ISLAMABAD (Staff Report): The Pakistan hockey team returned home after participating in the World Cup Qualifying Round. At their arrival, the team management and players received a warm welcome.On this occasion, (Member of the National Assembly and Parliamentary Secretary), Deputy Director General of PSB Mohammad Shahid Islam٫ Hassan (Staff Officer, ), President of Rising Stars Hockey Club Islamabad Mahmood Ahmed, international hockey umpire Sohail Akram Janjua, national hockey umpire Mohammad Azeem, and former national hockey player Khyber Ali were also present.On this occasion, the guests met with the national team players and management and appreciated their efforts. They also expressed their best wishes for the improvement and development of Pakistan’s national sport, hockey.

City of Santiago, Chile (Sports News): It was an absolutely thrilling day for hockey in Santiago, Chile at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifier.On the women’s side, Australia got the job done over Ireland, while Chile defeated Japan in shootouts, to lock down FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 qualification.(Women’s) France 3 – 0 CanadaCanada put up a fight in the first half but could not withstand a France attack that opened up its scoring in the second.In the 34th minute, Emma van der Zanden became the first France player to score against Canada, with a redirection off a penalty corner shot. With renewed confidence, France continued to press, earning another two set piece chances and seeing Mathilde Duffrene convert the second.The final quarter saw more frustration for Canada and a third goal for France, a set piece finished by Pauline Varoqui.(Women’s) Malaysia 3 – 1 SwitzerlandDespite a start seemingly in favor of Switzerland, Malaysia would be the first to strike, capitalizing on an error in the 25th minute. Siti Mohd scored on the penalty corner, and Fatin Sukri did the same just a minute later to put Malaysia up 2-0.The third quarter saw sustained pressure from Malaysia, which finally paid off when Nur Azhar notched the third goal. The next tally, however, would come from Switzerland, off a rare penalty corner chance in minute 43, finished by Sofie Stomp.Even after electing to substitute their goalkeeper for an extra field player in the fourth, Switzerland was unable to score again.(Men’s) Korea 0 – 0 (1 – 3 SO) ChileChile finished out the tournament with a shootout win over Korea to claim seventh place.An even first half between Korea and Chile went without a goal on either side, despite seeing a bit more chances from the hosts, including eight fruitless penalty corners.Korea started off the second half with a different pace, putting on some pressure, but Chile matched their energy, and the third quarter met another scoreless end.As the 10-minute warning came and both teams were desperate for a goal, the play opened up significantly. A turnover in the final minutes looked to be the golden opportunity for Korea’s Seyong Oh, but the chance was saved by Chile goalkeeper Adrián Henriquez. The 0-0 match would be decided in shootouts, with Korea defending first.Chile’s Jose Hurtado put the host team up with a nifty spin move, while goalkeeper Agustin Araya—substituted in for Henriquez—made the first save. In the second round, Arnau Labbe put in the rebound for Chile’s second tally, while Araya made another stop against Korea. Juan Amoroso, playing his 100th cap for Chile, scored on the third attempt. With all the pressure on his shoulders, Geonhyo Jin scored to keep Korea alive. Chile sealed their victory in the fourth round with a score by Kay Gesswein.(Men’s) Scotland 5 – 1 CanadaIt was a shining performance for Scotland’s Jamie Golden, who notched four goals in a 5-1 win over Canada.The first two tallies of the match came in the second quarter, where Golden converted both a penalty stroke and set piece. Canada was remiss to give up two more penalty corners to start the third, as both were sent in by Golden, giving Scotland a four-goal lead.Matthew Sarmento put Canada on the board in minute 38, laying out a dive to tip the ball in. Canada trailed, 3-1, heading into the final quarter.As the match wound down, Scotland were two men down after a yellow and green card. Canada looked to take advantage by substituting out its goalkeeper to go three field players up, but instead, Scotland put in one more, this time from Ali Douglas.(Women’s) Ireland 0 – 1 AustraliaBy a tight margin, Australia clinched their spot to the World Cup with a win over Ireland.A strong Australia team kicked off the match with pressure, but the Ireland defense was up to the task. Australia was kept off the board for the entire opening frame, including having a penalty stroke stopped by Ireland goalkeeper Elizabeth Murphy.In the second quarter, Australia had another chance at a penalty stroke, and this time there was no mistake: Claire Colwill put it away to put Australia up 1-0.Working against the clock, Ireland substituted their goalkeeper out for the final five minutes, adding to the drama when Australia had a chance and Caoimhe Perdue saved it on the line. Despite another penalty corner opportunity, Ireland was unable to find the equalizer.(Women’s) Chile 1 – 1 (2 – 0 SO) JapanIn a high-octane semifinal that needed shootouts to crown a winner, Chile punched its ticket to the World Cup.It was Japan’s match to win after the first quarter, showing a higher possession and scoring what would be the lone goal for the next 45 minutes.For the next two quarters, set piece chances on each side were defended, to the frustration of both teams. Time ticked down, all the way to the final minutes, and finally Las Diablas got the goal they needed so desperately. Domenica Ananias lifted the ball over the goalkeeper on a penalty corner, and the final whistle sounded over the roar of the home fans.Japan defended first in shootouts, with Chile’s Constanza Muñoz missing the attacking chance. The score remained nil after Japan did not make the attempt as well.On the second round, Ananias notched the first goal for Chile, while Japan’s Akari Nakagomi was blocked. Both teams missed out on the third round.

ISLAMABAD (faisal): WAPDA emerged as the champions in the women’s and departmental categories of the Pak–China Friendship Cup 3x3 Basketball Championship held at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.The championship, held to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, was organized by the Federal Basketball Association (FBBA) in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).In the women’s final, WAPDA Black edged past Garrisons Team 17–14 in a closely contested match. WAPDA Black, who had earlier reached the final with a narrow one-point victory over Army Red in the semifinal, displayed impressive teamwork. Rubaila and Sana scored 7 and 6 points respectively for the winners, while Farheen contributed 6 points for Garrisons Team.In the departmental category, WAPDA Green defeated Army Red 21–14 to retain the title. Zain Khan emerged as the hero of the final, scoring 11 points single-handedly for the champions. In the club category final, YMCA defeated Friends Club 20–17 in an exciting contest to clinch the title.Director General Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Yasir Pirzada, along with President Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) Brigadier (Retd) Mohammad Iftikhar Mansoor, PBBF Senior Vice President Imtiaz Rafi Butt, Prof Sirageul Haq Qureshi, Mohammad Riaz Malik, Nasrullah Rana Director NF, Waqar Ahmed, AD NF, PSB, President Federal Basketball Association Ejaz Rafi Butt, FBBA Secretary Ouj-e-Zahoor and Mohammad Azam Dar, representatives from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan, among others, witnessed the finals.A Chinese club team also attended the closing ceremony of the championship. A total of 28 women’s teams, 13 departmental teams and 48 club teams participated in the four-day event. Winner was awarded Cash amount of Rs.50,000 and Runners up Rs.25,000 along with Trophies and shields.

LAHORE (Sports Report): Punjab’s biggest chess event - Punjab Open Chess Championship has concluded at the Nishtar Park Sports Complex Gymnasium Hall on Saturday night. Cash prizes worth lakhs of rupees were distributed among the winning players at the closing ceremony. Director Sports Rana Nadeem Anjum distributed prizes among the top position holders. Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Mohammad Ali visited Nishtar Park Sports Complex Gymnasium Hall to inspect the chess competitions. He also played an exhibition chess match. Secretary Chess Association of Punjab Raja Gohar Iqbal also presented a souvenir to Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Muhammad Ali on this occasion. Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Mohammad Ali in his address at the closing ceremony said that Punjab Sports Department will organize a biggest chess event very soon. “The game of chess will be included in the Punjab Games and Chief Minister Punjab Pink Games”. Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Muhammad Ali said that a memorable chess event has been organized under the leadership of Punjab Sports Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar. “Several talented chess players have come to the fore in this grand event”. He thanked all the team of Sports Board Punjab and Chess Association of Punjab. As many as 350 male and female players from all parts of Punjab participated in girls, boys and open category competitions in the Punjab Open Chess Championship. Director Sports Rana Nadeem Anjum, Secretary Chess Association of Punjab Raja Gohar Iqbal and other chess officials were also present on this occasion. The 2-day Punjab Open Chess Championship was organized by Punjab Sports Department with the collaboration of Chess Association of Punjab. The final competitions of the second and last day also started after Iftar and continued till Sehri time. Top chess players from far flung areas shared their views about the event and expressed gratitude to Punjab Sports Department for organizing mega chess event in a successful manner. As per results, in Masters category, top three positions went to Asad Ali, Tanveer MD Gillani and Hasan Tahir respectively. In Amateur category, M Umair, Wajid Ali and Zeeshan Ali clinched top three positions. In Women’s category, Fareeha Saddique, Noor Fatima Rashid and Sehrish shared top three positions respectively. In U-16 category, Mohammad Chaudhry, Ahmed Usman and Ali Seena bagged top three positions respectively.

Islamabad (PR): Islamabad Raptors defeated the Chinese Club in a thrilling encounter, winning 19-16 in an exhibition match held at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.The exhibition match was organized during the ongoing Pak-China Friendship Cup 3x3 Basketball Championship to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. The championship is being held under the auspices of the Federal Basketball Association (FBBA) in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).In an exciting contest, the Islamabad Raptors displayed impressive teamwork and determination to overcome the Chinese Club and secure a 19-16 victory. Mavia scored 6 points for the winning side, while Wang Chenghu contributed 5 points for the Chinese Club.The match was witnessed by officials from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Pakistan, Imtiaz Rafi Butt (Senior Vice President, Pakistan Basketball Federation), Ouj-e-Zahoor (Secretary, Federal Basketball Association), Nasarullah Rana (Director, Pakistan Sports Board), Prof. Siragul Haq Qureshi (Secretary, Pakistan Basketball Referees Board), Malik Riaz (National Basketball Coach) and Mohammad Azam Dar, among others.Speaking on the occasion, Liu Yonggang, CEO of China Three Gorges South Asia Investment (CSAIL), said the ongoing Pak-China Friendship Cup Basketball Championship is not only showcasing exciting competition on the court but also highlighting the true spirit of sportsmanship and the strong friendship between Pakistan and China.Meanwhile, the semifinal lineup in the women’s category was completed after the quarterfinal round. WAPDA Black defeated Lycans B 21-9, Army Red outclassed Army White 28-22, LCWU Eagles Club edged Royal Club 25-24 in a close contest, while Garrisonians beat Lycans C 21-11 to book their places in the semifinals.

ISLAMABAD (PR): Pakistan tennis has received a major boost at the international level as 8 Pakistani officials have been included in various prestigious committees of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) for the 2026–2027 term.This remarkable achievement reflects the growing recognition of Pakistan’s contribution to the development and promotion of tennis at both regional and global levels.ITF Committees and Commissions (2026–2027)Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi – ITF Athlete CommissionAlong with Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, the following renowned former players are also members of this prestigious commission: Mary Pierce (France)-Mark Woodforde (Australia)-Iva Majoli (Croatia)-Arantxa Sánchez Vicario (Spain)-Feliciano López (Spain)-Mollie Levy (United States)Sara Mansoor – ITF Coaches CommissionSyed Mohammad Ali Murtaza – ITF Junior CommitteeAsian Tennis Federation (ATF) Committees (2026–2027)Pakistani representatives have also secured key positions in various ATF committees:• Salim Saifullah Khan – Finance Committee, Development Advisor Group, Legal, Constitution & Ethics Committee• Col. Zia-ud-Din Tufail (R) – Junior & Coaches Development Committee• Rashid Malik – Marketing & Sponsorship Committee• Shahzad Akhtar Alvi – Tournament Officiating Committee• Sara Mansoor – Advantage All Committee• Mohammad Khalid Rehmani – Senior, Wheelchair & Beach Tennis Committee.

Mohammad Azam DarISLAMABAD: Teams from Pakistan Army Whites, Army Reds and WAPDA Blues advanced to the quarterfinal round in the women’s category of the ongoing Pak-China Friendship Cup 3x3 Basketball Championship 2026 at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.The four-day event is being organized by the Federal Basketball Association (FBBA) with the support of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).In the women’s category matches, Army Whites defeated WAPDA Blues 21-12, while Army Reds secured a convincing 14-6 victory over Islamabad Bulls. WAPDA Black also registered an impressive win, defeating DHA Rebels 18-11. In another match, WAPDA Blues outclassed Fast Phoenix 15-4. Lycans C dominated Thunders C with an 18-5 victory, while Lycans B edged past Thunders B 8-4.In the departmental category, PAF defeated WAPDA Red 21-15, while Army Red beat Police 21-13. WAPDA Green also recorded a comfortable 22-10 win against POF B.In the first round of club category fixtures, Pelicans defeated YMCA 21-12, while Raptors Black completely dominated Islamabad Wolves with an 18-1 victory. Paces beat Ravens A 21-8, while Raptors Red overcame Hunter C 21-13. Lycans A registered a narrow 14-13 win over Cosmic Saxon, while Air Ballers edged Islamabad Stallions 10-8 in a closely contested encounter.

Ismailia, Egypt (Sports News): Pakistan and England booked their tickets to the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 by winning their respective semi-finals at the qualifying tournament in Ismailia, Egypt on Friday.England made sure of their spot with an emphatic 7-1 win over Malaysia while Pakistan pulled off a last-gasp 4-3 victory over Japan. The winners will meet in the final on Saturday.Malaysia and Japan still have a chance to qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 by winning the bronze medal playoff, also on Saturday. The highest-ranked fourth-place team across all the qualifying tournaments will also secure a World Cup place.Meanwhile, in the other match of the day in Ismailia, Egypt claimed a comprehensive 4-0 win over Austria and will take on China in the playoff for fifth place.(Men’s) England 7 – 1 MalaysiaEngland racked up six goals in the second half as they advanced to the final with an emphatic 7-1 win over Malaysia.England enjoyed a significant advantage in possession and territory throughout the match, but a highly organised and energetic Malaysian defence kept the scoreline tight in the first half. England’s Jacob Payton bunted an early shot wide from close range, and Will Calnan pulled a tomahawk shot slightly left of goal before Sam Ward fired them ahead with a 19th minute drag flick. Malaysian goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman made two important saves to keep the score at 1-0 in England’s favour at half time.England kept applying pressure in the third quarter and the goals started to come. Sam Hooper landed a heavy drag flick in the 36th minute, and Tom Sorsby rifled a reverse strike into the roof of the net in the 41st. Stuart Rushmere did brilliantly to stop his leading run on a dime, collecting a pass behind him on the reverse stick and steering it in for a 4-0 lead. Malaysia pulled one back in the 50th minute, Faizal Saari sprinting 50 metres to receive a pass and fire across goal where Shafiq Hassan outpaced the scrambling English defence for an excellent deflection. England finished strongly, with Zach Wallace adding a delicate short corner deflection in the 54th minute, and both Rushmere and Hooper completing their braces in the 59th and 60th.(Men’s) Pakistan 4 – 3 JapanPakistan grabbed three late goals in a thrilling 4-3 win over Japan to secure their spot at the FIH Hockey World Cup.The Japanese had an early chance to go ahead when Tsubasa Tanaka found himself one-on-one against the keeper, but he flipped it over the crossbar. Muhammad Ammad opened the scoring for Pakistan in the 9th minute, pouncing on the rebound after his first shot was saved by Takumi Kitagawa and deflected back to him off the post. Japan were denied from a couple of penalty corners, including a sensational Arshad Liaqat save on the post. They did level the scores in the 21st minute though, Ryoma Ooka finishing with a good deflection from open play to take the teams to the break locked at 1-1.Shota Yamada edged Japan ahead with his 35th minute drag flick, and they doubled their lead in the 41st. A clever overhead behind the Pakistani defence drew their goalkeeper out of his circle, but he couldn’t clear to safety and Koji received the ball unmarked for a slap-in at the left post. The momentum seemed to be with Japan, but Pakistan dug deep and surged forward when the Japanese received a yellow card with 10 minutes remaining. Abu Mahmood reduced the deficit to one goal with his 52nd minute drag flick down the centre, and they drew level in the 55th when Sufyan Khan bulleted a drag flick between the goalkeeper and the post-man. There was plenty of drama at the finish. Afraz gave Pakistan the lead in the 57th minute with a sensational deflection from open play. Japan earned a penalty stroke immediately after, but Ali Raza read it well and saved it with his fully outstretched right foot to secure the win.Mohammad Ammad was named as the player of the match for Pakistan.(Men’s) Egypt 4 – 0 AustriaThere was plenty to celebrate for the hosts as Egypt marked Mohamed Ragab’s 100th international cap with a commanding 4–0 victory over Austria.The Egyptians struck first in the 9th minute when their second penalty corner of the match led to a penalty stroke after an Austrian defender was struck on the line. Ahmed Elganaini calmly stepped up and slotted the stroke into the right corner of the net to give the hosts the lead. The home side enjoyed the majority of possession during the second quarter and were rewarded again in the 25th minute. A crash ball into the circle from Mohamed Adel on the right found an unmarked Hussein Awad at the far post, and he fired it home to double Egypt’s advantage. The Egyptians had an opportunity to extend their lead to three goals with just over four minutes remaining in the half, but they missed a second penalty stroke and had to settle for a 2–0 lead heading into the break.Egypt lost some of their momentum at the start of the third quarter as Austria began to take greater control of possession. However, the Austrians were unable to capitalise, failing to convert any of their three penalty corners during the period (or indeed nine in the match). Egypt restored their grip on the game early in the final quarter when a clever penalty corner variation ended with a beautifully angled drag flick from Mahmoud Mamdouh to make it 3–0 in the 47th minute. The result was effectively sealed soon afterwards when a superb aerial pass from Ahmed Elganaini found Ziad Adel on the baseline. He controlled the ball well before smashing it in from an acute angle to wrap up a 4–0 victory.Egypt’s Mohamed Ragab was named as player of the match and said: “I’m very happy with my 100th game and also with the performance today of the team and all the players as well. We helped each other to achieve this win today.”

Islamabad (Sports News): English pair Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf will be in the middle for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final between India and New Zealand in Ahmedabad.Illingworth will take charge of his second consecutive Men’s T20 World Cup Final, having stood alongside Chris Gaffaney in 2024.It continues Illingworth's impressive recent record of appointments, having also stood in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Final and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Final.He is joined by compatriot Wharf, who will oversee his first senior ICC World Cup Final.Wharf previously stood at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 events before he joined the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires last year.The pair, who were together in the middle for New Zealand’s semi-final victory over South Africa on Wednesday, are supported by third umpire Allahuddien Paleker and fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock, while the match referee is Andy Pycroft.South African Paleker was elevated to the Elite Panel of Umpires alongside Wharf in March 2025 and has stood in six matches during the tournament.ICC Match Officials:On-field Umpires: Richard Illingworth and Alex WharfThird Umpire: Allahuddien PalekerFourth Umpire: Adrian HoldstockMatch Referee: Andy Pycroft

Peshawar (Sports Report): Former Pakistan internationals Salman Butt and Aiman Anwer will be joined by Ali Younis, Shah Faisal, Raja Asad and Imranullah in the commentary panel.  The captains’ trophy shoot took place at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium on Friday. Saad Nasim, who is standing in as captain for Hussain Talat, will lead the defending champions Lahore Blues.He said, “It is going to be a challenging task to defend our title given the number of exciting and talented players across all the 10 teams. We also have a good blend of young and experienced players.We are also looking forward to playing T20 cricket at this new venue. I’m sure the local fans here in Peshawar will turn up in big numbers and make the tournament more exciting.”