LAHORE (PR): FG Polo emerged as the champions of the 49th EcoStar Aibak Cup, defeating Diamond Paints by 7½-4 in a high-octane final at the historic Lahore Polo Club.The grand finale, coinciding with the festive spirit of Basant, drew a massive crowd of polo enthusiasts and ‘lively Lahorites’, who filled the stands to witness one of the most prestigious trophies in the Pakistani polo circuit change hands.The final was a showcase of elite athleticism, ending in a 7½–4 victory for FG Polo. The winners displayed exceptional synergy, led by a standout performance from Raja Mikayial Sami, who hammered home four crucial goals. Marcos Rivarola complemented the effort with a brilliant hat-trick, contributing three goals to the tally. Adding to their score was a half-goal advantage carried over from their handicap.Despite a spirited fightback from Diamond Paints, they remained unable to bridge the gap. Lao Abelenda was the primary aggressor for the runners-up, scoring three goals, while Mohammad Ali Malik added a single goal to their total.The prize distribution ceremony was a star-studded affair, acknowledging the tournament's top performers with premium rewards. Marcos Rivarola emerged as Most Valuable Player (MVP) and received a 65-inch QLED TV for his instrumental role in the victory. The top scorer award was claimed by Raja Mikayial Sami, who was honored with a 55-inch QLED TV for his prolific goal-scoring throughout the event. While best playing pony award went to ‘Mustaza’, owned by Mian Abbas Mukhtar, who was presented with a 55-inch QLED TV in recognition of the mare's exceptional agility and stamina.The event was graced by Natalie A. Baker, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the US Embassy, who attended as the chief guest. Speaking at the ceremony, Baker expressed her delight, saying, “It is wonderful to be here at the Lahore Polo Club. Watching such high-quality polo amidst the vibrant Basant festivities and the beautiful Lahore weather has been a truly exhilarating experience."Joining her were several dignitaries, including DWP Group Director Taha Muhammad Naseem, Lahore Polo Club Executive Committee members Mohammad Nasir and Raja Amir, Secretary Maj Amjad Ghafoor, and DWP EcoStar Marketing Head Shoaib Younas. A huge number of polo players, their families and polo enthusiasts were also present on the occasion.Earlier in the day, the subsidiary final provided its own share of drama as BN Polo edged out SQ Seagold with a score of 8–6. The victory set the stage perfectly for the main final, ensuring a full day of top-tier sporting action for the families and fans in attendance.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan crushed Senegal 5-0 in Davis Cup Group II Tie٫ as all local players displayed to quality tennis skills in all five matches here at Pakistan Sports Boards' Grass Courts in the premises of Pakistan Sports Complex.On Saturday٫ Pakistan’s pair Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Muzammil Murtaza defeated Senegal’s Seydina Andre and Nicolas Jean in the doubles match in straight sets 7–6, 7–6, confirming Pakistan’s overall triumph.In the singles fixtures, Mohammad Shoaib registered win against Senegal’s Nicolas Jadoun, winning 7–5, 6–2 to strengthen Pakistan’s lead. Previously, Muzammil Murtaza and veteran Aqeel Khan had also secured crucial victories, putting Pakistan in a dominant position.With these results, Pakistan successfully clinched the tie 5–0.Speaking to the media, Pakistan Davis Cup captain Rashid Malik praised the players for their outstanding performance under pressure. He said the team made full use of home conditions while planning their strategy and added that similar planning would be adopted for away ties as well.He further stated that Pakistan is fully prepared to host and compete in more international tennis events in the future.Patron Pakistan Tennis Federation Senator Saleem Saifullah congragulated Pakistan team on a historic win.

Lahore (Sports News): Table-toppers Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) will lock horns in the final of the President’s Trophy Grade-I 2025-26, scheduled from 8-12 February at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. SNGPL sealed their spot at the top with five wins and 137 points, while WAPDA secured the second final berth with four wins and 120 points after the seven-round league phase.SNGPL enter the title clash on the back of a hard-fought 23-run win over OGDCL in the final round, with Sajid Khan playing a key role in the victory. Meanwhile, WAPDA qualified despite a defeat in their last league game against State Bank of Pakistan in a match where Nabi Gul’s 72 stood out in the chase.The two finalists have already faced each other once this season, when WAPDA beat SNGPL by eight wickets at the SBP Stadium in Karachi, with captain Khalid Usman earning the player of the match award.SNGPL’s Shehzad Gul is the second highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 38 wickets. With the bat, Azan Awais (394 runs) and Shan Masood (356 runs) have been key contributors for SNGPL. Mohammad Ammar (458 runs) has been WAPDA’s leading run-getter, while Sharoon Siraj (368) and skipper Khalid Usman (359) have provided crucial support. With the ball, Naqeebullah has spearheaded the attack with 32 wickets.Mohammad Rizwan, SNGPL’s stand-in captain: “It’s unfortunate for us to miss skipper Shan Masood due to injury, but this is also an opportunity for the rest of the squad to step up. The belief in the dressing room is very strong.“We’ve been the most consistent team in the league phase, and we want to carry that same intent into the final; bowl in partnerships, field hard, and bat with clarity.“WAPDA are a balanced unit, so we know we’ll have to work for every run and every wicket. If we keep things simple and win sessions, the result will follow.”Khalid Usman, WAPDA’s captain“We’ve played consistent cricket across the season and the boys have earned this final. In a first-class game, discipline is everything; we want to win the key sessions and stay patient.”“SNGPL are a strong side and they’ve topped the table for a reason. For us, it’s about starting well then backing up a good start when we get in.”“Finals are about handling pressure. We’ve got experience in the group, and the message is simple; to play good cricket and leave it all on the field”SNGPL Squad:Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdul Samad, Abid Ali, Ali Zaryab, Awais Zafar, Azan Awais, Bilawal Bhatti, Mohammad Ali, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Irfan, Muhammad Salman, Omair Bin Yousaf, Saif Ullah Bangash, Sajid Khan, Shahnawaz Ali Dahani and Shahzad GulWAPDA Squad: Khalid Usman (captain), Akif Javed, Aqib Khan, Ayaz Tasawar, Bismillah Khan, Imran Dogar, Malhar Rasool, Mohammad Adil, Mohammad Akhlaq, Mohammad Ammar, Mohammad Asghar, Mohammad Naveed, Mohammad Zeeshan, Mujtaba Khan, Naqeebullah, Nabi Gul, Rafay Rana, Rehan Afridi, Sharoon Siraj and Usman Iqbal.

Colombo (Sports News): Faheem Ashraf’s cameo of 11-ball 29 ensured Pakistan survived a late scare to achieve the 148-run target with three balls to spare against Netherlands in the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Saturday afternoon.With 29 required from the final two overs, Faheem clobbered three sixes and one four off the penultimate over which fetched 24 runs, before hitting one over covers in the final over to seal the win with three wickets in handEarlier, Pakistan opening batters provided their side with a brisk start as Saim Ayub departed after a quick-fire 24 off 13 balls aided by four fours and a six. Top-scorer Sahibzada Farhan fell three runs short of his ninth T20I fifty, scoring 47 off 31, hitting four fours and two sixes.Pakistan were 61-2 after the powerplay and cruising at 98-2 after 11 overs. However, the Green Shirts lost five wickets for the next 16 runs, slipping to 114-7 after 16.1 overs.For Netherlands, Aryan Dutt and Paul van Meekeren bagged two wickets each.After being put in to bat, Netherlands were dismissed for 147 in 19.5 overs, with captain Scott Edwards top-scoring with a 29-ball 37 that included four boundaries.The Dutch got off to a decent start as they scored 31 in 4.1 overs, led by opener Michael Levitt’s quick-fire 24 off 15 balls (three fours,one six), while Bas de Leede contributed 30 off 25 with four fours.Mohammad Salman Mirza (3.5-0-24-3) provided Pakistan with the breakthrough, after which the spinners kept the scoring in check through the middle overs. With Netherlands on 127-4 in 15.5 overs, Abrar Ahmed (4-0-23-2) sparked a late collapse by removing Edwards.From there, Netherlands slumped to 147 all out, losing their last six wickets for 20 runs with Saim taking two wickets in his only over, while Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed one and Salman Mirza added two more to wrap up the innings.Scores in brief:Pakistan beat Netherlands by three wickets at Sinhalese Sports Club, ColomboNetherlands 147 all out, 19.5 overs (Scott Edwards 37, Bas de Leede 30, Michael Levitt 24, Colin Ackermann 20; Mohammad Salman Mirza 3-24, Saim Ayub 2-7, Abrar Ahmed 2-23, Mohammad Nawaz 2-38)Pakistan 148-7, 19.3 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 47, Faheem Ashraf 29 not out, Saim Ayub 24; Paul van Meekeren 2-20, Aryan Dutt 2-33)Player of the match – Faheem Ashraf (Pakistan)

Peshawar (Sports News): Murad Ali of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Muqeet Tahir of Pakistan WAPDA have qualified for the final of the Men’s Singles event of the 62nd National Badminton Championships Peshawar 2026.In the Women’s Singles event, Mahoor Shahzad and Ghazala Siddique of Pakistan WAPDA qualified for the final.In the Men’s Doubles event, Raja Mohammad Hasnain & Raja Zulqarnain Haider of Pakistan Army and Mohammad Ali Larosh & Mohammad Adnan of Pakistan WAPDA moved into the final.The Women’s Doubles title was claimed by Zubaira Islam (Pakistan WAPDA) &. Umama Usman (SNGPL), who defeated. Ghazala Siddique (Pakistan WAPDA) & Palwasha Bashir (Pakistan Army).In the Mixed Doubles final, Mohammad Ali Larosh & Zubaira Islam of Pakistan WAPDA defeated Shoaib Riaz & Alja Tariq of Pakistan Army.The finals of Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, and Men’s Doubles will be played tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.Results:Men’s Singles – Semi FinalsMuqeet Tahir (Army) beat Raja Zulqarnain Haider (Army)14-21, 22-20, 21-12Murad Ali (KP) beat Mohammad Ali Larosh (WAPDA)21-15, 21-12Women’s Singles – Semi FinalsGhazala Siddique (WAPDA) beat Zubaira Islam (WAPDA)21-10, 21-15Mahoor Shahzad (WAPDA) beat Amarah Ishtiaq (Army)21-13, 21-08Men’s Doubles – Semi FinalsRaja Mohammad Hasnain & Raja Zulqarnain Haider (Army) beat Awais Zahid & Zunnain Javed (WAPDA)21-11, 21-10Mohammad Ali Larosh & Mohammad Adnan (WAPDA) beat Rai Abdul Manan & Yasir Ali (Army)14-21, 21-15, 21-17Women’s Doubles – FinalZubaira Islam (WAPDA) & Umama Usman (SNGPL) beat Ghazala Siddique (WAPDA) & Palwasha Bashir (Army)21-13, 21-12Mixed Doubles – FinalMohammad Ali Larosh & Zubaira Islam (WAPDA) beat Shoaib Riaz & Alja Tariq (Army)21-15, 21-16

Islamabad (Sports News): FIH Hockey Pro League matches in Spain and China came to an end with the Belgian and Dutch women extending their unbeaten runs, thanks to confident victories over Germany and England respectively.In the men’s tournament, England and the Netherlands played to a compelling 2-2 draw before the English secured what could be an important extra point in the resulting shootout.(Men’s) England 2 – 2 Netherlands (SO: 3 – 1)England came very close to an outright win in their 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, and produced an outstanding performance to clinch the shootout for a bonus point.Both teams had real chances in the opening five minutes. And it was Zack Wallace who opened the scoring for England in the 8th minute, dispossessing the Dutch from the centre point and driving all the way to the top of the circle, wrongfooting two scrambling defenders and slamming his shot home. Samuel Hooper doubled the lead from a penalty corner two minutes later, keeping his cool when the stop bounced high and timing his strike beautifully as the ball came back down. The Dutch pulled one back in the 22nd minute when striker Tijmen Reyenga backed off the miss-trap quickly to receive a pass and slapped in low at the far post. Play opened up towards the end of the second quarter with a couple of half chances at both ends, and England went into the break with a narrow 2-1 lead.The English dictated the pace of the third quarter well, controlling possession and frustrating their opponents. An excellent penalty corner stick save by Visser kept the Dutch in touch, and they started to gain momentum as the clock ticked down. By the final quarter the Dutch were applying intense pressure, and Miles Bukkens equalised from the penalty spot in the 57th minute after a review showed a defender taking a striker down in the circle. The Dutch nearly snatched the win with a late penalty corner, but Thomas Sorsby made a high-quality save on the post to send the match to a shootout where England prevailed.(Women’s) Germany 1 – 3 BelgiumBelgium extended their unbeaten march at the top of the table with a fighting 3-1 win over Germany.Marien Delphine gave Belgium the perfect start with her 4th-minute opener, driving hard along the baseline to deliver a pass across the goal and then scrambling the ball over the line when the defence failed to clear. The Germans looked more productive though and Katharin Haid levelled the scores in the 20th minute, somewhat fortuitously from messy play with the ball deflecting horribly off a defender’s stick. Both teams looked a bit frantic as the match progressed and they went to their half-time talks with the score locked on 1-1.Belgium reclaimed the lead in the 34th minute when Louise Dewaet showed tremendous grit to carry the ball into the circle before finding the gap at the near post. The Belgians found another gear after the goal and went on to control the rest of the match. They created plenty of opportunities before extending their lead, Ambre Ballenghien dispossessing the sweeper on the 23-yard line for Dewaet to complete her brace from the top of the circle. A good double save by Mali Wichmann kept Germany in the hunt, but a failed penalty corner attempt with three minutes remaining ended their slim hopes of a fightback.(Women’s) England 0 – 3 NetherlandsThe Netherlands looked solid in their 3-0 win, and the winning margin could have been much higher but for an outstanding performance from Sabbie Heesh in England’s goal.The Dutch assumed full control of proceedings from the push back and practically set up camp in English territory for the opening half. The leading goalscorers in the women’s section both grabbed goals in the opening quarter, Yibbi Jansen firing them ahead with her 3rd-minute drag flick, and Frédérique Matla adding one of her own in the 9th. There were plenty more chances in the second quarter, the best falling to Jansen who struck the post with a drag flick, and Joosje Burg who was shut down by Heesh scrambling desperately off her line during open play. Jansen added a drag flick in the 28th for a 3-0 lead at half time.England enjoyed a positive spell of sustained attack at the start of the third quarter, but they came away empty handed. The Dutch then resumed control and applied most of the pressure through to the final whistle, but there were no further goals in the match with Heesh leading a monumental defensive effort.

Islamabad (Sports News): Nimso and International Supply Company shook up the National Challenge Cup by punching their way to the quarter-finals with contrasting victories on Friday.Khan Research Laboratories also advanced with a victory, while Hayyan Khattak struck twice in a superb show to help Mamsons open their campaign with a come-from-behind victory over PAF.Mamsons beat PAF 2-1 (KMC Stadium): Hayyan stole the show with a superb brace to help Mamsons clinch all three points against PAF. PAF, coming off a victory against Navy in their opener, started strongly against Mamsons and took the lead in the 18th minute when Abdul Samad cut in from the left and arrowed a shot high into the net.Mamsons were playing their first game at the tournament and PAF had chances to further extend their lead, one shot notably coming off the crossbar. But Hayyan turned it around, first scoring the leveller in first-half injury time after running onto a through ball and slotting it in. He completed the comeback in the 77th, volleying in a rebound after his shot came off the bar.“I’m buzzing,” said the Pakistan international midfielder. “It was a big game for us. I visualised these goals … I saw these coming.” Mamsons’ victory sets up an enticing group decider against Navy on Sunday with all three teams still in the running for the quarters.KRL beat Hazara Coal Company 3-0 (KPT Stadium): KRL had opened with a feisty draw against defending champions Wapda, but showed their superiority against Hazara Coal with a routine victory.Adeel opened the scoring in the 30th minute with Asad making it 2-0 10 minutes later. Skipper Waqar Ehtisham completed the scoring in the 48th. The result means Wapda need only a draw against Hazara Coal Company in their last group game on Sunday to join KRL in the quarter-finals.  International Supply Company beat Railway 1-0 (KMC Stadium): An evenly-contested match ended with the International Supply Company scoring from the spot five minutes from time to secure all three points and progress from the group. Railways were claiming a goal at the other end, which was ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper, but ended up conceding a penalty when Ali Imran felled Salman Umer in the box.Rizwan made no mistake from the spot to leave Railways, who drew their opener against Army, relying on the result on the final group match between International Supply Company and Army to see if they progress. “It was a tough game but we played well overall and are through,” player-of-the-match Owais said. “We would like to continue the same way in the next match.” Nimso beat PACA 2-0 (KPT Stadium): Nimso gained the upper hand against PACA with two goals in the space of five minutes in the first-half to push their opponents close to elimination. Nimso pressed PACA early on and got their reward in the 17th minute when Zulfiqar broke through to score.It was more misery for PACA five minutes later when Altaf Hussain curled in a free kick from the edge of the box. Mohammad Essa’s PACA, who drew with SA Gardens in the opener, tried to hit back in the second half but Nimso held on.It left the Chaman side needing a favourable result in the last group game between Nimso and SA Gardens on Sunday to stay alive. “It’s great to start of with a win and we will look to continue the same way in the next match and beyond,” player-of-the-match Zulfiqar said. 

Peshawar (Sports News): Raja Zulqarnain Haider, Muqeet Tahir, Murad Ali and Mohammad Ali Larosh moved into the semifinals of the ongoing 62nd National Badminton Championship 2026 after beating their respective opponents here on Friday. Both men’s and women’s semifinals will be played on Saturday at the same venue.Results:Men’s Singles – Quarter FinalsRaja Zulqarnain Haider (Army) beat Awais Zahid (WAPDA) by 21-15, 21-15Muqeet Tahir (Army) beat Anjum Bashir (Army) by 21-15, 15-21, 21-15Mohammad Ali Larosh (WAPDA) beat Azeem Sarwar (WAPDA) by 21-13, 21-19Murad Ali (KP) beat Mohammad Adnan (WAPDA) by 20-22, 21-18, 21-15Women’s Singles – Quarter FinalsGhazala Siddique (WAPDA) beat Huma Javed (WAPDA) by 21-8, 21-7Zubaira Islam (WAPDA) beat Sehar Abdul Majeed (PB) by 21-11, 21-10Mahoor Shahzad (WAPDA) beat Umama Usman (SNGPL) by 21-9, 21-9Ammarah Ishtiaq (Army) beat Farzana Ali (WAPDA) by 21-12, 21-8

Muzammil outplays Nicolas 2-1, Aqeel Khan overcomes Seydina 2-1 on opening dayAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Veteran tennis player Aqeel Khan and emerging tennis star Muzammil Murtaza claimed a 2-0 lead for Pakistan in the Davis Cup World Group II Tennis Tie against Senegal by showing a sparkling performance here at the Grass Courts of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) on Friday.In the first singles, Muzammil Murtaza fought back strongly to get rid of his opponent Nicolas Jadoun in a thrilling three-set contest. Muzammil claimed the match 6-3, 1-6, 7-5 after over two hours of high-quality tennis, giving Pakistan an early breakthrough.Meanwhile, in the second singles, Pakistan’s veteran star Aqeel Khan displayed his experience and composure as he overcame Seydina Andre in another hard-fought encounter. Aqeel won the match 6-7, 7-6, 6-2, extending Pakistan’s lead to 2-0 in the tie. With both singles secured on day one, Pakistan are now in a commanding position heading into day two of the tie.On Saturday, the action will continue with the doubles match, where Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Muzammil Murtaza will represent Pakistan against Seydina Andre and Nicolas Jadoun of Senegal. Following the doubles, two reverse singles matches will also be played as per Davis Cup format, with. Muzammil Murtaza set to face Seydina Andre Aqeel Khan scheduled to compete against Nicolas Jadoun.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Rising tennis player, Muzammil Murtaza will take on Nicolas John in the first Singles match of the Davis Cup Tennis Tie Group II between hosts Pakistan and Senegal here at the Grass Courts of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) in the premises of Pakistan Sports Complex on Friday. The first match will start at 10:30 am. Draw ceremony of the Davis Cup Tennis Tie took place on Thursday at a local hotel, which was attended by the all players and officials of both teams. In the second Singles, Aqeel Khan will face Seydina Andre at the same venue.Senegal captain Bedi Dieng said: "Pakistan is a strong opponent and defeating them on home ground will be a big challenge. Our team mainly consists of young players and we have limited experience on grass courts. We have been assessing Islamabad’s conditions for two days, and the hospitality here has been excellent. Our goal is to improve Senegal Tennis Team’s global ranking."The president, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) and star player Aisam-ul-Haq said: "I will continue to play Davis Cup as long as the country needs me. We are determined to win the Group II tie against Senegal. Senegal has limited experience on grass courts, which we will use to our advantage. I also aim to enhance the skills of young players through my experience and will try to secure victory at home conditions."