Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The OHC Bully Hockey Club, Netherlands is due to arrive in Lahore on February 18 (Sunday) to play three friendly games in Lahore and Islamabad during a week-long visit aiming to make efforts to restore the prestige of the national sport.The Oldenzaal Hockey Club (OHC) “Bully”, commonly known as OHC Bully will visit Pakistan on an invitation of Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy (KJHA) and will play three games in all with two at the historic National Hockey Stadium, Lahore, and one at the Naseer Bunda Stadium, Islamabad. The Bully hockey club will play games against Higher Education Commission (HEC) hockey team picked from the Prime Minister’s Youth Talent Hunt Program.The OHC Bully’s visit is historic in the sense that it is after a long interval of 22 years that a European hockey club will visit Pakistan and the Bully’s visit is one of the small steps towards the goal of revival of hockey. The visit may also encourage other European hockey clubs to visit Pakistan every year during the winters.Former Olympian Khawaja Junaid said that he was thankful to the OHC Bully for accepting the invitation to visit Pakistan for friendlies, adding that Khawaja Junaid Hockey club was committed to revive of hockey by nurturing talent at the grass-root level.Khawaja Junaid further said that he was not only grooming the raw hockey talent through coaching from the tender age of seven years, adding that the HEC team was picked was selected by him after trials of 25000 budding players under the Youth Talent Hunt Program.Acknowledged the role of former hockey Olympian Fareed Ahmed, who happens to be the coach of OHC Bully, in arranging the visit to Pakistan, he said “I am also connecting with the outside world to provide the right exposure to these young lads at an early age.” He said this will be a discovery visit for the youth being foreign to Pakistan’s rich hockey traditions and hospitality, expressing the hope that Pakistan will become an annual rendezvous for the European clubs and teams.The former World Champion Khawaja Junaid further said field hockey comes to a standstill during the harsh winters in Europe and European clubs visit the nearby countries like Spain to play hockey, adding that it is the time when the European teams may be invited to make Pakistan their destination as the country boasts of a mild weather during this period.Responding to a query, he said visit of a European hockey club will also help in promoting country’s tourism through sports, adding that this is also a good opportunity for showcase cultural heritage and historical ancestry to the world. Khawaja Junaid also shared that OHC Bully is almost a century-old club which was founded in 1935.Khawaja Junaid thanked Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar and Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed for their support in making this visit of a European hockey club possible. 

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: In Santiago del Estero, a fourth-quarter showdown allowed Argentina to draw level, 1-1, with Germany and go on to take the shootout, 3-1, for the added bonus point. Maico Casella provided the heroics in both cases, scoring a penalty stroke with 43 seconds in the game and the final shootout to seal the extra point. On the women’s side field goals from Maria Campoy and Eugenia Trinchinetti plus a flick from Agustina Gorzelany propelled the Leonas 3-1 over the visiting Germany Die Danas.Earlier in the day, the men’s mini-tournament in Bhubaneswar wrapped up with two contrasting contests – one a nine-goal thriller, and the other a tense encounter with just one goal in it.In the first match of the day, Australia’s men closed a three-goal deficit and then overtook the Dutch for a memorable 5-4 victory. In the other match, a brave performance from newcomers Ireland saw them keep out a determined Indian team until the last minute when Gurjant Singh’s solitary goal gave an elated home crowd plenty to celebrate. (Men’s) Australia beat Netherlands (5-4): Australia came from three goals down to edge the Netherlands 5-4 in an enthralling encounter. Early on it looked like Jip Janssen’s 100th and Koen Bijen’s 50th appearances for the Dutch would be memorable ones as they controlled the first half, taking their opportunities and frustrating the Australians. Duco Telgenkamp screamed in a reverse stick shot from an acute angle in the sixth minute, and Bijen got on the end of a knee-high cross to deflect home in the 12th. Australia then lost Daniel Beale for 10 minutes after an accidental stick to the head of Teun Beins was deemed dangerous, but they only conceded one goal during this period, Koen rounding off skilful team play with a simple tap-in after 20 minutes.The Kookaburras trailed 0-3 at half-time but staged another incredible comeback. Blake Glovers cleaned up the scraps off the goalkeeper’s pads in the 33rd minute after a patient build-up, and Jeremy Hayward’s 40th-minute drag flick gave Pirmin Blaak no chance of a save as it stripped the paint off the inside of the post. The fourth quarter was an electrifying affair, Hayward’s drag flick levelling the scores in the 48th minute before Glover put the Australians ahead with a rocketed drag flick in the 53rd minute. Jip Janssen then equalised for the Dutch three minutes later off a penalty stroke, but Tim Brand had the last word for the Kookaburras with a well-worked tap-in with less than 30 seconds remaining to wrap up an impressive victory.(Men’s) India beat Ireland (1-0): Hosts India’s experience made all the difference as they squeaked home in the last minute with a 1-0 win over Ireland. The Irish controlled the tempo for long periods of the match, holding possession well and declining to force their way up the pitch when safe passes were available. By contrast, India looked extremely dangerous going forward and had the best opportunities of the first half. Lee Cole made an excellent save off his feet on the left post from an early Indian penalty corner, and Jamie Carr was outstanding in goal to keep the scores locked at 0-0 at half-time.India seemed to be gaining the upper hand through the third quarter and a goal seemed inevitable, but Carr and the Irish defence kept them out. Ireland continued to frustrate India with their patience in possession, and Indian fans were made to sweat through a tense final quarter as both teams enjoyed real goal-scoring opportunities. India missed a golden chance from a penalty corner against just four defenders in the 51st minute, and Ireland broke out from that to win a penalty corner at the other end. (Men’s) Argentina beat Germany 1 - 1 (3 -1 SO): A goal with 43 seconds left in the game and a shootout finish from Maico Casella gave Argentina the bonus point after a 1-1 draw with Germany in Santiago del Estero. The first half was largely a showcase of a structured German team with an early chance for Niklas Wellen saved by keeper Tomas Santiago. Argentina’s patience on attack finally caught Germany on their heels and kept Alexander Stadler busy in goal. A Tomas Domene penalty corner flick was run down by a brave German defence line, while Casella had a drag flick fly just over the bar. A scoreless opening three quarters set the stage for a dramatic final frame that included open chances for both Lucas Martinez and Domene but both could only find the outside of the cage. A short-range aerial was expertly controlled by Raphael Hartkopf in the Argentine circle and blasted across the face of goal where Malte Hellwig brilliantly deflected in for a 1-0 Germany lead. In the final minute of the game, with 11 field players, the Leones were awarded a penalty stroke and Casella drew the game level. Nicolas Keenan and Mats Grambusch each scored for their sides, while a re-award for Lucas Toscani allowed Argentina to double their shootout lead. A miss from Johannes Große set up Casella to seal the deal. Casella made no mistake, calm and cool, to sweep the ball in on the reverse and take the bonus point and shootout, 3-1, for Argentina. (Women’s) Argentina beat Germany (3-1): Germany came out of the gate with early pressure as Charlotte Stapenhorst blasted a shot just wide of the Argentine goal. The Leonas responded later in the half with a clear take at goal through Maria Granatto but it was bravely blocked by a fully-stretched Selin Oruz. For Germany, Lisa Nolte was the beneficiary of a quick free hit but her reverse-stick blast was deflected over the Argentine net. Finally, the creative Argentine offense found a way, as a no-mercy-blast from Agustina Albertarrio found Maria Campoy at the back post for the game’s opener. From there, Argentina had a series of penalty corners but Nathalie Kubalski was up to the task to deny Valentina Raposo and Agustina Gorzelany. A second goal came on free play as Eugenia Trinchinetti had a nifty deflection on a bouncing free hit from Agostina Alonso. A trio of German penalty corners finally broke the Leonas as Nike Lorenz’s strike beat Clara Barberi to deny a shutout. Germany pressed for a second equaliser, pulling Kubalski with four minutes to go. Die Dans were then forced to defend a penalty corner with five field players and Gorzelany made no mistake burying a flick to make it 3-1.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Kiagaoge Kang from China outplayed Hamza Roman from Pakistan in straight sets 2-0 in the Boys’ Singles final of the ITF Pakistan Khawar Hyat Khan Memorial World Junior Championship Leg-1 that concluded at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex Islamabad on Saturday. The final score-line was 6-4, 6-4.In the Girl's Singles final, Kira Kalinouskaya (BLR) outclassed her compatriot Katsiaryna Dubik (BLR) 2-0 at 6-1, and 6-3 and won the Leg-1 Championships.Nageen Hyat w/o Khawar Hyat Khan, and their children Daniyal Hyat Khan, and Sadia Hyat Khan were the chief guests at the closing ceremony. Senator Salim Saifullah Khan and Iftikhar Rashid were the guests of hounor. The closing ceremony was also attended Mansoor Ahmmad Khan Deputy Director, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), and the large number of players, coaches, parents, media persons, and tennis lovers.Results (Finals): Boys’ Singles: Kiagaoge Kang (CHN) beat Hamza Roman (PAK) 6-4, 6-4Girls’ Singles: Kira Kalinouskaya (BLR) beat Katsiaryna Dubik (BLR) 6-1, 6-3Boys’ Doubles: Dong Hyeon Euom (KOR) / Jiwan Park (KOR) beat Bilal Asim / Ahmed Nael Qureshi (PAK) 6-4, 6-4Girls’ Doubles: Gyuree Nam (KOR) / Chaewon Whang (KOR) beat Paramee Takaew (THA) / Jungke Yan (CHN) 6-0, 6-0.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistani martial art athlete, Hamza Saeed has grabbed the gold medal in the 33rd Fajr Open Taekwondo Championship after defeating Mohammad Ibrahim Hosseini from Iran by 9-1 and 14-3 in the final of the +87 kg category in Tehran, the capital of Iran.According to an official of Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF), in the semifinals Hamza Saeed eliminated local player Amir Mohammad and Parham Khowari in the quarter-final. In the -54 category final, Pakistan's Shahzeb Khan was defeated by an Iranian player. In the second round of the final, the referee disqualified Shahzeb. Shahzeb won the silver medal. On this occasion, Hamza Saeed said it was a great honour for me to win the gold medal for Pakistan and be named the best player of the championship. Renowned athletes from all over the world participated in the Fajr Open, Hamza Saeed said, adding, that our head coach Yusuf Karami gave the best training to all the athletes in preparation for the event.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Local player, Hamza Roman and Kiagaoge Kang from neighbor country China set their clash in the final of the ITF Pakistan Khawar Hyat Khan Memorial World Junior Championship Leg-1 after thrashing their challengers in Boys’ Singles semifinal here at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex on Friday. All finals will be played on Saturday (February 17, 2024) at the same venue.In the first semifinal, Hamza Roman ousted second seed player Dong Hyeon from Korea in straight sets with the score-line of 6-4, and 6-2. Local guy displayed to quality tennis to secure his berth in the championship match. Meanwhile in the second semifinal, Kiagaoge Kang from China toiled hard on the court to get-rid-off Ahmad Nael Qureshi from Pakistan after a well-contested three sets match. The final score-line was 6-4, 3-6, and 6-2.Results (Semifinals):Boys’ Singles: Hamza Roman (PAK) beat Dong Hyeon (KOR) 6-4, 6-2Kiagaoge Kang (CHN) beat Ahmad Nael Qureshi (PAK) 6-4, 3-6, 6-2Girls’ Singles: Katsiaryna Dubik (BLR) beat Deniz Cakil (TUR) 5-7, 6-4, 6-1Kira Kalinouskaya (BLR) beat Stefaniya Neporent (BLR) 6-2, 3-0 (retd)Boys’ Doubles: Bilal Asim / Ahmed Nael Qureshi (PAK) beat Jun Hyeok An (KOR) / Ye Chan Choi (KOR) 6-2, 6-3Dong Hyeon Euom (KOR) / Jiwan Park (KOR) beat Howard Chan (HKG) / Xiuyuan Guo (CHN) 6-2, 6-3Schedule of finals (Saturday):Boys’ Singles: 10:00 amBoys’ Doubles: 10:00 amGirls’ Doubles: 10:00 amGirls Singles: 1:30 pm.

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Pakistan Army's Saddam-ul-Haq defeated Sindh's Naveed-ur-Rehman in straight games 3-0 in the final of the 3rd Image Tursum Khan All Pakistan Tursum Khan Squash Championship that concluded at Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex Karachi on Thursday.In the women's final, WAPDA's Mehwish Ali outclassed her younger sister Mahnoor Ali 3-0. Mehwish won by eleven-five, eleven-four, and twelve-ten in just twenty minutes. Special guest Asad Ahmed and squash legend Jahangir Khan distributed the prizes among the players.Results (Finals)Men's Singles: Saddam ul Haq beat Naveed Ur Rehman (3-0) 11-7, 13-11, 11-8 (38 mins)Boys’ Under-15: Ahmed Rayyan Khalil beat Abdullah Zaman (3-0) 11-3, 11-4, 11-5 (20 mins)Women's open: Mehwish Ali beat Mahnoor Ali (3-0) 11-3, 11-7, 12-10 (24 mins)Boys’ Under-13: Fazal ur Rehman beat Mohammad Saif Khan (3-0) 11-3, 11-9, 11-8 (21 mins).

Sports Bulletin ReportPESHAWAR: The National Women's and Boys' Under-15 Squash Competitions will start on February 19, 2024 at Qamar Zaman Squash Complex Peshawar, as the tournament will be pursuing prize money of Rs. 200 thousand.According to an official, the tournament will be organized by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Squash Association. The final will be played on February 22 at the same venue Qamar Zaman Squash Complex Peshawar. It is being organized with the support of the Directorate of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As many as 32 players will participate in each category.

Katsiaryna, Kalinouskaya, Stefaniya, and Deniz reach in semifinals of women’s eventAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Two Pakistani tennis lads, Ahmed Nael Qureshi and Hamza Roman have qualified for the semifinals of the Boys’ Singles event of the ITF Pakistan Khawar Hyat Khan Memorial World Junior Championship Leg-1 after thrashing their respective opponents at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Thursday.In the women’s fixture, Katsiaryna Dubik (BLR), Kira Kalinouskaya (BLR), Stefaniya Neporent (BLR), and Deniz Cakil (TUR) also qualified for the top-4 stage of the championship after winning their respective quarterfinals at the same venue. On Friday, the match will start at 10:00 am.Results:Boys’ Singles (Quarterfinals):Kaigaoge Kang (CHN) beat Ju Hun Choo (KOR) 6-3, 6-0Hamza Roman (PAK) beat Zhe Jiang (CHN) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3Dong Hyeon(KOR) beat Ivan Makarov (RUS) 6-3, 6-3Ahmed Nael Qureshi (PAK) beat Xiuyuan Guo (CHN) 6-4, 6-0Girls’ Singles (Quarterfinals):Katsiaryna Dubik (BLR) beat Jiazxiaoqi WEN (CHN) 6-1, 6-0Kira Kalinouskaya (BLR) beat Amna Ali Qayum (PAK) 6-0, 6-1Stefaniya Neporent (BLR) beat Paramee Tadkaew (THA) 4-6, 7-5, 6-3Deniz Cakil (TUR) beat Gyuree Nam (KOR) 7-5, 5-7, 6-4Boys’ Doubles (Quarterfinals):Dong Hyeon Euom (KOR) / Jiwan Park (KOR) beat Ahtesham Humayun / Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan (PAK) 6-0, 6-1Jun Hyeok An (KOR) / Ye Chan Choi (KOR) beat Asad Zaman / Shehryar Anees (PAK) 6-2, 6-3Bilal Asim / Ahmed Nael Qureshi (PAK) beat Hamza Roman / Hamid Israr (PAK) 6-2, 6-3Howard Chan (HKG) / Xiuyuan Guo (CHN) beat Ege Avci (TUR) / Doruk Albirlik (TUR) 6-4, 6-4Girls’ Doubles (Quarterfinals):Jingke Yan (CHN) / Paramee Tadkaew (THA) beat Amna Ali Qayum/ Sheeza Sajid (PAK) 6-3, 6-1Kira Kalinouskaya (BLR) / Stefaniya Neporent (BLR) beat Deniz Cakil (TUR) / Jiaxiaoqi Wen (CHN) 6-1, 6-1.

Sports Bulletin ReportAmstelveen (Netherlands): The Para Dance Sport International Competitions 2024 will be held from March 29 to 31 here at Sportshal de Meerkamp van der Hooplaan Noorddammerweg Netherlands.According to an official, International Classification competitions will start on March 28 while Technical Meeting will take place on March 29. The closing ceremony will be held on 31st March 2024 at the same venue. 

Sports Bulletin ReportRourkela (India): Earlier in the day at the ongoing mini-tournament in the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, Rourkela, India, Australia’s women managed to get the better of China for the first time since the Tokyo Olympics and the Netherlands notched up yet another victory after a fiercely contested encounter with the tenacious Indian side.Hours later, in Santiago del Estero, the Argentina men came out with confidence to defeat a young Belgian team by 4-1 thanks to two goals from speedster Nicolas Keenan. Just after, a classy and clinical Argentina women’s side blasted five past the Belgium red panthers to close out the evening with a home sweep. Victoria Manuele scored the game’s opener and her first international goal as icing on the cake. The Leonas sported a black band in honour of the recent passing of former Argentina women’s player Gabriela Pando. Pando played for the Leonas from 1989 to 1998 and won a 1995 Pan American Games gold medal and 1992 Olympic silver medal. (Women’s) Australia beat China (2-0): Australia last beat China in an International match at the Olympic Games on 26 July 2021, but they broke their losing streak with a hard-fought 2-0 win on Wednesday. The Hockeyroos attacked throughout the first half and enjoyed significant advantage in territory and possession, while China trusted their defensive structures and relied on rapid counterattacks for their limited opportunities. Xinhuan Li had plenty of work to do in the Chinese goal, denying Grace Young from close range with an excellent save. Grace Stewart eventually broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, tapping in a recycled penalty corner at the right post for a 1-0 lead at half-time.The third quarter was hotly contested as China finally enjoyed some good possession, but they couldn’t find a goal against a resolute Australian defence. The Hockeyroos soaked up even more pressure in the fourth quarter, Jocelyn Bartrum shutting down a dangerous one-on-one at the top of the circle in the 47th minute and then making another save two minutes later. China gave it everything at the death and pulled off their keeper with six minutes to play, but the move backfired when Stephanie Kershaw found the net for Australia after 57 minutes to put the match beyond doubt.(Women’s) Netherlands beat India (1-0): The Netherlands made heavy weather of their 1-0 win over India who were playing in front of a passionate home crowd. The Dutch probed throughout the first half, but it took them 27 minutes to find a goal. They dispossessed India inside the 23-yard area and got a quick shot away for Felice Albers to use her lightning reflexes to bat in off her reverse stick from Savita’s save.India had a busy third quarter, making repeated circle entries and winning five penalty corners but they couldn’t beat the Netherlands defence. The Dutch had opportunities of their own in a frantic period towards the end of the quarter but couldn’t score, even with Savita yellow carded in bizarre circumstances. Her defence were caught high and she accidentally kicked the ball far outside her circle after stepping out to slap it to safety. Savita was back in action in the fourth quarter, making amends with a flurry of great saves from four penalty corners to keep India in touch, but while there was plenty of action at both ends there were no more goals scored.(Men’s) Argentina beat Belgium (2-0): An experienced home side made it tough waters for a young Belgium side in the opener of the Santiago del Estero hosted games. Argentina’s hypnotic movements of possession gave the Leones good control of the tempo and kept Belgium keeper Simon Vandenbroucke busy. Nicolas Keenan opened the scoring in the final seconds of the first quarter with a brilliant upright reverse blast after Tomas Habif delivered a brilliant ball through a chaotic circle. Red Lions forward Thomas Crols picked Nicolas della Torre’s pocket in the second quarter and had an uncontested shot at goal but the blast ricocheted between Tomas Santiago’s kickers and scooted wide of the net. Argentina continued to show their dominance in the second half, despite not finding the back of the net on a series of penalty corners. Maico Casella doubled the lead finishing at the back post with no pressure after some quick passing from Lucas Martinez and Santiago Tarazona to make it 2-0. Belgium did not let up though as gritty work from Roman Duvekot forced Argentina’s Juan Catan to make an errant touch on his way back to the circle and Thibeau Stockbroekx provided the effort for a Belgium goal. A contested aerial into the Belgian circle then forced a video referral on right of territory for Keenan versus an encroaching Vandenbrouke but no advice possible left Argentina with the originally called penalty corner. Della Torre rippled the mesh to make it 3-1 for the Leones. Keenan added a second for himself and fourth for Argentina late in the game for a final score of 4-1. (Women’s) Argentina beat Belgium (5-0): The Leonas put on a clinical performance, 5-0 over the visiting Belgian Red Panthers, to make it a sweep in Santiago del Estero following the men’s victory. A younger Belgian line up, including seven faces from the 2023 Junior World Cup silver medal winning team, showed good structure and poise but struggled to manage the experience and crafty individual skills of the dynamic Leonas. Victoria Manuele was the first to put Argentina on the board in just the third minute, finishing brilliantly on the backhand to mark her first international goal in just her fourth appearance. Patient possession just inside the Belgian half allowed Argentina the control to pick their moments. Just before halftime Maria Granatto did all the work to spin the Belgian defence and commit keeper Elena Sotgiu and ultimately allow Celina di Santo to redirect and make it 2-0 for the Leonas. The offensive firepower continued as Agustina Albertarrio put a back-hand blast in to make it 3-0, while Agustina Gorzelany’s drag flick at the end of the third quarter made it 4-0. With Carolien Jakus off with a green card, the Leonas put on a master class on a penalty corner. Gorzelany delivered to the back post for a Trinchinetti stunner as the deflection rippled the mesh for 5-0. Noa Schreurs’ one-timer from Louise Dewaet almost put Belgium on the board but the ball rang the outside of the Argentina post.