches. "This victory against Kazakhstan is a significant morale booster. We are confident that the team will continue to perform at this high level," he said.Pakistan's next challenge is set on June 3, 2024, against Thailand at 4:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST).