Din Mohammad’s services recognised after 66 years

LAHORE: Sixty-six years after his gold medal-winning effort for Pakistan in the Asian Games, wrestler Din Mohammad’s services were finally recognised by the government of Punjab which on Tuesday appointed his grandson in the Sports Board Punjab.

Punjab Sports Minister Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti promised a job for Din’s family when he visited the ageing wrestler’s house in May this year to acknowledge his services for the country.

The 90-year-old Din, unfortunately, has been living in very poor condition with no proper financial resources.

On Tuesday, Din’s grandson Faisal Ali received the appointment letter at the Punjab Sports Board offices from the provincial minister.

Meanwhile, the minister said, “It’s our prime obligation to look after our national heroes.

“Din Mohammad is Pakistan’s first gold medallist in any international sports event. He did great services for Pakistan and that’s why he deserved to be honoured at every level,” Rai Taimoor added.

According to the minister, Din Mohammad’s name has also been recommended to Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar for a house in ‘Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme’.

The minister said an endowment fund for the welfare of national sports heroes and athletes has been included in the newly-formed Sports Policy of Punjab, which has to be approved by the provincial cabinet.

Meanwhile, Faisal said: “I’m proud of my grandfather Din Mohammad for his great achievements in wrestling. I will also perform my duties with full honesty and dedication at the Sports Board Punjab.”—Sports Reporter

PDCA to resume cricket activities in October

KARACHI: The Pakistan Disabled Cricket Association (PDCA) has announced the resumption of its cricket activities following the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the coronavirus (Covid-19).

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Board of Directors, which was chaired by PDCA president Mohammad Javed here the other day.

PDCA honorary secretary Amiruddin Ansari gave a briefing on the upcoming domestic and international cricket calendar. As per announcement with the permission of the Pakistan Cricket Board, the National Championship 2020-21 will kick start the season from Karachi in the middle of October. A total of 16 teams are expected to compete in the event.

The Pentangular Cup, featuring outfits of provinces and the federal areas, is scheduled for March and April next year, while talks are underway to stage international series of physical disability teams in 2021 and 2022.

Meanwhile, the PDCA secretary disclosed that the body has also obtained a Tax Examination Certificate from FBR.

He further said that despite the tough times due to the impact of Covid-19, PDCA’s chief financier ICRC had given Rs10,000 each to 92 deserving players — an effort that was highly commendable with Javed expressing the hope that the support of ICRC will continue in the future as well.

Javed, while appreciating the tireless efforts of PDCA secretary, said he is especially grateful to FBR for issuing the tax examination certificate because this process will promote disabled cricket in the country.—Sports Reporter

Dusseldorf to host opening ties of FIH Pro League

ISLAMABAD: The opening matches of the resumed International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey Pro League will take place between Germany and Belgium men and women in the beautiful city of Dusseldorf, the FIH said in a statement on Tuesday on its website.With current restrictions in place, the stadium will not be filled with spectators. Under national association guidelines no spectators can be admitted to the ground and the players and officials will all follow strict protocols to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the matches.

While the players lament the chance to play hockey in front of family, friends and supporters, the overwhelming feeling is one of relief that competitive hockey can again take place. As Germany’s forward Christopher Rhr says: “We want to get back out on the pitch and we hope to perform at a high intensity. We will leave everything out there on the pitch and we just want to be able to have good games against Belgium.”—APP

Marin fires Al Ahli into last 16 as Asian CL returns

DOHA: Saudi club Al Ahli beat Iraq’s Al Shorta with a late goal from German international Marko Marin to become the first team into the knockout stages of Asian Champions League as the continental club competition returned in Doha on Monday.

Seven months after grinding to a halt because of the Covid-19 pandemic, action in Asia’s premier club competition got back underway with three matches in the West Asian hub in Qatar.

The withdrawal of Al Wahda after the Emirati side failed to arrive in the Qatari capital left Group ‘A’ with only three teams and Al Ahli, runners up in 2012, took full advantage to progress to the last 16.

In later action, reigning champions Al Hilal made it a good night for Saudi clubs when they also got a late winner to beat Uzbek champions Pakhtakor 2-1 and move three points clear at the top of Group ‘B’.

Three Chinese teams have yet to even start the group stage. The venue to host the four eastern groups has yet to be confirmed.

The final has been moved to Dec 19.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2020