Sports Bulletin ReportManama (Bahrain): The Pakistan National Senior Men’s Volleyball Team delivered an emphatic performance in the Semi-Final of the AVC Nations Cup 2025, defeating Qatar in straight sets (3-0) with scores of 25-22, 25-22, 25-21, securing their place in the tournament’s final and marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s volleyball history.This victory is particularly meaningful as it comes just a year after Pakistan was defeated by Qatar in the final of the AVC Challenge Cup 2024. Today’s result not only avenges that loss but also signals Pakistan’s steady rise in international volleyball.Following this outstanding win, Pakistan has climbed to No. 39 in the FIVB World Rankings, while Qatar has dropped to No. 25, underlining the growing strength and consistency of the Pakistani team on the global stage.Match RecapPakistan dominated the match with aggressive play, strategic defense, and strong teamwork. Each set was closely contested, but Pakistan’s composure and determination at key moments ensured a clean sweep of the match.Star PerformersSeveral players were instrumental in today’s success:Usman Faryad Ali – Delivered a commanding performance at the net, with powerful blocks and critical spikes.Murad Jehan – Excelled in both attack and defense, leading from the front with sharp decision-making.Murad Khan – Contributed significantly with fast attacks and smart placements.Fahad Raza – Played a pivotal role as setter, controlling the rhythm of the game and delivering consistent service.

Islamabad (PR): The Islamabad Padel Association (IPA) successfully held its first Executive Committee meeting today in Islamabad to discuss strategic developments, future events and the overall promotion of padel in the region.The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the Association Mubeen Arif Jutt and Presided by the President Sohaib Hassan and attended by senior office-bearers including the Vice President Amin Ul Hafeez, Women Vice President Sahiba Anwar, General Secretary Abdul Jabbar and Treasurer Fahad Ali. Meeting started with the recitation of the holy Quran followed introduction of the newly elected members and welcome address by the President. Key items on the agenda included the discussion on the structing of the association, finalization of upcoming tournament schedules, infrastructure challenges in the twin cities, establishment of local committees, activity calendar and collaboration opportunities with local and international entities to encourage padel in the city.In his opening remarks, the President of the Association highlighted the rapid growth of padel in Pakistan, especially among youth in the capital and emphasized the need to enhance the sport’s visibility and access at all levels. He thanked Pakistan Padel Federation for ensuring merit in formation of body in Islamabad region.The Chairman added that currently padel seems to be a sport for ‘elites’ it should be promoted and developed in such a way that it should be accessible for all classes of the society. Only then we will be able to bring out the true talent in this sport for our country.Speaking after the meeting, General Secretary Abdul Jabbar said, “This session marks an important step in our mission to establish Islamabad as a national hub for padel. The Executive Committee is committed to building a sustainable and inclusive framework for the game’s future.” 

TAXILA (SBR): In a gripping encounter of the CAM Super League Edition II 2025, Faisal Hills Riders clinched a memorable victory over Faisal Hills Royals in Match #7, chasing down the target of 171 with five wickets in hand. The match, held at the Faisal Hills Sports Complex, showcased some exciting cricketing action, highlighted by a stunning innings from Talha Ashraf.Batting first, Faisal Hills Royals posted a fighting total of 170 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. The top contributors for Royals were Rohan, who scored a brisk 31, followed by Hazrat Ali with 22 and Najeeb chipping in with 19. The Riders' bowling unit kept the pressure on throughout, with Abdul Rehman Mani emerging as the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 key wickets. He was ably supported by Raees and Tahir Naqqash, who grabbed 2 wickets each, while Farman Senior bagged one.In reply, Faisal Hills Riders played fearless cricket, reaching the target in 18.2 overs with a total of 174 for 5. The chase was anchored by a sensational knock from Talha Ashraf, who hammered 85 runs off just 45 balls, including multiple boundaries and sixes. He was well-supported by Ashtar, who remained unbeaten on 34, and Abdul Rehman Mani, who finished the game with 14 not out, showcasing his all-round brilliance.The Royals' bowlers tried to defend the total, with Shah Mohammad, Qasim Iqbal, and Hazrat Ali each picking up a wicket, but were unable to stop the Riders' momentum. For his explosive batting performance, Talha Ashraf was rightly adjudged Player of the Match, while Hamza earned the title of Impact Player of the Match for his tight and economical spell that restricted the Royals’ scoring opportunities.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The national women's football team training camp is in progress in Islamabad ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers. The camp, being held under the supervision of head coach Adeel Rizki, will continue for a few more days.The national team is scheduled to leave for Indonesia on June 26. The team will travel via a private airline, taking the route from Karachi to Bangkok and arriving in Jakarta, Indonesia. Pakistan is placed in Group E alongside Chinese Taipei, hosts Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan.The team will play its opening match on June 29 against Chinese Taipei. The second match will be played on July 2 against host nation Indonesia, while the final group game will be held on July 5 against Kyrgyzstan. All the matches will be played at Sport Center Kelapa Dua Tangerang.

Islamabad (Sport Desk): The second of the three IFSC Para Climbing World Cup’s kicks off in Innsbruck, Austria with 236 athletes registered to take part across the 20 sport classes.Para Climbing has been going from strength to strength of late with new nations joining the ranks. At the first event of the year in Salt Lake City, USA El Salvador were welcomed to the competition, and in the biggest turnout of the year so far, Iceland will be added to the country list of starters.Gauti Stefánsson will be the first for his nation to compete in the men’s AL2 and will go up against climbers such as France’s Thierry Delarue and the USA pair of Corey Ramos and Ethan Zilz who were all on the podium in Salt Lake City.Although not attending this time around, the climbers from El Salvador were not only making history for their nation, they also witnessed it as Belgium’s Pavitra Vandenhoven made the first mixed podium at the event. Vandenhoven took bronze behind two climbers who will be looking to repeat their medal winning exploits on home soil – Austria’s Angelino Zeller and Markus Pösendorfer.Talking about the Salt Lake City event Vandenhoven said: “It was such an exciting experience! At first, I didn’t really know what to expect. The men are incredibly strong – many of them are my climbing idols – so to be on the same team and to compete as one category group for the first time was just amazing. I admire them so much, and it felt really special to share that podium moment together.”Looking deeper into her emotions and feelings at the time the Belgian said: “In the beginning, I wasn’t sure how to feel about it. They’re so talented at what they do, and I have nothing but respect for that. “I did feel a little nervous – not because we were one category, but more because, as a woman, I wanted to prove that I deserved to be there too. I wanted to show that women are not weaker or less capable – we bring strong competition and have just as much to offer. That was important to me.”Looking more at the present and the Innsbruck event Vandenhoven said: “I’m really excited for Innsbruck! It’s always a special competition with a great atmosphere and a strong field of athletes. I’m looking forward to being there and giving it everything I’ve got.”

 ISLAMABAD(PR): Pakistan marked World Olympic Day 2025 with a vibrant and spirited celebration at Rawal Lake, reflecting the nation’s strong commitment to the Olympic values of unity, excellence, and friendship.Under the umbrella of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), the event was hosted by the Islamabad Olympic Association (IOA). The celebration was attended by prominent Olympians including Sadaf Siddiqui, Ahmad Ali, and Liaquat Ali; IOA Secretary General and Chairman of the Pakistan Rowing Federation Rizwan ul Haq Razi; Army Sports Directorate officials Major Irfan Younis and Major Naveed; as well as national athletes, children, and guests from diverse walks of life.To mark the occasion, a walk and a lively "fun run" were held, with enthusiastic participation from children. A specially designed Olympic-themed cake, featuring the iconic Olympic rings, was also cut to commemorate the day.Celebrated globally on June 23 each year, Olympic Day honors the founding of the modern Olympic Games, first held in Paris in 1894. It serves as a worldwide reminder of the Olympic ideals and encourages the promotion of sports, physical fitness, and unity through inclusive community engagement.Across Pakistan, thousands participated in a variety of activities organized to celebrate the day, including fun runs, cultural performances, exhibitions, music events, tree plantation drives, beach clean-up campaigns, and educational seminars.The Pakistan Olympic Association continues to observe Olympic Day annually, reinforcing its commitment to the Olympic Movement and the promotion of healthy, active lifestyles and inclusivity through sport.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Mohammad Bilal has won the title of the 7th PGF Jinnah Development Tour Golf Tournament that concluded at PIFFERS Golf & Country Club, Abbottabad on Sunday, as the winner pocketed Rs. 385700, as the total prize money was 250000. It is pertinent to mention here that the tournament was organized under the banner of the Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF).According to an official of PGF, the closing ceremony was graced by Taimur Hassan Amin, Chairman Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), as the chief guest. His legacy as a Pakistani golf legend, winner of 104 championships in a row, earned him a warm welcome. Taimur is not only the first and only player to achieve such a feat, but also made history by being elected Chairman APGC for a second term by 45 voting nations, a rare honor for any sports figure in the region.The PIFFERS Golf & Country Club, affiliated with PGF since March 19, 1961. In 1967, Taimur himself was selected for the Junior World Golf Championship while playing at this same club, making his return a moment of pride and sentiment.Results:1st         Mohammad Bilal             ATD       75-71-70              216        E             385,7002nd       Mohammad Sahil            PGC      67-77-73              217        +1          200,5002nd       Shahbaz Ali        LGG      71-73-73              217        +1          200,5004th        Junaid Bhatti     ICGC     72-76-70              218        +2          128,250

TAXILA(SBR): In a thrilling contest of the CAM Super League Edition II 2025, UR United Faisal Hills claimed a memorable 31-run victory over Faisal Hills Royals in the sixth match of the tournament, thanks to an explosive century by captain Habibullah.After winning the toss, UR United opted to bat first and posted a mammoth total of 261 for 6 in the allotted 20 overs. Leading from the front, Captain Habibullah delivered a breathtaking knock of 121 runs off just 50 balls, anchoring the innings with powerful strokeplay all around the ground. He was ably supported by Adeel KP, who hammered 54 runs off 27 balls, while Sher Jan added the finishing touches, smashing 28 runs from only 5 balls, pushing the total well beyond the 250 mark.On the bowling side, Faisal Hills Royals tried to contain the flow of runs, with Hamza being the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets. Raees, Muhammad Ali, and Qasim chipped in with a wicket each.In reply, Faisal Hills Royals made a fighting start and kept the chase alive with some aggressive batting. Hazrat Ali scored a solid 51, while Shah Muhammad (38), Shehzad (32), and Qasim Iqbal (28 off just 11 balls) kept the scoreboard ticking. Despite their efforts, Royals managed 229 for 7 in 20 overs, falling short by 31 runs.UR United bowlers held their nerves under pressure. Adeel KP was instrumental with the ball as well, taking 2 key wickets, while Asif Manzoor and Zohaib Abbasi contributed with 1 wicket each.For his extraordinary all-round performance, especially the whirlwind century, Captain Habibullah was rightfully named Player of the Match. His innings proved to be a decisive factor in UR United's victory and left the crowd thoroughly entertained.This high-octane match will be remembered not only for its record-breaking score but also for the fierce competition that added intensity and excitement to the CAM Super League 2025.

Sports Bulletin ReportKuala Lumpur (Malaysia): Five first-half goals proved decisive for New Zealand to overwhelm Pakistan in the final of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. The dominant Black Sticks added one more goal in the second half to secure a 6-2 victory, and with that, their second consecutive title and the opportunity to step up to the top-tier FIH Hockey Pro League.In the playoff for the bronze medal, it was France who prevailed against Korea in a shootout while Wales beat hosts Malaysia to secure fifth place, and Japan came out on top in the playoff for seventh against former Nations Cup champions South Africa.Pakistan 2 - 6 New Zealand: The tone was set early, with New Zealand twice finding the back of the net in the opening minutes, only for both goals to be disallowed. Still, they kept up the pressure and eventually broke through when Scott Cosslett converted a penalty corner to open the scoring. Just as Pakistan began to finally find their rhythm and enjoy some possession, New Zealand struck again, Jonty Elmes setting up Sam Hiha to double their lead.Early in the second quarter, a long pass into the circle found Dylan Thomas, who reacted quickest to a rebound off the keeper to make it 3-0. Sean Findlay then blasted in a fourth after receiving an aerial pass just inside the circle and somehow slotting it in from the sharpest of angles.Just under 10 minutes later, the Black Sticks were at it again when a lifted ball came off the Pakistani goalkeeper, and Scott Boyde was on hand to swat it home, sending the New Zealanders into the half-time break with a commanding 5-0 lead.Left with a mountain to climb in the second half, Pakistan finally got off the mark in the 33rd minute when Moin Shakeel found the back of the net from close range. Suddenly the men in green sparked to life, creating far more chances and looking threatening. But the New Zealand defence stood firm.The Kiwis added one more goal from a penalty corner in the final three minutes of the match, Cosslett’s second successful drag flick, to rub salt in Pakistan’s wounds. Sufyan Khan then found one last consolation for Pakistan off a penalty corner of their own to make the 6-2 scoreline slightly more respectable.France 3 - 3 Korea (SO: 3-2): France and Korea reignited their rivalry in the bronze medal match, both sides seeking consolation after painful shootout defeats in the semifinals. Fittingly, their battle was once again settled in a shootout, with France emerging victorious to claim third place.The opening quarter was evenly contested until the final seconds, when Louis Haertelmeyer worked his way into the circle and crossed to Benjamin Marqué who fired into the top of the net for a 1–0 French lead. Korea hit back early in the second quarter through a powerful Jihun Yang drag flick from their first penalty corner. With just under five minutes left in the half, a French penalty corner chance went awry, but Viktor Lockwood drove the ball back into the circle with Xavier Esmenjaud’s superb deflection then restoring the lead at 2-1 before the break.France appeared to control much of the third quarter, but with just 28 seconds remaining, Korea earned their second penalty corner of the match. Dohyun Lim maintained their perfect conversion rate, firing home to make it two from two and bring the sides level once again. The Koreans then extended that record with another penalty corner goal from Yang early in the final period to take the lead for the first time. But the French responded immediately with a goal from Corentin Sellier a minute later.The Koreans earned a late penalty corner with under five minutes to go, but this time it did not go their way, and the French held their nerve to clinch the win in the ensuing shootout.Wales 2 - 1 Malaysia: Wales claimed a narrow victory over hosts Malaysia in an entertaining encounter to secure fifth place in the tournament.The first quarter saw action at both ends, with several opportunities in front of goal. It was Malaysia who capitalised in the second period, when Sayed Cholan unleashed a powerful drag flick from a penalty corner that blazed into the bottom left corner, handing the hosts a 1–0 lead.Although Wales enjoyed more possession in the second quarter, the Malaysians looked more threatening on attack. By the third period, Wales had gained control, though. With just over three minutes left in the quarter, Jack Pritchard initially mis-trapped a Welsh penalty corner but recovered quickly, took the ball into the circle, and hammered a shot towards goal. Rhys Bradshaw was perfectly positioned to deflect it in for the equaliser.Wales kept up the momentum in the final quarter, and with just over 10 minutes to play, they struck again from a penalty corner. This time Gareth Furlong fired a low drag flick into the bottom left corner to edge his side 2-1 ahead. The home team launched a late push and thought they had salvaged a dramatic equaliser with just eight seconds left on the clock. However, the goal was ruled out on review, and Wales held on for the win.Japan 2 - 1 South Africa: Japan came from a goal down to defeat former champions South Africa to avoid bottom spot in the tournament.The South Africans took an early lead in the seventh minute thanks to a Calvin Davis drag flick off his side’s second penalty corner of the match. At the other end, Japan’s first effort off a penalty corner hit the post. Just moments later, Trevor de Lora had a golden opportunity to double the South Africans’ lead when he found himself one-on-one with the keeper from a counterattack, but his shot went wide. The second quarter remained goalless largely because of the efforts of SA keeper Hendrik Kriek, who took his side to the half-time break still 1-0 up.Despite dominating possession, South Africa couldn’t make it count, with Japan’s defence holding firm. The third quarter saw two moments of brilliance from Japan that turned the game. An aerial ball from deep in their own half found Ryoma Ooka, who set up Ryosuke Shinohara for an impressive 35th-minute equaliser. Then, a clever behind-the-back flick from Kazumasa Matsumoto allowed Kosei Kawabe to blast them ahead seven minutes later. South Africa pulled their keeper in the final minute and earned a flurry of late penalty corners but, once again, couldn’t capitalise.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): The full schedule for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 has officially been revealed today with renowned venues up and down the country set to host 24 days of thrilling international sport.The tournament will open with England taking on Sri Lanka under lights at Edgbaston on Friday 12 June, kicking off a whirlwind month of world-class action that will see 12 teams battling it out for the prestigious trophy, currently held by New Zealand.England captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, said: “World Cups are always special, but this one already feels different — it has the potential to be truly game-changing. It’s going to be a huge moment for our sport and a brilliant opportunity to inspire young people and captivate fans across the country. Playing on home soil, for the biggest prize, against the best players in the world, it’s going to be unmissable. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”Tournament Director, Beth Barrett-Wild, commented: “The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to transform a month of sporting excellence into a movement that will rewrite the narrative about women’s cricket. At iconic venues across the country, we’ll see incredible, world-class athletes battling it out in out in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, who with every ball bowled and run scored, will be contributing to lasting change. It’s our opportunity to give women’s cricket, and women’s sport, the stage it deserves.”ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Groups: Group 1: Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Qualifier, QualifierGroup 2: West Indies, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Qualifier, QualifierSchedule (ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026):Friday June 12: England v Sri Lanka, Edgbaston 18:30 BSTSaturday June 13: Qualifier v Qualifier, Old Trafford Cricket Ground 10:30 BSTSaturday June 13: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford Cricket Ground 14:30 BSTSaturday June 13: West Indies v New Zealand, Hampshire Bowl 18:30 BSTSunday June 14: Qualifier v Qualifier, Edgbaston 10:30 BSTSunday June 14: India v Pakistan, Edgbaston 14:30 BSTTuesday June 16: New Zealand v Sri Lanka, Hampshire Bowl 14:30 BSTTuesday June 16: England v Qualifier, Hampshire Bowl 18:30 BSTWednesday June 17: Australia v Qualifier, Headingley 10:30 BSTWednesday June 17: India v Qualifier, Headingley 14:30 BSTWednesday June 17: South Africa v Pakistan, Edgbaston 18:30 BSTThursday June 18: West Indies v Qualifier, Headingley 18:30 BSTFriday June 19: New Zealand v Qualifier, Hampshire Bowl 18:30 BSTSaturday June 20: Australia v Qualifier, Hampshire Bowl 10:30 BSTSaturday June 20: Pakistan v Qualifier, Hampshire Bowl 14:30 BSTSaturday June 20: England v Qualifier, Headingley 18:30 BSTSunday June 21: West Indies v Sri Lanka, Bristol County Ground 10:30 BSTSunday June 21: South Africa v India, Old Trafford Cricket Ground 14:30 BSTTuesday June 23: New Zealand v Qualifier, Bristol County Ground 10:30 BSTTuesday June 23: Sri Lanka v Qualifier, Bristol County Ground 14:30 BSTTuesday June 23: Australia v Pakistan, Headingley 18:30 BSTWednesday June 24: England v West Indies, Lord’s Cricket Ground 18:30 BSTThursday June 25: India v Qualifier, Old Trafford Cricket Ground 14:30 BSTThursday June 25: South Africa v Qualifier, Bristol County Ground 18:30 BSTFriday June 26: Sri Lanka v Qualifier, Old Trafford Cricket Ground 18:30 BSTSaturday June 27: Pakistan v Qualifier, Bristol County Ground 10:30 BSTSaturday June 27: West Indies v Qualifier, Bristol County Ground 14:30 BSTSaturday June 27: England v New Zealand, The Oval 18:30 BSTSunday June 28: South Africa v Qualifier, Lord’s Cricket Ground 10:30 BSTSunday June 28: Australia v India, Lord’s Cricket Ground 14:30 BSTTuesday June 30: TBC v TBC (Semi Final 1), The Oval 14:30 BSTThursday July 2: TBC v TBC (Semi Final 2), The Oval 18:30 BSTSunday July 5: TBC v TBC (The Final), Lord’s Cricket Ground 14:30 BST