Sports Bulletin Lausanne, Switzerland: It’s a welcome return to international hockey competition for seven men’s teams and eight women’s teams at the Men’s and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 17-23 January, taking place in Accra, Ghana in the Theodosia Okoh Stadium. It is also a vitally important tournament for development and continued growth of hockey across the African continent, says former South African international and triple Olympian, Marsha Cox. Talking about the forthcoming competition, where the winner will book their place at the next blue riband event – the men's and women's World Cups – Cox said that it was imperative for hockey in the region to get even more competitive so that nations pushed each other to perform better and better. 'The fact that there are teams challenging South Africa’s dominance is very important. For any team to climb up the points system, we need all our teams across the continent to perform and climb the rankings.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 17, 2022):-Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar started a life changing career opportunity for 20 super talented Pakistani football players, as a program has been launched under the banner of Global Soccer Ventures (GSV) in collaboration with Kamyab Jawan Sports Drive. While addressing in a press conference at a local hotel on Monday along with other officials, fastest bowler of the world said that the road to UK and Ireland has now become unstoppable. “Including me and other top cricketer played football at the earlier stage of the life. I played football at the age of 16. Pakistan has tremendous talent of sports and I wish Pakistan should a multiple sports country instead of only cricket. We should focus on national game hockey, football and other sports and Pakistani can ink history in the top sports of the world, “he added. “The trials are being heavily invested into by GSV in Pakistan offering the very first UEFA scouting assessment on a national level in Pakistan to talent ID in 10 cities across 11 venues to subsequently offer life changing careers through professional football contracts in Ireland. The tour also includes 4 master-classes in Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, and Lahore to develop local football coaching expertise to European standards under St. Patrick’s Football Club development program. At least 15-25 coaches have been selected on merit to attend master-classes to help up-skill their football coaching methods and transfer skills so they become certified train-the-trainers in Pakistan leaving a sustainable roll-out plan under Kamyab Jawan Sports Drive, “said an official. Yasir Mahmood, Chairman of GSV said on this occasion, “Football is here to stay for the right reasons to develop and provide an opportunity for Pakistani players. With Akhtar as an iconic cricket legend well regarded around the world will help play a transitional role in making football become on top of the minds of our nation”. Allison Blackburne, British Deputy High Commissioner said: “Football is not just a sport, for many in the UK it’s a way of life, and it would be great to see it become more popular in sport-loving Pakistan. I’m delighted that talented young players here in Pakistan will have this opportunity provided by GSV to learn from some of the best UEFA coaches through St Patrick’s Athletic Football Club” Karel Freaye, Belgian UEFA licensed coach said, “Football is for everyone and I am looking for talent with potential to develop and grow into professional players in Europe.  I am really excited to see what football technical excellence Pakistan has to offer with football as I see trial registrations rising by the hour”. Usman Dar, SAPM on Youth Affairs and Chairman Kamyab Jawan Program said, “The revival of sports is the top priority of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Government. I welcome GSV in their efforts for reviving football in Pakistan. PM’s Kamyab Jawan Program together with GSV will ensure that through football talent hunt we will produce the next football Kamyab Jawan heroes who will represent Pakistan nationally and internationally”. Garret Kelleher, President of St. Patrick’s Football Club said: ‘It is simply wonderful that the resources are now being put in place in Pakistan to allow football inspiring those with a passion for the game to fulfil their dreams and aspirations just like Shoaib Akhtar has in the world of cricket representing Pakistan at the highest level”.

Sports Report Lahore (Sports Report):-As many as four matches were played in the third edition of Corporate Challenge Cup at Ittefaq Cricket Ground and Race Course Cricket Ground. Teams from Digital Planning Services, Olive Group, UCS and Jaffer Brothers won their round matches. In the first match played at Ittefaq Cricket Ground, Digital Planning Services (DPS) defeated Auditor General of Pakistan by 7 wickets. The team of Auditor General of Pakistan was bowled out for 163 while playing first. Irshad Hussain remained prominent by scoring 49 runs. Mudassar Rathore led three players to the pavilion. The DPS team achieved the target at a loss of three wickets. Ali Arham batted brilliantly and scored a century while Sharafuddin and Qasim Malik fielded one player each. Ali Arham was awarded Man of the Match for his excellent innings. In the second match, Jaffer Brothers beat Locative & UB Sports by 7 wickets. UB Sports team scored 127 runs for the loss of 7 wickets while playing first, Mohammad Yousuf remained the top scorer by scoring 36 runs, Syed Abrar dismissed two players. Jaffer Brothers team achieved the target at a loss of three wickets. Mohammad Salman played an unbeaten innings of 64 runs, Tehseen Mirza, Rehmat UB and Wasim Ahmed took one wicket each. Mohammad Salman was awarded the best player of the match for his excellent batting. Olive Group and UCS also won their round matches.

Sports Bulletin Lausanne, Switzerland (January 17, 2022):-The FIH Rules of Hockey are updated in the January following the Olympic Games or FIH Hockey World Cups. FIH Sport Director and double-Olympian Jon Wyatt introduces the main Rules changes, which have just come into force. Jon, what is the process for changing the Rules and how was it applied this time? The Rules are issued by the FIH Rules Committee (made up of Rules experts from the 5 Continental Federations) under the authority of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). They are updated normally every 2 years in the January following the Olympic Games or FIH Hockey World Cups. This allows an 18-month run in to the next global tournament for all players, coaches, fans and officials to become familiar with any changes and adapt accordingly. Due to the postponement of the Tokyo Olympic Games, the update scheduled for January 2021 was also postponed by a year, hence publishing the new Rules now. The FIH Rules Committee undergoes an extensive consultation and discussion process with athletes, coaches, National Associations, officials and spectators together with match and competition reports, video analysis, Rules trials and Tournament Regulations which vary the Rules, as part of the Rules review, that ultimately leads to any Rules changes. Due to the short turnaround in this cycle to the 2022 FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup in July this year, the amendments to the Rules in this version are relatively minor so as to minimise the adaptations required by players, coaches and officials. What are the changes in the new Rules and why have they been made? Removal of Penalty Corner protective equipment - Rule 4.2 has been changed to allow for defending players using Penalty Corner protective equipment to continue to play the ball outside the circle after an interception during the taking of a penalty corner. Players can now continue to run with the ball while keeping their protective equipment on but they must remove that same equipment immediately after, at the first opportunity to do so and always inside the 23 m area. No player using PC protective equipment can play the ball outside the 23 m area at any time. This has been introduced to protect athlete safety so that the focus can be on the ball and the play, and not on removing protective equipment during a pressurised defensive situation. It was trialled in the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup in Bhubaneswar in December 2021, and received unanimous support from coaches, athletes and officials. Aerial balls - Rule 9.10 was changed to allow for the playing of what is commonly referred to as Aerial Balls. The previous text did not cover for the possibility for players to safely intercept a falling ball, which is now seen as both legitimate and positive to the development of the game. This followed extensive discussions before, during and after the Tokyo Olympic Games, during which a more consistent interpretation and understanding of this element of our game was agreed. Aerial Balls will continue to be closely monitored by all stakeholders so that player safety can be maintained. The other Rules changes are essentially cosmetic and clarifications of existing Rules. When do these Rules come into effect? The Rules of Hockey apply to all levels of the game and are effective from 1 January 2022 at International level. National Associations have discretion to decide the date of their implementation at National level, based on their domestic seasons. Typically, rule changes are not introduced into domestic leagues mid-season, although we hope that with the simplification of the removal of protective penalty corner equipment rule, this may be adopted immediately in many domestic leagues even if they are currently half way through as it makes this aspect of the game safer, easier to understand for players and easier to officiate for umpires. What areas are being considered for future potential Rule changes? We continue to seek ways of making our sport even more enjoyable for all of our participants whilst retaining hockey’s unique and attractive characteristics and keeping the game as safe as possible, as athletes and equipment continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. Of particular interest are penalty corners and how this set play that is unique to hockey and provides so many highlights and so much excitement, can be maintained in as safe a way as possible. Over recent years changes in stick technology and the changing body shape and strength of athletes has led to faster shots at goal and therefore a corresponding increase in the equipment being worn by defenders to protect against the possibility of injury. This has led to new challenges for coaches (offensive and defensive penalty corner tactics), athletes (wearing and discarding protective equipment including face masks, gloves, knee, thigh and foot guards) and officials (balancing player safety with the spectacle of the drag flick). Over the next 2-3 years, we will carry out an extensive research, consultation and ideas process to find the best solutions to this evolving balance of the spectacular with athlete safety, and look forward to new and innovative ideas that can be trialled and tested at all levels of hockey.

Sports Bulletin ISLAMABAD (January 17, 2022):-Bangladesh’s defence of their ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup title got off to a poor start as they slipped to a seven-wicket defeat against England in their Group A opener. England’s bowling attack decimated the Bangladesh batting line-up as the reigning champions were reduced to 51 for nine in the 25th over at Warner Park in St Kitts and Nevis. Ripon Mondol of Bangladesh plays a shot ahead of Alex Horton of England during the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and England at Warner Park Sporting Complex on January 16, 2022 in Basseterre. Ripon Mondol of Bangladesh plays a shot ahead of Alex Horton of England during the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and England at Warner Park Sporting Complex on January 16, 2022 in Basseterre. No.11 Ripon Mondol hit 33 not out in a spirited last-wicket stand of 46 with Naimur Rohman (11) to drag Bangladesh up to 97, but they were still dismissed with the best part of 15 overs going to waste. In reply, the Young Lions lost opener George Thomas and captain Tom Prest but Jacob Bethell and James Rew put on 65 before the former was run out just shy of the finish line as England cruised to victory. Bangladesh captain Rakibul Hasan was part of the side that lifted the trophy in South Africa in 2020 and elected to bat after winning the toss. Seamer Joshua Boyden had openers Mahfijul Islam (3) and Ariful Islam (4) caught behind by wicket-keeper Alex Horton and Bangladesh were reeling at seven for three in the eighth over when James Sales got in on the act as No.3 Prantik Nawrose Nabil departed without scoring to give Horton his third victim. William Luxton ran out Md Fahim to make it eight for four before first-change bowler Thomas Aspinwall got his reward for running in and hitting the deck hard when he had Ashiqur Zaman caught by Luxton for nine. Left-arm spinner Fateh Singh picked up his first scalp of the tournament when Aich Mollah was caught by Sales for 13 to leave Bangladesh 31 for six in the 17th over. They then belatedly brought up their half-century before losing three wickets for just one run. Horton took his tally to six catches behind the stumps as Aspinwall took his second wicket and left-armer Boyden picked up two more as he recorded impressive figures of four for 16 from nine overs. Ripon’s counter-attacking 33 included five fours and a six as the tailender added a modicum of respectability to the Bangladesh total. Boyden dropped a catch at fine leg to deny Sales another wicket, but England did not panic and eventually a superb diving grab from Rew off the skipper Prest’s off-spin saw the back of Naimur after the last two had hung around for 11 overs. England got off to a slightly nervy start with the bat as Bethell survived a run-out scare when SM Meherob could not gather the ball at the stumps with only five on the board. He survived a close lbw appeal off Ashiqur shortly after before opening partner Thomas began to up the ante after a cautious start. But having hit three fours, Thomas perished for 15 when he miscued another attacking shot off Ripon to leave England 20 for one in the ninth over. Joshua Boyden of England poses for a picture with his player of the match award following  the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and England at Warner Park Sporting Complex on January 16, 2022 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. Joshua Boyden of England poses for a picture with his player of the match award following the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and England at Warner Park Sporting Complex on January 16, 2022 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. That breakthrough gave Bangladesh a small glimmer of hope but when the English captain Prest nicked one behind off his counterpart Rakibul for just four soon after, the game was very much on. However, Rew joined Bethell and together they batted superbly, counteracting the Bangladesh spin attack to alleviate any potential English nerves. Bethell eventually paid for some hesitant running - which had been a feature of his innings - but by the time he was run out by Ariful for a well-made 44 from 63 balls the game was all but over. Luxton strode out to the crease and promptly hit his first ball down the ground for six before Rew, 26 not out off 39 balls, hit the winning runs off the first ball of the 26th over. England picked up a comfortable two points to go top of Group A ahead of their match against Canada on Tuesday while Bangladesh will look to bounce back on Thursday against the same opponents, who lost to the UAE in their opener on Saturday.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 16, 2022):-The local golfer, Waheed Balouch has won the title of the 11th Rashid D Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament 2022 that concluded at Karachi Golf Club on Sunday. Blouch’s score was 278 under par 10 after completing the 72 holes game, as he received Rs. 713, 115 along with glittering trophy. Defending champion Mohammad Shabbir from capital city Islamabad secured second place and bagged Rs. 453,150 while Mohammad Munir of Rawalpindi was the second runner up and got prize money of Rs. 267,120. Additionally, appearance money of Rs.500,000 was equally distributed among Mohammad Munir, Minhaj Maqsood Warraich, Ahmed Baig, Matloob Ahmed and Mohammad Shabbir. Out of 27 golfers in Senior Professionals category, Mohammad Akram of Lahore Gymkhana was ahead on final day and was paid Rs. 152,483. Asghar Ali and Tahir Nasim of Gymkhana were joint runner ups. They were paid award Rs. 84,710 each. In addition, appearance of money Rs. 150,000 was equally distributed between Mohammad Akram, Irfan Mehmood and Naseer Khan. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi graced the closing ceremony as chief guest and distributed the prizes among the top men. He also appreciated the role of Bank Al Habib in promotion of Golf. Admiral Niazi applauded role of Karachi Golf Club management in maintaining such a beautiful and professional Golf Club in Karachi. Admiral further said, “This year Pakistan Navy will host Asian Tour Golf Championship in Karachi.” Bank Al Habib’s Chairman Abbas D Habib congratulated winners and encouraged participants on the tournament. He said Bank Al Habib’s support to golfers of Pakistan will continue.            

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai (January 16, 2022):-The ICC Commonwealth Games Qualifier 2022 commences at the Kinrara Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday as Bangladesh, Kenya, Malaysia, Scotland and Sri Lanka vie for the lone remaining slot at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham. The round-robin T20 tournament to decide who joins the seven teams already qualified for Birmingham, Australia, Barbados, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa – commences with a match between Bangladesh and Malaysia and will see Bangladesh and Sri Lanka face off on the last day. Women’s cricket will be part of the Commonwealth Games for the first time ever in what is seen as a huge opportunity to take the game to new fans. It will only be the second time that cricket will feature in it after a men’s competition was part of the Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998. Bangladesh captain Niger Sultana has the chance of leading her team into the Birmingham Games to cap a fine year that has already seen them qualify for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand in March-April. Nigar Sultana: “We are very confident. It was not easy for us to return to competitive cricket after the disruptions of training and matches because of Covid-19. However, we are well prepared now, having played in different conditions during the past few months. “I think our middle-order batting has been excellent in recent times. As this is a T20 tournament, I am expecting the opening batters to get us off to quick starts. We have experienced campaigners to compliment the youthful exuberance in our team. It’s going to be a combined effort from all of us if we do well here. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu feels it is vital for their team to win the tournament after having missed qualifying for the 50-over World Cup. Chamari Athapaththu: “Apart from the World Cup, the Commonwealth Games (cricket competition) is the other major tournament to be held in 2022. Obviously, it won't wipe out the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup but will give us some amount of solace. “We have a very good chance of winning this tournament and qualifying for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. We have experienced players as well as talented youngsters in our side, with the likes of Harsitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari the ones to look out for.” Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce understands that it won’t be easy for her team but is still aiming to win the Qualifier. Kathryn Bryce: “Every time we go into a tournament the main objective is to try and win. There’s only one qualification spot available, so we know it’s going to be a challenging task coming up against the likes of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh who’ve been near the top of the world stage for a long time now. They have a lot of experience but we’re looking forward to testing ourselves against them. “It’s been a challenging build-up with COVID-19 still affecting things, but we’ve managed to get together as a squad to train together regularly. We’ve been indoors over the winter period, but I think there have been some good camps during the preparation and I’ve seen some good progression, so I believe we’ll be ready for the tournament. “There are lots of players in the team who are starting to stand up and as a team we’re not really relying on a small number of people anymore which is really exciting to see. Obviously, Abtaha Maqsood has a really big summer playing in The Hundred and I think her quality will hopefully come through and has the potential to win us some matches.” Kenya captain Margaret Ngoche wants to make the most of the opportunity of playing against teams like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Margaret Ngoch: “We want to utilize and maximize all the opportunities that will come our way in terms of experience and talent showcasing. We want to interact with other teams with the aim of building a great cricketing network and learn more from them. We want to ensure that we are among the top teams, and we are coming with a winning mentality.” “We know that this is a tournament like we have never experienced before. We will be playing with teams that have played in the World Cup. One of our major weapons is our mental capacity and experience that we have gathered through the years. The training and practice matches are just a way to polish the already effective tools that we possess. We have really invested in our mental capacity, because our 100% is better than the rest.” Malaysia captain Winifred Anne Duraisingam is hoping to gain the edge from familiar home conditions. Winifred Anne Duraisingam: “It feels good to play hosts after not being able to play the last two years. Malaysia is blessed with good weather and of course our hospitality and food will, I hope, be a great experience for the teams coming in. “In terms of advantage, we are certainly comfortable as we know the ground conditions and we hope this will give us an edge as we do our best. Without a doubt the strength of our team is in fielding and bowling. We are currently hard at work with our batting and we can see the improvements. “Kinrara Oval has hosted many international tournaments including ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2008, the Women’s Asia Cup and many other ICC and ACC (Asian Cricket Council) events. The pitch is very lively and is good for both batting and bowling.” Match schedule (local time): 18 Jan: Malaysia vs Bangladesh (09h30); Sri Lanka vs Scotland (13h15) 19 Jan: Kenya vs Bangladesh (09h30); Scotland vs Malaysia (13h15) 20 Jan: Kenya vs Sri Lanka (09h30) 22 Jan: Scotland vs Kenya (09h30); Sri Lanka vs Malaysia (13h15) 23 Jan: Bangladesh vs Scotland (09h30); Malaysia vs Kenya (13h15) 24 Jan: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (09h30)

Islamabad (Sports Bulletin):-India battled to a hard-fought heavyweight triumph over South Africa as the ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup entered full swing on Saturday. The four-time champions edged a gripping Guyana clash against the 2014 winners as Yash Dhull and Vicky Ostwal starred to get their Caribbean campaign off to the perfect start. And that was just one game on a jam-packed day of action, as Joshua Cox’s majestic unbeaten century fired Ireland to an opening game victory over Uganda and United Arab Emirates toppled Canada in Group A. Zimbabwe powered past Papua New Guinea in Group C’s solitary Saturday fixture as the ICC U19 Men’s CWC – the undisputed international showpiece for the game’s newly-emerging talent – started to really hot up in West Indies. Dhull and Ostwal the heroes as India edge Group B battle with South Africa Vicky Ostwal of India poses after being named Player of the Match following the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup match between India and South Africa at Providence Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Georgetown, Guyana. Vicky Ostwal of India poses after being named Player of the Match following the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup match between India and South Africa at Providence Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Georgetown, Guyana. Saturday’s standout fixture did not disappoint as Dhull and Ostwal outlined their ICC U19 Men’s CWC precocity with eye-catching displays at Providence. After South African left-arm seamer Aphiwe Mnyanda had caused mayhem with the new ball to reduce India to 11 for two, captain Dhull strode to the crease and showcased all the fighting spirit that has seen India crowned champions on four occasions since the turn of the century. Dynamic Dhull struck a measured 82 to steer his side towards a competitive total as Kaushal Tambe (35), Shaik Rasheed (31) and Nishant Sindhu (27) also made important contributions. Mnyanda’s early menace was supplemented by fellow opening bowler Matthew Boast’s three for 40 as South Africa, ICC U19 Men’s CWC champions in 2014, dismissed India for 232 to leave the clash on a knife-edge at the interval. Rajvardhan Hangargekar set the tone in the second innings by dismissing Ethan-John Cunningham in the very first over but Dewald Brevis (65) and Valentine Kitime’s (25) half-century partnership kept the game in the balance. South African captain George Van Heerden made 36 in the middle order but fabulous figures of five for 28 from skilful left-arm spinner Ostwal ensured India continued to suffocate their opponents. Wickets tumbled at regular intervals as South Africa left themselves with too much to do and India, the only nation to win the ICC U19 Men’s CWC four times, got their latest campaign off to a flyer in the Caribbean. Cox catapults Ireland to comfortable win over Uganda Uganda delivered a valiant display of their ICC U19 Men’s CWC credentials but Cox’s first innings hundred proved the dollop of quality required to fire Ireland to victory in Georgetown. After arriving at the crease with the score at 40 for two, wicketkeeper Cox compiled a superb 111 not out off 113 balls to haul his team up to a total of 236 for nine. Two wickets apiece for Juma Miyaji, Pascal Murungi, Joseph Baguma and Matthew Musinguzi sought to reel the Irish in but ably assisted by Philippus le Roux (32), Cox put his team in a commanding position at the interval. Ugandan captain Pascal Murungi offered the underdogs a consistent glimmer of hope in the run chase but his knock of 63, bolstered by bowler Juma Miyaji’s blockbuster 38 at No.9, proved insufficient in causing a Group B upset. Left-arm spinner Matthew Humphries – who opened the bowling for Ireland – starred with the ball for Tim Tector’s team as his four wickets for just 25 runs helped halt the Ugandan momentum and cap a 39-run triumph. Patel innings proves in vain as UAE edge over the line Canada battled admirably in Basseterre but were unable to haul themselves to victory as UAE’s first innings score of 284 for seven proved enough. Ali Naseer’s destructive 73 off just 50 balls did the damage for Alishan Sharafu’s side after Punya Mehra’s well-judged 71 had put the wheels in motion for a strong first innings total. Ali Naseer of United Arab Emirates poses after being named Player of the Match following the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup match between Canada and the United Arab Emirates at Conaree Sports Club on January 15, 2022 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. Ali Naseer of United Arab Emirates poses after being named Player of the Match following the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup match between Canada and the United Arab Emirates at Conaree Sports Club on January 15, 2022 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. The Canadians had UAE reeling at 47-3 but Mehra, Nilansh Keswani (39) and Sharafu (37) helped them recover to 174 for five. And then came all-rounder Naseer’s late innings pyrotechnics, as his brutal knock – at a strike rate of 146 – catapulted his team to a sizeable total. Mihir Patel’s Canada rallied, however, with the captain leading from the front as his fine innings of 96 off 105 balls kept them continually in contention. Wicketkeeper Anoop Chima (46) and lower-order batter Kairav Sharma (43) also offered resistance but two wickets each for Keswani, Sharafu, Adhitya Shetty and Jash Giyanani helped bowl Canada out for 235 to complete hard-fought 49-run victory. Bawa brilliance lays foundations for dominant Zimbabwe triumph Zimbabwe had too much firepower for Papua New Guinea as captain fantastic Emmanuel Bawa’s first innings century propelled them to victory in Port of Spain. The Zimbabweans racked up a formidable total of 321 for nine from their 50 overs before a polished all-round bowling performance completed a comprehensive 228-run victory. Papua New Guinea bowler Junior Morea dismissed opener Steven Saul early on but after Bawa entered the fray at 15 for one, he never looked back as his majestic hundred – off just 95 balls – helped haul his team to a match-winning score. Bawa and David Bennett (58) compiled a century stand for the third wicket while opening batter and wicketkeeper Panashe Taruvinga (36), along with Victor Chirwa and Connor Mitchell – who both scored 35 – also made contributions. And Barnabas Maha’s team never got going in response, with no batter mustering more than 15 runs as the wickets were shared equally among the Zimbabwean attack. Ngenyasha Zvinoera, Brian Bennett and Victor Chirwa all took two scalps apiece as Bawa’s side bowled the underdogs out with 15 overs remaining to crank up for Monday’s clash with Pakistan in perfect fashion.

Sports Bulletin LAHORE (January 15, 2022):-Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Pakistan WAPDA set to meet in the final of the National Kabaddi Championship (Circle Style) after winning their respect semifinals at Punjab Stadium Lahore on Saturday, as the final will be played on Sunday at the same venue. In the first semi-final, Pakistan Air Force defeated Punjab Police 51-37 points to reah in final while Pakistan WAPDA defeated Army 45-37 in the second semifinal. The championship is being held at Punjab Stadium Lahore in collaboration with Pakistan Kabaddi Federation and Higher Education Commission.

Ali Ahmed LAHORE (January 15, 2022):-Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has invited 45 players from different departments for the national training camp, which will commence from January 17 to February 14 at Johar Town Hockey Stadium Lahore. The aim of the camp is to train the boys for Asia Cup, which will be played in May this year. The overseas Pakistan hockey team coach has obtained the visa and would join the camp on January 17, 2022. Names of players: Goalkeepers: Mazhar Abbas (National Bank), Amjad Ali (Sui Southern Gas), Waqar (Wapda), Abdullah Ishtiaq (Mari Petroleum), Akmal Hussain (Wapda), Muneeb-ur-Rehman (Sui Southern Gas), Defenders: Mubashir Ali (WAPDA), Emad Shakeel Butt (National Bank), Abu Bakar Mahmood (National Bank), Mohammad Abdullah (Mari Petroleum), Hamad Anjum (WAPDA), Aqeel Ahmed (WAPDA), Tazeem Al Hassan (WAPDA), Arbaaz Ahmed (Mari Petroleum), Rizwan Ali (PAF), Midfielders / Forwards: Mohammad Umar Bhatta (WAPDA), Moin Shakeel (WAPDA), Mohammad Azfar Yaqoob (Sui Southern Gas), Ali Shan (Sui Southern Gas), Rana Waheed (WAPDA), Junaid Manzoor (National Bank), Ahmed Nadeem (Mari Petroleum), Afraz (Mari Petroleum), Ghazanfar Ali (Mari Petroleum), Ejaz Ahmed (WAPDA), Salman Razzaq (WAPDA), Abdul Hanan Shahid (WAPDA), Abdul Rehman (WAPDA), Adeel Latif (Sui Southern Gas), Roman Khan (Wapda), Abuzar (National Bank), Naveed Alam (Sui Southern Gas), Hamza Waheed (PAF), Ghazanfar Ali (Wapda), Abdul Manan (Sui Southern Gas), Mohibullah (WAPDA), Obaidullah (Sindh, WAPDA), Aleem Usman (WAPDA), Shahzeb Khan (Sindh), Hassan Amin (Multan), Shahzeb (Azad Kashmir), Abdul Rehman (PAF), Noheez Zahid Malik (National Bank), Samin (Sargodha, WAPDA) and Zakaria Hayat (PAF). Officials: National Hockey Training Camp Management Manager Olympian Khawaja Junaid, Head Coach National Hockey Team Sigfried Ekman, Assistant Coaches Ajmal Khan Lodhi (Sialkot), Olympian Syed Sameer Hussain (Karachi), Goalkeepers Coach Olympian Ahmed Alam (PIA), Physiotherapist Mohammad Aslam (WAPDA), Physical Trainer Mohammad Abid Amin (Lahore). The players have been instructed to report any case to Manager Khawaja Junaid by noon on January 17.