Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): A stellar offensive and defensive effort from Scotland in the final against Egypt saw them come away with a 4-2 win to claim the inaugural FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 title and the promotion to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2026. 7/8 Place: Oman 1 – 2 Chile: The 7/8 place classification game started with an early goal from Chile as a shot from Kay Gesswein took an unfortunate deflection off Al Shaaibi and went past the wrong footed keeper. The game was played in an end-to-end fashion with Chile holding more possession, but Oman created some good chances, including two penalty corners, and went close from both of them, but could not find the target. Chile almost doubled their lead on the stroke of halftime but Felipe Richard’s shot hit the post and went wide with Chile taking a 1-0 lead into the break. Oman continued to improve as the game went on and their work in the third quarter was rewarded as a string of penalty corners finally helped them open the scoring as captain, and centurion on the day, Khalid Al Shaaibi injected the ball on the set piece got to the near post and deflected the shot in, to mark his milestone with a goal. It was Chile however who got the winner as an attempted clearance by the Oman defence fell to Alvaro Garcia, who did well to bring the ball under his control and smash a shot past the keeper to earn Chile a win in their final match at the event.5/6 Place: China 1 – 3 Austria: The first half was a tale of Chinese dominance and two penalty corners. The first one was scored by China in the opening quarter through Gao Jiesheng. The goal was the only conversion by China from their 7 penalty corners in the opening half. Austria’s equaliser also came from a penalty corner in a dramatic fashion. They won the set piece with 2 seconds left on the clock and while their initial attempt was stopped on the line, China stopped playing while the ball was still inside the circle, and a sharp steal by Austria led to Moritz Frey steering the ball into an empty goal while the Chinese defence stood shell shocked. Austria used the momentum from their late equaliser in the first half to make a much better start to the second. Their early pressure paid off with Moritz Frey receiving a long aerial in the Chinese circle and getting a powerful reverse shot on target beyond the keeper to give the Red Capricorns the lead. As China threw more and more player into attack in search of the equaliser, Austria scored a third from a counter attack with Josef Winkler and Nikolas Wellan playing one-twos around the keeper, leaving Wellan with an empty goal to tap the ball into. Moritz Frey was awarded player of the match for his two goals that helped Austria get the win and get the 5th place in the competition. Bronze: USA 2 – 2 Poland (Shoot-out: USA 1-3 Poland): Two evenly matched sides in USA and Poland produced fantastic hockey in the opening quarter, but a grave error from Mendoza on the edge of the USA circle, as he tried to play a no-look pass to his teammate led to the opening goal for Poland. The attempted pass went straight to the waiting stick of Koperski, who took one step and buried a powerful shot from the top of the circle into the corner of the goal. That goal remained the only one to be scored in the opening half.USA started slow in the second half with the Polish side in the ascendancy. The second goal of the game also went Poland’s way after Koperski’s flick was stopped on the goal-line by the post defender’s foot and led to a penalty stroke, which was dispatched with ease by Gracjan Jarzyński who doubled the European side’s lead in the bronze medal match. USA were back level by the end of the third quarter with Aki Kaeppelar scoring from a penalty stroke and Mehtab Grewal putting the finishing touches to a great move from the left flank by Pat Harris and Charasika. With no goals coming in the final quarter despite USA’s dominance, the match headed into the shoot-outs to determine the outcome. Polish keeper Mateusz Popiołkowski was the star of the show in the shoot-outs as he stopped USA on three of their four attempts, while Poland strikers converted all three of their attempts as Poland came away winners, to become the bronze medalists at the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 Oman 2025.Final: Egypt 2 – 4 Scotland: Egypt made the brighter start and kept prodding the Scottish defence, but the European side stood firm and opened the scoring from an incredibly difficult opportunity as Struan Walker received the ball on the left side of the Egyptian circle, but the narrow angle and distance from the goal did not phase him as his reverse shot found the far corner of the goal to perfection, giving Scotland the lead. The second quarter was more even in nature but once again it was Scotland who got the goals from penalty corners. The first came through a Jamie Golden drag flick that went over the keeper's head before he could react, and the second through a Struan Walker hit from a 30th minute penalty corner that found the bottom left corner of the goal to perfection. With a 3-goal deficit to overcome in the second half, Egypt started pushing hard early in an attempt to claw back the deficit, but Scotland’s defence continued to stand firm and stopped Egypt from scoring on four penalty corners in the first five minutes. Their work was rewarded on the other end as a counter attack from a saved penalty corner turned into the fourth Scottish goal, coming from the stick of Austin Thomas this time. Egypt finally got on the board midway through the final quarter with Mohamed Ragab scoring from their 11th penalty corner of the game! Egypt added a second through an Ahmed Elganaini penalty stroke, but the deficit overall was too much to overcome as Scotland came away with 4-2 win and the inaugural FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 title. Final Standings: Scotland, Egypt, Poland, USA, Austria, China, Chile, Oman

Lahore (PR): Olympia/AZB and BN/Newage emerged victorious in the Sarsabz 4th President of Pakistan Polo Cup for National Open Polo Championship 2025 at the Jinnah Polo Fields. The biggest high-goal event of the season is underway at Jinnah Polo Fields, sponsored by Fatima Group. The event was attended by Mian Abbas Mukhtar, Director of Sarsabz Pakistan, Major (R) Ali Taimoor, Secretary of Jinnah Polo Fields, along with a large number of families and players. In the first match of the day, Olympia/AZB secured a dramatic 9-8 sudden-death victory over DS Team in the sixth chukker, marking their first win of the tournament. Luis Manuel Aguirre was the standout performer for Olympia/AZB, as he smashed in six superb goals, while Ahmed Zubair Butt contributed two, and Novillo Astrada added one. On the opposing side, Max Charlton led DS Team with five goals, followed by Lao Abelenda (two) and Ahmed Ali Tiwana (one). Olympia/AZB set the tone early, dominating the first chukker with two goals. However, DS Polo responded strongly in the second chukker, firing in three goals against Olympia/AZB’s two. Despite the challenge, Olympia/AZB maintained a narrow 4-3 lead. In the third chukker, Olympia/AZB extended their dominance, adding two more goals to stretch their advantage to 6-4. But DS Polo roared back in the fourth chukker, delivering a stunning hat-trick to edge ahead with a 7-6 lead. With the match hanging in the balance, Olympia/AZB staged a resilient comeback, netting two crucial goals against DS Polo’s one to level the score at 8-8, forcing a sudden-death chukker. In a dramatic finish, Luis Manuel Aguirre delivered the decisive field goal, securing a hard-fought 9-8 victory for Olympia/AZB. In the second match of the day, BN/Newage edged past HN with a 4-3 victory. Marcos Solari slammed in two tremendous goals for BN/Newage, while Mir Huzaifa Ahmed and Novillo (substituting for injured T2) scored one each. Haider Naseem (two goals) and Hamza Mawaz Khan (one goal) were the scorers for HN Polo. The tournament will continue on Monday with two crucial matches.   

Our CorrespondentLAHORE: England Men have confirmed their XI for their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy against Australia on Saturday in Lahore.Jamie Smith returns to the side, batting at No.3 and taking the gloves as wicketkeeper. Jofra Archer is selected alongside fellow seamers Brydon Carse and Mark Wood.England XI: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (WK), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (C), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will commence in Pakistan on Wednesday, 19 February, with winners of the 2017 edition, Pakistan, taking on New Zealand in the opening match of the tournament at the National Stadium in Karachi. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 2pm PKT.The eight-team tournament will be played across three venues in Pakistan – Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi – as well as in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 19 February to 9 March. Pakistan is all set to host an ICC event for the first time since the ICC Cricket World Cup 1996, which concluded with the final at the Gaddafi Stadium, where Sri Lanka defeated Australia by seven wickets.In the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy, the three venues in Pakistan – Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, National Stadium Karachi and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – have undergone major upgradation, offering players and spectators world-class facilities.Pakistan enter the tournament as the defending champions, having beaten India in the final of the 2017 edition, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed. Fakhar Zaman was the player of the final for his imperious 114 off 106 deliveries, while Hasan Ali was named the player of the tournament for his tally of 13 wickets in five games.The eight participating teams have been divided into two groups with hosts Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and New Zealand pooled in Group A while Group B comprises Afghanistan, current ODI World Cup champions Australia, England and South Africa.Following their opening encounter against New Zealand, Pakistan will play their next two group matches on 23 February against India in Dubai and on 27 February against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.In the group stage, three matches apiece will be played in Dubai, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.The first semi-final will be played on 4 March in Dubai. The newly-upgraded Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the second semi-final on 5 March. If India do not qualify, the final will take place at the Gaddafi Stadium on 9 March, however, if they qualify, it will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.Apart from winning this tournament in 2017, Pakistan has also reached the semi-finals of this competition on three occasions: 2000, 2004 and 2009.Pakistan captain, Mohammad Rizwan said: “A global event has come to Pakistan after 29 years, so I believe the entire nation is celebrating this historic occasion. There are no doubts about our performance, we have worked hard and learned from our mistakes. We hope that we play well tomorrow Insha’Allah. Our sole focus is on winning the tournament for the country and our people and we hope that we achieve the desired results.”Pakistan’s 15-player squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wicket-keeper), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Sarsabz 4th President of Pakistan Polo Cup (National Open Polo Championship 2025), organized by Jinnah Polo Fields, kicked off with two thrilling matches on the opening day, where FG Polo and DS Polo emerged victorious.A large crowd of spectators and families gathered to witness the high-octane action of the Sarsabz 4th President of Pakistan National Open Polo Championship. Distinguished guests in attendance included Director Sarsabz Pakistan Mian Ali Mukhtar, Mian Abbas Mukhtar, Secretary Maj (R) Ali Taimoor, and other dignitaries.In the first match of the opening day, FG Polo edged past BN/Newage with a close 8-7 victory. The star of the match was Argentinian player Raul Laplacette, who smashed in seven stunning goals for FG Polo, while Mian Abbas Mukhtar added one to seal the victory. On the opposing side, HN Polo’s Marcos Solari single-handedly netted all six goals for his team.In the second match, DS Polo dominated HN Polo with an 8-4 win. Lao Abelenda led DS Polo’s charge with four goals, while Max Charlton scored two, and Raja Temur Nadeem and Daniyal Sheikh added one goal each. For HN Polo, Pelayo Berazadi scored three goals, while Hamza Mawaz Khan contributed one.The championship action will continue on Thursday (February 19, 2025), with two more exciting matches scheduled. 

Islamabad (PR)Shifa International Hospitals Islamabad beat Green United Cricket Rawalpindi by 8 wickets in the Cricket match here at DPS Cricket Ground Rawalpindi.Shifa International Captain won the toss and invited to bat first Green United, Green United bowled out for 163 in the 23rd overs. Saad (46), Mustafa Rehan (27) and Imtanan (27) were the key contributors. Shifa International Syed Mudassar Bukhari bowled well and claimed 5 players out for 12 runs in 4.2 overs, Captain Ibrar Iklaq (2 for 32), Muhammad Ikram (2 for 34) and Malik Muneeb Akram (1 for 16) were the other main wicket-takers. In reply, Shifa International achieved the target in the 21st over for the loss of two wickets. Allrounder Muhammad Ikram 72 not out runs 54 balls with 13 fours and One six, while Haris 21, Imran Shah 20 and Captain Ibrar Ikhlaq 18 not out were their leading run-getters. Muhammad Ikram declared “Man of the Match” for his impressive Performance.

Abdullah AsjadISLAMABAD (PR): Pakistan’s taekwondo athletes have delivered an outstanding performance in the Poomsae event of the Combaxx 7th Asian Taekwondo Open, concluding the category with a total of 16 gold medals, 8 on the opening day and 8 more on the second day. The national contingent also secured 7 silver and 14 bronze medals on day two, further solidifying Pakistan’s dominance in the competition.Gold Medalists on Day Two (8 Golds):Free Style Mixed Team Over 17 – Naqvi, Sial, Abbas, Iqbal, MaryamFree Style Pair Over 17 – Nailah, HamzaFree Style Individual Over 17 (Male) – Hamza AmeerFree Style Individual Over 17 (Female) – Naqvi ZymalTeam Under 30 Male – Qadeer, Waheed, DeedarTeam Over 30 Male – Ahmed, Hussain, MumtazTeam Over 30 Female – Nisa, Sabir, BashirTeam Under 30 Female – Sheraz, Batool, MaryamFocus Now on Kyorugi (Sparring) Events: With the Poomsae events concluded, all eyes are now on the Kyorugi (sparring) competitions, where Pakistan will compete for more podium finishes. The national taekwondo team, buoyed by its strong start, is determined to build on this momentum and further strengthen its position on the international stage.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Punjab toiled hard on the court to get-rid-off Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) 3-2 in the Allied Bank National U-20 Men’s Volleyball Championship 2025 here at WAPDA Sports Complex on Saturday. The final score-line was 25-23, 19-25, 18-25, 25-19, and 18-16.Results (Day 2):Army beat Islamabad (3-0): 25-15, 25-17, 25-18WAPDA beat GB (3-0): 25-16, 25-09, 25-17KPK beat Sindh (3-0): 25-11, 25-07, 25-12Balochistan beat GB (3-0): 25-20, 25-23, 25-15Punjab beat AJK (3-2): 25-23, 19-25, 18-25, 25-19, 18-16.Sunday’s Fixtures:Match 1: Balochistan vs Punjab at 11:00 AMMatch 2: AJK vs GB at 12:30 PMMatch 3: Army vs Sindh at 02:00 PMMatch 4: AJK vs Balochistan at 03:30 PMMatch 5: Sindh vs Islamabad at 05:00 PMMatch 6: Punjab vs WAPDA at 06:30 PMMatch 7: Army vs KP at 08:00 PM

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Hosts Pakistan athletes clinched 8 gold medals on the opening day of the Asian Taekwondo Open Championship 2025 that started here at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex on Friday.Results (Day-1 Poomsae Category):Gold Winners: Hussain Adil (Individual Under 30 Male), Hussain Mudassar (Individual Under 40 Male), Khan Mohammad (Individual Under 50 Male), Nisa Mehr Un (Individual Under 30 Female), Sabir Sana (Individual Under 50 Female), Hussain/Naila (Pair Under 30), Mumtaz/Bashir (Pair Over 30), Hashemi Sayed Zarif (AFG) (Individual Under 60 Male)Silver & Bronze Medalists: Latif Kainat, Shafaqat Aqsa, Ahmed Shahbaz, Anas Muhammad, Ali Irshad, Usmani Rafia, and others contributed to Pakistan’s impressive medal tally in the Poomsae division.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Pakistan WAPDA, Khyber Pukhtunkawa (KPK) and Punjab registered wins on the opening day of the Allied Bank National U-20 Men’s Volleyball Championship 2025, which rolled into action here at WAPDA Sports Complex on Friday.In the first match of the day Punjab outclassed Gilgit Baltistan (GB) in straight games 3-0 while WAPDA outplayed Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) in similar style 3-0. In the third match KPK beat Islamabad 3-0.Results:Punjab beat GB (3-0) 25-13, 25-19, 25-18WAPDA beat AJK (3-0) 25-17, 25-18, 25-18KPK beat Islamabad (3-0) 25-21, 25-18, 25-19Saturday’s Fixtures:Match 1: Army vs Islamabad 11:00 AMMatch 2: WAPDA vs GB 12:30 PMMatch 3: KP vs Sindh 02:00 PMMatch 4: GB vs Balochistan 03:30 PMMatch 5: Punjab vs AJK 05:00 PMMatch 6: WAPDA vs (Opponent to be decided) 06:30 PM