Pakistan Hockey Coach Oltmans Quits Over Contract Dispute

Pakistan Hockey Coach Oltmans Quits Over Contract Dispute

Pakistan Hockey Coach Roelant Oltmans Departs Amid Contract Dispute

Roelant Oltmans, the head coach of the Pakistan hockey team, has abruptly ended his association with the side due to a lack of a long-term contract. Oltmans, who joined the team earlier this year, was scheduled to accompany them to China for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy. However, he withdrew at the last moment, citing the absence of a proper contract.

According to sources within the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Oltmans has expressed his desire for a long-term contract that would provide him with stability and security. The PHF, however, has been offering him only “event-to-event” contracts due to financial constraints.

Oltmans’ departure has left the PHF in a difficult position, as the team is set to compete in the Asian Champions Trophy from September 8 to 17. The PHF has been struggling with financial issues for some time, and the Pakistan Sports Board has refused to release funds for the team’s travel and expenses.

To make matters worse, captain Ammad Butt has reportedly had disagreements with the two local coaches who are accompanying the team to China. The PHF has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with many questioning the lack of a long-term plan for the team.

Oltmans’ departure is a significant blow to Pakistan’s hockey ambitions. The Dutchman has a wealth of experience, having previously served as the High Performance Director and head coach of the Indian hockey team. His absence will be felt as Pakistan looks to rebuild its team and regain its former glory.

Avani Lekhara Enters Final of Women's 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1 at Paralympics

Avani Lekhara Enters Final of Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1 at Paralympics

India’s ace shooter Avani Lekhara, who made history by winning a gold medal in the women’s 10m air rifle SH1 event at the Tokyo Paralympics, has once again entered the final of a shooting event at the ongoing Games. On Tuesday, Lekhara finished seventh in the qualification round of the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 competition, securing a spot in the final.

Lekhara shot a total of 1159 across the three stages of kneeling, prone, and standing. She started strongly in the kneeling stage, scoring 392, but faced some challenges in the prone stage, scoring 382. However, she recovered in the standing stage, shooting 385, including a series of 96 and 97, to move up to seventh place.

Mona Agarwal, the other Indian shooter in the field, finished 13th in the qualification round with a total score of 1147. She shot 386 in the kneeling stage, 380 in the prone stage, and 381 in the standing stage.

The top eight shooters from the qualification round advanced to the final, which will be held on Wednesday. Lekhara will be aiming to add another medal to her tally after her historic gold medal in the 10m air rifle SH1 event.

Lekhara’s success in shooting is a testament to her determination and resilience. She was paralyzed waist-down in a car accident at the age of 11, but she did not let that setback define her. She took up shooting as a hobby and quickly discovered her talent for the sport.

Lekhara’s achievements have inspired countless people around the world. She is a role model for athletes with disabilities and a symbol of hope and possibility.

Bangladesh Complete Historic Clean Sweep of Pakistan in Test Series

Bangladesh Complete Historic Clean Sweep of Pakistan in Test Series

Pakistan’s Test woes continued as Bangladesh completed a historic clean sweep in their two-match series, leaving captain Shan Masood deeply disappointed.

Bangladesh chased down a target of 143 with ease on the final day, losing just four wickets. The victory marked their second bilateral series win of two or more Tests away from home, the first since 2009 against the West Indies.

Masood expressed frustration over his team’s recurring failures, particularly their inability to capitalize on dominant positions. He highlighted the need for improved fitness and preparation, especially in the bowling department.

“We have not learnt our lessons,” Masood said. “We thought we were playing good cricket in Australia but not doing the job. We need to work on that.”

Masood acknowledged missed opportunities in the first innings, where Pakistan failed to capitalize on a strong start. He also emphasized the importance of getting Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah back in the fold, but stressed the need for better fitness and preparation.

The defeat extended Pakistan’s miserable home record in Tests to 10 matches without a win. Masood has now endured two consecutive clean sweeps as Test captain, having lost 3-0 to Australia previously.

Bangladesh’s victory is a testament to their growing strength in Test cricket. They have now won four of their last five Tests, including a historic series win in New Zealand.

England Women to Miss WBBL Latter Stages Due to South Africa Tour

England Women to Miss WBBL Latter Stages Due to South Africa Tour

England’s women cricketers will miss the latter stages of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) due to a clash with their tour of South Africa. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has informed players that they are expected to join the national team in South Africa on specific dates, regardless of any overlap with WBBL games.

This decision aims to avoid a repeat of the situation earlier this year, when the end of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) overlapped with England’s arrival in New Zealand for a bilateral series. Players were forced to choose between club and country.

The ECB notified players and their agents of the requirements before the WBBL draft. England is scheduled to play three T20Is in South Africa starting November 24, followed by three ODIs from December 4 and a Test starting on December 15.

Seven England players were signed in the WBBL draft, including Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophie Ecclestone, and Heather Knight. The ECB took a similar stance last year, with Bess Heath and Danielle Gibson missing the WBBL final to join England’s squad in India.

The WPL announced its 2024 fixtures in January, with the final falling two days before England’s first T20I in New Zealand. New Zealand Cricket declined an ECB request to move the dates.

Jonathan Finch, Director of England Women’s Cricket, emphasized the need for better coordination between tournaments. He said the ECB is working on aligning the Women’s Future Tours Program to avoid future clashes.

Finch acknowledged the financial implications for players who may miss out on lucrative WPL contracts. However, he stressed that players signing central contracts with England are expected to prioritize international commitments.

The ECB is also considering introducing multi-year central contracts to provide players with greater security. Finch believes this will reduce the need for case-by-case discussions about player availability.

Bangladesh's Young Guns Lead Historic Test Victory Over Pakistan

Bangladesh’s Young Guns Lead Historic Test Victory Over Pakistan

Bangladesh’s historic Test victory over Pakistan in Karachi was orchestrated by their young pace duo, Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana. The 24-year-old Mahmud and 21-year-old Rana combined for nine wickets in the second innings, setting up the 185-run chase.

Mahmud and Rana’s performance was particularly impressive given the challenging conditions. “As fast bowlers, you have to take advantage [of conditions] and keep working hard together,” said Mahmud. “It’s important to get the benefit from your fast bowlers as well as spinners.”

While Mahmud and Rana stole the spotlight, the match and series awards went to more experienced players. Litton Das, who scored 138 in the first innings, received the match award. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who tallied 155 runs and ten wickets, earned the series award.

Litton and Mehidy’s partnership in the first innings, when Bangladesh were struggling at 26 for 6, proved crucial. Litton’s 138 from No. 7 and Mehidy’s 78 from No. 8 kept Bangladesh in the game.

“The way me and Miraz [were] batting, the credit actually goes to Miraz,” said Litton. “He faced 20 balls and killed their momentum.”

After that stand, Litton formed another partnership with Mahmud, contributing 69 runs. “When Hasan came, I didn’t have any scoring opportunities,” said Litton. “So I took my time and thought I had to play the over, not the ramp or anything.”

Bangladesh’s bowling coach, Andre Adams, praised the young fast-bowling duo. “Very proud. Very young group,” said Adams. “They showed some good control second innings particularly.”

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto credited the team’s success to their work ethic. “They wanted to win. That was very important for our team,” said Shanto. “The way Shadman batted, the 93 innings, and this innings, the way Zakir approached the innings, the momentum came to us.”

Mehidy Hasan Miraz dedicated his Player-of-the-Series award to the student protestors who were martyred in Bangladesh. “I want to gift this award to his family,” said Mehidy.

Pakistan Cricket Hits Rock Bottom with Bangladesh Defeat

Pakistan Cricket Hits Rock Bottom with Bangladesh Defeat

Pakistan cricket has reached its lowest point in recent history, suffering a humiliating six-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the second Test in Rawalpindi. This marks the first time Bangladesh has defeated Pakistan in a Test match and series.

The defeat has sent shockwaves through the Pakistani cricket community, with former stalwarts expressing their dismay and concern. Javed Miandad, a former Test captain, lamented the state of Pakistani cricket, stating that it was “hurting” to witness the team’s decline.

The second Test saw Bangladesh’s batters dominate the second innings after Pakistan dropped pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and rested Naseem Shah. Pakistan had initially put Bangladesh on the back foot, reducing them to 26 for 6 in their first innings. However, a spectacular partnership between centurion Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz rescued the visitors.

Miandad believes that the players have lost confidence due to the turmoil within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He pointed to the frequent captaincy and management changes as factors that have destabilized the team.

Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq echoed Miandad’s concerns, highlighting Pakistan’s poor home record in recent years. He emphasized the importance of batsmen scoring runs, especially in home conditions.

Record-breaking batsman Younis Khan attributed Pakistan’s struggles to a lack of mental strength. He believes that the team needs to overcome its current crisis by developing a clear mindset.

Former Test batter Ahmed Shezad criticized the batsmen for their inability to handle pace and movement, suggesting that the future of Pakistani cricket is bleak if they cannot improve in this area.

Former Test spinner Iqbal Qasim urged the team management to groom existing and upcoming spinners, as Pakistan’s best chance of success at home lies in utilizing spin-friendly pitches.

With this latest setback, Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the final of the World Test Championship appear to have evaporated. Captain Shan Masood’s lack of runs has added to his woes, while senior batter Babar Azam has also struggled to make an impact.

Despite the team’s poor performance, red-ball coach Jason Gillispie and his white-ball counterpart Gary Kirsten have advised the PCB and selectors not to panic, as it could further dent the players’ confidence. Gillispie and high-performance coach Tim Nielsen will return to Australia for a short break.

South Africa Names Uncapped Duo for T20 World Cup Squad

South Africa Names Uncapped Duo for T20 World Cup Squad

South Africa has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE, featuring a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. The team will be led by star batter Laura Wolvaardt and includes seasoned campaigners like allrounder Marizanne Kapp, opener Tazmin Brits, and seamer Ayabonga Khaka.

Two uncapped players, 18-year-old legspinner Seshnie Naidu and 20-year-old seamer Ayanda Hlubi, have earned their maiden call-ups to the national team. Both players impressed during South Africa’s run to the final of the inaugural Under-19 Women’s World Cup last year.

The squad remains largely unchanged from the one that reached the final of the 2023 T20 World Cup, with the exception of wicketkeeper batter Mieke de Ridder, who replaces the retired Shabnim Ismail. Lara Goodall, Masabata Klaas, and Delmi Tucker have been omitted from the squad.

Nadine de Klerk, who is currently recovering from an Achilles’ injury, is expected to be fit for the tournament. The team will play three warm-up matches in Pakistan before heading to the UAE.

South Africa’s squad for the T20 World Cup:

* Laura Wolvaardt (captain)
* Anneke Bosch
* Tazmin Brits
* Nadine de Klerk
* Annerie Dercksen
* Mieke de Ridder
* Ayanda Hlubi
* Sinalo Jafta
* Marizanne Kapp
* Ayabonga Khaka
* Suné Luus
* Nonkululeko Mlaba
* Seshnie Naidu
* Tumi Sekhukhune
* Chloé Tryon

Traveling Reserve:

* Miané Smit

Gary Kirsten to Oversee Champions Cup, Assess Pakistan Players' Fitness

Gary Kirsten to Oversee Champions Cup, Assess Pakistan Players’ Fitness

Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten will take charge of the upcoming Champions Cup domestic one-day competition, where all contracted players are expected to participate. Kirsten will be assisted by physiotherapist Cliff Deacon and strength coach Dreks Simon, who will assess players’ performance and fitness ahead of Pakistan’s white-ball matches this season.

The trio will also conduct fitness tests for the national Test squad and other international players. Meanwhile, red-ball format head coach Jason Gillespie and high-performance coach Tim Nielsen will depart for Australia on Wednesday following the conclusion of Pakistan’s series against Bangladesh.

Despite Pakistan’s disappointing 0-2 defeat to Bangladesh, sources close to the team indicate that no significant changes are anticipated. Both Gillespie and Kirsten have been granted full authority by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to maintain continuity in selection and other matters.

“Both have advised the PCB to exercise patience and avoid making decisions based on a string of poor performances across all formats,” a source revealed.

The Champions Cup will serve as the first assignment for the Pakistan team before they embark on the World Test Championship series against England, commencing on October 7 in Multan. Gillespie and Nielsen are expected to return to Pakistan for this series.

Indian Archers Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar Claim Paralympic Bronze

Sheetal and Rakesh Win Bronze at the Paris 2024 Paralympics

In a breathtaking showcase of talent and teamwork, Indian archers Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar made us all proud by clinching a bronze medal in the mixed team compound archery event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Their journey to this incredible achievement has been nothing short of inspiring, marked by unwavering dedication and sheer passion for their craft.

The atmosphere turned electric as Sheetal and Rakesh faced off against the talented Italian duo of Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonacina in a nail-biting match. Watching the match unfold felt like being on a rollercoaster ride, my heart raced along with the crowd’s energy. It was one of those moments where you could feel the weight of the world on the athletes’ shoulders, but they never backed down. In a thrilling finish, Sheetal and Rakesh triumphed with a score of 156-155, demonstrating not only their incredible skills but also their ability to stay calm and composed under pressure.

At just 17, Sheetal’s bright spirit and Rakesh’s experience, as the world-ranked No. 1, created a magical synergy on the range. Their bond was evident in the way they coordinated their shots, each arrow telling a story of resilience and shared dreams. It was heartwarming to see how their hard work and deep understanding of each other had come together in such a meaningful way, making their victory even sweeter.

​This win is not just a personal achievement; it’s a source of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes across India.​ It reminds us all that with determination and hard work, we can overcome even the toughest challenges. In times when obstacles seem daunting, Sheetal and Rakesh’s journey serves as a light of positivity, encouraging us to believe in ourselves and our dreams.

As the Indian flag was proudly raised in the Parisian arena, emotions swelled among the spectators. I found myself tearing up, feeling the joy and pride radiating through the crowd. It’s moments like these that show how sports can bring people together, igniting a sense of unity and joy that transcends boundaries. The resounding applause echoed our collective gratitude and admiration for their incredible effort and hard-fought victory.

Sheetal and Rakesh’s success at the Paris 2024 Paralympics is a profound milestone in sports, representing the power of teamwork and perseverance. As we celebrate their achievements, let’s carry forward their spirit of determination and encourage one another to strive for greatness, no matter what challenges lie ahead. Here’s to many more inspiring moments from our remarkable athletes may they continue to inspire us all!

Pakistani Wrestler Ali Asad Stripped of Commonwealth Games Bronze for Doping

Pakistani Wrestler Ali Asad Stripped of Commonwealth Games Bronze for Doping

Pakistani wrestler Ali Asad has been stripped of his bronze medal from the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The Pakistan Wrestling Federation confirmed the four-year ban and medal revocation following an investigation by the International Testing Agency (ITA).

Asad’s positive test was confirmed by the ITA, prompting the ruling this week. The wrestler waived his right to a hearing and failed to respond to the allegations within the stipulated deadline.

This incident adds to a growing list of doping bans faced by Pakistani athletes in recent years. In May 2023, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) imposed four-year bans on four Pakistani weightlifters for anti-doping violations. Abdur Rehman, Sharjeel Butt, Ghulam Mustafa, and Farhan Amjad were suspended for refusing to provide samples to the ITA in November 2021.

Despite appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), the suspensions were upheld. Top weightlifters Olympian Talha Talib and Abu Bakar Ghani also received two-year bans for using banned substances. Talib, who placed fifth in the Tokyo Olympics, remains banned until February 2025.

The Pakistan Wrestling Federation and the IWF have expressed concern over the increasing number of doping cases involving Pakistani athletes. They have emphasized the importance of adhering to anti-doping regulations and promoting clean sport.

The use of performance-enhancing drugs not only violates the principles of fair play but also poses significant health risks to athletes. The authorities are committed to combating doping and ensuring the integrity of sports competitions.

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