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BASKETBALL - National 12 Aug, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Hosts Islamabad-B, Sindh in Women's and Islamabad B & A in Men's outclassed their opponents on the second-day pool matches of Independence Day Inter-Provincial Basketball Championships being organised by Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) here at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex.Islamabad-B thrashed Balochistan Basketball Women team with score of 35 points as Islamabad-B won the match with 45-10 points. Shanzey scored 16 points, Shahbano Ikram scored 11 points for winning side while Faiza Khan and Laib Khan scored 06 and 02 points respectively from Balochistan Women team. In second match Sindh Women team defeated Islamabad-A by 59/39 score. Aisha Ijlal-25, Hareem Zahid-7 points scored for Sindh while Amani Khan -16 and Mahrukh Alvi scored 07 points for losing side Islamabad-A Women Basketball team.In men category Islamabad-B defeated Sindh Basketball team 74-64 score. Haroon Rashid-18 Ahmed Isnaan scored 14 points for Islamabad-B while Mohsin Riaz scored 13 and Mohammad Azhar scored 12 points for losing side.In the second match of men’s category, Islamabad-A defeated Balochistan by 83-44 points. Ali Hamza Kazmi-19 and Jabran Asif Khan scored 18 points respectively from Islamabad-A. While Jamal Khan 27 and Ahmed Nawaz scored 12 points for losing side Balochistan Basketball men’s team.All matches were supervised by Gul Jamal, Saadat Jehangir, Moazzam Navid Rao, Naveed Ahmed Beeda, Adeel S Raza, Muhammad Praim Shahzad and Muhammad Mudassar. The event is one of the series for the promotion of basketball in the country being organised under the supervision of the Federal Basketball Association. It is pertinent to add here that teams from Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Balochistan, and Islamabad Men & Women are participating for a five days Championships.
Match officials for Shaheens-Bangladesh ‘A’ series named
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced match officials for the Pakistan Shaheens’ home series against Bangladesh ‘A’, which includes two four-day and three 50-over matches from 13-30 August.Nadeem Arshad will lead the Playing Control Team (PCT) for the 13-16 August and 20-23 August matches, while Iftikhar Ahmed will be the match referee for the three 50-over matches on 26, 28 and 30 August.The umpiring responsibilities in the five matches will be shared between ICC/PCB International panel Umpires, Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Rashid Riaz, and PCB Elite Panel Umpires, Abdul Moqeet, Imran Jawed, Nasir Hussain, and Waleed Yaqoob.Umpire and match referee appointments:13-16 August – Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh ‘A”. Faisal Aafreedi and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Nadeem Arshad (match referee)20-23 August – Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh ‘A”. Faisal Aafreedi and Nasir Hussain (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Nadeem Arshad (match referee)26 August – Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh ‘A’. Rashid Riaz and Abdul Moqeet (on-field umpires), Waleed Yaqub (third umpire), Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)28 August – Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh ‘A’. Rashid Riaz and Waleed Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Abdul Moqeet (third umpire), Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)30 August – Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh ‘A’. Rashid Riaz and Waleed Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Abdul Moqeet (third umpire), Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)
FOOTBALL - Rugby 11 Aug, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Pakistan WAPDA won the 25th Men's Parco National Rugby Championship 2024 for the first time after defeating the Army team 17-0 in the final.A large number of spectators and families attended the Sunday’s matches of the Parco National Championship, including female rugby players who came to support the teams. In the first semifinal, Pakistan Army defeated Punjab Yellow, while in the second semifinal, Pakistan WAPDA overcame Islamabad Jinns. Punjab Yellow demonstrated impressive gameplay in the third and fourth positions, defeating Islamabad Jinns 15-10 in the final moments. In the final, WAPDA players showcased exceptional performance from the very first half. WAPDA's Amsal scored a try in the second minute of the first half, and in the ninth minute, Aamir scored another try, which was converted by Aamsal to make the halftime score 12-0. Despite considerable effort from the Army team in the second half, WAPDA's Afzaal scored another try early on, which remained intact until the end of the match and Wapda clinched the championship by beating the defending champions Army 17-0. The closing ceremony was graced by Sharon Dias, General Manager of Group Corporate Affairs at Parco. The event was also attended by Chaudhry Arif Saeed, President of the Pakistan Rugby Union, Chairman Fauzi Khawaja, Secretary Salman Sheikh, and a large number of officials from WAPDA Sports Board, Pakistan Army Sports Board, and former rugby players.
BASKETBALL - National 11 Aug, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) in Men´s, Islamabad A, and Punjab in Women outclassed their opponents in the first leg of Pool matches of the Independence Day Inter-Provincial Basketball Championships organized by Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) here at Liaquat Gymnasium Pakistan Sports Complex.On the first day of the five-day championship, in the men’s event, Punjab thrashed Islamabad B with a margin of 42 points as Punjab won the match with 89-47 points. Safiullah scored 26 points, Mohammad Abdullah scored 20 points for the winning side while Mohammad Umer and Ahmad Ihsan scored 10, 10 points respectively for Islamabad.In the second match, KP defeated Islamabad A by 3 points in a nerve-jangling encounter, as the score was 73-70 points on the final whistle. Abdul Wahab 23, Umer Khan scored 18 points for KP while Usman Awan scored 20 and Raja Farhan scored 10 points for the losing side.In the women’s category, Islamabad A defeated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 51-32 points with a sparking performance of Asma Khan, who scored 12 points while her teammate Maruf Alvi scored 8 points and played a vital role in the Islamabad victory.In the second match, Punjab defeated Islamabad B by 67 points against 43 points. Ayman Mehmood of Punjab scored 17 points, Khadija Mushtaq scored 14 points for Punjab while Shanzlye Bibi scored 9 points for the losing side.
FOOTBALL - National 11 Aug, 2024
Karachi City beat Legacy FC 4-0 in the final, Rameen, Sarah, Zahmena, and Zulfia score goalsAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Karachi City Football Club have won the title of the National Women's Football Club Championship 2024 after thrashing Legacy FC 4-0 in a single-sided final at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex on Saturday night. In the first half, Karachi City FC took a 2-0 lead over Legacy FC. Rameen Farid scored the first goal for Karachi City FC in the 14th minute, followed by Sarah's goal in the 28th minute. The team's momentum continued in the second half, with Zahmena scoring the third goal in the 52nd minute. Zulfia sealed the victory with the fourth goal in the 75th minute. The winning team received a cash prize of Rs 1 million, while the runner-up earned Rs 500,000. The third-place team, Karachi United, took home Rs 300,000, and the Fair Play award went to Hazara Quetta, who were awarded Rs 200,000. Nadia Khan from Karachi City was honoured as the best player of the tournament, Nisha Ashraf from Karachi City was named the best goalkeeper, and Eman Mustafa was recognized as the top scorer with 8 goals. The final was attended by a distinguished group of guests, including Haroon Malik, Chairman of the Pakistan Football Federation NC, Senior member of PFF NC Mohammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar, Lahore Qalandars CEO and owner Atif Rana, PHF President Tariq Bugti, MNA Jamal Raeesani and a large audience of football enthusiasts.
TABLE TENNIS - Int News 10 Aug, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportParis (France): Table tennis' tenth appearance at the Olympic Games concluded in thrilling fashion with two decisive matches that determined the Women's Team podium. China’s Women’s team continued their dominance in the event, securing their fifth consecutive gold medal with a 3-0 victory over Japan—marking China's historic 300th Olympic gold medal. Japan took home the silver. Meanwhile, Korea Republic earned the bronze, marking their first medal in the Team event since 2008.The conclusion of the Women's Team event at Paris 2024 marks the end of an extraordinary 15 days of table tennis held at the South Paris Arena 4, where more than 200,000 fans have created one of the best atmospheres of the Games. This thrilling Paris 2024 experience has elevated table tennis to new heights and showcased its growing global appeal, setting the stage for an exciting next chapter in Los Angeles 2028.China’s gold medal clash began with an intense doubles match, where Chen Meng and Wang Manyu faced a formidable challenge from Japan's surprise pairing of Hina Hayata and Miwa Harimoto. Despite the Japanese duo taking two games, the Chinese pair emerged victorious with a 3-2 win (9-11, 11-6, 6-11, 11-6, 12-10), giving China the critical first point. Building on this momentum, World No. 1 Sun Yingsha extended China’s lead with a dominant performance against Miu Hirano, winning 3-0 (13-11, 11-6, 11-6).The final match saw Wang Manyu secure the gold for China by defeating Miwa Harimoto 3-1 (12-14, 12-10, 11-7, 11-6). In addition to being China's 300th Olympic gold medal, this victory marks another significant achievement as Sun Yingsha, Wang Manyu, and Chen Meng become the first trio to win consecutive Olympic gold medals in the Women’s Team event. Meanwhile, with Japan's silver medal, 16-year-old Miwa Harimoto becomes the youngest table tennis medallist at Paris 2024."I was lagging behind when I came up, but I didn’t give up. Listening to everyone’s cheers, I became even more motivated. Each of us went all out today and played every position well. After these Olympics, I will take some time to reflect and continue working hard." - Sun YingshaIn the bronze medal match, Korea Republic ended their 16-year wait for a podium finish in the Team event by defeating Germany 3-0. The Korea Republic duo of Shin Yubin and Jeon Jihee started strong, winning the opening doubles match against Germany’s Yuan Wan and Xiaona Shan in a closely contested 3-2 victory (11-6, 11-8, 8-11, 10-12, 11-8). Lee Eunhye then delivered a commanding 3-0 win (11-8, 11-9, 11-2) over Germany’s player of the tournament, Annett Kaufmann, setting the stage for Jeon Jihee to clinch the bronze for Korea Republic. Jeon Jihee’s decisive 3-0 victory (11-6, 11-6, 11-6) over Xiaona Shan sealed the win, bringing immense joy to the Korean team and fans at South Paris Arena. Reflecting on their achievement, Korea Republic's Shin Yubin expressed her pride, stating, "I'm so grateful to my teammates for playing so well and helping us secure a medal. Yesterday, Lee Eunhye and I watched videos together and discussed strategies. It felt like we executed them perfectly. I told her she was doing an excellent job, and I also praised Jeon Jihee, saying today she was amazing—absolutely perfect."
T20: Usman Khan shines with bat as Shaheens register first win
Sports Bulletin ReportDarwin (August 10, 2024): Pakistan Shaheens registered a 17-run win over Perth Scorchers in their opening game of the Top End T20 series 2024 on Saturday at the DXC Arena in Darwin.In pursuit of the 189-run target, Scorchers’ batters, Teague Wyllie (4, 5b, 1x4) and Sam Fanning (13, 11b, 2x4s) departed in the third and fourth overs, respectively.Joel Curtis (17, 21b, 1x4) and Corey Wasley (54, 27b, 6x4s, 3x6s) threatened the Shaheens bowling attack with a 58-run fourth-wicket stand which was eventually broken by legspinner Arif Yaqoob in the 11th over.In the following over, Jahandad Khan dismissed the aggressive Wasley as well with Scorchers requiring 96 runs in 51 balls. Baxter Holt (24, 21b, 1x4, 1x6) and Keaton Critchell (24, 18b, 2x4s, 1x6) found the boundary on regular intervals for their 33-run fifth-wicket partnership before Holt was dismissed by Mohammad Abbas Afridi in the 16th over.Critchell departed for 24 off 18, hitting two fours and one six while Matthew Spoors, who remained unbeaten for 27 off 15 balls clubbing five fours, failed to make ends meet as Scorchers fell 17 runs short.Abbas and Jahandad picked up two wickets each while Mohammad Imran Jnr and Arif had one each to their name.Earlier, after opting to bat first, the Pakistan Shaheens posted a competitive total of 188-7 in the allotted 20 overs courtesy of 35-ball 57 from Usman Khan. Usman, batting at four, walked in to bat at the end of powerplay, struck four boundaries and three sixes in this outing keeping the Shaheens innings intact.Shaheens racked up 47 runs during the field restrictions, losing Haseebullah (12, 10b, 2x4s) and Tayyab Tahir (5, 11b, 1x4) in the course. Soon, Sahibzada Farhan too departed in the eighth over leaving Shaheens 58-3 in 7.3 overs.Skipper, Mohammad Haris (25, 19b, 3x4s) and Usman came together to put on 45-run fourth-wicket partnership off 28 balls before the former fell prey to Keaton Critchell in the 13th over.An over later, Mohammad Irfan Khan departed for a mere two off five balls, before Arafat Minhas played a powerful cameo of 31 runs facing 16 balls hitting three fours and one six.Usman and Arafat departed on consecutive deliveries before Mohammad Abbas Afridi (12 not out, 3b) belted two sixes in the last over to help Shaheens finish the innings with momentum. For Socrchers, Matthew Spoors bagged three wickets while Critchell, Luke Holt, Lucas Martin and Jhye Richardson picked up one each.Scores in brief (Pakistan Shaheens won by 17 runs):Pakistan Shaheens 188-7, 20 overs (Usman Khan 57, Sahibzada Farhan 36, Arafat Minhas 31, Mohammad Haris 25; Matthew Spoors 3-54)Perth Scorchers 171-6, 20 overs (Corey Wasley 54, Matthew Spoors 27, Keaton Critchell 24, Baxter Holt 24; Mohammad Abbas Afridi 2-32, Jahandad Khan 2-42).
CLIMBING - Int News 10 Aug, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportParis (France): Slovenia’s Janja Garnbret became a two-time Olympic Games gold medallist after winning the women’s Boulder & Lead competition despite a mid-session injury scare.Garnbret made the top step ahead of close friend and silver medallist Brooke Raboutou of the USA and bronze medallist Jessica Pilz of Austria. Garnbret’s gold also made her the first Slovenian to win two gold medals at a summer Olympic Games.Sitting on top of the Boulder standings at the end of the round, Garnbret went back into isolation ahead of the Lead round in some discomfort in her efforts on the fourth Boulder, as she explains: "I was really scared because my finger got stuck in between two holes (of a hold) and I couldn't get it out. So I was scared that I had fractured something, and I already fractured exactly this finger ten years ago.With her 84.4pts from Boulder and a climb of 84.pts on Lead, Garnbret was lowered to the floor where she was visibly emotional that she had retained the title she won at Tokyo 2020.Garnbret said: "I'm just feeling incredibly happy and proud of myself, what I did, and I'm relieved, because it's finally over. I qualified one year ago (at the IFSC World Championships Bern 2023), so it was hard to wait and to finally start the competition. I don't know if people realise how hard it is to go out there and just do it, but it wasn't easy at all, but I did it. I learned in Tokyo how to handle the pressure at the Olympics. And I could use that here, and I was just in my own world. I was just doing what I do in training, completely focused. I didn't let anything affect me. So I could just enjoy." Raboutou said: “Being in France, being half French, and having my French family out here, and the support from the crowd, I did feel it. This was just the dream. We have an incredible friendship, where we both want each other to do our best. That's what happened today, and it feels really good to share that with somebody. To share that connection as both a friend and an idol is incredible. I look up to her so much, and I'm so grateful for the support she's given me as well.” Pilz said: "I'm overjoyed that it worked out like that. I have to say, behind the wall (she felt pressure), clearly. But once I was on the wall, I just realised that this was my thing. I just feel comfortable on the Lead wall. I feel comfortable there and always much more excited. You don't know exactly what's coming. But in the Lead, I knew that if I climbed as easily as I did in the semi and could simply deliver my performance, then I could go far. I'm just happy that it worked out that way."
FOOTBALL - Int News 09 Aug, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): The Saudi Super Cup, the traditional curtain raiser in Saudi Arabian football, is set to ignite the 2024-25 season with an opening weekend of high-intensity football and fierce competition as the first matches of the new season kick off in Abha this week.Hosted in the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium in the picturesque city of Abha for the first time, the top four teams from Saudi Arabian football’s historic 2023-24 season will compete for the first honours of the new season.As the top four finishers in the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) in the previous season, Al Nassr, Al Ahli, Al Taawoun and domestic treble winners Al Hilal will compete for the prestigious trophy to open the campaign.Following Al Hilal's record fourth Super Cup win in April, this year's tournament will continue with the expanded four-team format introduced in 2023. The semi-final phase will see Al Hilal begin their campaign against Al Ahli on 13 August, while Al Nassr take on Al Taawoun on 14 August in Abha. The winners will then proceed to the Saudi Super Cup final, set to kick off at 7.15pm local time on Saturday 17 August.As the domestic treble-winners last season, Al Hilal is aiming to maintain their flawless form from the 2023-24 campaign which saw the Riyadh side secure their record 19th league title under Portuguese manager, Jorge Jesus. Portugal’s Ruben Neves, Serbian duo Aleksandr Mitrovic and Sergej Milinković-Savić, and the returning Neymar are all set to feature in the season-opening competition in Abha.Returning for their second top-flight season, Al Ahli will provide a tough test for last year’s champions as the Jeddah team aims to secure their first Super Cup victory since 2016. With a strong pre-season featuring the return of international stars in Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino, the opening match in Saudi Arabian football will provide a lively start to the new season.Al Nassr, led by Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, have their sights set on redemption going into the new season, after a dramatic penalty shoot-out loss in the King’s Cup final to end a difficult campaign. With new signing Brazilian goalkeeper Bento set to feature, the Riyadh side will be aiming to add to their two previous successes in the Saudi Super Cup.
PCB unfolds Pakistan Test Team and Shaheens schedule of training
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Shaheens will continue its training at the Islamabad Club for the series against Bangladesh ‘A’, while the Pakistan men’s cricket team will commence its preparations for the ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh on Sunday, 11 August, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.August 10, 2024: Bangladesh ‘A’ will arrive in the wee hours of Saturday. The PCB will share arrival images and videos with the media through its usual communication channels. Pakistan Shaheens will train from 2pm and beforehand at around 1.45pm, Kamran Ghulam will be available for brief stand-up interviews. Media will be allowed to cover the activities from 1.30pm to 3pm.August 11, 2024: Pakistan Test team will train at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 10am. Afterwards, Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood will preview his side’s 2024-25 red-ball season by holding a media conference. Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ will train from 10am at the Islamabad Club. This will be a vision only opportunity for which media is invited from 11am to 12.30pm.August 12, 2024: Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ will train at the Islamabad Club from 10am. Afterwards, opposite captains Saud Shakeel and Anamul Haque will hold their pre-match media talks and will also take part in trophy unveiling ceremony at the ground. Media will be allowed to cover the activities from 11.30am. At the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan Test team will train from 10am. This will be a vision only opportunity and no media interviews are planned.August 13, 2024: The first four-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ will commence at the Islamabad Club with the toss taking place at 09.30am and the first ball to be bowled at 10am. At the end of the day’s play, star performers from either side will be available for brief stand-up interviews. At the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan Test team will train at 10am. This will be a vision only opportunity.August 14-15, 2024: It will be day two and three of the first four-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ with play starting at 10am. At the end of the day’s play, star performers from either side will be available for brief stand-up interviews. Pakistan Test team has opted not to train and has no media commitments planned.August 16, 2024: Fourth day’s play between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ will resume at 10am and afterwards, both captains are expected to be available for brief stand-up interviews to review the match. Meanwhile, Pakistan Test team will train from 10am at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. At this stage, it will only be a vision only opportunity and no media activities are planned. If there is a change, this will be communicated through PCB’s usual communication channels.
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