After having a long discussion with his predecessor Modassor Nazar, he said that new plan would be soon approved from PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt. The purpose of cricket academies is to get better results by applying new techniques in cricket game; therefore, despite facing financial crisis PCB would not halt the grants of the academies, he added.

In this regard Vice President of Indian Cricket Board Rajiv Shukla denied the rumor regarding cancellation of Indian team for touring to Pakistan next year in January in the wake of Mumbai terrorists attack. Talking to a private TV channel, he said that Dhoni eleven would leave for Pakistan as per schedule after getting a security clearance.

On the other hand Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Operating Officer Salim Altaf also denied the news regarding cancellation of Indian tour to Pakistan. India has to play three Tests, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 match with Pakistan.-SANA

According to reports, the tour, which still had two limited-overs internationals and two test matches remaining on the itinerary was canceled. A high-ranking BCCI official, who asked not to be identified because he is not authorized to comment to the media, told the media that the tour had been canceled and a formal statement would be released later Thursday.

The Champions League Twenty20 tournament, due to start next Wednesday in Mumbai, could also be scrapped. Officials were not available to comment, but Australian and English provincial clubs had already postponed leaving for India.-SANA

Chief Selector Hassan Sardar along with other members of selection committee and Secretary PHF Women Wing Parveen Sikander Gill announced the team in a press conference at Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium Karachi.

Parveen Gill said that, we did not received the invitation to participate in this tournament, but by the efforts of President PHF Qasim Zia and Secretary Asif Bajwa Pakistan Women Junior team is now going to participate in the event. “During the tournament, we will talk to the officials of Singapore, China and Malaysia regarding tours”. She added.

Team will leave for Malaysia on 10th December. Pakistan will play its first match on 13th December against Thailand, second match on 14th December against Japan, third match on 17th December against Malaysia and fourth pool match on 18th December against China. While, semi finals and classification matches will be played on 20th and final and position matches will be held on 21st December.

The selected 18 players are; Goal Keepers: Rizwana and Imrana, full backs are Sehrish Ghumman (captain), Nadia Kazim (vice captain) and Zaib Unisa, half backs are Munaza Irum, Zakia Nawaz, Shahida Ghulam, Asma Ashraf, Nain Tara and Mumtaz Malik; however the name of the forwards are Hina Kanwal, Nazia Rehmat, Muqadas Akbar, Gulshan Tahira, Aisha Bashir, Bushra Nazir and Saman Islam and stand byes players are Bismillah, Sana, Sahira, Aisha Rafiq, Rozina and Madiha.

However the names of the team officials are Muhammad Akhlaq Ahmad (Coach), Chand Parveen and Muhammad Parvez (Assistant Coaches), Parveen Sikander Gill (Manager), Fiza Naureen (Physio), Rahat Khan (Umpire).-SANA

The congress already started on November 23rd, while presidential elections will take place on November 29th. During the congress session PHF officials will try to convince the other federations, that Pakistan is safe for holding International Tournaments.

Asif Bajwa said, “Still we are committed to do whatever is needed to convince foreign teams to give Pakistan a chance. Tournaments are important for uplifting the standards of hockey in the country”. Pakistan Hockey Federation will also try to get approval from FIH, to hold an annual “8-Nation Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Hockey Tournament” in Pakistan and will also speak about revival of Pakistan-India bilateral hockey series.

However, PHF officials will hold special meetings with officials of Indian Hockey Federation Aslam Sher Khan and Suresh Kalmadi for revival of Pakistan-India bilateral series for future. -SANA

While highlighting the role of Hamdard University Islamabad Campus, the Minister mentioned that Hamdard University was dedicated to excellence in imparting knowledge in the field of Management Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences and engineering Sciences.

Apart from academic side, Hamdard University pays due attention to co-curricular and extra-curricular activities of the students for building the qualities of leadership, tolerance and personality development of the students, which a positive sign, he said.-SANA

Ijaz Butt has met with the Indian high commissioner and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani regarding the cricket series between the countries. He will now again give briefing to India’s high commissioner Satyabrata Pal in Islamabad next week regarding security arrangements.
Later, he will go to India for meeting with the Indian board officials on the series while a security delegation from India will come to Pakistan next month.

Saleem Altaf said that talks have been held with concerned countries regarding neutral venues. He said that the PCB has to review the financial matters for playing series in India while it has already an offer from England for playing a series there.-SANA

This is the second time that Under-19 players are receiving coaching. Boarding & Lodging and Coaching arrangements all paid by Asian Badminton Confederation through the efforts of Syed Naqi Mohsin, Senior Vice President of Pakistan Badminton Federation, who is also Vice president of Asian Badminton Confederation. Previously the players received three weeks coaching in Malaysia prior to participation in Asian Under-19 Championship in July 2008. APP

Unfortunately The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced first anti-doping rules violation, which occurred at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games and THAT VIOLATOR BELONGS TO PAKISTAN. In accordance with the IPC Anti-Doping Code, the IPC ratified the decision to disqualify Mr. Butt from the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. IPC Anti-Doping Committee has also given its report in which the presence of steroids was detected. The urine sample was taken Sept. 4, two days before the opening ceremony.

A sanction of two years ineligibility was imposed. This ruling is in accordance with article 12.1 and 12.2 of the IPC Anti-Doping Code. The athlete can appeal the decision taken within seven days after the notification. Peter Van de Vliet, the IPC’s medical and scientific director, said Butt’s accreditation was also being canceled. It is told to Pakistan Times that In Lahore, Pakistan Paralympics Federation will initiate disciplinary action against him.

I could never understand why Pakistani Players and sportsmen are not following the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) to play their role in doping free sporting environment at least at their own levels. Previously Cricket players Shoaib Akhtar and Muhammad Asif have faced the music for their positive doping results. in July before Olympics Two Pakistani athletes Both Mohammad Shah and Noshee Parveen, were expected to be pulled off from the squad the track after they tested positive for doping, according to the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP). In April, another Pakistani athlete Mohammad Sajjad has been suspended for two years for using performance enhancing drugs.

additional input from Agencies

Chairman Dr. Naseem said, “I have sent my resignation to the president’s secretariat and told them I can’t continue performing my duties. After the president resigned I didn’t think it would be ethically right to continue,” former chairman PCB told a foreign news agency. Ashraf said his resignation would not have any effect on the Champions Trophy one-day tournament which would be held on schedule from September 12. “The tournament will go on because the board is an institution and it will continue working. I will continue performing my duties till the resignation is accepted,” he added.

Gilani exchanged good wishes with world leaders on the occasion, expressing firm support of his country for peace and development, meeting common aspirations of their people. He conveyed greetings to Chinese President for holding Olymics, wishing it a successful event.

Hu Jintao reciprocated feelings of goodwill and thanked Gilani for his personal presence on this historical occasion. More than 80 state leaders and royals are attending Olympic Games opening ceremony which began on Friday evening.-SANA

With the beginning of the greatest show on earth the world’s dream will come true as athletes from 205 countries will compete for 17 days to win 312 medals. The mega event has begun at 8:08 pm, on the eighth day of the eight month of 2008, a tribute to the number eight that many Chinese deem lucky as it represents prosperity.

On this occasion, more than 10,000 performers showcase the nation’s ancient history and its rise as a modern power before an audience of 160,000 people. The opening ceremony has been marked with spectacular performance of acrobatics, cultural shows and enormous fireworks display across the city. As China claims the history will view the 2008 Olympics as a significant milestone in the country’s remarkable transformation.-SANA

Hu said that in the course of bidding and preparing for the Games, the Chinese government and people received sincere help from governments and people of various countries, as well as strong support from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Family Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani exchanged good wishes with the world leaders on the occasion, expressing firm support of his country for peace and development, meeting the common aspirations of their people. While shaking hands with the Chinese President, Gilani conveyed greetings to him for holding the Olympics, wishing it a successful event. Hu Jintao reciprocated the feelings of goodwill and thanked Gilani for his personal presence at this historical occasion.

In his address at the luncheon reception, the Chinese President further said, “I would like to express heartfelt thanks to you and, through you, to all those who have contributed to the Beijing Olympic Games,” he said in the toast. “I also wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the international community for the warm support and valuable assistance given to China in our rescue and relief efforts after the devastating Wenchuan earthquake,” he said.

“The Chinese people will remember forever the profound friendship of people throughout the world,” he said. The Beijing Olympics will kick off on Friday evening. More than 80 state leaders and royals are here to attend the opening ceremony and related events. “Since Beijing won the bid in 2001, the Chinese government and people have been working earnestly to honour the solemn commitment we have made to the international community,” Hu said.

Guided by the concept of “green Olympics, high-tech Olympics and people’s Olympics,” the Chinese people have done their utmost in the preparations for the Games, Hu said. “I am confident that, with the support of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Family, and together with you, we will deliver a high-standard Olympic Games with distinctive feature,” the president said.
He proposed a toast to the strong growth of the Olympic Movement, to greater solidarity and friendship among people from all over the world, and to the health of all the distinguished guests and their families.

While PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that his party will continue to work with China for the promotion of close and deep Pak-China relationship. Talking to Chinese Minister for International Development in Beijing today, he said the founder of Peoples Party Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto laid the foundation of friendly relations with China and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto strengthened these relations further.

The Chinese Minister said Pakistan and China enjoy deep and close relations and assured that China will cooperate with Pakistan in all spheres. On this occasion, Advisor on Interior Rehman Malik briefed the Chinese Minister about the steps taken by Pakistan against terrorism.-SANA

On sidelines of the Olympics opening ceremony, the Prime Minister is expected to meet with the world leaders. He will also meet Chinese President Hu Jintao to avail the opportunity of conveying warm and heartfelt friendly sentiments of the Pakistani people and the government to the Chinese side.-SANA

President Musharraf was earlier scheduled to leave for Beijing Wednesday morning, which was cancelled due to “developments at home”, the Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq told reporters. During the visit, the President is also expected to hold bilateral talks with the Chinese leaders including President Hu Jintao and Chairman of National Peoples Council Wu Bungguo.

The President is also likely to meet leaders of Russia, Australia, France and Italy on the sidelines of Olympics. -SANA

The long overdue Award Ceremony became possible when Federal Minister for Sports, Najamud Din Khan and Federal Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Muhammad Ashraf Khan, issued directions in this behalf. Also present on this occasion were Pakistan Sports Board (PSB)’s Director General Muhammad Anwar Khan, PFF Secretary General Lt.Col ® Ahmed Yar Khan Lodhi, PFF Women Wing Chairperson Robina Irfan.

Yousaf urged the youth to build Pakistan as a peace-loving, progressive country and also stressed the need for sportsman spirit in politics. The Prime Minister made these remarks while distributing over Rs. 2.2 million worth of cash prizes among medal winners of Colombo’s biennial Games held August 18-28, 2006.

He pledged full government support for establishing Sports Academies around the country and to help in boosting sports infrastructure for even better results in international competitions. “We will also help in further boosting and developing sports infrastructure around the country. He also assured of providing regular jobs to the Sportspersons of the country so that they could concentrate on their Training,” said Yousuf.

Besides winning 41 gold’s, the 376-strong Pakistan contingent also captured 43 silver and 72 bronze medals during the eight-nation South Asian Games. Cash prizes of Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 15,000 each were awarded for winning gold, silver and bronze medals respectively in the team sports.

Pakistani team was comprised of Muhammad Essa (Captain), Adeel Ahmed (Vice Captain), Mahmood Ahmed, Muhammad Shahzad, Naveed Akram, Muhammad Irfan, Yasir Sabir, Samar Ishaq, Muhammad Imran, Mubashar Hussain, Abdul Aziz, Abbas Ali, Muhammad Shahid, Saeed Ahmed, Zahid Hameed, Shahid Ahmed, Shakir Lashari, Nasrullah Khan, Muhammad Rasool, Muhammad Qasim. The officials were Muhammad Irfan Khan Niazi (Manager), Salman Ahmed Sharida (Coach), Tariq Ibrahim (Assistant Coach) and Muhammad Afzal ( Goal-keeping Coach).-SANA

Through the SMS based Push Service a subscriber can get at least 20 update messages including the toss, fall of wickets, end of innings alert, end of match alert, man of the match alert, half century alert, and century alerts. To subscribe to this option, the customer simply sends ‘sub’ to 121 against very nominal charges.

Another exciting value added service offered by Ufone is the SMS based Pull Service. A subscriber needing to know the score in the middle of a match can use this service option. This service doesn’t need a subscription. All you do is simply send “cri” to 121 and immediately receive a message containing match updates. The third value added service, proudly introduced by Ufone, is the IVR service which is surely the most significant one. This IVR service brings live commentary to the handsets. Customers can simply dial 121 and can enjoy live commentary anywhere, anytime.

Mr. Ali Ikram, Head of VAS Ufone, on the launch of these value added services commented, “Cricket excites people in Pakistan like nothing else and in this era of advanced technology everyone wants to be the first to be informed about any match. We are providing them easy access in the palm of their hands to make sure our valued customers remain ahead of everyone else.”These SMS/IVR services will keep Ufone subscribers updated about the Asia Cup 2008 even in areas where there is no availability of television sets or electricity; these new services will help people stay connected.-SANA

Spain, who beat Italy on penalties on Sunday after a dour match finished goalless in 120 minutes, may have more problems in Vienna on Thursday against a Russia team who beat Netherlands with a thrilling extra-time display on Saturday.

After struggling a bit in the group phase Germany rediscovered their old ruthlessness to beat Portugal 3-2 in the quarter-finals, thanks to brilliant displays from Bastian Schweinsteiger and Michael Ballack. If they maintain that sort of form it is hard to see them being troubled by Turkey, who are down to just 13 outfield players after being ravaged by injuries and suspensions.

For most neutrals, this has been one of the most thrilling European Championships ever played. It’s been largely devoid of the dreadful officiating and cynical fouling that marred the 2006 World Cup, and most teams have chosen to play a straightforward, attacking style. This has made for some great, wide-open games and some unforgettable moments.

From the 100,000-strong Dutch contingent that turned Berne orange; to the downpour that nearly washed away Switzerland’s game against Turkey; to Gianluigi Buffon’s key penalty save against Romania’s Adrian Mutu; to Arjen Robben’s ‘response’ to France just thirty seconds after Thierry Henry had scored; to the tears of Andrei Arshavin as he walked off the field after Russia’s biggest win ever; this tournament will be remembered for a long time to come.

Here’s some of the highlights so far:

BIGGEST GAMES:
Holland’s sublime 3-0 demolition of Italy: The Dutch turned in a masterclass on June 9 in their Group C opener, showing the world that they not only had the talent and the panache, but that long-missing unity as well. Incredible performances from Wesley Sneijder and Andre Ooijer led the ‘Counterattack Orange’ over an Italian side utterly broken by the Dutch team’s quick one-touch passing. This match seemed to signal the second coming of a Dutch team that had spent twenty years trying to repeat the magic of Marco van Basten’s side in 1988. And they might have … had they not met the Russians.

Turkey’s quarterfinal win over Croatia: For 119 minutes, nothing happened, and they’ll be mercifully lost to time. But those final two minutes? No one will forget them. Croatia’s Ivan Klasnic seemed to have won the game when he capitalized on Rustu Recber’s goalkeeping howler with just one minute and stoppage left. But the game was not over: Semih Senturk latched onto a last-ditch free-kick from Recber and blasted the ball into Stipe Pletikosa’s net. The Turks went nuts, the game went to kicks, and the Croats were broken.

Russia’s quarterfinal win against Holland: Forget the extra time; this was a game that Russia dominated from the get-go. Led by the self-proclaimed ‘traitor’ Guus Hiddink, Russia’s 4-1-4-1 formation took away Holland’s passing game and pinned the Orange back, to face the onslaught of Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko. Had the Russians not been so wasteful, they could have won 4-1 in regulation time. It was a breathtaking, convincing performance that left the Dutch wondering what they had to do to get a break.

Croatia beating Germany: The would-be champs were skunked 2-1 in a game that showed the dark horses were for real. Michael Ballack and his men were forced into a possession game while Croatia used their speed to unsettle a shaky back tandem of Christoph Metzelder and Marcell Jansen. Dario Srna had an outstanding afternoon, and Ivicia Olic scored a key goal to win the game late.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS:
Austria: If there was ever an argument against having two nations get automatic byes, this year’s European Championship is it. Unfortunately, in six weeks, everyone will have forgotten about the fine job the Austrians did in virtually every other area of the tournament. Instead, Austria will be remembered as the worst-ever host team, an ignominious honor that is a sad reminder of how far Austrian soccer has fallen.

France: What a mess this team is. Strange decisions by coach Raymond Domenech conspired with a set of players too old (or too injured) to hack it and youngsters who looked shellshocked to condemn this team to defeat. The French haven’t looked good since 2006, of course, but French football in general is better than what this side showed us. It was hard to see it, but men like Samir Nasri, Jeremy Toulalan and Francois Clerc may still be the future for this side, as long as they didn’t lose their confidence completely in Zurich. On the other hand, it’s well past time for men like Thierry Henry, Lilian Thuram and Nicolas Anelka to make way. The French need a wholesale clean-out and a painful rebuild. Will the French public — who have become used to having a glorious side — persist through what could be a very difficult World Cup 2010 qualification cycle?

Italy: Very few teams have ever won the World Cup and then the subsequent European Championship, so it was probably a bit unfair to have such high hopes for the Azzurri. And, fans tend to forget that Italy went to Scotland needing a win to qualify for this tournament on the final day. But as this team has all the talent in the world, their flop here took many off guard. They are rightly being criticized for their lack of offense, but their key man, Luca Toni, never showed up. In truth, the mistake coach Roberto Donadoni can be blamed for was in not grooming a replacement for Fabio Cannavaro. Without his best player, who was sidelined before the kickoff, Donadoni’s team struggled to fill that void. Christian Panucci never looked comfortable, and when Andrea Pirlo and Genarro Gatusso had to sit out their critical match against Spain, the Italians lost their nerve and played scared.

EMERGING PLAYERS:
Andrei Arshavin: The diminutive Russian playmaker has emerged as the player of the tournament despite having to miss the first two games due to suspension. His dominant form against Holland has already brought him offers from the likes of Arsenal and Valencia and more are sure to come. But the 27-year-old was not an unknown: he led Zenit St. Petersburg to this year’s UEFA Cup title. His performances have earned him some overheated comparisons to Pele’s 1958 debut, but one thing is for certain: he has to be contained by the opponent. He’s had a hand in every goal Russia’s scored since he took the field against Sweden.

Demirel Volkan: The Turkish ‘keeper is currently sitting out for one more game after taking a foolish red card at the end of Turkey’s game against the Czech Republic. That said, the Fenerbache man has emerged as one of the tournament’s best netminders. Comparisons with Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas may be premature, but a lot of teams could use this sleek, quick-fingered netminder. Igor Akinfeev has also been a standout in the nets for Russia; will someone try to pry him from CSKA Moscow?

Ivicia Olic: The Hamburg forward looked out of gas against the Turks, but one wonders how much better he would have been with his partner, Eduardo Da Silva, running alongside him. As it was, he carried the Croatian side nearly single-handedly up top, scoring once and setting up several others. Mainly a poacher, his league form won’t be enough to tempt clubs, but he’s worth keeping an eye on.

David Villa: The Valencia forward has made a name for himself, leading all scorers with four goals, including a biggie against Sweden. It’s worth noting that he was silenced against Italy, but so far many will choose the man with the tournament’s only hat-trick as their player of the Euros.

Mr. Muhammad Naveed Chaudhry, a lawyer by profession has been a member of the Punjab local Government Commission (2003-08) and Information Secretary of the Punjab PPP. He is an ardent fan of Cricket who has actively played the game for Punjab University during his student days. Salman was one of the members of the three-man tribunal committee which is and was headed by retired Justice Aftab Farrukh with former Test cricketer Haseeb Ahsan as the third member, but Taseer has expressed his inability to participate in further proceedings of the PCB’s Appellate Tribunal as he had been appointed the governor of Punjab couple of week before. The tribunal is originally scheduled for Akhar’s hearing on June 4 but postponed to June 8

Though kabaddi is primarily an Indian game, not much is known about the origin of this game. There is, however, concrete evidence, that the game is 4,000 year old. It is a team sport, which requires both skill and power, and combines the characteristics of wrestling and rugby. It was originally meant to develop self-defense, in addition to responses to attack and reflexes of counter attack by individuals and by groups or teams. It is a rather simple and inexpensive game, and neither requires a massive playing area, nor any expensive equipment. This explains the popularity of the game in rural India. Kabaddi is played all over Asia with minor variations.

Kabaddi is known by various names viz. Chedugudu or Hu-Tu-Tu in southern parts of India, Hadudu (Men) and Chu - Kit-Kit (women) in eastern India, and Kabaddi in northern India. The sport is also popular in Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan and Pakistan. In kabaddi dominated countries such as India and Canada, it is played on a professional basis with top players earning $25,000 and more for a 2 month season. The player who has made most out of the game is Balwinder Phiddu, who started playing in 1975 and only recently retired after the 1997 World Cup.

“The FIFA Congress, which is effectively international football’s parliament, is the largest off-field football event in the world and 58th edition of this event would be the ideal opportunity for Australia to showcase itself for its 2018 World Cup bid,” said Faisal who is also AFC Disciplinary Committee member. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will also hold a meeting before the FIFA Congress to discuss the FIFA meeting’s agenda to agree on a view about all the issues which will be discussed in the congress. The AFC tournaments’ committee will also discuss in its meeting the AFC tournaments programme for the coming years.

The FIFA Congress, chaired by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, is expected to discuss the recommended changes of the administrative and technical regulations in the FIFA, accepting the memberships of new federations, discussing administrative, financial, and technical reports for the year 2007, in addition to discussing other reports concerned with the federation’s works.

The FIFA Congress, the most-critical organ of football’s international governing body, normally meets every two years. But since 1998, this gathering of the worldwide football family has taken place annually in an extraordinary meeting. The introduction of annual meetings allows the parliament of football to influence decisions on an ever-growing number of issues.-SANA