Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) announced that the Saudi Arabia Women’s National Futsal Team secured back-to-back victories against the Serbia national team. The team recorded a 3-2 win in the first match, with goals from Albandary Mubarak, Seba Tawfiq, and Albandary AlHwsawi. This was followed by a 5-2 victory in the second match, with Albandary Mubarak scoring all five of Saudia Arabia’s goals.Aalia AlRasheed, Head of the Women's Football Department at SAFF, said: “These wins show just how much effort and passion our team puts into every game. Winning against a strong team like Serbia really boosts our national team’s confidence and highlights the progress we’re making in women's futsal. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the hard work of our players and coaching staff pay off in such a significant way. We’ve been focusing on building a strong, cohesive team, and these victories are indications that we’re on the right path. Our goal is to keep pushing forward, learn from every match, and continue to grow. We’re determined to keep this momentum going and reach even greater heights. The support from SAFF and the dedication of our players are key to our success, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved so far."The friendly matches were part of the national team’s ongoing training camp in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, which commenced on 23 May 2024 and will run until 15 June 2024. This camp is a critical component of the team’s preparation for upcoming competitions and matches, focusing on fitness, physical conditioning, and tactical development.Head Coach Mato Stanković, who has been instrumental in the team’s development, continues to guide the 20-player squad in this training camp. The national team players who are currently in Sarajevo are: Layla Ali, Leen Mohammed, AlBandry Mubarak, Noura Ibrahim, Atha Fahad, Abeer Nasser, Raghad Mukhayzin, Rahaf AlMansouri, AlHanouf Saud, Mohrah AlMalhi, Nadeen Saleh, AlBandry AlHawsawi, Raghad Saleh, Lana Abdulrazaq, Bayan Sadgah, Seba Tawfiq, Yara Alfaris, Raghad Munai, Manar AlOnaizi, and Noura AlAthel. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): The Executive Board of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has awarded the organization of the next FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup to India. The tournament will be played in December 2025. It will be the first time the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup will include as many as 24 teams.FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Giving more opportunities to play to a larger and more diverse number of National Associations is one of the key pillars of our Empowerment and Engagement strategy. We saw at the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Oman this year how more diversity brings a huge added value to our events. Therefore, I’m very happy that we’ve increased the number of participating teams for the FIH Hockey Junior World Cups and I look forward to seeing these 24 young teams, representing the future of our sport, next year! At this stage, I would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Hockey India for their commitment to organise yet another fantastic event! »Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India said: "We're delighted that the International Hockey Federation (FIH) chose India to host the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the FIH and FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram for entrusting us with this tournament. This prestigious tournament highlights India's growing importance in international hockey and shows our dedication to developing the sport for future generations. We're excited to share India's rich hockey history and provide a stage for young talent to showcase their skills."Shri Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India said: "Hosting the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 is a significant step for us, and we appreciate the FIH's trust in us. This event offers a fantastic chance to bring hockey to even greater heights, inspiring a whole new generation of players and fans in India and globally. We're committed to making this tournament a memorable experience that celebrates everything hockey is about."It is important to mention that the last edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup took place in 2023 in Malaysia and was won by Germany.

Sports Bulletin ReportABBOTTABAD: Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) registered victories on the 5th day of PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024, after thrashing their respective rivals at APS School Cricket Ground Abbottabad on Tuesday.Sindh beat Balochistan by 64 runs: Balochistan won the toss and put Sindh into bat. Sindh set a formidable target, scoring 221 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The standout performance came from Sanwal Shahzada (B3), who played a spectacular unbeaten innings of 83 runs off just 46 balls, hitting 6 fours and 3 sixes. Mohammad Ijaz (B3) also contributed significantly with a quickfire 25 runs off 19 balls. Balochistan’s bowling attack faced a tough challenge, with Kamran Akhtar (B3) being the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 40 runs in his 4 overs. Despite their efforts, Sindh batsmen maintained a steady run rate, bolstered by 39 extras from Balochistan's bowlers.In response, Balochistan Blind managed to score only 157 runs for 9 wickets in their 20 overs. Haroon Khan (B2) was the top scorer for Balochistan, contributing 36 runs off 24 balls. Mohsin Khan and Mohammad Ayyaz make 25* and 22 runs respectively. However, the disciplined bowling from Sindh, particularly from Mohammad Salman (B1), who took 4 wickets for 31 runs, and Idrees Saleem’s 2 wickets, restricted Balochistan from reaching the target. Mohammad Salman won Man of the Match prize.KPK beat Punjab by 51 runs: In a high-voltage first innings, KPK Blind set a formidable target of 281 runs for the loss of just 2 wickets in their allotted 20 overs against Punjab. KPK batting was spearheaded by Badar Munir (B2), who remained not out with a phenomenal 154 runs off just 63 balls, including 24 fours and 4 sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 244.44. He was well-supported by Mohammad Rashid (B3), who scored 78 not out off 40 balls, hitting 14 fours. Punjab Blind's bowlers faced a tough challenge against the formidable batting line-up of KPK. Babar Ali (B2) was only bowler, managed to take 1 wicket.In reply, Punjab put up a strong fight but fell short by 51 runs. Mati Ullah (B3) was the standout performer, smashing 62 runs off 27 balls, including 11 fours and 1 six. Akmal Hayat Nasir (B3) made 51 runs off 42 balls with 7 fours and 1 six.Punjab Blind's batting lineup faced early setbacks, losing two quick wickets. Zafar Iqbal (B1) was dismissed for 2 runs, and Moeen Aslam (B2) was bowled out on the very first ball by Badar Munir (B2). Mati Ullah's explosive innings brought some hope, but consistent wickets prevented Punjab Blind from maintaining the required run rate. Israr Ul Hassan (B2) contributed 15 runs off 6 balls, and Abdul Wahab (B1) added 10 runs off 8 balls. SanaUllah (B3) remained not out with 45 runs off 32 balls, while Anees Javed (B2) was unbeaten with 6 runs off 8 balls.KP bowlers showcased a disciplined performance. Badar Munir (B2) and Mohammad Asif (B1) both took 2 wickets each, conceding 32 runs in their 4 overs each. Talha Iqbal (B3) and Fakhar Abbas (B1) took 1 wicket a piece. Badar Munir was declared the best player of the match.

Let’s be honest: 120 was an easily chaseable target. No team has ever defended a lower total at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.Pakistan’s bowling was disciplined and they managed to restrict what is the best batting line-up in the world to just 119.Post-match, Rohit Sharma admitted that India didn’t bat well enough and the early wickets of the skipper and Virat Kohli brought the game to life.They are the backbone of the team and removing them cheaply gave Pakistan plenty of momentum.There has been a lot of talk about the drop-in pitch in New York and the surface was a little slow compared to the batting-friendly pitches we have become accustomed to in T20 cricket.But the pitch should never be used as an excuse and neither captain did so - they know that top-level professionals should know how to adjust to any conditions.Pakistan’s bowlers did very well and at the halfway stage, I believed India’s batters were 35 to 40 runs short of where they wanted to be.In my experience, international cricket and especially the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is all about handling pressure.On the big days, you have to have nerves of steel until you make it through.India stayed positive and calm until the last ball and the pressure of the run chase was not handled well by Babar Azam’s side.The key difference between the two teams was India’s consistency, self-belief, discipline and attitude on the field.The Pakistan batting line-up simply isn’t clicking and what we saw was a weak display of power hitting.For several reasons, this game wasn’t about playing aggressively. But strategy and smart cricket were required to get the run chase over the line, and those qualities are exactly what Pakistan lacked.India have now won seven of their eight matches against Pakistan at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and Pakistan fans are highly disappointed.First, Pakistan lost to hosts USA in a close game and now they have lost to India when they had only a small total to chase.The next match is against Canada at Nassau County International Stadium tomorrow and it goes without saying that this is a must-win game.I think now is the time for Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam to make some changes.I would like to see Salman Ali Agha come into the side in place of Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed to come in for Shadab Khan.Most of all, I believe Fakhar Zaman should be promoted to open the innings alongside Mohammad Rizwan, with Babar dropping down to number three.There are some tough conversations and choices to come but we need to remember that there is still hope: Pakistan are not out of the tournament yet. 

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: President, Pakistan Blind Sports Federation (PBSF), Mohammad Waqas formally announced that the Pakistan female goalball team would visit Kenya for a bilateral series, as the squad would depart to Kenya on June 13 from Quaid-e-Azam International Airport, Karachi.Mohammad Waqas said: “This historic event marks a significant achievement for the team and a proud moment for Pakistan. The team, which has shown exceptional dedication and talent, is preparing intensively for the series. We are incredibly proud of our blind female goalball team for achieving this milestone. The series will not only highlight their talent but also promote inclusivity and the spirit of sportsmanship."

Green Shirts overcome Iran in the final 3-1, Mohammad Yahya declared Most Valuable PlayerAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: A sparking performance by the trio-Mohammad Yahya, Talal Ahmed, and Khizar Hayat- guided Pakistan to post a remarkable victory against Iran 3-1 in the final of the CAVA Under-18 Volleyball Championship, as the final score-line was 20-25, 25-18, 25-23, and 27-25.Accordin to a press release of Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF), Mohammad Yahya, Talal Ahmed, and Khizar Hayat produced notable performances and played a vital role in securing win for Pakistan. Players exhibited outstanding skills and determination throughout the match, significantly contributing to the team's success.The leadership and preparation efforts were made by Team Manager Khalid Waqar, Treasurer of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation. The coaching staff, including Head Coach Saeed Ahmed Khan, Assistant Coach Mohammad Akram, and Analyst Mohammad Suleman, have been instrumental in guiding the team to this prestigious victory.With this victory, the Pakistan U18 Men’s Volleyball Team has qualified for the 15th Asian Men’s U-20 Volleyball Championship, which will take place in Bahrain from 28th July to 4th August 2024.Best Awards of Championship:Best Setter: Talal AhmedBest Opposite Hitter: Mohammad YahyaBest Middle Blocker: JabranMost Valuable Player (MVP): Mohammad Yahya

Sports Bulletin ReportPort of Spain (Trinidad): The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons have confirmed the players they have signed ahead of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League draft. They have 12 confirmed players for the 2024 season and will have five spots to fill at the draft in July. The Falcons will feature Pakistani internationals Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim and Fakhar Zaman, all of whom are currently featuring in the T20 World Cup which is taking place in the Caribbean and USA. Their overseas contingent will be rounded out by Australia’s Chris Green and Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai. Brandon King and Fabian Allen will be part of the Falcons squad for 2024 as well as hugely exciting Antiguan batter Jewel Andrew who starred at the Under 19 World Cup earlier this year. Names of Falcons players: Imad Wasim, Brandon King, Fabian Allen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Amir, Chris Green, Fakhar Zaman, Hayden Walsh, Samar Springer, Kelvin Pitman, Jewel Andrew, Joshua James.

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): New Zealand and Spain will have the opportunity to play in the FIH Hockey Pro League in the 2024-25 season after beating France and Ireland, respectively, to win the FIH Hockey Nations Cup. The final of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup Poland 2023/24 saw the Black Sticks win in a shootout. Spain won the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup Spain 2023/24 in regulation time, having already defeated Ireland in the pool phase. (Men’s) Malaysia beat Austria (5-4): Malaysia concluded their FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup journey in Poland with a win, beating Austria 4-5 to finish seventh. The Speedy Tigers didn’t spare any time for the Austrians to settle down as Faizal Saari squared it for Abu Kamal Azrai to slot in after only two minutes. Saari got one for himself in the second quarter from a penalty corner in the 18th minute. The first effort saw a superb save from Austrian captain Fabian Unterkircher on the line but the retake was fired into the roof of the net.Austria pegged one back three minutes later as they found some rhythm. A penalty corner was upgraded to a penalty stroke and Fülöp Losonci made no mistake from the spot. However, they could not build on it as Malaysia got a penalty stroke that was fired in by Fitri Saari. A devastating start to the second half saw Faizal Saari grabbing a hat-trick with a thunderous strike in the 32nd minute, followed by a delicate one in the 33rd. Maximilian Scholz scored for Austria in the 34th minute from a penalty corner to blow the game wide open. The Malaysians were stunned and a lack of discipline saw Arthur Kucera finish a lovely team move with 11 minutes to go. Scholz got another one via a penalty corner in the 51st but that was it. (Men’s) Canada beat Korea (2-1): Canada’s top defensive performance helped them beat Korea 2-1 and finish fifth. The Red Caribou can arguably be considered the most improved team of the tournament in Gniezno. After leaking goals in the pool phase, the revival at the back has been admirable. With fifth place at stake, the Canadians had a strong start. In five minutes, Sean Davis served the first goal on a plate for Jude Nicholson. Two minutes later, defender Thomas Harris benefitted from a clearance to score Canada’s second. They had three more chances in the first quarter via penalty corners but couldn’t make it count. The Koreans began to play their usual game in the second quarter, but the defenders were not making it easy for them. The Canadian resistance was finally broken by Cheoleon Park in the 52nd minute. More chances came Korea’s way and Sean Davis chipped in at the back, with an on-the-line save from a penalty corner in the dying moments. In the end, it wasn’t meant to be as Korea finished sixth. (Men’s) South Africa beat Pakistan (4-3): South Africa won the bronze medal at the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup in Poland after an entertaining 3-4 win over Pakistan. Conceding soft goals has been a problem for Pakistan throughout the tournament. The match to decide the third-best team in Gniezno also had one such incident. After a goalless first quarter that saw both teams creating chances, South Africa broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. It was a scruffy goal to let in after a failed clearance was slotted in by Samkelo Mvimbi.The lead did not last long as Abu Mahmood sent a penalty corner straight down the middle with two minutes remaining in the first half. The third quarter saw South Africa score a spectacular goal in the 34th minute. Matthew Guise-Brown’s penalty corner bounced off Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan’s gloves and Mustaphaa Cassiem jumped and smashed the ball in like a shuttlecock.  Abdul Rehman levelled the scores again within a minute. The final 15 minutes saw South Africa attacking with purpose. They were rewarded when captain Keenan Horner beautifully placed the ball to give them the lead in the 51st minute. That didn’t slow them down and Mustaphaa Cassiem added one more with two minutes to go. The sensational Hannan Shahid, who had a goal ruled out earlier, struck with a minute remaining but it was too little too late to make any difference. (Men’s) New Zealand 1-1 France (SO: 4-3): New Zealand beat France 4-3 in a shootout after the final finished 1-1 in normal time to win the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup Poland 2023/24. A tight match was predicted as two sides heading to the Olympics in Paris were pitted against each other in the final. Winning the Nations Cup was not only about increasing confidence and morale but also about earning that prestigious ticket to the FIH Hockey Pro League next season.New Zealand and France respected each other and shared three quarters without a goal. That doesn’t mean there were no chances but both teams preferred the cautious approach. The Black Sticks had two penalty corners early in the game but it didn’t end in the back of the net. However, they went ahead after 53 minutes from Hugo Inglis’ brilliance on the right before finding Jonty Elmes, who volleyed it in. France hit back with three minutes remaining through the inevitable Victor Charlet, who fired in a penalty corner to send the game into a shootout.   (Women’s) Italy beat Korea (2-1): Italy scored at the death to break Korean hearts and bag a seventh-place finish at the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup in Terrassa. Federica Carta and Co were asking plenty of questions in the first quarter, but it was the Koreans that found the back of the net. In the 12th minute, Sujin An and Eunji Kim combined for an excellent opener. The Italian attackers were kept at bay thanks to some brilliant saves from the Korean goalkeeper, also named Eunji Kim.The Italians deservedly got their equaliser, 39 seconds into the second quarter. Antonella Bruni scored from the rebound after an initial shot from Ivanna Pessina. In the second half, Italian goalkeeper Lucia Ines Caruso stood out. The Koreans had three penalty corners on top of other chances but Caruso made crucial saves to keep it 1-1. (Women’s) Japan beat Canada (1-0): Japan held on to win 0-1 and finish fifth in a game they dominated. It was one-way traffic from start to finish as Japan went for it with all guns blazing. The conversion rate, however, is a cause for concern as they head to the French capital for the Olympic Games.In total, the Cherry Blossoms had 13 penalty corners in the game and scored from one of them. It came in the 19th minute. Yu Asai’s shot couldn’t find a way in and as Rowan Harris tried to clear the ball, Kanon Mori lobbed it past her. Rowan Harris was easily the best player on the pitch for the Canadians, bringing out her A-game and preventing a hammering.(Women’s) Chile bear New Zealand (2-1): Chile won the bronze medal at the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup in Spain with a 2-1 win over New Zealand, improving on their seventh-place finish at the previous edition. It was a wonderful way to say goodbye to captain and long-time international Camila Caram, who had announced her retirement. All three goals from the game were of supreme quality. The first goal came in the 41st minute when Josefa Salas received a pass from a long way out. With the keeper charging towards the striker, Salas controlled the ball brilliantly, before turning to her left and scoring into the bottom corner. Las Diablas had the momentum and scored one more from a well-executed penalty corner routine in the 53rd minute. Fernanda Flores started and finished the move, from an almost impossible angle. New Zealand did have their moment when Rose Tynan displayed sublime control in dribbling past a few players before lobbing it in. Sadly for the Black Sticks, it didn’t amount to anything. (Women’s) Spain beat Ireland (2-0): Spain defeated Ireland 2-0 to lift the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup Spain 2023/24 in what was a straightforward final. Having already dominated against Ireland in the tournament opener, the Spaniards must have been high on confidence going into the final. Despite the loss, Ireland can be proud of how well they have recovered from losing 5-1 on the first day. The final saw both goals come in the second quarter. Laia Vidosa and Patricia Alvarez combined well to open the scoring in the 25th minute. The first half finished with a penalty corner from Lola Riera, which ensured she finished as the top scorer of the tournament. Ireland created chances from open play and also won two penalty corners in the third and fourth quarter but none of them made it past Clara Perez, who kept the clean sheet. Patricia Alvarez, who won player of the match, kept it short and sweet. She expressed her excitement to be playing in the Olympic Games and the opportunity to join the FIH Hockey Pro League next season. She said: “I am very happy and proud of this team.”Awards (Men’s Event):1. Poligras Magic Skill Award: Seyong Oh (KOR) 2. Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Arthur Thieffry (FRA) 3. Best Junior Player of the Tournament: Hannan Shahid (PAK) 4. Top Scorers: Victor Charlet (FRA) and Faizal Saari (MAS)5. Best Player: Nic Woods (NZL) (Men’s) Standings: 1. New Zealand, 2. France, 3. South Africa, 4. Pakistan, 5. Canada, 6. Korea, 7. Malaysia, 8. Austria, 9. Poland.Awards (Women’s Event in Terrassa): 1.Poligras Magic Skill Award: Kim Eunji (KOR)2. Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Brooke Roberts (NZL)3. Best Junior Player of the Tournament: Blanca Perez (ESP)4. Top Scorer: Lola Riera (ESP)5. Best Player: Lola Riera (ESP)(Women’s) Standings: 1. Spain, 2. Ireland, 3. Chile, 4. New Zealand, 5. Japan, 6. Canada, 7. Italy, 8. Korea.

India outpay Pakistan by 6 runs in a low-scoring thriller contest in New YorkSports Bulletin ReportNew York (USA); Pacer Jasprit Bumrah (3 for 14) halted Green Shirts from achieving a meager target of 120 runs in 20 overs, as India successfully downed the opposition by 6 runs at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 cricket match on Sunday.Naseem Shah took three for 21, Haris Rauf claimed three for 21 and Mohammad Amir snapped up two for 23 to bowl India out for 119, their second-lowest score in a T20 World Cup. Jasprit Bumrah led India’s fightback with figures of three for 14, while Hardik Pandya claimed two for 24 as Pakistan finished on 113 for seven on a substandard T20 pitch.Pakistan needed 18 runs in the last over and managed 11 runs, including two fours off the final three balls of the innings by Naseem Shah. Pakistan were in control of the proceedings when they were 57 for one at the halfway stage and then 83 for four after 15 overs, needing 37 off the last five overs.Babar Azam (13) and Mohammad Rizwan (31) stitched a 26-run first wicket partnership off 28 balls before Rizwan and Usman Khan (13) put on 31 runs off 33 balls. However, the lower-order batters struggled to put bat to ball and dominated India bowlers, although Imad Wasim scored 15 and Fakhar Zaman chipped in with 13.India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was the top-scorer of the match with a lucky 42 off 31 balls, including six fours. In Mohammad Amir’s second over, the sixth of the innings, Pant could have been caught twice; instead, he got 11 runs before eventually falling to Amir in the 15th over.Virat Kohli, who had given Pakistan a heartbreak in Melbourne two years ago with an 82 not out, lasted just three balls this time. Rohit Sharma joined Kohli in the dug-out seven balls later as India slipped to 19 for two in 2.4 overs.Axar Patel (20) added 39 runs off 30 balls for the third wicket with Pant, while Pant put on 31 runs off 22 balls with Suryakumar Yadav for the fourth wicket to take India to 89 for four. At that stage, Pakistan fought back to claim the remaining six wickets for 30 runs in just over eight overs as India collapsed to 119 all out in 19 overs.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Volleyball Team claimed the silver medal in the AVC Volleyball Challenger Cup 2024, as they succumbed against heavyweights Qatar in the final in straight games. The final score-line was 25-22, 25-20, and 25-19.According to available information from abroad, Green Shirts faced high-ranked Qatar in a thrilling final of the AVC Challenger Cup 2024. Pakistan's commendable performance throughout the tournament secured them the second position and a Silver Medal, marking a significant achievement for the team and the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF).Musawer Khan (Best Middle Blocker), Nasir Ali (Best Libero), and Murad Khan (Best Opposite Hitter) were awarded of the tournament. The PVF extends its heartfelt gratitude to the local Pakistani community in Bahrain for their unwavering support and enthusiasm throughout the tournament. The presence of Saqib, Ambassador of Pakistan to Bahrain, at the final match was a significant morale booster for the team, reflecting the strong support from the diplomatic mission.