Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): Hockey event of the Asian Games 2023 will get underway on September 24, as the winners (men and women) will join France, Australia, and Netherlands in qualifying to the Olympic Games Paris 2024.12 men’s teams and 10 women’s teams will be competing in Hockey at the Asian Games 2023. The teams will be divided and placed into two pools of; 5 teams per pool in the women’s competition, and 6 teams per pool in the men’s competition. At the end of the pool stage the two highest ranking teams in each pool will proceed to the semi-finals, while the other teams, based on their pool standings, will play in the 5th-10th (women’s) and 5th-12th (men’s) classification matches. The teams that win the gold medals at the Asian Games 2023 will seal their berths at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The teams classifying from 2nd to 5th in the women’s tournament and the teams classifying from 2nd to 6th in the men’s tournament, will get a second opportunity to qualify for the Olympics, at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024. In the men’s competition India, Japan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Singapore and Uzbekistan are placed in Pool A. Korea, Malaysia, China, Oman, Thailand and Indonesia will compete in Pool B. The men’s matches get underway on 24 September, with Malaysia taking on Thailand in the first contest at 09:00 (local time). The medal matches in men’s hockey will be played on 6 October. The complete schedule for the men’s competition including the highly anticipated matches between India and Pakistan, Malaysia and Korea, India and Japan, can be found here. Men’s hockey was first played at the 1958 Asian Games and has been played in every edition since. The 2023 Games will see men’s hockey be played for the 17th straight time at the Asian Games. India, Pakistan and Malaysia have appeared in all 16 editions so far and will compete in the 17th edition starting from 24 September. Pakistan are the most successful team in the history of Men’s Hockey at the Asian Games, having claimed the gold medal on 8 occasions. Korea are the second most successful team with 4 gold medals, while India are third with three gold medals to their name. Japan will come into the event as the defending champions, having claimed their first gold medal in the 2018 Asian Games. In the women’s competition India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Korea and Singapore are placed in Pool A. Japan, China, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Thailand will compete in Pool B. The women’s matches get underway on 25 September, with Korea taking on Singapore in the first contest at 10:15 (local time). The medal matches in women’s hockey will be played on 7 October. The complete schedule for the women’s competition including the highly anticipated matches between India and Korea, China and Japan, can be found here.Women’s hockey was first introduced in the 1982 edition of the Asian Games and has been played in every edition of the event since. The 2023 Games will mark the 11th appearance of women’s hockey at the Asian Games. India, Japan and Korea have appeared in all 10 editions of the event so far and will compete in the 11th edition starting from 25 September.Korea are the most successful team in the history of women’s hockey at the Asian Games, with 5 gold medals. China are the second most successful team with 3 gold medals, while India and Japan have won one gold medal each. Japan come into the 2023 Asian Games as the defending champions, having won the gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia. A total of 12 teams, in each of the men’s and women’s categories, will compete in Hockey at the Olympic Games. The hosts France gained direct qualification, leaving 11 spots up for grabs. Australia (men and women) from Oceania and Netherlands (men and women) from Europe have sealed their qualification as continental champions. Apart from the winners of the Asian Games, continental championships in the Americas and Africa will be held in the buildup to the Olympic Games where the winner of each of these two events will also gain direct qualification to the upcoming Olympic Games. The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024, which will be held in January 2024, provide a second opportunity for teams to qualify for the remaining 6 spots at the Olympic Games.

Sports Bulletin ReportNew York (USA): The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has renewed its partnership with UN Women, underlining each organisation’s commitment to using sport to promote gender equality and to empower women and girls.The new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was signed by IOC President Thomas Bach and UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous during a meeting in New York, USA, extends a partnership that began in 2012 and was extended for the first time in 2017. It will see the two organisations continuing to work together to maximise the value of sport in shaping social norms and reaching sustainable development outcomes that impact women’s and girls’ lives daily. During the ceremony, the IOC President was accompanied by Mrs Laura Chinchilla, IOC Member in Costa Rica, Mrs Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, IOC Member in Croatia, and HRH Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, IOC Member in Saudi Arabia.“Sport has the potential to transform lives, and the extension of our partnership with UN Women will help us to ensure that all women and girls have the opportunity to benefit from this unique power of sport,” said President Bach. “ With this new MoU, we will enhance our ongoing initiatives to encourage sports participation among girls and advance towards gender equality.”UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous added: “Sport is an unrivalled asset to help us to end all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, and to ensure women’s full and equal participation in leadership and decision-making. There can be no higher goal, and no greater win for us all, and we are honoured to be renewing our partnership with the IOC to work towards this target together.”

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on Tuesday named the men’s U19 squad which will travel to Nepal for the SAFF U19 Championship 2023.The green shirts will kick off their campaign against Nepal on September 21 at the iconic Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu and square off against Maldives on September 23 at the same venue. Pakistan SquadGoalkeepers: Sahil Gul, Mohsin Khan and Mohammad AbdullahDefenders: Mohammad Sadam, Mohammad Adeel, Asad Nasir, Ans Amin, Khurshid Alam, Mohammad Raheel, Shayan Ali, Kamil Ahmad Khan, Abid Ali, Hannan Naveed and Najeeb UllahMidfielders: Ali Zafar, Mohammad Azan and Awais KhanForwards: Shahjahan, Mohammad Hassan, Faisal Ahmad, Abdul Wahab, Mohammad Haroon Zafar and Mohammad Adeel YounasTeam Officials: Shadab Ifthikhar (Head Coach), Mohsan Ul Hussnain (Assistant Coach), Khurram Shahzad (Goal Keeper Coach), Aamna (Media), Mohammad Abdullah and Mohammad Samama (Physio) and Zohair Gondal (Team Manager).

BIPIN DANIIndian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj's decision to dedicate his Player of the Match award in the Asia Cup final has won the hearts of many."I want to give this cash prize (USD 5000) to the groundsmen. They deserve it. If they were not around, this tournament would not have been successful", the 29-year-old Siraj had announced at the presentation on Sunday. "We are more happy with his act of donating rather than his match performance", Mohammed Mahboob Ahmed, the secretary of the Charminar Cricket Club says. Siraj first started playing with the tennis ball but learned playing with the leather ball at this club. "Siraj has come from a very poor family back-ground. His father was an auto driver in Hyderabad. Siraj knows how poor people struggle to survive and therefore he has decided to give his prize money to the laborers in Sri Lanka". Siraj ran the Sri Lankan players ragged in the final. He produced a devastating spell of swing and seam bowling returning figures of 6 for 21 in seven overs as Sri Lanka were skittled out for 50. He became the first Indian bowler to take four wickets in an over in men's internationals. "We are very happy with his performance but more so because he cared for the poor groundsmen", Mehboob added. Siraj has stayed very humble. After having bagged a big IPL deal, Mohammed Siraj still remembers the hardships his parents had to endure in his childhood. When he was bought at the IPL auctions, Siraj had then vowed that the first thing he would do with the money would be to buy a new house for his family. And he has fulfilled his promise. "In his childhood, Siraj used to get a lot of bashing from his mother because he didn’t like studying. He was not good at studies. His brother, Ismail, on the other hand, excelled at academics in IT. However, today Siraj’s mother must be proud of whatever his son has achieved so far". "Sadly, Siraj's father (Mohammed Ghaus) is not alive to see his journey. He passed away in 2020 when Siraj was in Australia in 2020 and he could not attend the funeral because of the Covid restrictions. He, however, has become stronger now and is bound to get more and more success", Mehboob added.

Sports Bulletin ReportISAMABAD: PAK Army GHQ, Falcon Club, and Chaklala Garrison posted victories in the Rawalpindi –Islamabad Inter-Club District Squash League 2023. All participating clubs of Rawalpindi and Islamabad played matches in respective age categories, as the five players from each club participated in the matches.Results:PAK Army GHQ beat Shalimar Club (3-2)Falcon Club beat Islamabad Club (3-1)Chaklala Garrison beat MAKSA Club (3-2).

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Aisam ul Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan overcame 2-1 Indonesia duo of brothers David Susanto and Anthony Susanto in the Doubles discipline of the Davis Cup World Group-II Tennis Tie here at the grass court of the Aisam-ul-Haq Tennis Pavilion, Pakistan Sports Complex on Sunday. The final score-line of 3-6, 7-5, and 6-2.After winning the toss, skipper Aisam decided to choose a side instead of taking the advantage of serve because he wanted the sun on his back. Indonesian players started the game by hitting a powerful drive from down the line and finished the first game after conceding only 2 points. Asiam and Aqeel did not allow their opponents to get a single point in the second game. Score was levelled at 1-1, and 2-2. Visitors players succeeded to break serve in the 6th game of the first set, as the game was even, after getting the advantage, they claimed the game and made the set score 4-2. David Susanto, and Anthony Susanto maintained their serves in the 7th game and 9th game to earn 1-0 lead in the crucial tie.In the second set, Pakistan won the first game quite easily and there was a nail and bite contest in the second game, as local players missed a couple of occasions to break the game. The set went up neck-to-neck till 5-5, as no one could break the serve. Aqeel and Aisam fought brilliantly in the 12 game and toiled hard on the court to break the game. Finally, Pakistan squared the match 1-1 after breaking the 12th game despite wasting two set points.After bouncing back in the match, Aisam and Aqeel showed aggregation in the final set that they claimed 6-2 by hitting beautiful forehand and backhand drives with classic drop-shorts. They broke the serves in the 4th and 8th game to win the set at 6-2, as the final score-line was 3-6, 7-5, and 6-2. In another match, Mohammad Shoaib beat Gunawan Trismuwantara 7-6 (4), 6-4 in the reverse singles, to give Pakistan a clean sweep.Aisam ul Haq said: “I am happy with the victory, I and Aqeel work hard on the court to overcome rivals. After losing the first set, we changed our strategy and hit some good winners to achieve the goal of victory. We had an edge of grass surface but the hot weather and conditions levelled the field for the both teams. We were well experienced in the grass. However, we worked hard and collected a big win for our country Pakistan.”Aqeel Khan said: “It was wonderful and a great win for us. We produced a notable performance after going down 0-1. We missed some vital points in the first set and we lost and we came from behind to post a remarkable victory. I have played together for a long time for Pakistan and played over 100 Davis Cup Tennis Tie matches for our country and different venues.”Coach Mushaf Zia said: “Our boys did well and claimed a big win in the Davis Cup. There was not a big difference in the both sides, as Pakistani duo of tennis stars Aisam and Aqeel have been playing together for a long time. They used their experience to defeat the visiting team.” 

Sports Bulletin ReportColombo (Sri Lanka): India outclassed hosts Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the Asia Cup 2023 final here on Sunday, as Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj singlehandedly outfoxed the Sri Lankan batting line-up to secure the title win for his side. By getting six wickets in the game, four of which came in one over, Siraj completely dominated the opposition, who had no answers for his menacing bowling.After winning the toss, Sri Lanka chose to bat first, hoping to gain the advantage in Colombo. However, after opener Kusal Perera fell to Jasprit Bumrah in the first over, the tone was set. Siraj, who had been playing second fiddle to Bumrah, came into the attack and completely turned the game in India’s favour after he got four wickets in one over; Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva.Sri Lanka failed to recover from the battering received in just the fourth over of the match. Kusal Mendis, the last hope for the home-side also fell to Siraj in the 12th over. The rest of the batting was cleaned up by Hardik Pandya, who got a three-wicket haul in turn. Sri Lanka were effectively bowled out for 50 runs in 15.2 overs.The Indian openers for this match, Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill, were able to chase the asked score of 51 in just 6.1 overs, attaining their eighth Asia Cup title.Scores in brief:India win by 10 wicket (263 balls remaining)Sri Lanka: 50 all out in 15.2 overs (Kusal Mendis 17; Mohammed Siraj 6-21, Hardik Pandya 3-3)India: 51-0 in 6.1 overs (Shubman Gill 27*, Ishan Kishan 23*)Player of the match: Mohammed Siraj (India)Player of the tournament: Kuldeep Yadav (India) 

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Duo of Pakistan tennis starts, Aisam ul Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan gave 2-0 lead against Indonesia in the Davis Cup World Group-II Tennis Tie by thrashing their opponents in Singles here at Aisam-ul-Haq Tennis Arena grass courts on Saturday.In the first singles, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi outclassed David Agung Susanto in straight sets 2-0, as the final score-line was 6-4, and 6-1. Aisam displayed top-quality tennis to overcome his rival quite comfortably, as he conceded just a solitary game in the first set. In the second set, visitor lad, David Agung Susanto showed some resistance and tried to control the game but his efforts could not substantiate to bounce back in the match. Asiam finished the second game at 6-4.Aqeel Khan overcame Gunawan Trismuwantara in the second single of the day, as he had to toil hard on the court in the first set that he claimed 7-5. He won the second set at 6-4 to register victory in straight sets 2-0, as the final score-line was 7-5, and 6-4. Doubles match are reverse singles will be played on Sunday at the same venue.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) named a 22-member women’s squad for the six-nation Women's International Friendly Tournament in Saudi Arabia. Maria Khan to lead Pakistan in the soccer fixture.According to an official of PFF, the Women's team is scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia this evening, utilizing a private airline for their journey. Pakistan's team has been grouped in Group A, alongside the host nation, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.The team in green will commence their tournament on the 21st of September with a match against Malaysia, followed by their encounter against the host team on the 24th of September. All matches will take place exclusively at King Fahd Stadium located in Ta'if.Names of players:Goalkeepers: Rumaysa Khan, Nisha Ashraf and Mafia ParveenDefenders: Malika Ehtisham, Mishal Bhatti, Sophiya Qureshi, Nizalia Siddiqui, Sara Khan and Noureen BaigMidfielders: Maria Khan (c), Aliha Aladin, Kayanat Bokhari, Rameen Fareed, Marvi Baig and Aliza SabirForwards: Sanober Abdul Sattar, Zahmena Malik, Zulfia Nazir, Aliya Sadiq, Anmool Hira, Suha Hurani and Isra KhanTeam Officials: Adeel Rizki (Head Coach), Ahsanullah Khan (Goal Keeper Coach), Haider Ali (Media), Aqsa (Physio) and Eiman Ahmed (Team Manager).

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Ace tennis lad, Aisam ul Haq Qureshi will take on David Agung Susanto in the opening fixture of Davis Cup World Group-II Tennis Tie against Indonesia on Saturday (September 16, 2023) here at Pakistan Sports Board’s Grass Court on the premises of the Pakistan Sports Complex, as the Draws were taken place at a local hotel on Friday morning. The Pakistan number one tennis player, Aqeel Khan will face Gunawan Trismuwantara in the second Single of the day at the same venue.International Tennis Federation’s nominated officials including Hany El Khafief (Referee), Gianluca Moscarella (Chair Umpire), and Ivan Yovchev (Chair Umpire) attended the ceremony. The top officials of the Indonesian embassy in Islamabad including Yusran Hadromi were there to back their players.Also, the president, Pakistan Tennis Federation PTF Senator Salim Saifullah, and other PTF top officials including Arif Qureshi, Mohammad Khalil Ahmed, Shahzad Alvi, Gul Rehman, Asim Shafik, Sohail Ahmed were present on this occasion. At the end, president PTF Senator Salim Saifullah Khan awarded mementos to the visiting players and officials.Aisam ul Haq said: “Although top Indonesian players are not part of their team, however, this tie will be challenging for us, as the players of the opposite squad do play in the international circuit regularly. We have an edge of the grass surface, I and Aqeel won the most ties on grass and we will give our best to win the tie. Pakistan have a remarkable record against Indonesia and played a couple of Ties both won by Pakistan in 1984, and 2015. We will try to maintain this record.”Coach Mushaf Zia said: “We selected the team after conducting the trials at a grass court, as the 8 players participated in the proceedings. We set the training camp on the same court to give good shape to players for the Davis Cup Tennis Tie. We toiled hard during the 45-day camp. We have veteran players Aisam and Aqeel, who have played over 100 Davis Cup Ties and claimed countless victories for Pakistan. We are well prepared and hope we will produce a notable performance against Indonesia.”Indonesia Captain Wiryawan Sugiharta said: “We came here after full preparation, and people will enjoy good competition and world-class tennis during the Davis Cup Ties. We are missing our two best players, as one is busy with international commitments while the other got injured before arriving here. Our team members are fit and produce sparking performances. We are happy to see arrangements and facilities at the venue.”  Schedule (September 16, 2023):1st Singles: 11:00 am: Aisam ul Haq Qureshi vs David Agung Susanto2nd Singles: Aqeel Khan Vs Gunawan TrismuwantaraSeptember 17, 2023:Doubles 11:00 am: Mohammad Shoaib / Mohammad Abid vs Gunawan Trismuwantara / Anthony SusantoReverse Singles: Aqeel Khan vs David Agung Susanto, Aisam ul Haq Qureshi vs Gunawan Trismuwantara