Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Parkha Ijaz of Defence Raya Golf Club emerged as the title winner in the 3rd Ghazala Ansari Julke Challenge Cup that culminated at Lahore Gymkhana Golf Course on Thursday.  The tournament concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony graced by Chairperson Finance of Lahore Gymkhana Sarmad Nadeem as chief guest, who represented Chairman of Lahore Gymkhana Salman Siddique in his absence. Other notable attendees were Captain Golf Club Raza Saeed, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee Dr. Asma Afzal Shami, Ladies Golf In-charge Ayesha Hamid, Tournament Director Mrs. Bela Azam, also representing sponsors Julke, Chief Referee Munazza Shaheen, prize winners, players and their families.  Parkha Ijaz outperformed her competitors in the WAGR Open Category A, registering a remarkable aggregate gross score of 234, securing her the prestigious trophy. Following her was Humna Amjad, with an aggregate gross score of 243, while Dr. Aania Farooq clinched the third spot with a score of 251. The net category saw Bushra Fatima, hailed as a future star of Pakistan's golf circuit, winning with an impressive net score of 152. Amna Amjad and Ana James Gill rounded out the second and third places, respectively. In Category B, Uzma Khursheed took the top spot with a gross score of 199, closely followed by Shabana Waheed and Gulnaz Mehboob. The net category was dominated by Saqiba Batool, with Rabia Tiwana taking second place. The Category C saw Sadia Asim leading with a gross score of 198, with Mina Zainab and Rabia Rashid completing the top three. Arooj Kanwal won the net category, with Sobia Waseem and Babara Amin in pursuit. The seniors category celebrated Ayesha Hamid and Shehnaz Moin as the net and gross winners, respectively. Special accolades for nearest to the pin and longest drive were awarded to Parkha Ijaz and Bushra Fatima, respectively. Addressing the gathering, chief guest Sarmad Nadeem said, "This women's exclusive tournament consistently surpasses milestones with each passing year. The level of organization, particularly evident in the prize distribution ceremony, is truly exemplary and deserving of high praise. It is my sincere hope that we witness the gradual evolution of this tournament into a renowned international event." In her eloquent address, Dr. Asma Afzal Shami said, "History has shown us that nations which flourish and progress are those that honor their past heroes. To commemorate the accomplishments of our esteemed women golfers from the past, we have organized a series of women's golf championships. These remarkable women serve as our inspirations and role models. "The highlight of the 3rd Ghazala Ansari Julke Challenge Cup was the unprecedented participation of 13 Category A girls in the WAGR Open category, setting a new benchmark for the tournament. Equally noteworthy was the inclusion of young talents from the ACE Junior Golf League. Their remarkable skills and performances significantly contributed to the event's prestige and demonstrated the bright future of golf," she emphasized. Expressing his sentiments, Asad Malik, the son of legendary golfer Ghazala Ansari, said, “Dedicating this golf tournament in the name of Ghazala Ansari holds a special place in our hearts, and we are committed to organizing it annually.  “The impeccable organization, management, and the prize distribution ceremony set a new standard, establishing it as one of the country's most professionally managed golf tournaments. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to Dr. Asma Afzal Shami and her team for orchestrating this event in such an exemplary and pioneering fashion,” he asserted. 

Sports Bulletin ReportWah Cantt (Rawalpindi): Top seed Aqeel Khan stunned 4th Hamza 2-0 in straight sets in a men’s singles match of the 4th Chairman POF Board, National Ranking Tennis Tournament at POF Tennis Complex on Thursday.On the fourth day of the tournament, in Men's Single Category top seed Aqeel Khan defeated Hamza Roman with the score-line of 6-0, 6-1. Mohammad Shoaib beat Barkat Ullah at 6-3, 6-2. Yousaf Khalil beat Muzammil Murtaza with 6-2, 6-1. Mohammad Abid beat Abdullah Adnan with 6-1, 6-1. In Boys under 18 category, Mohammad Faizan defeated Ehsan Bari with 4-1, 4-1 while Hamza Roman beat Mohammad Salar with 6-4, 7-5. In the girls Under 18 category, Soha Ali overcame Sheeza Sajid with the score-line of 0-6, 6-2, and 6-4 while Lalarukh Sajid defeated Mahrukh Sajid with 6-4, 7-6 (4).

Sports Bulletin ReportTaxila (Rawalpindi): The Youth Sports League Men’s Handball Provincial concluded here at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), which was held under the banner of Prime Minister's Youth Programme Talent Hunt at the Multi-Purpose Hall, UET from March 2 to 6, 2024.As many as five teams including Islamabad, Sakardu, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, and Gilgit. Akmal Hussain, Director Sports UET Taxila, undertook the responsibility of organizing the league, ensuring its smooth execution, and fostering an environment conducive to talent exploration and sportsmanship.The closing ceremony of the Provincial League was graced by the esteemed presence of Prof. Dr. Qaiser Uz Zaman Khan, Vice Chancellor of UET Taxila, as a chief guest. Alongside him were distinguished guests including Dr. Jawad Hussain, Registrar of UET Taxila, Dr. Adnan Habib, Chairman of the Sports Committee, and Ghulam Abbad Hussain, Deputy Director of Security at UET Taxila.Speaking at the event, Akmal Hussain, alongside Prof. Dr. Qaiser Uz Zaman Khan, Vice Chancellor of UET Taxila, expressed gratitude towards all participants, officials, and supporters who contributed to the success of the league. They emphasized the importance of such initiatives in promoting sportsmanship, healthy competition, and talent development among the youth.The Prime Minister's Youth Programme Talent Hunt: Youth Sports League aims to provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills, nurture their talent, and pursue excellence in their chosen sport. Through such initiatives, the government endeavors to encourage active participation in sports, foster a culture of fitness and well-being, and identify and groom future sporting champions.The Provincial League for Handball (Men) witnessed thrilling matches, displaying the prowess and determination of the participating teams. The spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie was evident throughout the event, reflecting the core values of fair play and respect.Additionally, the event received recognition from the Higher Education Department, further highlighting its significance in promoting sports at the university level. As the league concluded, participants and organizers alike look forward to future editions of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme Talent Hunt: Youth Sports League, with hopes of continued success and growth in promoting sports at the grassroots level.

Sports Bulletin Report Wah Cantt (Rawalpindi): Yousaf Khalil, Abdullah Adnan, Hamza Roman, Muzamil Murtaza, Mohammad Abid, Mohammad Shoaib, Barkat Ullah, and Aqeel Khan have won their respective matches on the third day of the Men’s Singles Event of the 4th Chairman POF Board, National Ranking Tennis Tournament is being played at POF Tennis Complex on Wednesday.Men’s Singles:Yousaf Khalil beat Saqib Hayat 7-6 (2), 6-2Abdullah Adnan beat Zalan Khan 6-1, 7-5Hamza Roman beat Hamid Israr 6-2, 6-1Muzamil Murtaza beat Nalain Abbas 6-1, 6-3Mohammad Abid beat Sami Zeb Khan 7-5, 6-0Mohammad Shoaib beat Shahzad Khan 6-3, 6-3Barkat Ullah beat Jibran Ul Haq 6-0, 6-1Aqeel Khan beat Heera Ashiq 6-4, 6-4Boys’ U18 Singles:Asad Zaman beat Sheryar Anees 6-4, 6-1Hamid Israr beat Mohammad Yahya 6-0, 6-3Mohammad Salar beat Inam Qadir 6-3, 6-4.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The thrill of competition intensifies at the 3rd Ghazala Ansari Julke Challenge Cup, with Bushra Fatima and Parkha Ijaz locked in a fervent duel, a mere two strokes apart after an electrifying second day at Lahore Gymkhana Golf Course.Fatima, who began her round on Wednesday with a promising birdie on the second hole, completed the front nine just one over par. However, the back nine presented tougher challenges, leading her to finish seven over, tallying a total gross score of 80. Parkha Ijaz, despite a rocky start with a double bogey on the first par 4 and finishing the front nine seven over par, made a remarkable recovery on the back nine, closing just one over par and matching Fatima's score of 80. Bushr’s initial two-stroke lead holds, setting the stage for a captivating final round that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.The competition also saw action in categories B and C for handicaps between 13 to 36, alongside the vibrant participation of junior girls from the Ace Junior Golf League. The young athletes were divided into age groups of 6 to 10 years and 10 to 14 years, competing over 9 and 18 holes respectively.In the 9-hole division, Maria Waqar clinched the first gross with an impressive 51 strokes. Hajra Mohammad Khan followed with 60 strokes for the second gross, and Zaynab Akram secured third with 62 strokes. The event was a showcase of budding talent, with participants eager to follow in the footsteps of Ghazala Ansari, a revered figure in the sport with a handicap of 1.The 18-hole category witnessed a remarkable victory by a 7-year-old golf prodigy, Ayra Ather Yaseen of Ace Junior Golf League, who outperformed competitors significantly older. Starting golf at the tender age of 4, she demonstrated skills well beyond her years, securing the first gross title of the GA Challenge Cup. Mahnoor Syed, with 106 strokes, claimed the second gross, showing great potential for future success. Fariah Amin and Nabiha Nafees rounded out the top spots with 118 and 120 strokes, respectively.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Jinnah Polo Fields were alive with excitement as FG Polo team registered an easy victory over BN Polo with a score of 9-5 on the second day of the 3rd President of Pakistan Polo Cup (National Open Championship) Finale 2024, sponsored by Askari Bank, Habib Metro Bank, and Faysal Bank, here at Jinnah Polo Fields on Thursday. The match drew a large crowd of families and enthusiasts, all eager to witness the high-stakes competition. FG Polo, showcasing remarkable teamwork and strategy, secured their win with Raul Laplacette leading the charge. Laplacette, the star of the match, delivered an outstanding performance by netting seven goals, propelling FG Polo to 9-5 triumph. He was well-supported by teammates Andres Llorente and Mian Abbas Mukhtar, who contributed one goal each to the team's tally. On the opposing side, BN Polo's efforts were led by Hamza Mawaz Khan and Hilario Ruiz, each scoring two goals, with Santiago Loza adding one to their total. The match kicked off with FG Polo taking the reins early on, as they delivered a powerful start by netting two swift goals in the first chukker, establishing an early 2-0 lead. This initial momentum was further amplified at the start of the second chukker, with FG Polo extending their lead to a comfortable 3-0. However, BN Polo, undeterred by the early setback, mounted a vigorous comeback with two consecutive goals, narrowing the gap to a single point at 3-2. As the third chukker unfolded, the competition intensified, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination. The chukker was marked by an evenly matched battle, with each team managing to score one goal apiece. FG Polo maintained their slender lead at 4-3, setting the stage for a nail-biting continuation of the match. The fourth chukker turned the heat up further, with both teams adopting an aggressive approach in an attempt to seize control of the game. It was during this crucial phase that FG Polo demonstrated superior gameplay, outmaneuvering BN Polo to score four impressive goals. Despite BN Polo's efforts, which resulted in two goals, FG Polo extended their lead to 8-5, showcasing their tactical superiority and teamwork. In the fifth and final chukker, FG Polo managed to score another, cementing their triumph with a final score of 9-5. The match was expertly officiated by field umpires Nico Scortichini and Mark John Holmes, ensuring a fair and competitive environment. Anticipation now builds for the next match, where BN Polo will face off against Master Paints/Diamond Paints on Saturday.

WAPDA, HEC, PAF, Army, Police, POF Wah overcome their challengers comfortablyAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan WAPDA, Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Pakistan Army, Pakistan Police, and Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) Wah registered comfortable triumphs against their respective challengers on the opening day of the 43rd Sarsabz National Kabaddi (Circle Style) Championship 2024 at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Wednesday. Khyber Pukhtun Kawa (KPK), and Punjab got over against Railway and Sindh respectively.Secretary General, Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF), Mohammad Sarwar Rana, who is also the Secretary, of the World Kabaddi Federation (WKF).Results (Day-1):Wapda beat POF Wah by 34-16 pointsHigher Education Commission (HEC) beat Islamabad by 31-11 pointsPakistan Air Force (PAF) beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 36-19 pointPakistan Army beat Sindh by 14-25 pointsPolice beat Gilgit Baltistan (GB) by 12-26 pointsPOF Wah beat Balochistan by 8-25 pointsThursday’s Fixtures:Pakistan Police vs IslamabadHEC vs Gilgit BaltistanArmy vs PunjabPAF vs RailwayBalochistan vs WapdaPolice Vs HECIslamabad vs GB. 

Sports Bulletin ReportTagaytay (Philippines): The postponed 2023 World Championships of Downhill Skateboarding and Street Luge have just concluded this Sunday, 25th of February in Tagaytay, The Philippines!The event, which saw more than 80 competitors assemble from 18 different nations, took place on the beautiful but treacherous Sampaloc to Talisay Road on a 2,300 metre-long track which drops almost 300 metres along its snaking course of sweepers and hairpin bends.With speeds of 80 kilometres per hour clocked previously, the gathering was always going to be a scorcher but this close-knit and courageous scene outdid themselves this time around, and in a location which has to be seen to be believed!Results (Men's Event):STEFANO BARBIZZI - ITA 🇮🇹MARC ESCODA TURRO - ESP 🇪🇸ADRIEN PAYNEL - FRA 🇫🇷Results (Women’s Event):LISA PETERS - NED 🇳🇱KATERINA HILL - CAN 🇨🇦ELISSA MAH - NZL 🇳🇿Street Luge World Championship (Men's):ABDIL ADZEEM AHMAD MAHDZAN - MYS 🇲🇾GRAHAM BRITTAIN - AUS 🇦🇺KOLBY PARKS - CAN 🇨🇦Women'sMORRAH JAKUBIEC - CAN 🇨🇦SAMANTHA MARSTELLER - 🇺🇸TATYANA HILL - CAN 🇨🇦

Sports ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Blind Cricket team players called on President Dr Arif Alvi at Aiwan-e-Sadar on Monday soon after arriving back from Dubai and losing three matches series against arch-rival India 1-2. President lauded them for bringing laurels to Pakistan besides highlighting globally the capabilities of differently-abled persons.He said that during the recent years, blind cricket got special attention and recognition in Pakistan. The active role of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Board in promoting and holding contests is welcoming, he added. Calling for the encouragement of the blind cricket team, the president also called for acknowledgement of the cricketers’ impressive role to highlight the team’s efforts and achievements.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Chairman, Khawaja Junaid Hockey (KJH) Academy, Olympian Kawaja Junaid thanked to OHC Bully Club, Dutch Embassy in Islamabad, Punjab Police, Higher Education Commission (HEC), and other stakeholders, who were involved and made three-match bilateral Friendship Hockey Series possible.In a statement, Khawaja Junaid said: “Over the past few weeks, the Dutch hockey club OHC Bully got an opportunity to visit Lahore and Islamabad, two beautiful cities in Pakistan. This visit was not only an exciting experience for the club members, but it also served as a way to strengthen cultural ties between the Netherlands and Pakistan. The members of OHC Bully were warmly welcomed by the locals, who were eager to showcase their hospitality and love for the game of hockey.”“During their visit to Lahore, the OHC Bully members were able to experience the rich history and culture of the city. They visited Sialkot, famous for sports manufacturers, and especially the flag ceremony at Wahga Border. Additionally, the club got the opportunity to play three friendly matches with the Prime Minister Youth Program HEC talent team, which they won and allowed them to learn new techniques and strategies from their Pakistani counterparts. In Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, OHC Bully was the chance to explore the modern and vibrant side of the country.One of the highlights of the visit was the cultural exchange between the Dutch and Pakistani hockey players. The OHC Bully members were able to share their love through songs at a dinner hosted by HEC chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad. This exchange not only strengthened the bond between the two countries but also created lasting friendships among the players.The visit of OHC Bully to Lahore and Islamabad was a memorable experience for both the club members and the locals. It showcased the power of sports in bringing people together and bridging cultural divides. The club members returned to the Netherlands with a newfound appreciation for Pakistani culture and a deeper understanding of the country.Overall, the visit of OHC Bully to Lahore and Islamabad was a successful and enriching experience. It served as a reminder of the importance of cultural exchange and sports diplomacy in fostering understanding and friendship between nations. The club members were grateful for the warm welcome they received in Pakistan and look forward to future opportunities to continue building strong connections with the people of Lahore and Islamabad, “he concluded.