Lausanne (PR): The FIH Hockey Pro League returns in February with an action-packed series of matches across Asia, Europe and Oceania, as the world’s best men’s and women’s teams continue their quest for points in the race to grab the trophy and the first available spots at the Hockey tournament in the LA28 Olympic Games. From 5–25 February 2026, five stages will be played across three continents, offering a compelling mix of traditional powerhouses and ambitious challengers, promising high-intensity hockey and a true test of consistency midway through the season.Yunfu, China: Women’s Pro League action opens the month (5–10 February)The February window in the women’s competition begins in China, where the hosts welcome England and Netherlands for a series of matches that will set the tone for the rest of the month.Netherlands will arrive with their customary depth and attacking flair, having started the season with 3 wins in 3 matches in Argentina, earlier in December 2025. Meanwhile England will be looking for better results in the China stage, after collecting 4 points from their opening 4 matches in Ireland. For China, home advantage provides a crucial opportunity to measure progress against two strong sides as they begin their 2025-26 campaign. Their home performance was very strong in the previous season and they will want to continue giving their supporters a lot to cheer for as they begin their new campaign. Valencia, Spain: Double-header delight in Europe (5–10 February)Simultaneously, Spain will become a hive of European hockey showdowns, hosting both women’s and men’s fixtures.In the women’s competition, Spain face Belgium and Germany in a demanding series. Belgium have made a stellar start to the new season of the competition, winning all 4 of their matches in Ireland, earlier in December 2025, as they find themselves at the top of the women’s standings. Germany will look to improve on their start to the season after picking up a solitary point in the Argentina stage during December 2025. Hosts Spain, who had a terrific first season in the 2024-25 edition of the competition, after earning promotion via the FIH Hockey Nations Cup, will be eager to capitalise on their momentum and familiar conditions with strong home support to get their new campaign off to a bright start. The men’s competition in Valencia sees the hosts joined by England and Netherlands. With all three teams playing a brand of attacking and fast-paced hockey fans can expect tightly contested matches and minimal margins. Netherlands’ are the reigning FIH Hockey Pro League champions, but the margins are razor thin at the top and all three teams will fancy their chances at taking crucial points in the Valencia stage, with an Olympic spot up for grabs!Hobart, Australia and Rourkela, India take centre stage mid-month (10–15 February)From 10–15 February, the FIH Hockey Pro League splits across two continents, with women’s and men’s action unfolding in Australia and India.In Australia, the women’s teams from Australia, Argentina and Ireland go head-to-head. The hosts will play their first matches of the season, with Ireland and Argentina already having played a set of 4 matches at their respective home stages in December 2025. Ireland will aim to continue building their Pro League credentials, with opportunities to challenge established sides and gain invaluable experience at the highest level. Meanwhile Argentina will hope to climb the league standings with an eye for the top step on the podium that has eluded them since their first title in the 2021-22 season. Australia also hosts men’s matches featuring Australia, Germany and Pakistan. This trio guarantees excitement, blending Germany’s structured efficiency with Pakistan’s flair and unpredictability, all against an Australian side renowned for pace, physicality and home dominance.Meanwhile in India, the men’s competition will feature India, Argentina and Belgium. Playing on home soil, India will be keen to harness passionate support as they face two teams with proven Pro League pedigree. Argentina currently lead the league with 11 points from their first four matches, which were played in Santiago del Estero in December 2025. Belgium slot in right behind them with 10 points from their opening four games. With both teams starting strong, the onus will be on the hosts to make a bright start to their campaign at the expense of two teams in red hot form! Australia closes the month in style (20–25 February)The February matches will conclude back in Hobart, Australia from 20–25 February, once again showcasing both women’s and men’s competitions. In the women’s matches, Australia will welcome China and Spain, while the men’s fixtures will see Australia joined by India and Spain. The importance of the closing February stage will be magnified further as all teams will have played their first set of matches earlier in the month. Their performances in the previous stages will dictate the direction and risk appetite of each team in Hobart to close out the first half of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26 season. A pivotal month in the Pro League seasonFebruary’s matches represent a crucial phase of the FIH Hockey Pro League, with teams balancing performance, squad rotation and travel demands across multiple continents. As rivalries intensify and the standings begin to take clearer shape, every goal, save and tackle could prove decisive.With world-class hockey on display from China to Spain, India and Australia, February promises to be a defining chapter in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26 season – one that fans around the globe will not want to miss.

Rawalpindi (Sports News): Under the banner of the Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) the 1st PGF North Junior Amateur Golf Championship 2026, held from 22 to 25 January 2026 here at the prestigious Rawalpindi Golf Club. The championship marked a significant milestone in PGF’s ongoing efforts to promote and strengthen junior golf development across Pakistan.The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Secretary Pakistan Golf Federation, Brigadier Sajid Akram, SI (M).In his remarks, he appreciated the outstanding performances of the young participants and reaffirmed PGF’s commitment to providing structured pathways for junior golfers to excel at national and international levels.In each category, the top three players were awarded cash prizes as follows: Winner PKR 25,000, Runner-up PKR 15,000, and Second Runner-up PKR 10,000. The prize distribution reflected PGF’s dedication to encouraging junior golfers through meaningful recognition and support.During the ceremony, the Secretary PGF presented a special shield to Malik Kamran, Manager PGF and Tournament Director, in recognition of his commendable efforts in promoting junior golf in Pakistan. Brig. Sajid Akram acknowledged that Malik Kamran’s dedicated work has gained recognition at the international level. On behalf of the Pakistan Golf Federation, a commemorative shield was also awarded to Rawalpindi Golf Club, acknowledging its excellent hospitality and invaluable cooperation in hosting this landmark championship. The proceedings of the ceremony were conducted by Malik Kamran, Tournament Director, who also served as the Master of Ceremony.The Pakistan Golf Federation extends its congratulations to all winners and participants and expresses sincere gratitude to parents, coaches, officials, and the host club for making the championship a resounding success. PGF remains committed to nurturing young talent and expanding junior golf programs across the country, ensuring that Pakistan continues to produce future champions for the international stage.

 Lahore ( Sports News): The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where they are placed in Group A and scheduled to face Netherlands in their opening game on 7 February in Colombo.The names were unveiled during a press conference addressed by the PCB Director High Performance and member men’s national selection committee Aqib Javed, Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha and white-ball head coach Michael James Hesson at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Sunday morning.Among the players, skipper Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Tariq have received their maiden mega-event call-ups to the Pakistan squad.Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan and Usman Khan have played in at least one or more editions of the tournament since 2021. In the 20-team tournament, each team is set to play four group games before the Super Eight and Knockout Stage, all between 7 February and 8 March.Pakistan are also set to face Australia in a three-match T20I series at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on 29, 31 January and 1 February with the preparation camp starting today.15-member squad:Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq

ISLAMABAD (.Sports News ) Pakistani bowler Ayzaz-ur-Rehman won the Pak-China Friendship Tenpin Championship-2026 while Afzal Akhtar secured second and Daniyal Ijaz obtained third position. Mustafa Hassan, Minister and Head of Mission, Nigerian Embassy, ​​Chen Peng, Counselor, Chinese Embassy,Deputy DG, Pakistan Sports Board, Shahid Islam, Patron of Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation, Muhammad Amjad Hassan Qureshi, President, Ijaz-ur-Rehman, General Secretary, Col. (retd) Kamran Khalid Janjua and Altaf Hussain were also present at the opening ceremony. President, Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation and Chairman Organizing Committee Ijaz-ur-Rehman, presented the championship report.In which various artists and singers showcased their skills. In the friendly matches of the Pak-China Friendship Tenpin Championship played at Leisure City Bowling Club, Safa Gold F-7 Markaz, Islamabad, Azaz-ur-Rehman won event with 217 points, while Afzal Akhtar came second with 186 and Daniyal Ijaz came third with 172 points. Similarly, Haroon and Muhammad Hussain Chatta were in fourth and fifth place respectively. Women's competitions are ongoing in the championship. 20 players from Pakistan and 20 from China are participating in the championship.

 Harare (Sports News):Pakistan U19 left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Sayyam’s rise is a story of persistence, self-belief and support from mentors who spotted his talent early, despite limited facilities in his hometown of Lower Dir in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.Sayyam’s association with cricket began at a young age while he was still in school. Speaking to PCB Digital in Harare ahead of Pakistan U19 Super Six stage matches, Sayyam reflected on his early cricketing days, saying: “My journey in cricket began during my school days, where my interest in the game developed at a very young age. I first got noticed during school trials when I bowled well and was selected in the team. My performances in those matches helped build my confidence.”Elaborating further, he added, “One of my teachers, Mohammad Tahir, identified my potential early and encouraged me to join an academy. With his support and guidance, I was able to take that important step in my career.”Talking about his early development, the 17-year-old said, “I later joined the DCA Cricket Academy, where coach Ijaz-ul-Haq worked closely with me. He has played a significant role in my development and I am very grateful for his continuous support.”Sayyam’s performances at the district level paved the way for regional selection and in 2023, he represented Peshawar region in the Inter-Region U16 One-Day Tournament. Although he managed to play two matches due to rain, the exposure proved valuable in building his confidence.Last year marked a major breakthrough when Sayyam featured in the National Men’s U19 Cup, where he claimed 14 wickets in seven matches for Peshawar region. His impressive showing earned him selection in the Pakistan U19 squad, including the training camp in Multan, where he continued to impress the coaching staff.Sayyam carried that momentum into the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Dubai, finishing with 10 wickets in five matches, including two wickets in the final against India. Reflecting on his performances and representing Pakistan on the global stage, he said, “Representing Pakistan at the U19 level is a moment of great pride for me and my family. I am extremely happy to be here and hope to continue performing well for the team.“I belong to Dir, where there are limited cricketing facilities and very few players make it to this level. That makes this achievement even more special for me. Every cricketer dream of playing for Pakistan and it has always been my goal as well. Wearing the national colours is an honour and a big responsibility.”Sayyam draws inspiration from legendary left-arm pacer Wasim Akram, whom he considers his role model. He said, “Wasim Akram is my role model. As a left-arm fast bowler, I admire him greatly and aspire to follow in his footsteps.”When asked about his goals in the ongoing ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, the left-arm pacer said,“My main focus in the World Cup is to deliver strong performances and help my team succeed. I want to contribute towards winning the trophy for Pakistan.”The young fast bowler, who grabbed three wickets in the tri-series in Zimbabwe and has featured in two of Pakistan’s three World Cup matches in Harare, expressed gratitude to his family, coach and teachers, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his journey.

Islamabad (Sports News):The inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ is already redefining women’s club football and is set to continue that trend by introducing record-breaking prize money that firmly establishes the tournament among the premier competitions in the global game. The club that lifts the brand-new FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Trophy in 2026 will receive USD 2.3 million, while the runners-up will earn USD 1 million, setting a new benchmark for the sport.In addition to the prize money awarded to the finalists, the two sides that bow out in the semi-finals will each receive USD 200,000 in participation payments. Meanwhile, the two teams eliminated in Round 1 and Round 2 – OFC representatives Auckland United FC of New Zealand and AFC representatives Wuhan Chegu Jiangda WFC of China PR – will receive USD 100,000 each.“A total payout of close to USD 4 million distributed among the six participants based on their performance is a clear statement of the belief in women’s club football and the players, teams and competitions driving its continued rise,” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström.“It reflects the global growth of the women’s game and FIFA’s commitment to making targeted, meaningful investments that strengthen women’s club football for the long term. Our focus is clear: to continue investing in, growing and elevating women’s club football at every level – ensuring that opportunity, visibility and value keep pace with the exceptional performances seen on the pitch.”The FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026™ forms part of a broader strategy of investment and collaboration to strengthen women’s club football worldwide. Following the conclusion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, USD 11.3 million was paid out to 1,041 clubs around the world through the FIFA Club Benefits Programme.Those efforts have been complemented by the strengthening of the Women’s International Match Calendar through structural reforms and the launch of new elite club competitions, including the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup™, set to debut in 2028. The latter will introduce a range of groundbreaking measures from the outset – including training compensation, club solidarity mechanisms and minimum standards programmes – designed to raise club performance worldwide and support the long-term sustainability of the women’s club game.About the tournamentThe FIFA Women’s Champions Cup brings together the best club from every confederation for that calendar year to compete for the title of intercontinental club champions. The final phase of the maiden FIFA Women’s Champions Cup will take place in London on Wednesday, 28 January and Sunday, 1 February 2026.The two semi-finals are scheduled to take place at Brentford Stadium on Wednesday, 28 January. Supporters can look forward to two high-quality encounters, the first of which will see Concacaf champions Gotham FC (United States) battle it out against CONMEBOL champions SC Corinthians (Brazil) at 12:30 GMT (13:30 CET). This will be followed by UEFA Women’s Champions League holders Arsenal Women FC (England) locking horns with CAF Women’s Champions League titlists ASFAR (Morocco) at 18:00 GMT (19:00 CET).

Islamabad (Sports News):The Emirates ICC International Panels of Umpires and Referees have been announced for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 Super Six stage matches taking place in Namibia.Faisal Afridi and Nitin Bathi will be the on-field umpires for Australia’s clash with South Africa at the Namibia Cricket Ground, with Cory Black in place as TV Umpire and Forster Mutizwa as Fourth Umpire.Afridi was in the middle for South Africa’s group stage defeat against Afghanistan, while Bathi oversaw the Proteas’ victory over Tanzania.Also on January 25, Shaun Haig and Iknow Chabi will be the on-field duo as the West Indies take on Ireland. They will be supported by TV Umpire Graham Lloyd and Fourth Umpire Virender Sharma.It will be Haig’s third match as an on-field umpire involving the West Indies, as he also took charge of their defeat against Afghanistan and victory over South Africa in the group stage.The following day, Afghanistan take on Sri Lanka, with Cory Black and Forster Mutizwa in the middle. Haig will be the TV Umpire, with Chabi in place as Fourth Umpire.Black and Mutizwa will also be the on-field team for the 13th-16th place play-off match between Japan and Tanzania at the High Performance Oval.The Match Officials for the Super Six matches in Zimbabwe will be announced once those match ups are confirmed.24 January – Japan v Tanzania – High Performance Oval, WindhoekOn-field: Cory Black and Forster MutizwaTV: Graham LloydFourth: Deighton ButlerReferee: Prakash Bhatt25 January – Australia v South Africa – Namibia Cricket Ground, WindhoekOn-field: Faisal Afridi and Nitin BathiTV: Cory BlackFourth: Forster MutizwaReferee: Prakash Bhatt25 January – West Indies v Ireland – High Performance Oval, WindhoekOn-field: Shaun Haig and Iknow ChabiTV: Graham LloydFourth: Virender SharmaReferee: Neeyamur Rahul26 January – Afghanistan v Sri Lanka – Namibia Cricket Ground, WindhoekOn-field: Cory Black and Forster MutizwaTV: Shaun HaigFourth: Iknow ChabiReferee: Neeyamur Rahul

Lahore (Sports News):The Pakistan Cricket Board has named a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The matches will take place on 29, 31 January, 1 February and will begin at 4pm PKT. Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have returned to the T20I squad after missing the three-match away series against Sri Lanka in early January. Shadab Khan will continue to build on his comeback in the previous T20I series and will form part of a strong spin-bowling contingent along with Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq. Pakistan squad and player support personnel are expected to convene in Lahore on Saturday, 24 January and will begin their preparations for the series the following day. Australia are set to arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday, 28 February and will play just their second series in the format on Pakistan soil after a solitary T20I in April 2022 at Gaddafi Stadium. 16-member squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman TariqPlayer support personnel: Naveed Akram Cheema (team manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Hanif Malik (batting coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (performance analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmed (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor), Dr Raheel Karim (psychiatrist) and Mohammad Ehsan (masseur)Series schedule: (All matches at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)1st T20I – Thursday, 29 January – 4pm PKT2nd T20I – Saturday, 31 January – 4pm PKT3rd T20I – Sunday, 1 February – 4pm PKT

Lahore (Press Release): Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani held a high-level meeting with Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, Natalie A. Baker, in a significant engagement aimed at strengthening cooperation through football and promoting Pakistan’s positive image on the global stage. During the meeting held at the Freedom 260 Liberty Bell Initiative, themed “Let Freedom Ring” launched by the US Mission in Pakistan, President Gilani shared the PFF’s renewed vision under the current leadership and outlined plans to work closely with the US Embassy in areas where sport, particularly football, can serve as a bridge between nations. He emphasised that football has the power not only to develop athletes but also to promote unity, youth engagement, and a progressive international image of Pakistan. During the meeting, President Gilani articulated a vision where the PFF and the US Embassy work in tandem to amplify Pakistan’s international profile. He briefed the Ambassador on the robust support the federation has received from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Sports, particularly regarding grassroots initiatives. Expanding on these efforts, Gilani remarked: "Our collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office is not merely about sport; it is a dedicated mission to empower the youth of Pakistan. By aligning our internal operational framework with global standards, we are preparing a generation that can represent the true, vibrant spirit of our nation on the world stage." Ambassador. Baker lauded the rapid institutional progress achieved under Mr. Gilani’s leadership over the past six months, noting the visible surge in fan engagement and government backing. The discussions culminated in a mutual pledge to prioritize three pillars of development: the advancement of women’s football, high-performance youth programs, and a massive promotional drive for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which the United States will co-host.  Reflecting on the global significance of the tournament, President Gilani stated: "Pakistan is fully committed to supporting the United States in its journey toward a successful World Cup. This campaign is a golden opportunity to showcase a positive image of Pakistan through our shared passion for the game, and we intend to be a key partner in celebrating this global spectacle." Beyond the World Cup campaign, the PFF President emphasized that the federation is treating women’s football as a cornerstone of its modernization strategy. He expressed his gratitude to the Pakistani government for providing the necessary "administrative backbone" that has enabled such significant milestones in a remarkably short timeframe.  As the meeting concluded, both leaders reaffirmed that this partnership transcends the pitch, serving as a powerful tool for cultural exchange and long-term institutional governance that will ensure Pakistani football never regresses into the stalemates of the past.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD:Pak-China Friendship Tenpin Bowling Championship and 18th National Tenpin Bowling Championship-2026 will be played from January 24 to 30, 2026 at Leisure City Bowling Club, Safa Gold, F-7 Markaz, Islamabad.As many as 20 friendly matches between Pakistani and Chinese men and women will be played on the inaugural day of the Pak-China Friendship Tenpin Championship, on January 24, including ten men and women each matches. Ten men and ten women’s players each from both countries, will participate in these competitions. In addition, matches of the 18th National Tenpin Bowling Championship 2026 will also be started from January 25, in which male and female players from all over the country will participate. The championship will have nine categories, including men's singles, men's doubles, ladies' singles, amateur, deaf men's singles, deaf ladies' singles, team events, and media. The championship will continue until January 30, at the end of championship, ten million rupees for the cash prizes will be distributed among the winning players.