Former greats mourned the death of Nur Khan, Pakistan's legendary sports administrator, yesterday, saying his contributions fuelled the country's success in cricket, hockey and squash.
Nur, 88, who was also a former air marshal in the air force, died in Islamabad on Thursday. He served as president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, and chairman of the cricket board and of the Pakistan Squash Federation.
He was credited for bringing the cricket World Cup to the subcontinent in 1987 after the first three editions (1975, 1979 and 1983) were held in England.
Nur also introduced the idea of a World Cup and the elite six-nation Champions Trophy in hockey. "His contribution in bringing the cricket World Cup to India and Pakistan was one of his minor contributions," said Arif Abbasi, the former chief executive of Pakistan Cricket Board.
"His real contributions were in squash and field hockey where he not only built the infrastructure, produced players but introduced main events."
Nur also backed a young Jahangir Khan, a world-record holder of 10 British Open titles and six world open titles in squash.
"Under him we had a golden period in cricket, squash and hockey and from [cricketers] Imran Khan to Zaheer Abbas and from me to [fellow squash legend] Jansher Khan he helped develop a lot of players," Jahangir said.
"He was the right man between the players and the administration and that's why we achieved a lot of success in sports."
Wasim Akram, the former Pakistan paceman, described Nur as a legend off the field. "We can't find an administrator like him now," said Wasim, who has taken 916 international wickets. "What he did for sports in Pakistan will always be remembered."
Hanif Khan, a 1984 Olympian for Pakistan said: "Field hockey is what it is because of him, and because of his contribution Pakistan held Olympic, World and Champions Trophy titles simultaneously."
In other news, Pakistan face Bangladesh in the second cricket Test, starting on Saturday, in Dhaka.
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Founder: Ibrahim Kamalmaz
Based: UAE
Sector: Finance / legal
Size: 3 employees, pre-revenue
Stage: Early stage
Investors: Founder's friends and Family
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
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Christopher Robin
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Haley Atwell, Jim Cummings, Peter Capaldi
Three stars
If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
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A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
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THE BIO
Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren
Favourite travel destination: Switzerland
Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers
Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries