Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
SJAS to fete Asian Games gold medalists
Report by Ubaid-ur-Rehman Awan
KARACHI: Sports Journalists Association of Sindh (SJAS) will honor Asian Games gold medalists belonging to Sindh province in a ceremony to be staged on January 6, 2011 at the PSB National Coaching & Training Centre, Karachi.
This was decided in the SJAS Managing Committee, which met at the Karachi Press Club with Senior Vice President Nasar Iqbal (Daily Jang) in the chair.
The meeting also took a number of important decisions which include formation of a four-member committee to hold the ceremony, opening new membership of SJAS.
The 4-member committee comprises Shahid Ali Khan (chairman), Alam Zeb Safi, Tariq Aslam and Ubaid-ur-Rehman Awan. The meeting was told that those friends who were not with the SJAS at the outset, Inshallah would be joining the association shortly.
Those members, who failed to clear their dues and annual fee of Rs 300 are requested to pay them to Mr Ubaid Awan by December 31, 2010 otherwise they would not be considered for voting process. The meeting also decided to form a scrutiny committee in January 2011 before holding fresh elections.
Meanwhile, the meeting congratulated SJAS Joint Secretary Shoaib Ahmed and MC member Mehmood Riaz, who joined WAQAT TV and DawnNews tv respectively.
KARACHI: Sports Journalists Association of Sindh (SJAS) will honor Asian Games gold medalists belonging to Sindh province in a ceremony to be staged on January 6, 2011 at the PSB National Coaching & Training Centre, Karachi.
This was decided in the SJAS Managing Committee, which met at the Karachi Press Club with Senior Vice President Nasar Iqbal (Daily Jang) in the chair.
The meeting also took a number of important decisions which include formation of a four-member committee to hold the ceremony, opening new membership of SJAS.
The 4-member committee comprises Shahid Ali Khan (chairman), Alam Zeb Safi, Tariq Aslam and Ubaid-ur-Rehman Awan. The meeting was told that those friends who were not with the SJAS at the outset, Inshallah would be joining the association shortly.
Those members, who failed to clear their dues and annual fee of Rs 300 are requested to pay them to Mr Ubaid Awan by December 31, 2010 otherwise they would not be considered for voting process. The meeting also decided to form a scrutiny committee in January 2011 before holding fresh elections.
Meanwhile, the meeting congratulated SJAS Joint Secretary Shoaib Ahmed and MC member Mehmood Riaz, who joined WAQAT TV and DawnNews tv respectively.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
AIBA appointed Doda Bhutto VC of the youth commission
Report by Ubaid-ur-Rehman Awan
Karachi: President of Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Doda Khan Bhutto become vice chairman of International Boxing Association( AIBA) youth commission and Secretary of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) anti doping commission Dr. Waqar Ahmed has been selected member of AIBA Medical commission by AIBA.
Doda Khan Bhutto expressed on this occasion he would like work with Boxing higher authority in the world and I will do hard for whole world for the promotion of this game like Pakistan he said from Muscat where he is working with Pakistani contingent as a chief-de Mission during 2nd Asian Beach games , he also praised AIBA president Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu decision about his appointment and he say I will try complete AIBA confidence.
Officials of Pakistan Boxing Federation Executive vice president Waqar Maroof, senior vice president Faqir Hussain, Vice presidents Mr. Iqbal Hussain, Brig. Iqtidar Naseer Ahmed, Captain Mehtab Ahmed, Rana Ibrar Anwar and Joint Secretary Muhammad Yousuf Butt and Secretary General Muhammad Akram khan congratulated to Doda Khan Bhutto and appreciated his efforts for promotion of boxing in the country they also expressed AIBA and PBF will work joint hand in globally.
Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) also has recommended two other boxing persons for deferent AIBA commissions, Ex Olympian referee judge and Chairman of PBF Referee Judge commission Mr Ali Akber Shah Qadri for referee judge commission and Olympian boxer Syed Ibrar Hussain Shah for AIBA coaching commission.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Tanveer to be part Sindh team in all Pakistan NBP boxing
Karachi: Eight members sindh boxing team has been selected for the upcoming 6th All Pakistan National Bank boxing championship which would be held at Peshawar from November 6.
Sindh boxing team trials was held at Ustad satto bixng stadium Kakri ground Liyari under the supervision of ex Asian champion boxer Ghani Durwesh, also was presence of ex international boxers Ustad Siddique, Javed Jan and Younas Qambarni and they were nominated who will eligible to represent sindh in said event.
International boxer Tanveer Ahmed from Karachi has been selected for sindh team who is currently in Pakistan National team camp who is get preparation in Islamabad for the upcoming Asian Games, Taveer was represented Pakistan in last World Junior Boxing Championship in this April year at Baku Azerbaijan and show his good talent their.
Sindh team is Jahanzaib (49kg), Salah Uddin (52kg), Hussain Shah (56kg), Jamil Ahmed (60kg), Tanveer Ahmed (64kg), Sher Ali (69kg), Javed Akhtar (Captain) (75kg) and Faizan Kachi (81kg) ex int’l boxer Javed Jan appointed as cheif Coach while Saeed Ahmed his deputy and Yar Muhammad Qambrani a company as team manager.
Sindh boxing team trials was held at Ustad satto bixng stadium Kakri ground Liyari under the supervision of ex Asian champion boxer Ghani Durwesh, also was presence of ex international boxers Ustad Siddique, Javed Jan and Younas Qambarni and they were nominated who will eligible to represent sindh in said event.
International boxer Tanveer Ahmed from Karachi has been selected for sindh team who is currently in Pakistan National team camp who is get preparation in Islamabad for the upcoming Asian Games, Taveer was represented Pakistan in last World Junior Boxing Championship in this April year at Baku Azerbaijan and show his good talent their.
Sindh team is Jahanzaib (49kg), Salah Uddin (52kg), Hussain Shah (56kg), Jamil Ahmed (60kg), Tanveer Ahmed (64kg), Sher Ali (69kg), Javed Akhtar (Captain) (75kg) and Faizan Kachi (81kg) ex int’l boxer Javed Jan appointed as cheif Coach while Saeed Ahmed his deputy and Yar Muhammad Qambrani a company as team manager.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
.:: SAMAA - Jan Mohammad Boxer – SAMAA VIDEO
.:: SAMAA - Jan Mohammad Boxer – SAMAA VIDEO
Ubaid Awan from Karachi reports on the condition of former Olympian, Jan Mohammad Baloch. (October 04, 2010)
Ubaid Awan from Karachi reports on the condition of former Olympian, Jan Mohammad Baloch. (October 04, 2010)
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Waseem become champion of Combat Games boxing
Report By Ubaid-ur-Rehman Awan
Karachi: Pakistan’s young and promising boxer Muhammad Waseem showed his talented and prowess to out punch his Dominico Republican opponent Dagoverto Agoero in the final bout and he become first ever Pakistani boxer who get Gold medal in Sports Accord Combat Games in Beijing, China on Thursday.
Pakistani boxing team will arrive from china on Friday night 12:00AM on Jinnah Int’l Airport Karachi.
Muhammad Waseem wins final bout by the score of 11-5 against Dagoverto agoero from Dominica republic in third and final round in concluding bout of 52kg weight category.
Gold medalist boxer Muhammad Waseem express his success named to his flood affected nation, I also pay thanks to Pakistani nation who prays for my success and Pakistan becomes the gold medalist country in Combat Games boxing event.
Pakistan boxing team manager also support victorious boxer, Iqbal Hussain express in front of Int’l Media in Beijing.
“Our gold medal goes to Pakistani Nation who suffering from flood disaster we want gave some happiness to our countrymen on this occasion” Manager Iqbal Hussain express on front of Int’l Media in Beijing during Games concluding ceremony.
President of Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) Doda Khan Bhutto announce one lac Rupees Cash reward for gold medalist boxer Muhammad Waseem.
“Waseem is a good boxer and his performance can help us for up lifting boxing games in Pakistan now we have good hopes from him in commomwelath games and also in Asian Games which will be held this year India and China” Doda Khan Bhutto express in a statement.
Five Pakistani boxers were took part in Sports accord Combat Games four boxers Mohib Ullah, Amir Khan, Tariq Zia and Nisar Khan have lost in quarter finals only Waseem reached in semi final and now he will fight for Gold Medal in event.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
PSB approved seven nations joint boxing training camp
by Ubaid-ur-Rehman Awan
Karachi: Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has allowed to Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) hosting seven international boxing teams for commonwealth games joint training session.
President of Pakistan Boxing Federation Doda Khan Bhutto, Vice President Iqbal Hussain and General Secretary Muhammad Akram Khan were met on Tuesday with Director General of Pakistan sports Board Syed Amir hamza Gilani at PSB National Coaching Center in Karachi.
“We have get approval from our parent body for joint training session but PSB has cut number of participating teams ten to six now we will invite to six teams for this purpose included we have confirmation from Malaysia, Central Republic of Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Sri lanka, Mauritius, Rwanda, Nigeria, Uganda and Cameroon….” Doda Khan Bhutto said in a statement.
Director General PSB Amir Hamza Gilani appreciated PBF hard efforts for uplifting boxing game in country he also expressed we don’t host such type big event that time because our many team preparations ongoing in Islamabad so we have face residential problems and also we have face financial issues, but we see PBF interest and we are on back of PBF and PSB will continue it’s all support.
Pakistan Boxing officials grateful to PSB, Federal Sports Ministry and other Government officials for its good support, they says we all working together for country soft image and bring back international sports in Pakistan.
Joint Training Camp could be start in Islamabad from 25th August till 28th September 2010.
Karachi: Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has allowed to Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) hosting seven international boxing teams for commonwealth games joint training session.
President of Pakistan Boxing Federation Doda Khan Bhutto, Vice President Iqbal Hussain and General Secretary Muhammad Akram Khan were met on Tuesday with Director General of Pakistan sports Board Syed Amir hamza Gilani at PSB National Coaching Center in Karachi.
“We have get approval from our parent body for joint training session but PSB has cut number of participating teams ten to six now we will invite to six teams for this purpose included we have confirmation from Malaysia, Central Republic of Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Sri lanka, Mauritius, Rwanda, Nigeria, Uganda and Cameroon….” Doda Khan Bhutto said in a statement.
Director General PSB Amir Hamza Gilani appreciated PBF hard efforts for uplifting boxing game in country he also expressed we don’t host such type big event that time because our many team preparations ongoing in Islamabad so we have face residential problems and also we have face financial issues, but we see PBF interest and we are on back of PBF and PSB will continue it’s all support.
Pakistan Boxing officials grateful to PSB, Federal Sports Ministry and other Government officials for its good support, they says we all working together for country soft image and bring back international sports in Pakistan.
Joint Training Camp could be start in Islamabad from 25th August till 28th September 2010.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Nine countries confirm C/W joint boxing training in Pakistan
Karachi: Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) proudly announced nine countries has confirmed participation in commonwealth boxing joint training session in Pakistan could be start in this month.
PBF was invite many countries for one and half month long joint training camp in connection of commonwealth games and now nine countries has accepted and send us by name entries and some also give confirmation about his arriving schedule.
General Secretary of Pakistan Boxing Federation Mohammad Akram Khan express it’s a best opportunities for our boxers they will got good preparation before the two most important coming games, he said we could arrange second big event in this year it will be build a soft image on front of world and also in the Pakistan’s sports history
Akram Khan said we now wait approval from Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for holding this Joint training session program yet we will met tomorrow (Sunday) with the Director General of PSB Syed Amir Hamza Gilani and we have good hopes about approval and financial assistance for this event.
Malaysia, Central Republic of Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Srilanka, Mauritius, Rwanda, Nigeria and Uganda sent us confirmation.
Mauritius Boxing Association (MBA) has inform they are interested in three week training in Pakistan before the commonwealth games in New Delhi.
Amateur Boxing Association of Srilankan (ABA) also accepted the invitation and they inform us training till 15 September in Pakistan.
Rwanda Amateur Boxing Association write us they want training in Pakistan for the good preparation of C/W games would be held in New Delhi from 3rd to 14 October this year.
Nigeria Boxing Federation has sent 18 members contingent included 12 boxers and six officials they will train in Pakistan before games.
Uganda Amateur Boxing Federation (UABF) also has sent us 11 members of his squad including 10 boxers along with one coach UABF write us training occasion in Pakistan most important for our boxers because we are missed the opportunity for taking part in commonwealth boxing championship which was be held at New Delhi in March this year.
PBF was invite many countries for one and half month long joint training camp in connection of commonwealth games and now nine countries has accepted and send us by name entries and some also give confirmation about his arriving schedule.
General Secretary of Pakistan Boxing Federation Mohammad Akram Khan express it’s a best opportunities for our boxers they will got good preparation before the two most important coming games, he said we could arrange second big event in this year it will be build a soft image on front of world and also in the Pakistan’s sports history
Akram Khan said we now wait approval from Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for holding this Joint training session program yet we will met tomorrow (Sunday) with the Director General of PSB Syed Amir Hamza Gilani and we have good hopes about approval and financial assistance for this event.
Malaysia, Central Republic of Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Srilanka, Mauritius, Rwanda, Nigeria and Uganda sent us confirmation.
Mauritius Boxing Association (MBA) has inform they are interested in three week training in Pakistan before the commonwealth games in New Delhi.
Amateur Boxing Association of Srilankan (ABA) also accepted the invitation and they inform us training till 15 September in Pakistan.
Rwanda Amateur Boxing Association write us they want training in Pakistan for the good preparation of C/W games would be held in New Delhi from 3rd to 14 October this year.
Nigeria Boxing Federation has sent 18 members contingent included 12 boxers and six officials they will train in Pakistan before games.
Uganda Amateur Boxing Federation (UABF) also has sent us 11 members of his squad including 10 boxers along with one coach UABF write us training occasion in Pakistan most important for our boxers because we are missed the opportunity for taking part in commonwealth boxing championship which was be held at New Delhi in March this year.
PSB approve grant for ill boxer Dildar
Karachi: Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has approved two hundred thousand rupees financial assistant for Ex Pakistani international boxer Dildar Ahmed who live in Pakistan’s city Faisalabad with family with out any source of income.
Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) was recommended to PSB for financial assistance and we are grateful to PSB for approve two lac rupees for Dildar Ahmed, said PBF chief Doda Khan Bhutto and vice president Iqbal Hussain.
Dildar Ahmed won many gold medals in international arena like south Asian games, Asian games, Asian Boxing championship and many other international and national events during his carrier around 1987 to 1993 he was the part of Pakistan Army boxing team in national circuit in super heavy weight category.
Dilar Ahmed said on this occasion “I am thankful to PSB and Pakistan Boxing Federation they were guided them and help me,
Dildar Ahmed carrier: won gold medal in inter services boxing championship, KESC all Pakistan tournament and won the silver medal in Asian boxing championship which was be held in Kuwait in 1987,
Won bronze medal in Saigham boxing championship in Egypt in 1988, silver medal in int’l boxing competition in Islamabad, Gold medal in south Asian games Islamabad and bronze medal in Asian boxing championship in China in 1989.
Gold medal in first KESC int’l boxing tournament, gold medal in national games, gold medal in Asian Boxing championship in 1990. gold medal in inter services tournament at Quetta, Gold medal in national games, Gold medal in national ranking tournament and he also won a gold medal in south Asian games in Sri Lanka 1991.
Dildar Ahmed won gold in second KESC cup Int’l boxing in Karachi, Silver medal in 13th Asian games Thailand, Gold in inter services boxing, bronze medal in Saigham int’l Boxing in Denmark and gold medal in National camp at Lahore in 1992. He also won Gold medal in third KESC cup int’l Boxing and gold medal in inter services boxing in 1993.
Dildar Ahmed will receive two lac rupees chaque from Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in a ceremony likely will be held at PM house Islamabad in second week of the month of Pakistan’s Independence Day.
Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) was recommended to PSB for financial assistance and we are grateful to PSB for approve two lac rupees for Dildar Ahmed, said PBF chief Doda Khan Bhutto and vice president Iqbal Hussain.
Dildar Ahmed won many gold medals in international arena like south Asian games, Asian games, Asian Boxing championship and many other international and national events during his carrier around 1987 to 1993 he was the part of Pakistan Army boxing team in national circuit in super heavy weight category.
Dilar Ahmed said on this occasion “I am thankful to PSB and Pakistan Boxing Federation they were guided them and help me,
Dildar Ahmed carrier: won gold medal in inter services boxing championship, KESC all Pakistan tournament and won the silver medal in Asian boxing championship which was be held in Kuwait in 1987,
Won bronze medal in Saigham boxing championship in Egypt in 1988, silver medal in int’l boxing competition in Islamabad, Gold medal in south Asian games Islamabad and bronze medal in Asian boxing championship in China in 1989.
Gold medal in first KESC int’l boxing tournament, gold medal in national games, gold medal in Asian Boxing championship in 1990. gold medal in inter services tournament at Quetta, Gold medal in national games, Gold medal in national ranking tournament and he also won a gold medal in south Asian games in Sri Lanka 1991.
Dildar Ahmed won gold in second KESC cup Int’l boxing in Karachi, Silver medal in 13th Asian games Thailand, Gold in inter services boxing, bronze medal in Saigham int’l Boxing in Denmark and gold medal in National camp at Lahore in 1992. He also won Gold medal in third KESC cup int’l Boxing and gold medal in inter services boxing in 1993.
Dildar Ahmed will receive two lac rupees chaque from Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in a ceremony likely will be held at PM house Islamabad in second week of the month of Pakistan’s Independence Day.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
PBF’s plans of holding Olympics Qualifiers jolted
KARACHI: The Pakistan Boxing Federation’s (PBF) plans of hosting international events fell in jeopardy after the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) declined a grant request sent by the PBF.
After successfully holding the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament earlier this year, the PBF planned to host the London Olympics Qualifiers that could see participation of boxers from over 50 Asian countries.
Besides, the federation was also planning to host a joint training camp later this month for the Commonwealth Games, for which it has already received confirmation from various Asian and African countries.
The PBF secretary Akram Khan said the fate of both the events hangs in the balance after the PSB refused to assure grant for the two events.
“We have received a reply to our request for a grant from the PSB in which they have shown lack of interest for both events,” Akram told The Express Tribune.
He said the federation had asked the PSB to provide a grant of Rs3.5 million for the joint training besides an amount of Rs70 million for the Olympics Qualifier.
“The PSB has asked for details of expenditure for the Olympics Qualifier in its reply which we already sent in our request. It seems the board is not interested in the competition,” added Akram.
The secretary felt the country would lose a golden chance of hosting a mega international event if the PSB would not assure funds for the event that is scheduled for March, 2012.
“The last date of submitting a bid for the event is in October and if the PSB does not assure funds before it, we will lose the chance,” said Akram while adding it was the PBF which hosted a major international tournament amid drought of sports events in the country.
The secretary said the federation has promised to give the PSB all the sponsorship money it will get, in return of its grant for the Olympics Qualifier.
CW Games training to be affected
PBF feared boxers’ preparations for this October’s Commonwealth Games in New Delhi would be affected if it will not get funds to hold the training camp.
“We planned the joint training camp from August 15 and if it will not happen then our boxers will have to rely on the same camp that is already underway,” said Akram while adding that the present camp will not be as effective as the joint training camp that will see foreign boxers in action.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 4th, 2010.
After successfully holding the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament earlier this year, the PBF planned to host the London Olympics Qualifiers that could see participation of boxers from over 50 Asian countries.
Besides, the federation was also planning to host a joint training camp later this month for the Commonwealth Games, for which it has already received confirmation from various Asian and African countries.
The PBF secretary Akram Khan said the fate of both the events hangs in the balance after the PSB refused to assure grant for the two events.
“We have received a reply to our request for a grant from the PSB in which they have shown lack of interest for both events,” Akram told The Express Tribune.
He said the federation had asked the PSB to provide a grant of Rs3.5 million for the joint training besides an amount of Rs70 million for the Olympics Qualifier.
“The PSB has asked for details of expenditure for the Olympics Qualifier in its reply which we already sent in our request. It seems the board is not interested in the competition,” added Akram.
The secretary felt the country would lose a golden chance of hosting a mega international event if the PSB would not assure funds for the event that is scheduled for March, 2012.
“The last date of submitting a bid for the event is in October and if the PSB does not assure funds before it, we will lose the chance,” said Akram while adding it was the PBF which hosted a major international tournament amid drought of sports events in the country.
The secretary said the federation has promised to give the PSB all the sponsorship money it will get, in return of its grant for the Olympics Qualifier.
CW Games training to be affected
PBF feared boxers’ preparations for this October’s Commonwealth Games in New Delhi would be affected if it will not get funds to hold the training camp.
“We planned the joint training camp from August 15 and if it will not happen then our boxers will have to rely on the same camp that is already underway,” said Akram while adding that the present camp will not be as effective as the joint training camp that will see foreign boxers in action.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 4th, 2010.
Doda Khan hopeful about joint training session
Karachi, The expenses are less comparing it to the benefits Pakistan and its pugilists would acquire by holding a joint-training session, in which around ten countries has confirmed their participation ahead of the Common Wealth Games, it would be very foolish if they lose such a golden chance, says Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) President Doda Khan Bhutto.
"Federations of around 10 countries have confirmed in the joint-training session, which is yet to be finalized. It would be a golden opportunity for our boxers to get train ahead of Common Wealth Games and also for Asian Games," Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) President Doda Khan Bhutto told PPI. "Moreover, it would send a positive message to the world that the condition Pakistan is not as bad as it has been portrayed throughout the world. When ten teams would come here and get training for around a month, it would certainly soften the image of Pakistan," he added. He said that Pakistani boxers would highly be benefited by the event and their morale would be lifted and their confidence would also be boosted after having sparred against pugilists of 10 nations.
Boxing federations of Malaysia, Nigeria, Algeria, Sri Lanka, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Central African Republic and Mauritius have confirmed PBF that they would be sending their pugilists if they would conduct the joint training in Pakistan. In spite of the fact that PBF have convinced many countries to send their pugilists to Pakistan for joint training ahead of Common Wealth Games, Pakistan Sports Board and Sports Ministry has not yet given a go ahead signal to the federation. Doda Khan said that if they had sent their ten boxers and two coaches for foreign tour of Cuba for training, than the expenses would be double as compared to the on cards training session in which they may host pugilists of 10 nations.
He added that they are optimistic that the PSB would allow them to conduct the training session and the federation is well prepared to host the event even if they give a go ahead on the eleventh hour. "We have done all our homework for the event and we are only waiting for a go ahead signal of Pakistan Sports Board. We are optimistic about the joint training but I feel that PSB should have taken up the matter earlier and should have told us by now what they want us to do. We also have to confirm our counterparts of the countries willing to participate in the joint training," Doda explained. However, PBF secretary Akram Khan feared that if they fail to hold the event, whose deadline in 15th August, the federation’s would not have credibilty anymore in the international boxing arena.
PPI
"Federations of around 10 countries have confirmed in the joint-training session, which is yet to be finalized. It would be a golden opportunity for our boxers to get train ahead of Common Wealth Games and also for Asian Games," Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) President Doda Khan Bhutto told PPI. "Moreover, it would send a positive message to the world that the condition Pakistan is not as bad as it has been portrayed throughout the world. When ten teams would come here and get training for around a month, it would certainly soften the image of Pakistan," he added. He said that Pakistani boxers would highly be benefited by the event and their morale would be lifted and their confidence would also be boosted after having sparred against pugilists of 10 nations.
Boxing federations of Malaysia, Nigeria, Algeria, Sri Lanka, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Central African Republic and Mauritius have confirmed PBF that they would be sending their pugilists if they would conduct the joint training in Pakistan. In spite of the fact that PBF have convinced many countries to send their pugilists to Pakistan for joint training ahead of Common Wealth Games, Pakistan Sports Board and Sports Ministry has not yet given a go ahead signal to the federation. Doda Khan said that if they had sent their ten boxers and two coaches for foreign tour of Cuba for training, than the expenses would be double as compared to the on cards training session in which they may host pugilists of 10 nations.
He added that they are optimistic that the PSB would allow them to conduct the training session and the federation is well prepared to host the event even if they give a go ahead on the eleventh hour. "We have done all our homework for the event and we are only waiting for a go ahead signal of Pakistan Sports Board. We are optimistic about the joint training but I feel that PSB should have taken up the matter earlier and should have told us by now what they want us to do. We also have to confirm our counterparts of the countries willing to participate in the joint training," Doda explained. However, PBF secretary Akram Khan feared that if they fail to hold the event, whose deadline in 15th August, the federation’s would not have credibilty anymore in the international boxing arena.
PPI
.:: SAMAA -Cyclist Bilal Baloch Story– SAMAA VIDEO
.:: SAMAA - Bilal Baloch – SAMAA VIDEO
The national cyclist, Bilal Baloch, is in pathetic condition, Ubaid Awan reports from Karachi.
The national cyclist, Bilal Baloch, is in pathetic condition, Ubaid Awan reports from Karachi.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Ex-AIBA president Anwar Chowdhry dies
SLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani boxing authorities say former amateur boxing chief Anwar Chowdhry has died at 87.
Pakistan Boxing Federation spokesman said Chowdhry died of a heart attack in the southern port city of Karachi.
Chowdhry was ousted as president of the International Amateur Boxing Association in 2006 over alleged corruption and mismanagement. He had led the organization for 20 years.
Change came abruptly to amateur boxing in 2006 when Taiwan's Wu Ching-kuo unexpectedly ousted Chowdhry for leadership of AIBA.
The next year, Chowdhry was barred for life from any involvement with the governing body for allegedly mishandling hundreds of thousands of dollars in federation funds.
Chowdhry is survived by three daughters.
Pakistan Boxing Federation spokesman said Chowdhry died of a heart attack in the southern port city of Karachi.
Chowdhry was ousted as president of the International Amateur Boxing Association in 2006 over alleged corruption and mismanagement. He had led the organization for 20 years.
Change came abruptly to amateur boxing in 2006 when Taiwan's Wu Ching-kuo unexpectedly ousted Chowdhry for leadership of AIBA.
The next year, Chowdhry was barred for life from any involvement with the governing body for allegedly mishandling hundreds of thousands of dollars in federation funds.
Chowdhry is survived by three daughters.
Former amateur boxing chief Chowdhry dies
Agence France-Presse
KARACHI – Former world amateur boxing chief Anwar Chowdhry has died aged 88 after prolonged illness, his family said on Sunday.
Chowdhry was president of the International Amateur Boxing Association from 1986 to 2006 and was a hugely influential figure in the sport.
He was ousted after allegations of misappropriation of funds, a charge he denied. He was also president of the Pakistan Boxing Federation for 33 years, until 2008.
Chowdhry was instrumental in introducing the latest points scoring system after the previous system created controversy at the Seoul Olympics in 1988.
During Chowdhry's reign, Pakistan claimed its sole Olympic boxing medal when Hussain Shah won a bronze in Seoul.
He will be buried on Monday.
KARACHI – Former world amateur boxing chief Anwar Chowdhry has died aged 88 after prolonged illness, his family said on Sunday.
Chowdhry was president of the International Amateur Boxing Association from 1986 to 2006 and was a hugely influential figure in the sport.
He was ousted after allegations of misappropriation of funds, a charge he denied. He was also president of the Pakistan Boxing Federation for 33 years, until 2008.
Chowdhry was instrumental in introducing the latest points scoring system after the previous system created controversy at the Seoul Olympics in 1988.
During Chowdhry's reign, Pakistan claimed its sole Olympic boxing medal when Hussain Shah won a bronze in Seoul.
He will be buried on Monday.
Anwar Chowdhry, boxing's controversial figure, passes away
KARACHI: Pakistan lost an influential but a controversial boxing personality on Saturday when former president of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Anwar Chowdhry passed away.
The country witnessed a brilliant boxing era under Chowdhry by winning the solitary Olympic medal at 1988 Seoul Games when middleweight Hussain Shah won the bronze. Pakistan also grabbed other laurels during his tenure as Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) chief, winning Asian Games, Asian championship and South Asian Federation Games (now South Asian Games) and assorted titles.
An engineer by profession and a professor at NED University, Chowdhry later developed an affection for boxing and became the president of the national federation to rule the sport’s affairs with an iron hand for no less than 33 years.
The 87-year-old Pakistani first entered into AIBA domain in 1966 as vice-president before being elected secretary-general in 1974, and later elected the president of the international body in 1986.
He always faced a tough time at the home front owing to his pick-and-choose policies and whimsical decisions which led to friction between him and many involved in boxing at national and grassroots levels.
Chowdhry, who was accused of running Pakistan boxing matters single-handedly, favouring few and sidelining many, did not have many friends in sports controlling bodies at home. He maintained bitter relations with Pakistan Sports Board and Pakistan Olympic Association which he usually referred to as ‘post office.’
Likewise, he was also the loggerheads with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which at one stage raised objections over his much-hyped ‘Chowdhry Scoring System’ and selection of judges and referees. Later, IOC stopped its grants to AIBA until all the requirements for fair judging and refereeing were fulfilled.
It was not only totalitarian rule at home, but Chowdhry ran the international boxing affairs with equal authority. From invitational tournaments and the Olympic qualifying rounds organised at home to World championships abroad, Chowdhry was accused of altering results to favour the Pakistani boxers.
His downfall eventually came when he was dethroned as the international boxing king in 2006 when he lost to Chinese Taipei’s Ching-Kuo Wu who won by securing 83 votes against Chowdhry’s 79. Chowdhry had lost the final battle but not before a series of allegations of corruption.
It was revealed that Chowdhry withdrew $350,000 in March 2006 from the joint account of his daughter Sonia Shakeel from Zurich-based UBS Bank to Union Bank in Karachi. AIBA executive committee member Rudel Obreja immediately took notice and questioned him to disclose the source of huge amount of money in his Swiss bank account.
While Obreja also accused Chowdhry and his son-in-law Shakeel Durrani of receiving kickbacks from a boxing gear manufacturing company, an audit report in 2006 revealed that the PBF had been operating a bank account without having any record of transactions in account books.
Chowdhry was also in limelight when he refused to submit original invoices for accounts audit to Swiss auditing company Fiduciaire Tucker and flatly refused to submit the supporting documents for four years despite being asked by his secretary Caner Doganeli and auditing firm repeatedly.
Soon after losing the election, Chowdhry, who ruled boxing’s international ruling body for 20 years, was also banned for life on the charges of embezzlement during his tenure. It also had a negative impact on Chowdhry as PBF chief and was replaced by Doda Khan in 2008.
But it was not only Chowdhry who was frustrated after his downfall. Pakistan boxing also slumped to an unprecedented abyss with pathetic performances at all the international events. While Pakistan squad returned empty-handed from 2006 Asian Games in Doha, not a single pugilist qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a first in the history of the Pakistan boxing.
Although Chowdhry was a controversial boxing figure, many believe that it was because of his manipulations during his tenure with AIBA that Pakistan is now facing a decline in boxing, Pakistan boxing now lacks a personality of his stature and influence.
Chowdhry left behind three daughters and grandchildren. His funeral will be held on Monday after the arrival of his daughter Sonia and her family from the US.
The country witnessed a brilliant boxing era under Chowdhry by winning the solitary Olympic medal at 1988 Seoul Games when middleweight Hussain Shah won the bronze. Pakistan also grabbed other laurels during his tenure as Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) chief, winning Asian Games, Asian championship and South Asian Federation Games (now South Asian Games) and assorted titles.
An engineer by profession and a professor at NED University, Chowdhry later developed an affection for boxing and became the president of the national federation to rule the sport’s affairs with an iron hand for no less than 33 years.
The 87-year-old Pakistani first entered into AIBA domain in 1966 as vice-president before being elected secretary-general in 1974, and later elected the president of the international body in 1986.
He always faced a tough time at the home front owing to his pick-and-choose policies and whimsical decisions which led to friction between him and many involved in boxing at national and grassroots levels.
Chowdhry, who was accused of running Pakistan boxing matters single-handedly, favouring few and sidelining many, did not have many friends in sports controlling bodies at home. He maintained bitter relations with Pakistan Sports Board and Pakistan Olympic Association which he usually referred to as ‘post office.’
Likewise, he was also the loggerheads with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which at one stage raised objections over his much-hyped ‘Chowdhry Scoring System’ and selection of judges and referees. Later, IOC stopped its grants to AIBA until all the requirements for fair judging and refereeing were fulfilled.
It was not only totalitarian rule at home, but Chowdhry ran the international boxing affairs with equal authority. From invitational tournaments and the Olympic qualifying rounds organised at home to World championships abroad, Chowdhry was accused of altering results to favour the Pakistani boxers.
His downfall eventually came when he was dethroned as the international boxing king in 2006 when he lost to Chinese Taipei’s Ching-Kuo Wu who won by securing 83 votes against Chowdhry’s 79. Chowdhry had lost the final battle but not before a series of allegations of corruption.
It was revealed that Chowdhry withdrew $350,000 in March 2006 from the joint account of his daughter Sonia Shakeel from Zurich-based UBS Bank to Union Bank in Karachi. AIBA executive committee member Rudel Obreja immediately took notice and questioned him to disclose the source of huge amount of money in his Swiss bank account.
While Obreja also accused Chowdhry and his son-in-law Shakeel Durrani of receiving kickbacks from a boxing gear manufacturing company, an audit report in 2006 revealed that the PBF had been operating a bank account without having any record of transactions in account books.
Chowdhry was also in limelight when he refused to submit original invoices for accounts audit to Swiss auditing company Fiduciaire Tucker and flatly refused to submit the supporting documents for four years despite being asked by his secretary Caner Doganeli and auditing firm repeatedly.
Soon after losing the election, Chowdhry, who ruled boxing’s international ruling body for 20 years, was also banned for life on the charges of embezzlement during his tenure. It also had a negative impact on Chowdhry as PBF chief and was replaced by Doda Khan in 2008.
But it was not only Chowdhry who was frustrated after his downfall. Pakistan boxing also slumped to an unprecedented abyss with pathetic performances at all the international events. While Pakistan squad returned empty-handed from 2006 Asian Games in Doha, not a single pugilist qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a first in the history of the Pakistan boxing.
Although Chowdhry was a controversial boxing figure, many believe that it was because of his manipulations during his tenure with AIBA that Pakistan is now facing a decline in boxing, Pakistan boxing now lacks a personality of his stature and influence.
Chowdhry left behind three daughters and grandchildren. His funeral will be held on Monday after the arrival of his daughter Sonia and her family from the US.
Ex AIBA president Prof Anwar Ch. Passes away
KARACHI: Prof Anwar Chowdhry, former President of International Boxing Federation (AIBA) and Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) passed away here on Saturday at the age of 88. He is survived by three daughters, sons-in-law and grand-daughters to mourn his death. His funeral will be held on Monday after Asr prayer from his residence located at Karachi Administration Society, Baloch Colony since his daughter Sonia and his husband Shakeel Durrani are in the USA and will be returning on Monday.
Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) office bearers Presedident DODA KHAN BHUTTU, Secretary Muhammad Akram Khan, Vice President Iqbal Hussain, Treasurer Ali Akber Shah Qadri and other all express condolence to his family, they all pay tribute for his servecises in boxing arena in Pakistan, Asia and worldwide.
Prof Chowdhry remained President, AIBA for 20 years until he was voted out in September 2006. He was engineer by profession and was the professor in the NED Engineering University before his affiliation with boxing. He also remained President, PBF for 33 years till 2008.He was given Sitrae Imtiaz Award by Government of Pakistan in 1998. Before he had received IOC Award, UNISCO Award and honorary degrees of Doctorate from American University of Physical Education, Governments of Thailand and Azarbaijan.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Pak disabled cricketers may tour England
By Ubaid-ur-Rehman Awan
KARACHI: Pakistan disabled cricket team has been invited to play three One Day Internationals and four Twenty20 Internationals in England and the decision in this regard is likely within the next three to four days.
Secretary, Pakistan Disabled Cricket Association (PDCA), Ameeruddin Ansari told awansports.blogspot.com on late Tuesday that David Clayton, Development Manager of an English cricket club, Barnsley, has written letter to PDCA stating that the Pakistani disabled cricketers would be entertained if they are sent to tour England.
As per the letter, Pakistani disabled cricket team may tour England from July 19 to July 31, during which, the English club is seeking to play three ODIs and four T20Is.
It is important to mention here that the former English batsman and current commentator, Geoffrey Boycott, and former ICC umpire Dickie Bird are directors of Barnsley Cricket Club.
Mohammad Nizam, Media Manager and Associate Secretary of the Pakistan Disabled Cricket Association, told awansports.blogspot.com that the Association has not taken any decision with respect to the offer, however, a meeting of the PDCA’s Board of Directors has been called, during which the final decision would be taken.
He further stated that the PDCA also has to think about the air tickets and other expenses therefore it is necessary that all the Directors are on the same page.
Pakistan is the first country in the world which constituted a disabled cricket team and is the only cricket team in the world till to date. PDCA has already organised two National Disable Cricket Championships.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has also got inspiration from the activities of the Pakistan Disabled Cricket Association and is mulling to adopt this new breed of players and is setting up a separate wing for the disable cricket.
Pakistan disabled cricketers already embarked upon their first international tour to Malaysia and Singapore earlier this year where they played a total of six ODIs and T20Is against normal teams, winning three out of them.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
No foreign coach willing to come: Bajwa
by Ubaid-ur-Rehman Awan
KARACHI: Top officials of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) have been beating their own trumpet of hiring a foreign coach for the national hockey team, but since now, they have made no progress in this regard.
Secretary PHF, Asif Bajwa, admitted in an exclusive chat with awansports.blogspot.com on Wednesday that due to security reasons not even a single foreign coach is ready to work in Pakistan.
It’s interesting to note here that if such a situation persists then Pakistan will have to tour Europe with a Pakistani coach, just like they did in Malaysia for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup earlier this year.
Pakistan were once a power to reckon with in international field hockey and won number of tournaments including World Cup Titles along with Olympics, Champions Trophy, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and other important field hockey tournaments around the globe, but currently the national game is going through its worst phase.
Bajwa told that the PHF is still trying its level best to rope in an experienced foreign coach and is in the process of negotiations with two to three coaches.
He further stated that things would clear up only after June 10, 2010 and hoped that the Federation would be able to bring at least one foreign coach round to its point of view and attract him for Pakistan hockey job.
It is important to mention here that Pakistan stood at 12th position in this year’s World Cup held in New Delhi. Since then, the PHF are on the hunt for a foreign coach for the national hockey team.
KARACHI: Top officials of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) have been beating their own trumpet of hiring a foreign coach for the national hockey team, but since now, they have made no progress in this regard.
Secretary PHF, Asif Bajwa, admitted in an exclusive chat with awansports.blogspot.com on Wednesday that due to security reasons not even a single foreign coach is ready to work in Pakistan.
It’s interesting to note here that if such a situation persists then Pakistan will have to tour Europe with a Pakistani coach, just like they did in Malaysia for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup earlier this year.
Pakistan were once a power to reckon with in international field hockey and won number of tournaments including World Cup Titles along with Olympics, Champions Trophy, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and other important field hockey tournaments around the globe, but currently the national game is going through its worst phase.
Bajwa told that the PHF is still trying its level best to rope in an experienced foreign coach and is in the process of negotiations with two to three coaches.
He further stated that things would clear up only after June 10, 2010 and hoped that the Federation would be able to bring at least one foreign coach round to its point of view and attract him for Pakistan hockey job.
It is important to mention here that Pakistan stood at 12th position in this year’s World Cup held in New Delhi. Since then, the PHF are on the hunt for a foreign coach for the national hockey team.
Monday, May 31, 2010
PFF appoints Jan Muhammad as Karachi Scrutiny Coordinator
LAHORE, May 31 (APP)- The Scrutiny of football clubs of five Zones of District Karachi will be held at various grounds from June 1-5. The PFF Scrutiny committee has appointed former Karachi Port Trust (KPT)’s Sports officer and Head coach of Mauripur Baloch FC during Salma Begum Soccer Series, Jan Muhammad to scrutinize the clubs of Karachi as Karachi Football Clubs Scrutiny Coordinator.
All the clubs who have submitted the Club Information and Data Performa to PPF through Sindh Football Association (SFA) are advised to attend the five-day Scrutiny Process with all their official/players and relevant documents as per schedule.
Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Vice President Syed Khadim Ali Shah said the main purpose of the scrutiny was to eliminate the bogus clubs. PFF is conducting Scrutiny of clubs under the directives of PFF’s President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, in order to keep alive active clubs in the PFF files and to improve Club culture in the football of Pakistan.
“ All the process of the Scrutiny would be based on merit and coaches working under AFC AID 27 Scheme and other qualified are being appointed to supervise it across the country”, said Khadim Shah who is also SVP of South Asian Football Federation (SAFF).
Jan Muhammad, Match Commissioner during Pakistan Premier Leagues and Super Football League, thanked Faisal Saleh Hayat for reposing confidence on him to act as scrutiny Coordinator of the sports-loving District comprised of lots of clubs and footballers, and the area that produced numerous internationals to various Pakistani teams.
He said the work of PFF chief since 2003 is praiseworthy and his efforts will take Pakistan to new height in this game. His tenure from 2003-2010 will be written in Golden years in entire 63-year history of national soccer body.
All the clubs who have submitted the Club Information and Data Performa to PPF through Sindh Football Association (SFA) are advised to attend the five-day Scrutiny Process with all their official/players and relevant documents as per schedule.
Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Vice President Syed Khadim Ali Shah said the main purpose of the scrutiny was to eliminate the bogus clubs. PFF is conducting Scrutiny of clubs under the directives of PFF’s President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, in order to keep alive active clubs in the PFF files and to improve Club culture in the football of Pakistan.
“ All the process of the Scrutiny would be based on merit and coaches working under AFC AID 27 Scheme and other qualified are being appointed to supervise it across the country”, said Khadim Shah who is also SVP of South Asian Football Federation (SAFF).
Jan Muhammad, Match Commissioner during Pakistan Premier Leagues and Super Football League, thanked Faisal Saleh Hayat for reposing confidence on him to act as scrutiny Coordinator of the sports-loving District comprised of lots of clubs and footballers, and the area that produced numerous internationals to various Pakistani teams.
He said the work of PFF chief since 2003 is praiseworthy and his efforts will take Pakistan to new height in this game. His tenure from 2003-2010 will be written in Golden years in entire 63-year history of national soccer body.
Pakistan to play series against South Africa from Oct 27
KARACHI: Pakistan will play one T20, five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and two Test matches during a month-long series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in October/November this year.A spokesman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Monday that the series would be played from October 25 to November 25 at the Dubai Sports City Ground, in Dubai and the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Pakistan home series is being played in UAE because South Africa is not touring this country because security fears.
Commenting on the series PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt said “I am very grateful to Dr. Mtutuzeli Nyoka and Gerald Majola for their understanding of our position and supporting us to make this even possible”.
“PCB and Cricket South Africa have worked hard to bring this event and we are very excited to be returning to the world class facilities in the UAE and look forward to a tough contest between the two sides,” he said.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) CEO Gerald Majola in his comments said “The Proteas always enjoy playing Pakistan, and CSA was glad to assist PCB and ensure this tour happened.
“We are especially delighted that the fans will get to see top flight cricket between these two teams.” he said.
Following is the schedule of the tour:
Oct. 25: Teams Arrival
Oct. 27 T20 International at Abu Dhabi
Oct. 29 1st ODI at Abu Dhabi
Oct. 31 2nd ODI at Abu Dhabi
Nov. 2 3rd ODI at Dubai
Nov. 5 4th ODI at Dubai
Nov. 8 5th ODI at Dubai
Nov.12-16 1st Test Match at Dubai
Nov.20-24 2nd Test Match at Abu Dhabi
Nov.25 team departure
Pakistan home series is being played in UAE because South Africa is not touring this country because security fears.
Commenting on the series PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt said “I am very grateful to Dr. Mtutuzeli Nyoka and Gerald Majola for their understanding of our position and supporting us to make this even possible”.
“PCB and Cricket South Africa have worked hard to bring this event and we are very excited to be returning to the world class facilities in the UAE and look forward to a tough contest between the two sides,” he said.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) CEO Gerald Majola in his comments said “The Proteas always enjoy playing Pakistan, and CSA was glad to assist PCB and ensure this tour happened.
“We are especially delighted that the fans will get to see top flight cricket between these two teams.” he said.
Following is the schedule of the tour:
Oct. 25: Teams Arrival
Oct. 27 T20 International at Abu Dhabi
Oct. 29 1st ODI at Abu Dhabi
Oct. 31 2nd ODI at Abu Dhabi
Nov. 2 3rd ODI at Dubai
Nov. 5 4th ODI at Dubai
Nov. 8 5th ODI at Dubai
Nov.12-16 1st Test Match at Dubai
Nov.20-24 2nd Test Match at Abu Dhabi
Nov.25 team departure
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Pakistan Army retains Inter-Services Boxing trophy
PESHAWAR: Sajjad Ali was declared best boxer as his team Pakistan Army retained Inter-Services Boxing trophy at PT School Abbottabad on Friday. Commandant Baloch Regimental Center Abbottabad Brig. Syed Khushnood Hussian was the chief guest on this occasion. Commandant PT School Center Col. Mohsin Ali, teams officials, players and game spectators were also present.
Pakistan Army grabbed a total of seven gold medals and three silver medals and retained the trophy while PAF won 3 gold, 5 silver medals and took runner-up trophy while Navy got 1 gold and three silver medals remained at third.
In the 48kg light fly weight final PAF Rashad Fateh won gold medal, followed by Saeed Hassan of Pakistan Army. In the 51kg final fly weight category Navy’ Asif Kachi won gold medal, followed by Rashid Hussian of Pakistan Army.
In 54kg bantam weight final Sajjad Ali of Pakistan Army defeated Ali Muhammad of Pakistan Navy and won gold medal. It was the best fight of the Championship as both Sajjad Ali and Ali Muhammad exhibited excellent display of skills.
In the 57kg feather weight category, final Abid Ali of PAF defeated Sheraz of Pakistan Navy. In the 60kg light weight category final Nawaz Dad of Pakistan Army beat Faheem Ahmad of PAF, in 64kg light welter weight category Olympian Fazale Karim beat Adnan of PAF and secured a knock-out bout victory.
In the 69kg welter weight Rashad Hussain of PAF won gold medal, followed by Qaiser of Pakistan Army. In the 75kg middle weight class Nisar Khan of Pakistan Army got gold medal by defeating Allah Dad of PAF.
A beautiful fight was also witnessed between Ahmad Ali of Pakistan Army and Yousaf of PAF in the 81kg light heavy weight class wherein Ahmad Ali won gold when he knocked-out Yousaf in the third round before facing tough time.
In the 91kg heavy weight Yasir Javed secured victory against Qamar Amin of PAF and won gold medal on points while in the above 91kg super heavy weight class Waqar Ahmad won gold medal and Saqib of Navy got silver medal, thus Army won the overall trophy by securing 7 gold medals. At the end, the chief guest Brig. Syed Khushnood Hussain gave away the trophies and medals.
Pakistan Army grabbed a total of seven gold medals and three silver medals and retained the trophy while PAF won 3 gold, 5 silver medals and took runner-up trophy while Navy got 1 gold and three silver medals remained at third.
In the 48kg light fly weight final PAF Rashad Fateh won gold medal, followed by Saeed Hassan of Pakistan Army. In the 51kg final fly weight category Navy’ Asif Kachi won gold medal, followed by Rashid Hussian of Pakistan Army.
In 54kg bantam weight final Sajjad Ali of Pakistan Army defeated Ali Muhammad of Pakistan Navy and won gold medal. It was the best fight of the Championship as both Sajjad Ali and Ali Muhammad exhibited excellent display of skills.
In the 57kg feather weight category, final Abid Ali of PAF defeated Sheraz of Pakistan Navy. In the 60kg light weight category final Nawaz Dad of Pakistan Army beat Faheem Ahmad of PAF, in 64kg light welter weight category Olympian Fazale Karim beat Adnan of PAF and secured a knock-out bout victory.
In the 69kg welter weight Rashad Hussain of PAF won gold medal, followed by Qaiser of Pakistan Army. In the 75kg middle weight class Nisar Khan of Pakistan Army got gold medal by defeating Allah Dad of PAF.
A beautiful fight was also witnessed between Ahmad Ali of Pakistan Army and Yousaf of PAF in the 81kg light heavy weight class wherein Ahmad Ali won gold when he knocked-out Yousaf in the third round before facing tough time.
In the 91kg heavy weight Yasir Javed secured victory against Qamar Amin of PAF and won gold medal on points while in the above 91kg super heavy weight class Waqar Ahmad won gold medal and Saqib of Navy got silver medal, thus Army won the overall trophy by securing 7 gold medals. At the end, the chief guest Brig. Syed Khushnood Hussain gave away the trophies and medals.
PCB lifts ban on Shoaib Malik
KARACHI: The Appellate Tribunal, headed by Justice (rtd) Irfan Qadir, probing the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) punishments on the players has lifted ban on the disgraced all-rounder Shoaib Malik, who recently married the Indian tennis queen Sania Mirza, after finding his conduct up to the level of liking,
The Tribunal has also scrapped the fine imposed on the controversial cricketer, who has been reportedly involved in the off the field politics in the team.
As per the sources in the PCB, the Tribunal has taken the decision after they found behaviour of Shoaib Malik as per the code of conduct, however, some eyebrows have raised in the cricket board about the abrupt decision.
Shoaib Malik’s lawyer told media outside the National Cricket Academy, where the hearing was conducted Friday, PCB has abolished the ban and the fine imposed on the all-rounder and now he is eligible to represent the country.
The decision has come at a time when the selection committee of the Board, headed by former test opener Mohsin Hasan Khan, has selected Shoaib Malik in the list of 35 players which would lead to the final squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and the all-important tour of England where Pakistan are due to play six test matches against England and Australia.
The Pakistan Cricket Board had imposed the ban of a year and Rs2 million fine on Shoaib following his involvement in players power and politics within the team.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Michael Essien ruled out, Torres makes progress
LONDON: Ghana's World Cup preparations suffered a huge setback on Thursday when midfielder Michael Essien was ruled out with a knee injury as Spain's Fernando Torres made progress in his recovery from a knee problem.
WORLD CUP 2010
Described by Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac as the leader and engine room of his team, Essien picked up the injury in January and the Chelsea player will be sorely missed at soccer's biggest event which starts on June 11 in South Africa.
"An evaluation by a combined team of medical experts from the Ghana Football Association and Chelsea Football Club revealed that Essien will not make a full recovery until the end of July," Ghana's FA said on its website (www.ghanafa.org).
There was better news for Essien's fellow Premier League player Torres, who trained with the Spain squad for the first time after surgery on his right knee last month.
"He's said he'll be fit in time for our first match, which is good news," winger Juan Mata said.
Spain's Group H opponents Honduras will have to raise their game when they face the European champions after being held to a 2-2 draw by Belarus in a friendly in Austria.
The central Americans went ahead through Julio Cesar de Leon midway through the first half before conceding two goals in four minutes and having to rely through Edgar Alvarez to spare their blushes in the second half.
NOISE TESTING
While teams try to sort out their tactics during friendlies, World Cup organisers will test for something rather different during Thursday's warm-up game between South Africa and Colombia in Johannesburg -- noise levels.
They will check whether the ear-splitting din from the much talked about vuvuzela fan trumpets could pose a security risk.
"If there is an order to evacuate that stadium and an announcement is made, you have to ask yourself, will everyone in that stadium hear that evacuation order?" said chief local organiser Danny Jordaan.
Hoping to add their cheers to the crowd noise were the South Africans who began queuing outside ticket offices after FIFA released additional seats on to the market.
Soccer's ruling body said there were still 164,000 tickets available out of almost 2.9 million for the 64 matches.
"All we want is to see a match, we just want to be part of a South Africa match," said Vanesh Reddy, who had been queuing outside a ticket office in the Sandton district of Johannesburg since Wednesday night.
"I'm not a diehard soccer fan, but I just want to be part of this celebration."
Tournament preparations were disrupted by news that South African opera singer Siphiwo Ntshebe, who had been personally chosen by Nelson Mandela to sing at the opening ceremony, died at the age of 34 after contracting bacterial meningitis.
There was also an announcement at the end of a transport workers strike which has disrupted trade in South Africa with logistics group Transnet reaching a deal with the workers.
Any relief over that was, however, tempered by the South African labour federation COSATU saying it might strike during the World Cup over sharp power price increases by utility Eskom if a mediation meeting planned for June 14 fails.
Shoaib and Hafeez likely to make Asia Cup squad
LAHORE: Maverick fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez have a good chance of finding place in the national team for the forthcoming Asia Cup.
Well-informed sources told Dawn on Thursday that though the PCB has doubts over Shoaib Akhtar’s match fitness, it believes that he has the potential to bowl well in the shorter versions of the game — the Twenty20 and 50-over matches.
“Shoaib Akhtar is no more Test cricket material,” a PCB official said on the condition of anonymity. “But he could be utilised in patches. He deserved being given a chance after performing well in the Pentangular Cup in which he claimed 12 wickets to finish as the second-best bowler of the tournament.”
As the PCB is not going to hold any training camp to select the final 15-member team from the already announced 35 probables, Shoaib will have to be cleared by the medical board in order to be considered for selection.
As for Hafeez’s selection, the official said: “Though Hafeez failed miserably in the last World T20, he has good prospects of showing his mettle in the 50-over matches. Thus he will get a chance, despite criticism from some stakeholders.”
“If Hafeez misses this chance, he will be out of the team for ever because PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt has issued instructions to provide maximum chances to any player before discarding him,” the official disclosed.
Meanwhile, another source said that Hafeez was only there in the list of probables to provide competition to banned Shoaib Malik.
“As the PCB has announced that it would review the penalties of all the six players, who appealed against the punishments, Malik may stage a comeback in the team. The PCB has been facing tremendous pressure from certain quarters including some top government personnel to include Malik in the team and Hafeez’s availability for selection would be the best way to counter that pressure,” the source said.
Moreover, the PCB official said that it was most likely that the final 15-member team for the Asia Cup will be announced on June 2. “Head Coach Waqar Younis is scheduled to arrive here on June 1 and the announcement of the team will be made the next day,” the official said.
He further disclosed that the team’s newly-appointed skipper Shahid Afridi was getting no support from the PCB in his campaign to convince prolific batsman Mohammad Yousuf to come out of retirement in order to serve the team in England Tests.The PCB Chairman has not on a single occasion advised Yousuf to withdraw his retirement decision and readily agreed when he wanted to proceed to Canada for a coaching assignment.
Well-informed sources told Dawn on Thursday that though the PCB has doubts over Shoaib Akhtar’s match fitness, it believes that he has the potential to bowl well in the shorter versions of the game — the Twenty20 and 50-over matches.
“Shoaib Akhtar is no more Test cricket material,” a PCB official said on the condition of anonymity. “But he could be utilised in patches. He deserved being given a chance after performing well in the Pentangular Cup in which he claimed 12 wickets to finish as the second-best bowler of the tournament.”
As the PCB is not going to hold any training camp to select the final 15-member team from the already announced 35 probables, Shoaib will have to be cleared by the medical board in order to be considered for selection.
As for Hafeez’s selection, the official said: “Though Hafeez failed miserably in the last World T20, he has good prospects of showing his mettle in the 50-over matches. Thus he will get a chance, despite criticism from some stakeholders.”
“If Hafeez misses this chance, he will be out of the team for ever because PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt has issued instructions to provide maximum chances to any player before discarding him,” the official disclosed.
Meanwhile, another source said that Hafeez was only there in the list of probables to provide competition to banned Shoaib Malik.
“As the PCB has announced that it would review the penalties of all the six players, who appealed against the punishments, Malik may stage a comeback in the team. The PCB has been facing tremendous pressure from certain quarters including some top government personnel to include Malik in the team and Hafeez’s availability for selection would be the best way to counter that pressure,” the source said.
Moreover, the PCB official said that it was most likely that the final 15-member team for the Asia Cup will be announced on June 2. “Head Coach Waqar Younis is scheduled to arrive here on June 1 and the announcement of the team will be made the next day,” the official said.
He further disclosed that the team’s newly-appointed skipper Shahid Afridi was getting no support from the PCB in his campaign to convince prolific batsman Mohammad Yousuf to come out of retirement in order to serve the team in England Tests.The PCB Chairman has not on a single occasion advised Yousuf to withdraw his retirement decision and readily agreed when he wanted to proceed to Canada for a coaching assignment.
DAWN ISSUE CLARIFICATION AFTER SERVICE OF LEGAL NOTICE
Karachi: The Daily Dawn on 27th May issued the attached clarification regarding the story of Asif Bajwa throwing match against Poland in 2009. The Dawn story had carried baseless allegations against reporter Sardar Khan on 15th, April and on the same day Sardar Khan via an email had asked the Dawn to provide proof of those allegations but Dawn had ignored that email despite the fact that Audio recording of Asif Bajwa interview was also provided to Dawn. However, after service of legal notice by Sardar Khan , the Daily Dawn has come out with the attached clarification.
http://epaper.dawn.com/Web/Article/2010/05/27/022/27_05_2010_022_004.jpg
http://epaper.dawn.com/ArticleImage.aspx?article=27_05_2010_022_004
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Indian, Pakistani thrive as a team, but they aim higher
PARIS — India and Pakistan are uncomfortable nuclear neighbors at best, warring enemies at worst and fierce cricket rivals whatever the situation.
Boundary skirmishes, religious tensions and political rivalries have defined their coexistence since the violent partition of what was once British India in 1947.
Rohan Bopanna of India and Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi of Pakistan are challenging these notions of mutual mistrust. Their unusual and increasingly successful doubles partnership is defying popular perceptions of their country's tangled political history.
"Until the last year I never thought we could make a change in peoples' lives through sport," says Qureshi, who is at a career-high doubles ranking of No. 46 after he and Bopanna reached the final in a clay event at Nice last week. "It made us realize we can do something bigger than sport: send a message of peace."
DAY 5: Ivanovic ousted, Roddick advances
PHOTO GALLERY: Top images from Roland Garros
Unseeded and never past the second round in Paris, they are long shots to bring home a French Open championship. Rain on Thursday postponed the pair's opening-round match against Fabio Fognini of Italy and Michael Russell of the USA.
One need not look far to be reminded of the unlikely nature of their alliance.
When Indian tennis star Sania Mirza and Shoab Malik, a former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, announced their engagement earlier this year it created a storm of negative press even though both are Muslims. The controversy died down (the two wed last month), but it demonstrates the level of hostility that simmers below the surface.
Bopanna, a Hindu from Bangalore, and Qureshi, a Muslim from near Lahore, are in their own way quietly building bridges.
"Tennis is bringing nations together," says Bob Bryan, who with twin brother Mike is part of the world's top-ranked doubles team.
Bopanna and Qureshi's friendship dates back a decade when the two 30-year-olds were first breaking in on the men's tour. Language was an initial bond.
"We got along well and almost spoke the same language," says Bopanna, who speaks Hindi, which is very close to Qureshi's Urdu.
Over time, they found themselves sharing dinners, hotel rooms and friendly shouting matches in front of the TV when India and Pakistan squared off in cricket, the national sport. Red Sox-Yankees and Lakers-Celtics passions pale by comparison.
Camaraderie blossomed between them and eased the isolation of circuit life.
"On the tour it can be very lonely," says Bopanna, who carries a No. 54 ranking in doubles.
They didn't think about their country's tensions and found that they had complementary styles on the court as well as off.
Qureshi is quick and adept at the net. Bopanna has the heavier groundstrokes and meatier returns. Both are comfortable coming in behind their serves, even in singles, a rarity in the modern game.
They first teamed up in 2005 and played more consistently in 2007, winning several lower-tier Challenger events. But doubles remained on the backburner as both refused to give up their singles aspirations.
After another successful run at the end of last year — they won two more Challengers in November — they decided to make doubles a priority in 2010.
The decision has paid off. They won their first ATP Tour event together in February at Johannesburg and reached two other finals at Casablanca and Nice.
While Bopanna owns one previous ATP title (with Eric Butorac at Los Angeles in 2008), the Johannesburg victory was Qureshi's first.
"I always wanted to get my first title, and I'm very happy I got it with him," says Qureshi, whose sunny outlook and deliberate manner of speaking hint at a diplomatic career in the making. "It was a great moment."
"So far it's been very good," says the more free-flowing Bopanna. "I see us getting stronger and stronger."
As their success has grown, so has the opportunity to do something meaningful with it.
The two Bollywood aficionados have talked to their clothing sponsor about creating T-shirts emblazoned with the words, "Stop War, Love Tennis, Love India/Love Pakistan."
But their grander ambition is to stage an exhibition at the Wagah border, the only road crossing point between countries with a combined population of about 1.3 billion.
The idea: string a net across the dividing line and conduct a clinic from the opposing side — Qureshi in India, Bopanna in Pakistan.
Peace and Sport, a neutral organization backed by Prince Albert II of Monaco, is supporting the initiative by reaching out to local governments to help organize it.
"It's coming from the vision of these two players," says Yann Coelenbier, the Monaco-based organization's managing director.
Qureshi is no stranger to the intersection of politics and sport.
He initially made waves when he teamed with Israeli Amir Hadad at Wimbledon in 2002. Although he was the first Pakistani to qualify at the All England Club in 40 years and reached the third round with Hadad, the reaction back home was surprisingly harsh.
"I never got any death threats, but the sports authorities threatened to ban me," Qureshi says. "I've always kept religious and cultures away from sports. If I believe I can do well with someone, whether it's a Christian, Hindu, Jew, I would definitely play with him. That is the beauty of sport. It's free of differences between people and countries."
A smaller measure of negativity met Bopanna and Qureshi when they started to play regularly, but that has since blown over, especially after they reached their first ATP final at Mumbai in 2007. They are popular figures at home, and their matches are often broadcast live.
"They really appreciated my partnership with him," Bopanna says of the support back home.
Both have ambitions to promote tennis in their countries.
Bopanna draws inspiration from Davis Cup teammates Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, both of whom have won multiple Grand Slam titles and been ranked No. 1.
Qureshi, who also plays Davis Cup for Pakistan, is the first from his country to attain a top-50 ranking in doubles and three years ago became the first from his nation to qualify for the main draw in singles at Wimbledon. He advanced to the second round.
"I have to play a lot of singles, and the Asian Games are coming up," says Qureshi, who has been Pakistan's No. 1 player for 13 years. "For me to promote tennis in Pakistan I have to play in the biggest tournaments against he biggest players."
In doubles, their goal is to play well at the majors and qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Final in London. Eight teams make the cut; they currently stand in 14th place.
American Mike Bryan says they have potential to move up the rankings and positively impact perceptions at home and abroad if they pair up consistently.
"Hopefully they will play together every week, and it'll make headlines," Mike Bryan says.
"If this partnership helps in building up the two nations even in a small way," Bopanna says, "it's great for us."
Over 160,000 WCup tickets still unsold
JOHANNESBURG: FIFA says over 160,000 World Cup tickets are still unsold with the tournament kickoff just two weeks away.
FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke revealed the current ticketing status at a ceremony marking the handover of Johannesburg's Ellis Park stadium to World Cup organizers on Thursday.
None of the 64 games are sold out after FIFA released an extra 90,000 tickets _ which were not wanted by its various sponsors and affiliates.
Valcke said ''all is nearly perfect'' when asked about final World Cup preparations but the high-end category one tickets, which range from $160 to $900, appear to be causing problems.
More than 75,000 category one tickets, unaffordable for the majority of South Africans, are still available.
FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke revealed the current ticketing status at a ceremony marking the handover of Johannesburg's Ellis Park stadium to World Cup organizers on Thursday.
None of the 64 games are sold out after FIFA released an extra 90,000 tickets _ which were not wanted by its various sponsors and affiliates.
Valcke said ''all is nearly perfect'' when asked about final World Cup preparations but the high-end category one tickets, which range from $160 to $900, appear to be causing problems.
More than 75,000 category one tickets, unaffordable for the majority of South Africans, are still available.
Sports Journalist Alauddin Ghori passes away
KARACHI – Alauddin Ghori, who worked and played for PWD hockey team before starting his own Urdu sports monthly publication and worked as sports reporter of a Karachi-based Urdu newspaper, passed away at the age of 72 here on Wednesday late evening after brief illness.
He brought out the sports magazine for over two decades without a break before discontinuing it.
Later, he joined the Urdu newspaper with whom he remained associated till his death. Alauddin Ghori did his masters in Geography from Karachi University in mid 60s.
He has left behind a widow and two sons to mourn his death along with a huge number of his close friends.
He was the only Pakistani sports journalist who covered first four SAF Games and once headed the SAF Games Sports Journalists Association. He was an expert on school, college and university sports.
He was buried on Thursday evening at a local graveyard. A large number of his friends, sportsmen and journalists attended his funeral prayers.
He brought out the sports magazine for over two decades without a break before discontinuing it.
Later, he joined the Urdu newspaper with whom he remained associated till his death. Alauddin Ghori did his masters in Geography from Karachi University in mid 60s.
He has left behind a widow and two sons to mourn his death along with a huge number of his close friends.
He was the only Pakistani sports journalist who covered first four SAF Games and once headed the SAF Games Sports Journalists Association. He was an expert on school, college and university sports.
He was buried on Thursday evening at a local graveyard. A large number of his friends, sportsmen and journalists attended his funeral prayers.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Afridi Available for Test Cricket
by Ubaid-ur-Rehman Awan
KARACHI: Shahid Afridi likely to resurrect his test career where he left it in 2006. Pakistan T20 skipper made aware the Pakistan Cricket Board Saturday that he is ready to be part of the test team in England where Pakistan due to play six test matches against England and Australia.
Talking exclusively to awansports.blogspot.com, Afridi said “I am ready to play for Pakistan in test matches during upcoming tour of England. Due to family commitments, I left the test cricket but now the country needs my services and I am ready to represent Pakistan in test matches again.”
Shahid Afridi due to meet PCB chairman Ejaz butt on 25th May in Lahore where both will discuss about the team formation for Asia cup and England tour. Ejaz Butt also said that the board will announce the captain for Asia cup and England tour on 25 May. Butt wanted a same captain in all three formats of the game and with Afridi’s willingness to play test matches, it is highly likely that Afridi will captain Pakistan in all three formats.
Afridi last played test match in 2006 at Nottingham against England and now he will restart his test career in England as well. On talking about the England tour, Afridi said “playing six test matches against England and Australia in England will be a challenge for Pakistan and I am ready for this challenge. It is up to selectors now whether they will select for the test matches or not.”
On question about the captaincy in test matches he said “it is up to PCB to appoint the captain. I am not in the position to speak anything about the captain until PCB take final decision.”
Friday, May 21, 2010
Afridi likely to lead Pakistan in Asia Cup
by Ubaid-ur-Rehman Awan
KARACHI: Pakistan T20 captain Shahid Khan Afridi will meet chairman PCB Ejaz Butt on May 25 in PCB headquarters Qaddafi Stadium Lahore.
Sources in PCB told The Sports Encounter that there is possibility that Afridi will lead Pakistan cricket team in upcoming Asia Cup starting from June 15 in Sri Lanka.
While talking to The awansports.blogspot.com, Afridi said “I have not taken any decision yet about my retirement from test cricket. I am still thinking about my test career and after consultation with my family and friends, I will let the people know about my decision.”
He further stated that “PCB appellate tribunal should complete the hearing of the players’ appeals as soon as possible so that the players should concentrate on the cricket.”
“PCB should start preparing team for next year mega event ICC World Cup 2011 and players should be fresh before the preparations of World Cup.”
KARACHI: Pakistan T20 captain Shahid Khan Afridi will meet chairman PCB Ejaz Butt on May 25 in PCB headquarters Qaddafi Stadium Lahore.
Sources in PCB told The Sports Encounter that there is possibility that Afridi will lead Pakistan cricket team in upcoming Asia Cup starting from June 15 in Sri Lanka.
While talking to The awansports.blogspot.com, Afridi said “I have not taken any decision yet about my retirement from test cricket. I am still thinking about my test career and after consultation with my family and friends, I will let the people know about my decision.”
He further stated that “PCB appellate tribunal should complete the hearing of the players’ appeals as soon as possible so that the players should concentrate on the cricket.”
“PCB should start preparing team for next year mega event ICC World Cup 2011 and players should be fresh before the preparations of World Cup.”
Bokhari to contest for KCCA President
by Ubaid-ur-Rehman Awan
KARACHI: Current secretary of KCCA Siraj ul Islam Bokhari will contest for KCCA President Seat in Saturday’s general elections of Karachi City Cricket Association.
General elections of KCCA will be held in National stadium on Saturday where Siraj ul Islam Bokhari is the lone candidate for the seat of President after Dr. Mohammad Ali Shah was disqualified by Sindh High Court today. Munir Hussain, who was the covering candidate for Dr. Shah was failed to submit his documents to PCB election commissioner Abdul Sami Khan before 5:00pm today.
Prof. Ejaz Farooqui and Riaz uddin Shah will fight for Secretary Seat of KCCA while Mehdi Hasan Khan is the lone candidate for Treasurer.
SHC dismisses Dr. Shah petition
by Ubaid-ur-Rehman Awan
KARACHI: Sindh High Court today has dismissed petition of Sports Minister of Sindh Dr. Mohammad Ali Shah and said that Dr. Shah does not qualify for the presidential elections of KCCA.
Sindh High Court Justice Musheer Alam has said in his decision that Pakistan Cricket Board rules for elections are right and as per the law no sitting MNA (Member of National Assembly) or MPA (Member of Provincial Assembly) can take part in city cricket associations’ elections.
Saifee Ali, lawyer of Dr. Shah told The Sports Encounter that SHC said in its decision that the 2003 and 2007 laws of PCB for elections are right and Dr. Shah cannot take part in the elections. She further said that Munir Hussain, covering candidate for Dr. Shah will contest in tomorrow’s presidential election of Karachi City Cricket Association.
On the other hand when The Sports Encounter contacted the secretary of KCCA Siraj ul Islam Bukhari, “he said, we were not ready for this situation as we are not expecting this decision. We have already called an emergency meeting after Friday prayers and we will decide about our candidate for tomorrow’s election. Munir Hussain is not our candidate yet.”
It is pertinent to mention here that, three years back Munir Hussain was the president of KCCA and Dr. Shah replace him as president and he was not MPA at that time.
PCB Election Commissioner Abdul Sami Khan has made it clear that date for filing of nomination form will not be extended and it is important for all the candidates to submit their forms today by 5:00pm. Elections will be held Saturday morning at 10:00pm in National Stadium Karachi.
PCB lift ban from KCCA Zonal Chairman
by Ubaid-ur-Rehman Awan
KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board has lifted the ban on newly elected Chairman Aftab Ahmed Khan of Zone I of Karachi City Cricket Association.
PCB Election Commissioner Abdul Sami Khan told The Sports Encounter that Aftab Khan has submitted appeal to PCB against his ban and PCB has accepted his appeal and decided to lift the ban. He further stated that PCB will strictly monitor the 3-year tenure of Aftab and if PCB received any complaint against him in future, then he will again face ban.
Aftab Ahmed Khan has assured PCB that he will be careful in future and will also submit undertaking to PCB. After receiving the undertaking from Aftab, PCB will issue notification of his success. Aftab Ahmed Khan was banned for one year after receiving complain from ex-secretary of Zone II Jamil Ahmed claiming that he had played two players of Zone II in Zone I team, which is illegal.
KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board has lifted the ban on newly elected Chairman Aftab Ahmed Khan of Zone I of Karachi City Cricket Association.
PCB Election Commissioner Abdul Sami Khan told The Sports Encounter that Aftab Khan has submitted appeal to PCB against his ban and PCB has accepted his appeal and decided to lift the ban. He further stated that PCB will strictly monitor the 3-year tenure of Aftab and if PCB received any complaint against him in future, then he will again face ban.
Aftab Ahmed Khan has assured PCB that he will be careful in future and will also submit undertaking to PCB. After receiving the undertaking from Aftab, PCB will issue notification of his success. Aftab Ahmed Khan was banned for one year after receiving complain from ex-secretary of Zone II Jamil Ahmed claiming that he had played two players of Zone II in Zone I team, which is illegal.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Amir Khan: Has the Boxing World Found a New "King" To Throne?
WBA world light welterweight champion Amir “King” Khan pulverized Paul “The Magic Man” Malignaggi by an 11th Round TKO on Saturday night at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Khan (23-1, 17 KOs), a British citizen of Pakistani descent who became the youngest Englishman to win an Olympic medal when he captured a silver as a lightweight at the 2004 games in Greece, thoroughly dominated Malignaggi (27-4, 5 KOs) in his United States debut before referee Steve Smoger mercifully halted the bludgeoning.
“Me and (trainer) Freddie (Roach) stuck to the game plan. Paulie is a very awkward fighter. We had to break him down slowly,” said Khan, 23, the third youngest Brit to ever win a crown.
“We had to use our brain. I knew in the last few rounds I was hurting him. All I had to do was put the pressure on him.”
Roach, a native of Dedham who has been voted Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America a record four-times, has clearly helped hone Khan’s prodigious skills since they began working together.
Malignaggi, an Italian-American from Brooklyn who is the former IBF junior welterweight champ, is absolutely a polarizing prizefighter and it is understandable that many fans consider him to be a scorching hemorrhoid.
Nevertheless, Malignaggi is a defensive wizard in the ring and he is a legitimate pugilist who possesses exceptional hand-speed and quick reflexes.
Hence, Khan’s utter domination of Malignaggi was extremely impressive.
“I ran into a clone of myself when I was younger. But he was faster and stronger,” said Malignaggi, 29, whose only three previous losses came at the respected hands of Miguel Cotto (34-2, 27 KOs), Ricky Hatton (45-2, 32 KOs) and Juan Diaz (35-3, 17 KOs).
“He’s bigger and stronger. But I gave it all I had.”
Khan, whose record is only blemished by a first round knockout loss to Breidis Prescott (22-2, 20 KOs) in 2008, stated he wanted to fight Marcos Maidana (28-1, 27 KOs) next, and then scrap the victor of the Devon Alexander (20-0, 13 KOs) versus Timothy Bradley (24-0, 11 KOs) bout.
Alexander is the current WBC and IBF light welterweight titlist and Bradley is the WBO world light welterweight champ.
“I’m not going to leave the 140 pound division until I unify the titles,” said Khan.
If Khan fights in the future like he did this past weekend, he will be the “King” of the 140 pound division much sooner than expected...
Kaneria's test future dark after spot-fixing accusation
THE Test future of Pakistani leg spinner Danish Kaneria is in jeopardy following his arrest during a betting probe in England.
While Kaneria was released on bail until September 15 - meaning he is free to play and would be eligible for the series against Australia in July - Pakistan Cricket Board chief operating officer Wasim Bari yesterday could not guarantee that Kaneria would be retained in the side.
''We have not received any documentation as yet, it would be unfair to make a comment until I know the full details,'' Bari said.
Kaneria, who played the last two Tests against Australia here last summer, is under investigation for alleged spot-fixing during an English domestic game last season.
The 29-year-old and Essex teammate Mervyn Westfield were arrested by police last week and questioned over accusations of fraud, namely betting on a game they were playing. It's understood the investigation centres around a Pro40 (England's 40-over competition) win against Durham in September last year. Spot-fixing relates to betting on small outcomes within a game, such as how many runs or extras will be conceded off a certain over.
Kaneria has denied any wrongdoing, saying after he was first linked to the case last month: ''The story is baseless. I have played my cricket for Pakistan as well as for Essex, with pride and honesty … For the last two years I have been Essex's best performer and have never done anything wrong.''
An Essex Police spokesman said at the weekend: ''Two men from Chelmsford have been arrested in connection with a police investigation into first-class domestic cricket match irregularities.
''The investigation began in March 2010 following allegations received about two Essex county cricket players. On Friday, 14 May, two men aged 22 and 29 were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud and both were released on police bail until Wednesday, 15 September pending further inquiries.''
Essex Cricket Club confirmed the two men were Kaneria and Westfield, a fast bowler.
International Cricket Council president David Morgan said his organisation remained vigilant over spot-fixing.
''Cricket is full of discreet events - overs of six balls, power plays, in first-class cricket the morning, the afternoon and the evening [sessions],'' Morgan told AFP. ''There are lots of these discreet events that attract people who gamble.
''What is very clear is that we are extremely vigilant. We have the anti-corruption and security unit. They look very carefully at movements in terms of the amounts bet on particular issues and so on.
''I think cricket is very fortunate in that we've had 10 years of operation of the anti-corruption and security unit.''
Australia play Pakistan in two Tests in England from July 13 and Kaneria would ordinarily be an automatic starter. He has played 58 Tests, taking 254 wickets at 34.27.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Australia women lift World Twenty20
BRIDGETOWN: Ellyse Perry took three wickets and held her nerve in a tense last over as Australia beat New Zealand by just three runs in a thrilling women’s World Twenty20 final.
With the White Ferns needing 14 off the last over, Perry – also an Australian international football player – who was backed up by fine fielding from Rene Farrell and Shelley Nitschke, did not give up a boundary and the pace bowler finished with impressive figures of three wickets for 18 runs from her four overs. Victory came just hours after Australia’s men’s team had lost in the corresponding final to arch-rivals England.
The result was tough on Sophie Devine, whose unbeaten 38 off 35 balls rescued New Zealand from a top-order collapse to give them a shot at victory just a year after they were beaten in the final to England at Lord’s. New Zealand, chasing a modest 107 for victory after holding their rivals to 106 for six, slumped to 29 for four inside eight overs. In the end, Australia were grateful for a late stand of 27 between Sarah Elliott and Lisa Sthalekar that got them to a total they just about managed to defend.
With the White Ferns needing 14 off the last over, Perry – also an Australian international football player – who was backed up by fine fielding from Rene Farrell and Shelley Nitschke, did not give up a boundary and the pace bowler finished with impressive figures of three wickets for 18 runs from her four overs. Victory came just hours after Australia’s men’s team had lost in the corresponding final to arch-rivals England.
The result was tough on Sophie Devine, whose unbeaten 38 off 35 balls rescued New Zealand from a top-order collapse to give them a shot at victory just a year after they were beaten in the final to England at Lord’s. New Zealand, chasing a modest 107 for victory after holding their rivals to 106 for six, slumped to 29 for four inside eight overs. In the end, Australia were grateful for a late stand of 27 between Sarah Elliott and Lisa Sthalekar that got them to a total they just about managed to defend.
Salman Butt likely to be captain for England tour
KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering a move to appoint Salman Butt as captain for the two Test series taking place in England against the hosts and Australia with Shahid Afridi likely to lead the Twenty20 and the One-Day International (ODI) squads.
According to sources, the team management, including coach Waqar Younis, as well as the PCB officials all seem to agree on Salman’s appointment viewing Afridi’s reluctance to return to the Test arena. Afridi has not played a Test for almost four years and while the all-rounder has not confirmed his decision to stay away from Test matches, his return looks highly unlikely.
Pakistan’s next appointment is the Asia Cup that starts from June15 in Sri Lanka followed by the tour of England where it will play two Twenty20s and two Tests against Australia as well as four Tests, five ODIs and two Twenty20s against the hosts. While the tour is still over a month away, the PCB is already mulling over the possible candidates for the threemonth long tour.
“Nothing has been confirmed as far as the captaincy is confirmed,” Ijaz told The Express Tribune from London where he is meeting with his English counterpart Giles Clarke. “The squads for the Asia Cup and the tour of England will be named together on May 22 or 24 as the team will depart for London directly from Sri Lanka after the Asia Cup.” The sources added that Salman, who finished as the third-highest scorer in the recently- concluded 2010 World Twenty20, has the backing of the coach as well as the senior players in the team and is on good terms with all team members.
Pakistan may head to the one-day tournament in Sri Lanka and the tour of England hampered by the absence of key players including Mohammad Yousuf, Younus Khan and Shoaib Malik, with all three banned by the PCB. Younus and Malik have filed appealed against their bans, the hearing dates have set as May 22 and 29 respectively. As a result, Malik, if successful, may be able to make his international comeback while Younus may have to wait until the Test series in England.
According to sources, the team management, including coach Waqar Younis, as well as the PCB officials all seem to agree on Salman’s appointment viewing Afridi’s reluctance to return to the Test arena. Afridi has not played a Test for almost four years and while the all-rounder has not confirmed his decision to stay away from Test matches, his return looks highly unlikely.
Pakistan’s next appointment is the Asia Cup that starts from June15 in Sri Lanka followed by the tour of England where it will play two Twenty20s and two Tests against Australia as well as four Tests, five ODIs and two Twenty20s against the hosts. While the tour is still over a month away, the PCB is already mulling over the possible candidates for the threemonth long tour.
“Nothing has been confirmed as far as the captaincy is confirmed,” Ijaz told The Express Tribune from London where he is meeting with his English counterpart Giles Clarke. “The squads for the Asia Cup and the tour of England will be named together on May 22 or 24 as the team will depart for London directly from Sri Lanka after the Asia Cup.” The sources added that Salman, who finished as the third-highest scorer in the recently- concluded 2010 World Twenty20, has the backing of the coach as well as the senior players in the team and is on good terms with all team members.
Pakistan may head to the one-day tournament in Sri Lanka and the tour of England hampered by the absence of key players including Mohammad Yousuf, Younus Khan and Shoaib Malik, with all three banned by the PCB. Younus and Malik have filed appealed against their bans, the hearing dates have set as May 22 and 29 respectively. As a result, Malik, if successful, may be able to make his international comeback while Younus may have to wait until the Test series in England.
PCB, KCCA at odds over local elections
KARACHI: The Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA) Secretary Sirajul Islam Bokhari has claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) district body elections will be considered void because the election commission is holding the polls according to 2003 PCB electoral rules instead of the 2007 constitution.
“The 2007 constitution clearly defines the election process and the role of election,” Bokhari told The Express Tribune. “It says that whatever policy is formed by the PCB governing body must get approved by the federal sports board.” According to Bokhari, the PCB election rules are supposed to be formed by the current governing body with approval of the federal sports board. “How can the commission follow rules formed by Shaheryar Khan in 2003 when the 2007 constitution clearly suggests that the current governing body is to make the rules.”
Chief election commissioner Abdul Sami Khan disagreed with Bokhari. “The PCB has nothing to do with the federal sports ministry because it’s an independent organisation,” said Khan.
“The 2007 constitution clearly defines the election process and the role of election,” Bokhari told The Express Tribune. “It says that whatever policy is formed by the PCB governing body must get approved by the federal sports board.” According to Bokhari, the PCB election rules are supposed to be formed by the current governing body with approval of the federal sports board. “How can the commission follow rules formed by Shaheryar Khan in 2003 when the 2007 constitution clearly suggests that the current governing body is to make the rules.”
Chief election commissioner Abdul Sami Khan disagreed with Bokhari. “The PCB has nothing to do with the federal sports ministry because it’s an independent organisation,” said Khan.
Tyson Gay breaks 44-year old record
Manchester: When Tommie Smith last set the world record in the straight 200 meter run, Walt Disney was still alive, the Beatles had yet to release Sgt. Pepper and Smith himself was still known as a great track star, not just as the guy who did the black power salute in Mexico City. For 44 years Smith's hand-timed 19.5 stood as the best ever time in the longer sprint run on a straight track. Not anymore.
American sprint star Tyson Gay lowered Smith's mark by .09 seconds this weekend on a specially constructed track at Manchester's Great City Games. His time of 19.41 included a blazing first 100 split of 9.88 and served notice that, when healthy, Gay can present a challenge to Usain Bolt. (It might not be much of a challenge, but still.)
Smith himself was in attendance to witness the feat and gave hearty congratulations to Gay. Soon after he broke the mark in May 1966, the IAAF stopped recognizing separate world records in the straight 200 and only included marks set on the regulation curved track. The race is rarely contested anymore, namely due to the fact that there aren't many tracks which include 200-meter straightaways.
After the race, Gay was asked whether he could supplant Bolt as the world's fastest man. "He's in another class right now but I'm working hard to get there," he said. "The challenge is for me to work hard to get to where he is at."
American sprint star Tyson Gay lowered Smith's mark by .09 seconds this weekend on a specially constructed track at Manchester's Great City Games. His time of 19.41 included a blazing first 100 split of 9.88 and served notice that, when healthy, Gay can present a challenge to Usain Bolt. (It might not be much of a challenge, but still.)
Smith himself was in attendance to witness the feat and gave hearty congratulations to Gay. Soon after he broke the mark in May 1966, the IAAF stopped recognizing separate world records in the straight 200 and only included marks set on the regulation curved track. The race is rarely contested anymore, namely due to the fact that there aren't many tracks which include 200-meter straightaways.
After the race, Gay was asked whether he could supplant Bolt as the world's fastest man. "He's in another class right now but I'm working hard to get there," he said. "The challenge is for me to work hard to get to where he is at."
Two ailing Pak footballers look for Mesiaha for heart treatment
By Ubaid-ur-Rehman AWan
KARACHI: Two former Pakistan football players Lal Mohamad and Abu Jan are living are very miserable life in poverty due to which they have become prey to heart ailment.
Both are paying visits to city hospitals with no money at hand to afford the expenses.
According to details, in 1969, both these players represented Pakistan at international football. Lal Mohammad used to play for Dhaka Mohammad in Dhaka, after that he shifted to Pakistan and became members of the national team. He used to play for Pak P W and Habib Bank in domestic football. He also remained football coach.
FIFA referee Ahmed Jan has said the ailing football is in miserable condition, as he has no money to continue his treatment. He has to undergo bypass, but his family is not financial strong to do that.
Haji Masood Parekh is currently extending financial support to the footballer. Another footballer Abu Jan is also living in misery. Though he had suffered the heart, but his condition is a bit stable and now shifted to home. Both the above mentioned players are friends as well as they played together.
KARACHI: Two former Pakistan football players Lal Mohamad and Abu Jan are living are very miserable life in poverty due to which they have become prey to heart ailment.
Both are paying visits to city hospitals with no money at hand to afford the expenses.
According to details, in 1969, both these players represented Pakistan at international football. Lal Mohammad used to play for Dhaka Mohammad in Dhaka, after that he shifted to Pakistan and became members of the national team. He used to play for Pak P W and Habib Bank in domestic football. He also remained football coach.
FIFA referee Ahmed Jan has said the ailing football is in miserable condition, as he has no money to continue his treatment. He has to undergo bypass, but his family is not financial strong to do that.
Haji Masood Parekh is currently extending financial support to the footballer. Another footballer Abu Jan is also living in misery. Though he had suffered the heart, but his condition is a bit stable and now shifted to home. Both the above mentioned players are friends as well as they played together.
Essex retain their faith in Danish Kaneria
Danish Kaneria, the Pakistan leg spinner under police investigation for his alleged role in spot-fixing, is expected to join Essex when they travel by coach to the Netherlands on Thursday for a Clydesdale Bank 40 match.
He also remains part of Pakistan’s plans for their tour to England next month unless charges are brought against him.
Kaneria was arrested and questioned under caution by Essex Police last Friday along with Mervyn Westfield, a young fast bowler, as part of an investigation into alleged spot-fixing in a Pro40 match against Durham last season.
It has been reported that Kaneria introduced Westfield to a bookmaker who offered money in exchange for Westfield bowling poorly in one over. Both players have denied the allegations and were released on bail.
While county staff have been instructed not to comment on the case, The Times was told that the investigation will have no impact on selection unless charges are brought. Kaneria played for Essex against Kent last week and is expected to play against the Netherlands on Friday.
An official of the Pakistan Cricket Board told The Times yesterday that no request has been made by the ECB to drop Kaneria for the tour to England, which begins in late June and features “neutral” Test matches against Australia as well as four Tests with England.
“This is just a media report now,” the PCB said. “We have received no official comment, so there is nothing to change our plans. We won’t select the squad for a couple of weeks.” In normal circumstances, Westfield, 22, would have been a candidate to play for the county in the five-wicket victory over the Bangladeshis that concluded yesterday. Essex fielded a second-string attack that included two first-class debutants and two strike bowlers in Maurice Chambers and Tony Palladino, who, like Westfield, a former England Under-19 player, are on the fringe of the first XI.
Westfield has made little impact in the second XI this season, taking no wickets in three matches, and was playing club cricket for Wanstead on Saturday, when he made 66 not out against Gidea Park & Romford. The county would not say whether he will be the side to play in the second XI match against Hampshire today.
It is understood that police opened the case in March after an Essex player reported suspicions about the alleged fraud to senior players, who asked the club to investigate, which has made for a difficult atmosphere in the dressing room.
Palladino, a 26-year-old fast bowler who looked impressive against the Bangladeshis, begins a month-long loan with Kent and could feature in their LV= County Championship match against Durham at Canterbury today. There is no suggestion that Palladino is implicated in the spot- fixing allegations, but his spell away from the club may still come as a relief.
Essex lost five wickets in chasing 130 to beat the Bangladeshis at Chelmsford yesterday. Palladino took two more wickets to finish with six in the match as the touring side laboured to a total of 211 that was boosted significantly by a last-wicket stand of 46.
India, S.Korea become joint hockey champions
IPOH, Malaysia: India and South Korea were named joint champions of the 19th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Sunday after the final was abandoned because of heavy rain in northern Malaysia.
The decider in Ipoh was only in its 12th minute when the match was suspended because of the heavy downpour and after waiting an hour organisers cancelled the match, declaring both teams the winner.
Officials say it is the first time in the history of the tournament that a final had to be called off, with both teams also going down as the first joint champions of the tournament.
For defending champions India it is their fifth Sultan title, matching Australia, while for Asian Champions South Korea it will be their second title after winning the cup before in 1996.
“It is the decision of the organisers and we respect that. Anyway the rain was not about to stop and in the end that may well be the right decision,” said India’’s assistant coach Harender Singh.
South Korea’’s penalty corner flicker Nam Hyun-Woo was the top scorer overall with nine goals, while India’’s Sardar Singh was named player of the tournament.
In the play-off for third place, world champions Australia defeated Malaysia 5-3.
Pakistan clinched fifth place after defeating China 6-5 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time.
The decider in Ipoh was only in its 12th minute when the match was suspended because of the heavy downpour and after waiting an hour organisers cancelled the match, declaring both teams the winner.
Officials say it is the first time in the history of the tournament that a final had to be called off, with both teams also going down as the first joint champions of the tournament.
For defending champions India it is their fifth Sultan title, matching Australia, while for Asian Champions South Korea it will be their second title after winning the cup before in 1996.
“It is the decision of the organisers and we respect that. Anyway the rain was not about to stop and in the end that may well be the right decision,” said India’’s assistant coach Harender Singh.
South Korea’’s penalty corner flicker Nam Hyun-Woo was the top scorer overall with nine goals, while India’’s Sardar Singh was named player of the tournament.
In the play-off for third place, world champions Australia defeated Malaysia 5-3.
Pakistan clinched fifth place after defeating China 6-5 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time.
PBSA President prises Sajjad
KARACHI: President of the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA), Alamgir Shaikh, has described the performance of Mohammad Sajjad as world class.
“He played with a different touch of class and reached new heights in a short span of time,” Shaikh told Dawn on his return with the Pakistan snooker squad from Bangkok here on Sunday evening.
Sajjad, who stole the limelight hammering highest break (134) of the 26th Asian Snooker Championship, finished runner-up losing 3-7 to Thailand’s Issara Kachaiwong on Saturday.
He earned a runner-up purse of $1200 and an additional $100 for the highest break.
According to the PBSA official, Sajjad together with Indian maestro Yasin Merchant has been invited to play in 6-Red Samsong international tournament being in Bangkok in July.
He also commended the performance of debutant Asjad Iqbal who qualified for the knockout stage before making his exit.
The PBSA patron, Asghar Valika, also returned with the team.
“He played with a different touch of class and reached new heights in a short span of time,” Shaikh told Dawn on his return with the Pakistan snooker squad from Bangkok here on Sunday evening.
Sajjad, who stole the limelight hammering highest break (134) of the 26th Asian Snooker Championship, finished runner-up losing 3-7 to Thailand’s Issara Kachaiwong on Saturday.
He earned a runner-up purse of $1200 and an additional $100 for the highest break.
According to the PBSA official, Sajjad together with Indian maestro Yasin Merchant has been invited to play in 6-Red Samsong international tournament being in Bangkok in July.
He also commended the performance of debutant Asjad Iqbal who qualified for the knockout stage before making his exit.
The PBSA patron, Asghar Valika, also returned with the team.
Sulaiman beat Nigel in Malta Open Scrabble
May 17th, 2010 by Ubaid-ur-Rehman Awan
QAWRA: Mohammad Sulaiman of Pakistan beat former World champion Nigel Richards of New Zealand by 61 points in 14th round of 2010 Malta Open Scrabble Tournament.
Mohammad Sulaiman is currently at number one place in final round of Malta Open Scrabble Tournament after defeating Helen Gipson of Scotland and Nigel Richards of New Zealand. The final score was Mohammad Sulaiman 431 and Nigel Richards 370.
Talking exclusively to The Sports Encounter, 70-years-old Mohammad Sulaiman said “I did not claim to win the title but I will try my level best to win the final as well. My aim is to get place in top five players and I am working very hard for this. I am better player than Nigel Richards and that is why I beat him. My family and friends was praying for my victory and with the help of ALLAH, I am able to reach in the final round. “
Total six games will be played in the final round of tournament where Mohammad Sulaiman will face Craig Beevers. Sulaiman is considered as one of the best players of scrabble in Pakistan and he is among top five players of the country.Total 92 players are participating in 2010 Malta Open Scrabble Tournament including Edward Martin of England and Nigel Richards of New Zealand.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
England emerge World T20 champions!
BARBADOS:England stormed to a seven-wicket victory over Australia at the Kensington Oval to break their 35-year duck in International Cricket Council tournaments.
The ease of England's success in the final of the ICC World Twenty20 made a mockery of previous failures, as Craig Kieswetter and Kevin Pietersen's stand of 111 helped them cruise past Australia's 147 for six - with three full overs to spare.
Kieswetter (63) hit six fours and a six in his 40-ball 50 and Pietersen was almost as dominant in a run chase which became no-contest long before captain Paul Collingwood clubbed the winning runs.
Both of England's second-wicket pair got out before the end, allowing Collingwood to appropriately shepherd his team to the previously elusive silverware.
Australia, hitherto unbeaten in this tournament, stumbled disastrously to eight for three in the third over after being put in on a pacy pitch.
David Hussey (59) oversaw a well-crafted recovery. But England had taken a telling advantage, and were in no mood to let it slip this time against the old enemy. Hussey shared a fifth-wicket stand of 50 with Cameron White and also combined to good effect with his brother Michael to help add 55 in the last five overs.
But the resulting total never looked enough, and in the end England made it seem woefully short.
Their only minor moments of discomfort came with an early departure of their own - Michael Lumb spearing a catch to mid-on off Shaun Tait - and then an embarrassing five-minute hiatus for the organisers as groundstaff struggled to fix a glitch with the sightscreen.
Teams
Australia: DA Warner, SR Watson, MJ Clarke (Captain), DJ Hussey, CL White, MEK Hussey, BJ Haddin (WK), SPD Smith, MG Johnson, SW Tait, DP Nannes
England: MJ Lumb, C Kieswetter (WK), KP Pietersen, PD Collingwood (Captain), EJG Morgan, LJ Wright, TT Bresnan, MH Yardy, GP Swann, SCJ Broad, RJ Sidebottom
Azlan Shah: Pakistan take 5th position
IPOH: Pakistan clinch fifth position in the Azlan Shah Hockey cup in Ipoh city of Malaysia after beating China 6-5.
Pakistan and China managed to score a goal each in the allotted 70 minutes. Both the teams scored five goals each in the penalty shoot out.
However it was pakistan who eventually knocked out the opponents in the sudden death round by taking a lead of 6-5.
Australia will take on Malaysia for the third spot match while India and South Korea will meet in the final of the tournament.
KARACHI: Issara Kachaiwong of Thailand won his second Asian snooker title in four years when he beat Pakistan’s Mohammad Sajjad 7-3 in the final in Chanthaburi before a sizeable home crowd on Saturday.
Earlier, he had done his country proud by capturing the crown in Sri Lanka in 2006.
The title clash saw the two players fighting aggressively until three-all when the Pakistani gave up losing the next four frames in a row.
Kachaiwong won the battle 17-49, 78-15, 65-73, 94-40, 66-6, 43-64, 85-30, 81-1, 123-8, 120-1.
The Thai cracked three efficient breaks of 78, 80 and 61 in the second, ninth and tenth frames. Sajjad chalked up a break of 51 in the sixth frame.
Sajjad became the second Pakistani to have played the final since the inception of the Asian Snooker Championship in 1984 the first being veteran Mohammad Yousuf who captured the crown in 1998. Sajjad, however, earned the distinction of scoring highest break (134) of the event.
Earlier, Kachaiwong’s compatriot Thanawat Thirapongpaiboon edged past two-time former Asian champion, Yasin Merchant of India, 3-1 to seize third position.
After conceding the opener 0-88, the Thai was home 64-59, 106-0, 77-36.
Results:
Final: Issara Kachaiwong (Thailand) bt Mohammad Sajjad (Pakistan) 7-3 (17-49, 78-15, 65-73, 94-40, 66-6, 43-64, 85-30, 81-1, 123-8, 120-1).
Playoff for third position: Thanawat Thirapongpaiboon (Thailand) bt Yasin Merchant (India) 3-1 (0-88, 64-59, 106-0, 77-36).
Saturday, May 15, 2010
“I’m sure Khan’s good,” Malignaggi says
New York: The boxer Amir Khan spent late April and early May in Vancouver, British Columbia, his entry into the United States delayed while he obtained a work visa. By Saturday, Khan had gone to work here for the first time, and his opponent, Paulie Malignaggi, wished the stopover had been longer.
Khan justified the hype he brought with him from England. He punished Malignaggi at the outset and pummeled him throughout, registering a technical knockout 1 minute 25 seconds into the 11th round.
In a one-sided triumph that was nearly stopped earlier, Khan retained his World Boxing Association super lightweight title in front of 4,412 at Madison Square Garden’s smaller theater. Afterward, he said he planned to remain in that division until he could unify the belts, and that he will fight in England in July.
“I was just amazed,” said Richard Schaefer, the chief executive of Golden Boy Promotions. “The speed. The combinations. The power. He’s the total package.”
Khan (23-1, 17 knockouts) landed more jabs, more power punches and more total punches (259 to 127). He won every round and forced Malignaggi (27-4) to deliver an opinion opposite from all the criticism he levied across an ocean the past few months.
Malignaggi took questions with a swollen left eye and bruised face. He said that of the four fighters he has lost to, he considered two, Khan and Miguel Cotto, to be truly elite — high praise for Khan, who won a silver medal at the 2004 Olympics and does not turn 24 until December.
“He’s a terrific fighter,” Lou DiBella, Malignaggi’s promoter, said. “He’s a tremendously talented kid.”
Khan dictated the pace in the early rounds, stalking Malignaggi, throwing punches with more potency and frequency. In the second round, Khan landed a four-punch combination that sent Malignaggi backward, and by the middle of the next round, Malignaggi’s left eye appeared swollen.
The fight continued in that vein, with the man nicknamed King Khan playing the aggressor. In the fourth round, Khan ducked, then bounced Malignaggi’s head backward with a powerful right hand.
Khan brutalized Malignaggi repeatedly with that hand, with jabs and overhand rights and straight rights, until every round seemed almost exactly like the one before. When Malignaggi adjusted in Round 7, Khan smacked him repeatedly with the left.
Soon after, doctors checked on Malignaggi between rounds. He begged to go back out for No. 11. The referee stopped it halfway through.
“We had to break him down slowly,” Khan said. “From Round 9, I knew I wasn’t letting him off. I had to keep the pressure on him.”
The pressure started, in large part, through a Twitter feud escalated at Friday’s weigh-in, when the fighters’ camps exchanged shoves and punches before security stepped in. DiBella stalked through the room afterward, incensed, his voice rising.
So went another fight week, even if this was not exactly a normal fight.
For starters, it was Khan’s debut in the United States, where he is somewhat unknown. Khan’s low profile here stands in stark contrast to his celebrity status in England, where he once met former Prime Minister Tony Blair and carved out a résumé that shaped his candidacy as one of boxing’s next potential stars.
Khan’s only loss came by knockout at the bruising hands of Breidis Prescott, who won his bout on Saturday’s undercard. After that defeat, Khan hired Freddie Roach, perhaps boxing’s best trainer, who steered Manny Pacquiao toward greatness. Still, questions lingered.
“I’m sure Khan’s good,” Malignaggi said on Wednesday. “But he’s unproven at a high level. He hasn’t got one major victory on his record. They handed him a world title, after he got knocked out.”
Malignaggi presented a real test, even though Khan entered the bout the heavy favorite. Malignaggi once held his own super lightweight title belt — he lost to Ricky Hatton in 2008 — but he fell so far so fast that he made only $10,000 in his next fight and wondered if his boxing days were numbered.
Malignaggi also hired a new trainer, Sherif Younan. As Malignaggi rebuilt his reputation — winning his rematch against Juan Diaz in December to rise back into title contention — he credited Younan.
Malignaggi said this fight, held near his native Brooklyn, represented redemption. But he also knew the brutal truth: another loss, and even his promoter said fights of this magnitude would likely be out of reach.
Afterward, Malignaggi was not sure what would come next. Off they went, two fighters headed in opposite directions. King Khan had come here and delivered. His message was emphatic.
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