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In a stunning upset, China has defeated Pakistan 2-0 (1-1) in a shootout to advance to the final of the Asian Champions Trophy. This marks the first time China has reached the title round of the tournament, while Pakistan, a two-time champion, will play for the bronze medal.China's goalkeeper, Caiyu Wang, was the hero of the shootout, making several key saves. Benhai Chen and Chanliang Lin scored for China in the shootout.Earlier in the match, Yuanlin Lu had given China an early 1-0 lead in the 18th minute with a powerful dragflick. Pakistan equalized in the 37th minute through Ahmed Nadeem, but China held on to force a shootout.China's victory was a testament to their grit and determination. They dominated the ball possession and created early chances, buoyed by the support of a large home crowd.Pakistan, on the other hand, struggled to create scoring opportunities. They had several penalty corners but were unable to breach the Chinese defense.China's head coach, Jin Seung Yoo, praised his team's performance. "It's an important game for us and we are totally charged up," he said before the match. "This is the first time China is playing the semifinal of such a prestigious event in front of home crowd."China's victory is a major upset and a sign of their growing strength in international hockey. They will now face the winner of the second semifinal between India and Korea in the final.

India, the bronze medallists at the Paris Olympics, have maintained their impressive form in the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, securing a spot in the semifinals after registering five consecutive wins in the league stage.The Harmanpreet Singh-led side began their campaign with a 3-0 victory over hosts China, followed by dominant wins over Japan (5-1) and Malaysia (8-1). India then defeated Korea 3-1 before edging out arch-rivals Pakistan 2-1 in a closely contested match.India's performances have been characterized by their excellence in all departments. The forwardline, comprising young talents like Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Uttam Singh, Gurjot Singh, and Araijeet Singh Hundal, has exceeded expectations by scoring crucial field goals. Midfielder Raj Kumar Pal has also shone brightly, contributing with some fine field goals.The experienced trio of Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Nilakanta Sharma have been instrumental in controlling the midfield, while the Indian defense has been equally impressive, conceding just four goals. Goalkeepers Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera have filled the void left by the retirement of PR Sreejesh with aplomb.Harmanpreet Singh, one of the world's top drag-flickers, has led from the front, converting five penalty corners and providing a steady source of goals. He has been ably supported by young Jugraj Singh, who is known for his lightning-fast drag-flicks.However, the knockout stage presents a new challenge for India, and they cannot afford to take Korea lightly. The Koreans are known for their unpredictable style of play and their ability to spring surprises. India's defense will need to be cautious about conceding penalty corners, as Korea possesses a potent drag-flicker in Jihun Yang, the tournament's leading scorer with seven goals.In the other semifinal, Pakistan will face hosts China. The final is scheduled for Tuesday.Harmanpreet Singh has warned his teammates against complacency, despite India's impressive run so far. "We came into this tournament with very little rest or preparations after our Olympic campaign. Despite that, I am happy with how the team has done to progress into the semifinal stage," he said."Korea is a tough team, they defend very well and can counter attack fast and skillfully," added Harmanpreet.

Indian men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh continued his impressive form, scoring two penalty corners to lead India to a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in their final league match of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024.The match was a tense affair, with both teams playing with intensity and determination. Pakistan took the lead in the 8th minute through Ahmad Nadeem, but Harmanpreet equalized just five minutes later with a powerful drag-flick. He then gave India the lead in the 19th minute with another penalty corner conversion.Pakistan fought back in the second half, but India's defense held firm. The Indians also had chances to extend their lead, but they were unable to convert their penalty corners.The match was marred by a heated encounter between Harmanpreet and Pakistan's Ashraf Waheed Rana in the third quarter. Rana shouldered Jugraj Singh inside the Indian circle, prompting Harmanpreet and Jarmanpreet Singh to confront him. The on-field umpires and Pakistan captain Ammad Butt intervened to control the situation, and Rana was shown a yellow card.India's victory was their fifth consecutive in the six-team round-robin competition. They will now face South Korea in the semifinals on Sunday.

Arshad Nadeem's historic Olympic triumph has etched Pakistan's name in the annals of sporting glory. The 27-year-old javelin thrower shattered the Games record with a monstrous 92.97m throw, securing Pakistan's first individual Olympic gold medal and the country's first gold since 1984.Nadeem's journey to the podium was not without its challenges. Just minutes before his record-breaking performance, he felt a sharp pain. However, his coach and doctor instilled confidence in him, urging him to unleash his inner "lion."Despite the injury, Nadeem's determination was unwavering. His second throw soared through the air, eclipsing the previous Olympic record by a significant margin. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause as Nadeem realized he had secured gold.Nadeem's triumph is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the support of his team. He had sustained the injury during training in Lahore, but kept it a secret to avoid any distractions."I felt some pain after my first throw," Nadeem revealed. "But the doctor and coach told me, 'You are a lion.' Their words gave me the strength to push through."Nadeem's victory has sparked jubilation across Pakistan. He has been hailed as a national hero and received a state banquet at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad.Nadeem's achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes in Pakistan and around the world. His story demonstrates that with determination and resilience, anything is possible.

The rivalry between India and Pakistan, once confined to hockey, has found a new battleground in javelin throw. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, India's Neeraj Chopra emerged victorious, while Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem missed out on a medal. However, in Paris 2024, the tables turned.Nadeem shattered the Olympic record to claim gold, while Chopra, despite an impressive throw of 89.45m, could only manage silver. To surpass Nadeem's throw, Chopra would have needed to break his own personal best and cross the 90m mark, a feat he has yet to achieve.Despite the disappointment, Chopra's performance was lauded by Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra. Bindra acknowledged the immense pressure on Chopra, who was expected to deliver gold. "He performed admirably," Bindra said. "A lot of expectations were on him. It's not easy to be in that spot, but he delivered."Bindra also highlighted the challenges of performing at the Olympics. "The Olympics is a very, very hard platform to perform at," he said. "There's external expectations, and you also have internal expectations, that just doesn't allow you to let go."Athletes need a certain level of freedom to perform at their best, but that is often difficult to achieve at the Olympics. "Performance sometimes is almost artistic in nature," Bindra explained. "That's where you almost have to allow it to happen. And the ability to let go is very difficult."Despite the challenges, Chopra's silver medal is a testament to his talent and determination. He has proven himself to be a formidable competitor, and the rivalry with Nadeem is sure to continue in the years to come.

Pakistan's javelin throw sensation, Arshad Nadeem, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Neeraj Chopra's mother, Saroj Devi, for her maternal affection. Nadeem's historic triumph at the Paris Olympics 2024, where he became the first Pakistani to win an individual gold medal in javelin, has garnered immense admiration and support.Following the event, Devi expressed her fondness for Nadeem, stating that he was like a son to her. Nadeem's response was filled with warmth and appreciation. "A mother is a mother for everyone, so she prays for everyone too. I'm grateful to Neeraj Chopra's mother. She's my mother too. She prayed for us, and we were just two players from South Asia who performed on the world stage," Nadeem said.Nadeem's remarkable achievement has not only brought glory to Pakistan but has also strengthened the bond between the two neighboring nations. His victory has been celebrated across the border, with many Indians expressing their joy and admiration for the Pakistani athlete.In recognition of his exceptional performance, the Pakistani government has announced that Nadeem will be honored with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second-highest civilian award in the country. Additionally, a commemorative stamp titled 'Azm-e-Istehkam' (commitment to stability) will be issued on the occasion of Pakistan's 77th Independence Day.Nadeem's triumph is a testament to his unwavering determination and the support he has received from his family, coaches, and the Pakistani people. His victory has inspired countless young athletes and has brought immense pride to his nation.

Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan's Olympic javelin gold medalist, has become a national hero after his historic triumph in Paris. The athlete's victory, which marked Pakistan's first-ever individual gold medal at the Games, has been met with immense pride and celebration throughout the country.Nadeem's journey to the Olympic podium was not without its challenges. Growing up in a humble village in Mian Channu, he faced financial constraints and limited access to training facilities. Despite these obstacles, Nadeem's determination and unwavering spirit propelled him to the pinnacle of his sport.Upon his return to Pakistan, Nadeem was greeted with a hero's welcome. However, amidst the adulation, he remained grounded and focused on the needs of his community. In a heartfelt appeal to the government, Nadeem highlighted the lack of basic amenities in his village, including roads, cooking gas, and a university."My village needs roads. If the government provides cooking gas, it would be great for me and my village. I also have a dream that Mian Channu city gets a university so that our sisters won't have to travel to Multan, which is 1.5 to 2 hours away, to study," Nadeem told reporters.Nadeem's plea resonated with many Pakistanis, who recognized the importance of investing in infrastructure and education for the development of rural communities. The government has since pledged to address the issues raised by the Olympic champion.Nadeem's success has not only brought glory to Pakistan but has also inspired countless young athletes across the country. His story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and the unwavering support of a nation.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the men's javelin final witnessed a historic moment as Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem claimed gold with a record-breaking throw of 92.97m, while India's Neeraj Chopra secured silver with 89.45m. This 1-2 finish marked a rare triumph for both nations in athletics at the Olympics.World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who witnessed the event, acknowledged the significance of this achievement. "There was some bragging rights," he said, referring to the friendly rivalry between India and Pakistan. "It's absolutely fantastic, also because it was a sumptuous competition."Coe noted that Nadeem's victory shattered the Olympic record and surpassed the gold-winning mark in Tokyo. He also recalled a conversation with Chopra, who had expressed confidence in his ability to win in Paris. However, Nadeem's exceptional performance proved to be a formidable challenge.Chopra, despite his silver medal, expressed joy for Nadeem's historic achievement. Both athletes have played a pivotal role in elevating the profile of athletics in their respective countries.Coe emphasized the global reach of athletics, stating that the sport is becoming increasingly popular in both track and field events. He highlighted the importance of India as a market and talent hub for World Athletics."India is an important market for us," Coe said. "It's great to know that young people are talking about athletics now as well. And recognising that cricket is not the only game in town."The historic 1-2 finish by India and Pakistan in the men's javelin final at the Paris Olympics serves as a testament to the growing global presence of athletics and the potential for the sport to inspire and unite nations.

Arshad Nadeem, a Pakistani athlete, has etched his name in history by becoming the first individual from his country to win an Olympic gold medal. At the Paris Olympics 2024, Nadeem triumphed in the men's javelin throw event, shattering the Olympic record with a remarkable throw of 92.97 meters.Nadeem's victory was a stunning upset, as he surpassed the reigning Olympic champion, Neeraj Chopra of India. Chopra, who had a season-best throw of 89.45 meters, settled for the silver medal.Nadeem's journey to Olympic glory was not without its challenges. Growing up in a family of nine, with a construction worker father as the sole breadwinner, cricket was an unattainable dream for the young athlete."Cricket is an expensive sport, and we couldn't afford it," explained Nadeem's brother, Shahid. "He used to play in school, and that's what drew him to the sport."Initially, Nadeem dabbled in various track and field events, including the 200m, 400m, long jump, and javelin. However, a school teacher advised him to focus on a single discipline, and Nadeem chose javelin.Nadeem's Olympic triumph has been met with immense pride and celebration in Pakistan. The government has announced that he will be honored with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second-highest award in the country. A commemorative stamp titled "Azm-e-Istehkam" (Commitment to Stability) will also be issued in his honor.Nadeem's victory is a testament to his hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of his family and coaches. It is a historic moment for Pakistan and a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes around the world.