Bits and Pieces

IOC snubs Infantino and Coe in new members list

BERLIN: The presidents of world football body FIFA and the international athletics federation (IAAF) have not been proposed for appointment to the International Olympic Committee when the IOC session votes in new members in September.

IAAF chief Seb Coe and Gianni Infantino, who heads FIFA, were passed over for a second year running, as they battle doping and corruption scandals in their fields.

Previous FIFA and IAAF presidents had seats at the IOC table for decades.

The IOC’s nine proposed new members, named on Friday, include Luis Mejia Oviedo, head of the Dominican Republic’s Olympic committee, Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, Thai entrepreneur and head of her country’s badminton federation, International Equestrian Federation chief Ingmar De Vos and world rowing president Jean-Christophe Rolland.  —Reuters

Barcelona receive PSG money to free up Neymar

PARIS: Neymar is free to make his Paris Saint-Germain debut at Guingamp on Sunday after Barcelona confirmed on Friday the 222 million-euro ($261 million) cheque used to pay his buyout clause had cleared.

“The cheque has cleared and therefore puts in motion the process of the transfer,” said a Barcelona club source.

The French Football Federation (FFF) and French league (LFP) confirmed to AFP on Friday that the player’s transfer certificate had been received from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

That will allow him to be registered for the game at the Stade du Roudourou.

“Neymar’s contract will be ratified during the afternoon. He will be able to play on Sunday,” said the LFP. —AFP

Khalid wins Essa Lab Open Tennis title

By our correspondent

KARACHI: Khalid Ali Nazar won the 6th Essa Lab Open National Juniors & Seniors Tennis Championship here at Karachi Gymkhana on Friday.

In the final of men’s singles, Khalid defeated Asad Khan 6-4, 6-7(7), 10-8 to clinch the title.

Rayyan Jawad beat Yahha Ehtisham 6-4, 6-2 to win the final of under-14 category.

Nauman Aftab won the under-18 title by beating Amin Shafi 6-3, 6-3.

In the final of men’s doubles, the pair of Nameer Shamsi and Parbat beat the duo of Asad Khan and Aqeel Shabbir 6-2, 6-2.

Dr Farhan Essa, the sponsor of the event, announced at the closing ceremony that they are building a sports gymnasium for the promotion of sports in Sindh.

“The construction work of the gymnasium is in progress and it will be completed very soon to provide opportunities to the players of Sindh,” said Farhan.

Sailing boats to be available to public for two days

By our correspondent

KARACHI: Pakistan Sailing Federation (PSF) has provided a unique opportunity of sailing to public in connection with the Independence Day.

PSF has announced that they would provide free opportunities of sailing to public on Saturday (today) and Sunday at National Sailing Centre here in Karachi.

Mian Tofique Ahmad, Media Coordinator of PSF, told ‘The News’ that some sailing boats have been earmarked for this activity and general public is welcome to enjoy this unique offer.

People of any age can come and sail at National Sailing centre,” said Tofique.  He said that they would also hold a competition for under-19 category. 

Punjab Colours retain U18 women hockey title

KARACHI: Defending champions Punjab Colours overpowered Punjab Whites 1-0 in the final to retain the 5th National Under-18 Women Hockey Championship at National Hockey Stadium in Lahore on Friday.

Faiqa Riaz scored the decisive goal of the match.

In the third-place play-off, last edition’s finalists Pakistan Boards defeated Islamabad 1-0 after a close battle. Seema scored the solitary goal for the winning team.

Sharika Sarwar of Punjab Whites received Player of the Tournament award. Anmol Arshad of Punjab Colours was adjudged Goalkeeper of the Tournament and her teammate Hamra Latif won Top Scorer of the Tournament award.  —PPI

Diya Women FC secure eighth position in Norway

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Diya Women Football Club secured eighth position in a club tournament held in Norway.

According to the information provided by Diya Women FC, the team put up a strong show in the event in which clubs from 35 countries featured.

Diya Women FC will now be competing in Gothia Cup, which will be held in Shenyang (China) from August 13 to 20.

Sadia Shaikh, who is also the club’s secretary, will accompany the team as its manager and Rukhsar Rashid will be the coach. Aliya Jalka will lead the side. —PPI

Mudasir sparkles as KUFA enter football final

KARACHI: Striker Muhammad Mudasir scored a brilliant hat-trick to guide Karachi United Football Academy (Lyari Centre) to a convincing 5-1 victory over Madhoo Mohammad Football Academy (MMFA) in their semi-final of the inaugural Naya Nazimabad Inter-Academy U19 Football Tournament 2017 here at Naya Nazimabad football ground on Friday.

Besides Mudasir, Siraj and Najeeb Ullah netted one goal apiece. Bilal scored the consolatory goal for Madhoo Mohammad Football Academy.—PPI