Aqeel Khan and Mohammad Shaoib reach in the Men’s Singles finalSports Bulletin ReportWah Cantt (Rawalpindi): Top seeding player Aqeel Khan and Mohammad Shaoib qualified for the Men’s Singles final of the Chairman POF Board, National Ranking Tennis Championship after beating their respective rivals in semifinal here at POF Tennis Complex on Friday. The final will be played on Saturday at the same venue. Hassan won the Under-14 Boys’ Singles title.Results (finals):Girls’ U18 Singles: Soha Ali beat Lalala Rukh Sajid 6-1, 6-1Ladies Singles: Sara Mehboob beat Sheeza Sajid 6-4, 6-3Boys’ U18 Singles: Hamza Roman beat Hamid Israr 6-3, 6-2Boys’ U14 Singles: Hassan Usmani beat Shayan Afridi 6-1, 6-2Seniors 45+ Doubles: Talha Waheed & Israr Gul beat Mohammad Amin & Rashid Ali with 6-2, 6-2Men’s Single (Semifinals):Aqeel Khan beat Mohammad Abid 7-5, 6-3Mohammad Shoaib beat Yousaf Khalil 6-2, 6-3

ISLAMABAD (PR): The Australian High Commission, in partnership with the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) and Serena Hotels, supported a cricket coaching clinic and tournament for visually impaired women and girls from across Pakistan from March 3 to 8, 2024 in celebration of International Women’s Day here at Shalimar cricket ground.Speaking at the award-giving ceremony at the conclusion of the tournament, Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Pakistan, Nicole Guihot said that Australia’s continuing support aimed to empower more women and girls with disabilities to realise their potential and broaden their horizons through sport.“We are supporting the development of blind women’s cricket in Pakistan because sport breaks down barriers to inclusion, diversity and equity, fosters understanding and builds resilient communities,” Guihot said.Coaches Abdul Razzaq, Ibrar Shah, Shahida Shaheen, and Tahir Mehmood Butt, who coached the national blind men's team, worked with the women to hone ball skills, enhance team cooperation, and strengthen leadership.The Chairman of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, Syed Sultan Shah, said, “Blind Cricket is a sport that has gained popularity in recent years for its unique approach to inclusivity. It provides an opportunity for people with visual impairments to compete at a high level, develop their skills and confidence, and become people of vision, both on and off the field. I hope that this initiative will inspire more people with disabilities to participate in sports and lead fulfilling lives.” He also mentioned some exciting news: the first-ever T-20 World Cup for Women Blind Cricket is happening in India in December 2025! This is a big deal because it gives these girls a chance to shine on the world stage, representing their countries. It shows that all the hard work to develop women's blind cricket is paying off, and it's a great opportunity for these girls to show what they can do.In 1922, two blind factory workers invented blind cricket in Melbourne, Australia when they used a tin can containing rocks as a ball. In 1928, the first sports ground and clubhouse for blind cricket was built in Kooyong, Melbourne. Today blind cricket is played at club level and nationally throughout Australia.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Punjab outclassed hosts Islamabad by 9 wickets in the final of the 3rd Women's Blind Cricket Championship that concluded at Shalimar cricket ground on Friday March 9 on the occasion of International Women's Day.In the morning, Punjab won the toss and elected to field first. Islamabad batters put up a strong fight, scoring a commendable 202 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Kiran Rafique led the charge with a stellar 74 runs, ably supported by Rabia Javed Hashmi's contribution of 35 runs. Esha Faisal from Punjab managed to pick up the only wicket for her team. In response, Punjab chased down the target in a nail-biting final over, showcasing exceptional batting skill. Nisha Bux laid a strong foundation with 76 runs, while Noor Sabir's brilliant knock of 82 not out runs secured the win for Punjab. Noor Sabir got player of the match award.The event was graced by the presence of Nicole Guihot, Chargé d'Affaires, Australian High Commission in Pakistan, Air Commodore Ashar Jameel (ACS Admin, Pakistan Air Force), Aziz Boolani (CEO, Serena Hotel Islamabad), and Syed Sultan Shah (President, World Blind Cricket Ltd & Chairman, Pakistan Blind Cricket Council). They distributed prizes among the players, celebrating their exceptional display of talent and sportsmanship.Best Players of the Women Championship:B1: Esha Faisal (Karachi)B2: Nimra Rafique (Rawalpindi)B3: Noor Sabir (Punjab)Best Wicketkeeper: Samreen (Hyderabad) 

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: An eight-team 4th All Pakistan Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Hockey Cup will be held from May 16 to 24, 2024 at the National Hockey Stadium, Lahore.According to an official of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Station Commander Lahore Pakistan Navy Commodore Sajid Hussain met with officials of the Pakistan Hockey Federation and Sports Board Punjab (SBP). Also, attended by Executive Secretary PHF Ali Abbas, Director Administration and Coordination and world-renowned penalty corner specialist Olympian Khalid Bashir, Assistant Director Mubasher Ali, Deputy Station Commander Jawad, Director Sports Pakistan Navy Mohammad Kamran, and Sports Officer Navy Mohammad Rizwan.Mari Petroleum, Pakistan WAPDA, Customs, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, Police, and Sindh will fight for title during the d days prestigious national hockey showpiece. Executive Secretary PHF Ali Abbas assured full technical support and assistance from the Pakistan Hockey Federation.Station Commander Lahore Pakistan Navy Commodore Sajid Hussain Satara Imtiaz (Military) issued instructions to the subordinate staff regarding the arrangements for the event. On this occasion, he said that the Pakistan Navy would organize this tournament for the promotion and development of the national sport of hockey in a grand manner.

Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): On the field and off the field. As players, coaches, umpires and administrators. On this International Women’s Day 2024, a year where the International Hockey Federation (FIH) celebrates its centennial, we focus on eight women who have been leading the way over the past few decades, and creating a blueprint for success that will benefit the generations to come, as they look to these role models and follow in their footsteps.In the field of hockey administration and the move towards attaining complete gender equity, Marijke Fleuren is a towering figure in international hockey. As a former member of the FIH Executive Board, member of the IOC Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commission and Honorary Life President of EuroHockey, Marijke has had a storied career in hockey administration. We spoke to Marijke as she discussed her Journey of Passion, Equality, and Family.In the field of umpiring and umpire management, Marelize de Klerk brings with her an unparalleled level of experience, with nearly three decades spent officiating hockey at the highest level. We spoke to Marelize as she shared her unique path towards first playing hockey and then umpiring, which began with a chance incident, all the way back in 1994!When it comes to achieving phenomenal success as a player and a coach in hockey, a scarce few can rival the storied career of Alyson Annan. A winner of 2 Olympic Gold medals and 2 FIH Hockey World Cup titles as a player, to go with a 2 Olympic medals (1 gold, 1 silver) and a World Cup title as a head coach, Alyson shared with us her journey in hockey and the advice she would give to those aiming to follow in her footsteps.As an administrator in Hockey, Els van Breda Vriesman’s achievements are unparalleled. Els was the first - and so far only - female president of the International Hockey Federation (2001-2008) and brought with her decades of experience as a sports administrator and a former member of the International Olympic Committee. Els shared with us her journey starting as a junior national hockey player for the Netherlands to becoming the President of FIH.Indian goalkeeper and captain Savita is already a modern day great and the reigning three-time FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Award winner. Her stardom is a shining beacon for girls and women in her native India, showing them the path towards achieving their sporting dreams. We spoke to Savita as she spoke of the important role a family plays in helping an athlete achieve their complete potential.Subarna Shreshtha was recently elected Secretary General of Nepal Hockey Association, and long-term administrator with the Asian Hockey Federation. As a fan of hockey since her childhood, Subarna grew up in Nepal with limited opportunity to play the sport. She spoke to us about the work she is doing to make sure those opportunities are available for the next generation to play the game at the highest level.Sarah Wilson had a promising career in hockey derailed by a back injury as she was representing Scotland internationally in the under-21 category. But with a strong will to remain associated with hockey, and able guidance Sarah turned to umpiring and has since gone on to have a fabulous career with the whistle, and will soon umpire at her third Olympic Games in Paris 2024! Sarah spoke with us to share her journey and the team she has found within the hockey umpiring community, that she can’t imagine living without.Luciana Aymar is largely considered one of the best players to ever pick up a hockey stick. With 4 medals at the Olympic Games and 4 World Cup medals, Luciana had a long and storied career, which also included winning a record 8 FIH Player of the Year awards. We spoke to Luciana as she shared the story behind her stardom and how she believes the sporting community can further embrace gender equality.FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “With global participation in hockey being 51% female and 49% male, hockey can pride itself of being a gender-equal sport on the field of play. However, we still have efforts to make. And even more so off the field of play.The FIH Statutes do stipulate that half of the Ordinary Members of the Executive Board MUST be women. That is good, but numbers are not what impacts most. For a sustainable outcome, we need, together with the National Associations, to develop capacity-building for women and empower women. And it’s my personal wish that leadership programmes shall be introduced at youth level as well.Furthermore, men MUST stand for women! This is critical. Gender equality cannot be an objective initiated or led by women only! Gender equality will only be reached if men do commit to and act in favour of it! I therefore appeal to all my male colleagues – within hockey but also sport and society at large - to become active advocates of inclusion and determined leaders in mindset changing.Throughout all our events and activities, and with the support of our Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee chaired by Marijke Fleuren, we will ensure that gender equality not only prevails but keeps on improving in everything we do.”

Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: Islamabad United beat Karachi Kings by five wickets on Thursday night at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. Shadab Khan-led United now sits in the second position on the points table with nine points edging Gladiators and Zalmi with better net run rate while Kings are stationed at fifth with six points.Chasing a modest total of 151, United’s opening batters put on a 28-run opening partnership before Mir Hamza drew the first blood for the Kings removing Colin Munro (9, 11b, 2x4s) followed by the prized scalp of Alex Hales (18, 13b, 2x4s, 1x6) as well.Islamabad accumulated 47 runs in the powerplay losing two wickets with Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan in the middle. The duo kept the scorecard ticking and at the halfway mark United required 73 off 60 balls.Blessing Muzarabani, bowling the 13th over, brought an end to the 58-run third-wicket partnership as he got Salman caught behind for 33 off 30 balls, including a boundary and a six. Zahid Mahmood took a simple return catch in the 15th over to jolt United again as Azam returned for a meager nine off eight balls.Islamabad needed a mere 36 off the last five overs when skipper Shadab (34, 26b, 4x4s) was undone by Hamza as Seifert pouched another catch. Faheem Ashraf announced himself with a towering six to the crease.Haider Ali and Faheem bailed out United with an unbeaten 36-run sixth-wicket partnership that sealed the deal for them. Haider looked in sublime touch, hitting the winning runs in the penultimate over, as he racked up a fluent unbeaten 26 off 16 balls with two fours and a six.Faheem, named player of the match for his heroics with the ball and fine efforts with bat and field, too returned with an unbeaten 12 on eight as United bagged a crucial win with five wickets in hand and eight balls to spare. Hamza picked up a three-wicket haul while Muzarabani and Zahid bagged one each.Earlier, Islamabad United won the coin toss and asked Karachi Kings to bat first. The Kings' opening pair of Shan Masood and Tim Seifert got off to a steady start with a 34-run opening partnership, which was broken by Faheem in the fifth over. Shan’s (10, 12b, 1x4) lean form in the HBL PSL 9 continued as he top-edged a length delivery against Faheem with Imad Wasim taking a fine catch.After Kings accumulated 38-1 in the powerplay, Faheem returned to remove Seifert, who had raced to 26 off 19 balls comprising five boundaries, in the seventh over courtesy of a spectacular catch by Munro at deep cover boundary.Veteran batter, Shoaib Malik struggled to get off the blocks and skied one off the bowling of Imad returning for a paltry six-ball one leaving Karachi Kings 45-3 after eight overs. Tymal Mills, returning to the United side in place of Naseem Shah, struck on the second ball of his spell to dismiss Mohammad Nawaz (5, 3b, 1x4).James Vince and Kieron Pollard got together in the ninth over and brought a semblance of stability to the Kings’ innings with a 58-run fifth-wicket partnership off just 33 balls.Pollard took apart Shadab, hitting him for three sixes across two overs, while Vince hit Mills for three consecutive boundaries in the 14th over. On the following ball, Mills took his revenge and brought an end to Vince’s 29-run outing aided by five boundaries.Faheem returned to complete his quota of four overs as he sent down two economical overs, the 15th and 17th of the innings, yielding only nine runs and rounding off his four-over spell for just 16 runs.Hunain Shah struck in the 17th over to remove Pollard for 39 off 28 balls on the back of three boundaries and as many sixes. Mohammad Irfan Khan (16, 13b, 1x4, 1x6) also followed Pollard in the next over as Mills outfoxed him.Karachi scrapped their way to 150-7 in the allotted overs. Mills picked up three wickets. Faheem chipped in with two wickets while Imad and Hunain bagged one each.

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The year 2024 sees the EAP host four ICC Pathway Events across Senior Men’s, U19 Women’s, and U19 Men’s. The bumper year will see all nine Associate Members of the EAP participate in at least one event, as each team strives to take the next step in qualification to the ICC World Cup, in the respective formats.Starting in Indonesia, Bali will play host to the second ever ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier. The inaugural event, also hosted in Bali in 2022, saw Indonesia successfully qualify for their first ever ICC World Cup, a special memory for all involved.Wesika Ratna Dewi, former captain of the Indonesian Women’s under-19 team said: "I feel proud whenever I represent my country and I know how it feels to win this qualifier and go to an ICC World Cup. It is difficult to achieve success at this level and it is important not to waste the opportunities we are given. The Indonesian coaching staff and team are well prepared for this event, and I am excited to see the next generation play. I wish all teams much success and look forward to seeing top level cricket at my home in Bali."All eyes then turn to Samoa who play host to back-to-back events with the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup EAP Division 2 Qualifier followed immediately by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier A. This festival of cricket in Samoa will allow the country to showcase its talent to the world, both on and off the field.Sala Stella Siale Vaea Tagitau, General Manager of Samoa Cricket said: “Hosting two international cricket tournaments in Samoa not only shows the nation's commitment to sporting excellence but also provides growth opportunities for both Samoa as a country and Samoa Cricket as a sports organisation. These tournaments serve as a motivating force and inspiration in fostering community unity through more people participating in cricket, increased fans and commercial partners, promoting tourism, and empowering our youth with invaluable cricket skills, cultural experiences and friendship. Through these events, Samoa emerges on the global stage, reinforcing its stature as a vibrant sporting destination while propelling Samoa Cricket to unprecedented heights of success and recognition.”Completing the events is the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier B, to be hosted in South Korea on the the 10th Anniversary of cricket’s inclusion in the 2014 Asian Games, held in Incheon, South Korea. The event represents the first time South Korea has hosted an ICC event and aims to make a big impact in bringing cricket into a large market relatively new to cricket.Kim Nam Ghi, Chairman of Korea Cricket Association said: "Hosting a prestigious event like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier B signifies a monumental milestone for Korea Cricket Association and cricket development in Korea. Beyond the excitement of international cricket returning to our shores, this tournament holds immense significance for us in terms of junior development and nurturing the dreams of aspiring athletes.“Being part of this event not only provides a platform for our players to showcase their talent on a global stage but also inspires them towards higher goals, including the dream of participating in future Olympic events. The exposure and experience gained through events of this calibre are invaluable in shaping the future of cricket in Korea and fostering a strong sense of sportsmanship and camaraderie within our cricketing community."Rob Gomm, ICC Regional Development Manager EAP said: “2024 is shaping up to be a huge year in cricket for the EAP Region. All Associate Members have a chance to take the next step in ICC World Cup qualification and bring pride to their fans back home. I want to wish all the hosts the very best with their preparations. The eyes of the cricketing world will be on us, and I am confident we will deliver four world-class events.”ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup EAP QualifierHost: Indonesia (Bali)Dates: 14 – 20 May 2024Participating teams: Fiji, Indonesia, PNG, SamoaICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup EAP Division 2 QualifierHost: Samoa (Apia)Dates: 6 – 10 August 2024Participating teams: Indonesia, PNG, Samoa, VanuatuICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier AHost: Samoa (Apia)Dates: 17 – 24 August 2024Participating teams: Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, VanuatuICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier BHost: South Korea (Incheon)Dates: 28 September – 5 October 2024Participating teams: Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, South Korea

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: FG Polo narrowly overcame Master Paints/Diamond Paints with a tight score-line of 9-8 in an electrifying semifinal clash of the 3rd President of Pakistan Polo Cup National Open Championship 2024 at Jinnah Polo Fields on Thursday.The match was part of a high-profile event sponsored by Askari Bank, Habib Metro Bank, and Faysal Bank. The game was witnessed by a spirited crowd, comprising numerous families and spectators who joined the officials of Jinnah Polo Fields in witnessing the intense competition unfold. Raul Laplacette emerged as the hero for FG Polo, orchestrating the victory with an impressive tally of six superb goals. He was well-supported by Mian Abbas Mukhtar, who contributed two crucial goals, and Raja Mikayial Sami, who added one to their total. On the opposing side, Master Paints/Diamond Paints showcased their prowess with Amirreza Behboudi leading their charge with five fabulous goals, and Sufi Mohammad Haroon adding three to their tally. The match kicked off with both teams going toe-to-toe, maintaining a neck-and-neck competition until the end of the second chukker. However, Master Paints/Diamond Paints shifted gears and adopted a more aggressive playstyle, allowing them to secure a commanding 8-4 lead. As the fifth round commenced, FG Polo found themselves trailing by four goals. Undeterred, they orchestrated a remarkable rally, scoring five consecutive goals in a stunning comeback, clinching the match with a 9-8 victory.

Sports Bulletin ReportTorino (Italy): Seven years later, the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) Youth World Championships will make its return to China, as Guiyang is set to be the second city in the country to host the event – the first one being Guangzhou in 2016.Kicking off on Thursday, 22 August, only a few days after the end of the Paris Olympics, the Youth Worlds are the largest IFSC event in the calendar by number of participating athletes, matching perfectly with the 4.3 million people that populates the Guiyang municipality. The schedule of the event, running until Saturday, 31 August, will feature competitions in all Climbing disciplines – Boulder, Lead, and Speed – and three age groups – Under 16, Under 18, and Under 20. At last year’s Youth World Championships in Seoul, South Korea, Belgium’s Hannes Van Duysen added two accolades to the World Cup silver he won in Hachioji, Japan, only a few months earlier – gold in men’s U20 Lead, bronze in men’s U20 Boulder. Similarly, Sara Copar of Slovenia won the women’s U20 Lead gold medal and placed second in the women’s U20 Boulder event. “My experience at last year's Youth World Championships experience was awesome. I think the organisers did a great job and so did the routesetters. The routes and boulders were amazing. I was able to fight hard but also enjoy while climbing,” said Copar, born in 2005 and still eligible to compete at the 2024 edition. “Competing in such big competitions is always something special. There is no place for mistakes, and you really must show up and do your best. That is why those competitions can be stressful. But if the atmosphere is good and if you have good people around you who support you, everything is possible.“Everything was happening so fast and there was not much time to process what was happening in between the rounds. In the end, I achieved something, which still feels insane with people who really mean a lot to me.” Indeed, with the two medals won in Seoul, the Slovenian climber from Lasko brought her total medal count at the Youth Worlds to five golds and three silvers, all won between 2019 and 2023 in Boulder, Lead, and Combined. She concluded: “The best part outside of the competition was seeing all my friends from other countries again and meeting some new ones. We had so much fun there. We were exploring the city and trying new things together. It was an amazing experience.” 

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