Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Senator Salim Saifullah Khan handed over the PTF charge to Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, who was elected President-PTF in the recently held elections on the 10th of February 2024, in a ceremony at SDA-PTF Tennis Complex here on Wednesday.According to an official of PTF, the outgoing President, Senator Salim Saifullah Khan handed over the PTF reigns to Aisam ul Haq Qureshi and presented him a tennis racket on this occasion. Senator Salim Saifullah Khan felicitated Aisam and said he was confident Aisam would work hard to promote and develop tennis throughout Pakistan.On this occasion, Aisam ul Haq Qureshi thanked Senator Salim Saifullah Khan and assured him that he would work tirelessly for the betterment of tennis and especially focus on player development as well as the development of tennis infrastructure in the country.

Salman KhanMULTAN: Multan Sultans defeated Islamabad United by five wickets in the HBL PSL 9 here at Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday night, as this was second back-to-back victory for Multan Sultans. Multan Sultans’ decision to field first paid dividends as Islamabad United lost two early wickets. Carrying on his form from the previous game, left-arm pacer David Willey once again provided the first breakthrough for Multan Sultans as he took out opening batter Alex Hales for just two runs in the third over. Drama ensued in the following over as Colin Munro was caught on the first ball but the bowler overstepped, awarding the Islamabad opening batter a second chance. Only three deliveries later, Ali redeemed himself as he rattled Munro’s (8, 13b, 1x4) stumps. The fourth batter in, Jordan Cox, took charge from the get-go as he announced himself on the crease with a maximum against Willey on just the fourth ball he faced. In the next over, he produced a boundary against Olly Stone to help Islamabad United end the powerplay at 32 for two. Salman Ali Agha and Cox led the recovery for Islamabad. The two took on right-arm pacer Abbas Afridi, amassing 26 runs off his first two overs, as runs started to flow for the team after the powerplay. Khushdil Shah’s misjudgment in the deep cost two catches – in the seventh and ninth overs – as the third-wicket partnership grew to mount pressure on the home team. Leg-spinner Usama Mir struck in the 12th over to cut short the third-wicket stand after he trapped Cox leg-before. The English batter, who had reviewed the on-field umpire’s decision, walked back for a 41 on 28 on the back of two boundaries and as many maximums after the DRS showed three reds. Azam Khan could only manage to produce 13 from 10, including a four and a six, before he was caught by Willey at long-on, awarding Usama his second wicket of the night. Imad Wasim bagged a three-ball duck to bring Islamabad United down to 105-5 in 14.4 overs. Skipper Shadab Khan joined Salman on the crease. The pair added 35 runs for the sixth-wicket stand before Shadab (11, 9b, 1x4) fell to Abbas. A ball later, Abbas got his third wicket of the night after Salman (52, 43b, 3x4s, 2x6s) was caught by Khushdil. Ali dismissed Faheem Ashraf and Ubaid Shah cheaply and Naseem Shah was run out in the final over as Islamabad United finished at 144 in 20 overs. Ali, bagging three wickets at the expense of just 19 runs, was awarded player of the match for his crucial bowling effort. Abbas too picked up three wickets, while Usama had two to his name. Willey returned with one scalp as well.Defending 145, Islamabad United got off to a strong start as Naseem shattered opening batter Dawid Malan’s middle stumps, who had to return for a two-ball duck. Reeza Hendricks joined Mohammad Rizwan in the center and the two successfully saw through Naseem’s incredible new ball spell. They stitched a solid partnership yielding 71 runs to bring stability to the innings, until Rizwan (43, 33b, 6x4s, 2x6s) fell to his counterpart who had brought himself into the attack in the 11th over. Yasir Khan made eight off 11 before he fell victim to Imad, courtesy of a magnificent relay catch by Cox and Hales at deep midwicket. Hendricks took on Shadab in the 17th over, smashing a six and two fours on three consecutive deliveries to complete his half-century whilst bringing his team closer to the target.Shortly after, Tymal Mills struck to remove Hendricks (58, 46b, 6x4s, 1x6) and Naseem got Khushdil for just three runs in the penultimate over. Iftikhar Ahmed (18 not out, 17b, 1x6) and Willey (7 not out, 6b, 1x4), facing Mills in the final over, completed the remaining four runs to finish the game for Multan Sultans, with one ball to spare. Naseem was the best bowler for Islamabad United, picking up two wickets for 27 runs in four overs. Shadab, Imad and Mills had a wicket each. 

Mohammad Huzaifa Ibrahim outclasses American lad Christian Capella in straight games 3-0Sports Bulletin Report Houston (USA): Pakistan Squash Player, Mohammad Huzaifa Ibrahim has won the title of Houston Open Under -19 Squash Championship 2024 by defeating American player Christian Capella in straight games 3-0 in the final here at Houston Squash Arena Texas, United States of America (USA). The final score-line was 11-4, 11-8, and 12-10.It is pertinent to mention here that in the semifinal, Mohammad Huzaifa Ibrahim ousted Rustin Wiser of America 3-2 after a tough competition with game scores of 3-1, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9, and 12-10. With this victory, Mohammad Huzaifa succeeded in winning the 35th international title overall. 

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The 10th JA Zaman Memorial Open Golf Championship 2024 will tee off on Friday (March 23) at Lahore Gymkhana Golf Club, Hamid Zaman, Head of the Zaman Family, during a press conference flanked by Shaukat Javed, Convenor Golf of Lahore Gymkhana, Ahyan Mumtaz, Bilal Zaman, Asim Zafar, Ayesha Hamid and Bela Azam announced on Tuesday.While unfolding the details of the championship, Hamid Zaman said that JA Zaman Memorial Championship, a PGA and PGF-sanctioned tournament, evolved to become one of the biggest golf tournaments nationwide with a total prize money of Rs. 7.5 million. “The tournament is being professionally organized by Ahyan Mumtaz, who himself is a golfer. It attracts the top golfing talent from across the country and is one of the most anticipated matchups of the golfing calendar in Pakistan, “he added.Shaukat Javed said that the top 100 ranked golf professionals of Pakistan would compete in the main draw from February 29 to March 3, making it one of the most competitive fields in golf across the country. “The championship also includes nationally recognized golf amateur players who compete for glory and honors in victory. Total prize money of Rs 7.5 million and a chance to win a HAVAL on a Hole-in-One makes the Championship one of the top purses in Pakistan golf. Eight categories of players including juniors, ladies, professionals, senior professionals, junior professionals, amateurs, veteran golfers, and ladies will compete in the tournament. Competing golf players add up to 500 plus, “he further disclosed.“The championship is held in the memory of JA Zaman, an iconic symbol who was a man of infinite decorum and grace. He left behind an indelible impact on his entrepreneurial abilities and his passion for golf in particular. JA Zaman’s family, which is the principal sponsor of this championship, is pleased to make possible, with the gracious cooperation of the Lahore Gymkhana Golf Committee, such a prestigious event where, no doubt, only the best of the sport will be showcased”. “Notable champions participating in the Championship are Professionals Ahmed Baig, Mohammed Matloob, Mohammed Shahzad, Hamza Amin, Mohammed Alam, Minhaj Maqsood, and prominent amateurs Qasim Ali Khan, Salman Jehangir and Mohammed Shoaib. As for ladies, Parkha Ijaz and Rimsha Ijaz, who enjoy a standing in World Golf Rankings will also be showing their skills in the ladies section”, he concluded. 

Sports Bulletin ReportTorino (Italy): The Executive Board of the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) has voted to include the Palestine Social Sport Climbing Club Association (PCA) as the newest Member Federation of the organisation. The PCA is the 26th IFSC Member Federation in the Asian continent, and is led by President Hiba Shaheen, Vice President Tawfiq Alnejada, and Secretary General Taher Sharaf. The admission of the Palestinian Federation, along with the ones of Federations representing Bolivia, Guam, and Nigeria, will be ratified at the XXI IFSC General Assembly, taking place in Santiago, Chile, on 22 and 23 March. 

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan Wheelchair Tennis No.1 player, Asif Abbasi earned second position in the ITF3 Wheelchair Tennis Tournament, as scammed in the final against high-ranked (World No. 104) rival Nemeth Roland from Hungary at Bolton Tennis Arena, United Kingdom on Tuesday. The final score-line was 7-6, and 6-4.According to available information from abroad, Abbasi's journey to the final was nothing short of inspiring, showcasing his resilience and talent on the international stage. Abbasi's campaign began with a dominant performance against a local player, securing a convincing victory with a score of 6-0, 6-1. In the quarterfinals, he faced a formidable opponent, the French player seeded second in the tournament and ranked 69th in the world. Despite the tough challenge, Abbasi displayed exceptional tennis prowess and emerged victorious with a score-line of 6-4, 6-3.In the semifinal, he went head-to-head with an Italian opponent in a nerve-jangling contest. Pakistan man with unwavering focus and determination clinched victory after a fierce battle, winning with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 6-1, securing his place in the final.In the final showdown, Abbasi faced a seasoned and matured player, showcasing his skills against a formidable opponent. Though the match was fiercely contested, Abbasi ultimately fell short, losing with a score of 7-6, 6-4. However, his performance throughout the tournament has earned him praise and admiration for his outstanding achievements on the court.Abbasi's remarkable journey to the final serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes in Pakistan, highlighting the potential and talent within the country's wheelchair tennis community. His resilience, determination, and remarkable talent continue to elevate the profile of wheelchair tennis in Pakistan and inspire a new generation of athletes.Asif Abbasi is now gearing up for his next challenge, the ITF2 wheelchair tennis tournament, which begins on February 21, 2024. With his recent success as motivation, Abbasi is hopeful to perform well in this tournament and further solidify his position as a formidable force in the world of wheelchair tennis. Abbasi aims to raise his world ranking and an ultimately willing to participate in the Paris Paralympic this year.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The ITF Pakistan Zainab Ali Naqvi Memorial World Junior Championship Leg-2 resumed after a two days break due to rain twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad here at PTF -SDA Tennis Complex Islamabad on Tuesday. A ceremony was held at PTF Complex today to dedicate Court No-1 of the Complex to the memory of the late Zainab Ali Naqvi. Henceforth, Court No-1 will be called Zainab Ali Naqvi Court.The dedication ceremony was graced by Zainab's parents, who had especially flown in from Karachi. Also in attendance were Senator Salim Saifullah Khan, Ex-President-PTF; Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, President of PTF, and a large number of foreign and local players' parents, coaches, and tennis lovers.Senator Salim Saifullah Khan and Aisam ul Haq paid rich tribute to the young and talented Zainab and expressed their condolences and deep sympathies to her parents on their own behalf and on the behalf of all those present on the occasion. The tennis fraternity is indeed in great shock and she will be always remembered.Results (Boys’ Singles Round-I):Xiuyuan Guo (CHN) beat Papangkorn (THA) 6-4, 6-2Doruk Elbirlik (TUR) beat Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan (PAK) 6-2, 6-4Jacob Shen (HKG) beat Mohammad Salar Khan (PAK) 6-1, 6-0Ahmed Nael Qureshi (PAK) beat Ye Chan Choi (KOR) 6-1, 6-1Ahtesham Humayun (PAK) beat Howard Chan (HKG) 6-3, 6-1Mohammad Hamza Aasim (PAK) beat Jun An (KOR) 6-4, 6-2Amir Mazari (PAK) beat Nuran Wikramasinge (SRI) 6-3, 2-6, 6-2Kaigaoge Kang (CHN) beat Akmal Arabdjanov (UZB) 6-0, 6-1Bilal Asim (PAK) beat Par Chandragholica (THA) 6-1, 6-3Shijijie Chen (CHN) beat Asad Zaman (PAK) 6-0, 6-1Ilya Kryukov (RUS) beat Ju Hun Choo (KOR) 6-2, 6-1Dong Hyeon Euom (KOR) beat Ege Avci (TUR) 6-1, 6-1

LAHORE (Press Release): Lahore Qalandars have strengthened their squad by welcoming South African left-arm spinner, George Linde, into their ranks. Linde, who has just arrived in Multan, is now eligible for selection in the upcoming clash against Multan Sultans scheduled for February 21.New Zealand’s hard-hitting middle-order batter, Tom Bruce, is also on his way to join the squad and will be fully available on the bench from February 24 onward. With his addition, Lahore Qalandars’ roster with overseas player will be fully completed.Lahore Qalandars are without the services of Rashid Khan (recovering from a back injury), Dan Lawrence (missed out due to national selection for England), Shai Hopes (playing in BPL and partially available), and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (did not receive NOC).Lorcan Tucker, the Irish wicket-keeper who flew in for the opening game against Islamabad, will return after the Multan leg. 

Afghanistan Embassy overpower Iran Embassy 3-2 in final of 16 team showAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Afghan Embassy team have won the title of the Gerrys Diplomatic Football League Season 7 after beating the Iran Embassy in the final after a nerve-jangling contest 3-2 here at Mini Football Ground, Islamabad club. The Qatar Embassy team secured third place by defeating the SB Royal team in penalties in a third-position play-off after the match ended 5-5 draw.Afghan Ambassador in Islamabad Sardar Mohammad Shakib visited the ground to enjoy the final. Also, Nabi Shirazi DHM Iran Embassy, Sheldon Godinho COO Gerry’s Visa among other diplomats and guests were present on this occasion.According to an official, as many as 16 soccer teams from sixteen embassies from 28 different nationalities. The participating players in the teams were ambassadors, diplomats, local staff, and students. The Gerry’s Diplomatic League matches were played for almost 4 months in which teams were divided into two groups of eight and then the top four teams qualified for the knock-out stages. The matches were played during the weekends at Mini football ground, Islamabad Club.The League was supervised by Mubasher Sanjrani, the founder, organizer of the prestigious league, and the former International footballer and futsal player of Pakistan. The League sponsors for season 7 were Gerrys Visas with title sponsors, SB Sadiq Group with Power sponsor, Sanjrani Oxen, Royal Business Solutions, Alamco Duty Free, and East West Insurance Company.The Diplomatic Football League is one of the most anticipated Football League in Islamabad for the diplomatic community, which provides healthy activity to the participating teams along with a positive soft image of the friendly environment in Pakistan while bringing different nationalities together. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Quetta Gladiators registered their second win of HBL PSL 9 as they sealed the game against home team, Lahore Qalandars, by a margin of five wickets at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Monday night.Khawaja Nafay, playing his second HBL PSL game, starred with a glitzy unbeaten half-century after walking into bat at number three. Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Lahore Qalandars succumbed to their second consecutive loss.In pursuit of a challenging 188-run target against the home team, Quetta Gladiators' opening batters once again gave the team a solid start. Saud flicked Shaheen Shah Afridi toward deep fine on the last ball of opening over to register his first boundary of the game.On the last ball of the third over, he hit Shaheen for an outrageous six over the keeper’s head. Jason Roy too joined him in the act as he hit Jahandad Khan for two boundaries in the fifth over. The duo brought up fifty-partnership in five overs while the powerplay yielded 61 runs.Saud (40, 23b, 7x4s, 1x6) was outfoxed by a Zaman Khan yorker on the fifth ball of the seventh over giving Lahore their first breakthrough. Three balls later Sikandar Raza hit Roy’s stumps as he departed for 19 ball 24 with the help of four boundaries. The 29-run third-wicket partnership between Rilee Rossouw (18, 13b, 3x4s) and Khawaja Nafay lasted for 19 balls before Haris Rauf got rid of Rossouw in the 11th over.On the first and fifth ball of the same over, Nafay let loose and hit Haris Rauf for two towering sixes injecting momentum into Quetta’s innings. The 22-year-old held his nerve through challenging times while living up to the hype that led to his arrival at the HBL PSL. Leg-spinner Salman Fayyaz struck in the 14th over to remove Sarfaraz Ahmed, leaving Quetta 130-4 with 58 runs required from 41 balls.Sherfane Rutherford chipped in with 14 off 12 balls before Shaheen Shah Afridi knocked him over in the 17th over. Nafay brought up his maiden HBL PSL fifty off 29 balls, by hitting Rauf over wide mid-off in the following over.Quetta chased the 188-run target with five balls to spare and winning runs coming off the bat off Nafay who returned undefeated on 60 off 31 balls, laced with four boundaries and three sixes.Earlier in the evening, Lahore Qalandars won the toss and opted to bat first. Akeal Hosein took the new ball for Quetta. Fakhar Zaman got an early reprieve on the second ball of the opening over as he chipped the ball to Mohammad Wasim Jnr in the covers who dropped an easy catch.Fakhar’s (6, 9b) struggle came to an end on the first ball of the third over as he handed a straight catch to Jason Roy at mid-on..Sahibzada Farhan and Rassie Van der Dussen upped the ante with a few boundaries in the powerplay despite a disciplined start by Quetta’s bowlers. Lahore finished the powerplay with 43 runs for the loss of one wicket.Abrar Ahmed was introduced to the attack in the seventh over of the innings and he tested Sahibzada with tight lines who replied with a four over extra cover and six over deep mid-wicket on the last two balls of the over.Abrar returned an over later to tilt the balance of the game in Quetta’s favour by removing Rassie van der Dussen, with a ball that pitched on good length slightly outside off-stump and deceived the batter with a bit of turn before crashing into the stumps.Sahibzada brought up his half-century off 39 balls, his second consecutive HBL PSL half-century. The fifth ball of the 13th over saw Sahibzada (62, 43b, 6x4s, 3x6s) removed by Hasnain, caught by Nafay, before hitting back-to-back sixes in the same over. Left-hand batter Jahandad was promoted up the order and he came out all guns blazing hitting the first ball for four, a harbinger of what was to follow.Abdullah (11, 10b, 1x6) departed in the 14th over after he was caught behind off the bowling off Hosein. Jahandad and Sikandar Raza got together to stitch a quick-fire partnership of 45 runs off just 21 balls. Jahandad amassed 23 runs off the 16th over against Abrar, where he hit three massive sixes, showcasing his pinch-hitting ability. The partnership was broken by Mohammad Amir who dismissed Raza (18, 12b, 1x4, 1x6) on the fourth ball of the 17th over.Lahore collected 34 runs off the last three overs as they ended on 187 for seven in their 20 overs. Skipper Shaheen chipped in with a cameo of 12 off eight balls, which included a first-ball six, while Jahandad finished 45 not out off just 17 balls, smashing three fours and four maximums.For Quetta, Hasnain and Hosein bagged two wickets apiece while Amir, Wasim Jnr and Abrar chipped in with one wicket each.