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                        <title>Latest Sports News &amp; Updates | The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
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			<title>Fakhar highlights World Cup preparations</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635237/Fakhar-highlights-World-Cup-preparations</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635237/Fakhar-highlights-World-Cup-preparations#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 26 15:06:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2635237</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Opener says tri-series offers Pakistan chance to build combination ahead of 2027 global event]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s seasoned batsman Fakhar Zaman said on Friday that the ODI tri-series, also involving England and Sri Lanka, would help the team fine-tune combination for the 2027 ODI World Cup and regain momentum in the 50-over format after an extended break from one-day cricket.

Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday (tomorrow), with England completing the three-team line-up.

Fakhar said Pakistan had drawn up plans for the upcoming series but would keep some details confidential, adding that preparations were also focused on the bigger challenge ahead.

&ldquo;There are a lot of plans regarding the tri-series, some of which you cannot make public,&rdquo; Fakhar told reporters at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.

&ldquo;We are very hopeful and excited. The way we are preparing, we have all the plans for the World Cup in the back of our minds, so we will try to do well in this tri-nation series and also build a combination because we are playing one-day matches after a long time.&rdquo;

Pakistan have several experienced players in their ODI squad, including Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi. Meanwhile, younger players such as Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz and wicket-keeper Saad Baig will be looking to establish themselves.

Fakhar, Pakistan&#39;s only double centurion in the men&#39;s ODIs, said the squad&#39;s recent first-class cricket commitments could help players adapt to the demands of the 50-over format.

&ldquo;The best thing about the combination is that all the boys are coming after playing the first-class season. So everyone is in rhythm and is coming after playing a long format of cricket,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;When you play first-class cricket then 50 overs format does not seem that long to you, whereas when you play T20 regularly, it seems a little long,&rdquo; Fakhar said.

The left-handed opener added that Pakistan&#39;s bowlers had also shown encouraging signs, with the squad eager to establish a settled combination ahead of the global tournament.

&ldquo;We have a very good combination, as you can also see from the way wickets are being sold out. Everyone has the World Cup in their minds,&rdquo; he said.

Pakistan&#39;s recent ODI results have offered grounds for optimism. They swept Sri Lanka 3-0 at home in November 2025, defeated South Africa 2-1 and beat Australia by the same margin in home series in May and June 2026. However, they suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Bangladesh in March.

Fakhar acknowledged the pressure on senior players to deliver, saying criticism was an inevitable part of the professional sport when results did not go their way.

&ldquo;When you perform, you get appreciation from fans. When you don&#39;t do well, then it is natural that things don&#39;t feel good,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;Every person, senior and junior, tries to do their best and improve in their profession.&rdquo;

Pakistan have not won a major global cricket title in recent years, and Fakhar said the squad understood the importance of turning promising performances into silverware.

&ldquo;We are excited right now, and we definitely have this thought in the back of our minds that it has been a long time since we won a big event,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;We have reached finals and played semi-finals, but the happiness that you get as a nation after winning the trophy is something you don&#39;t get, no matter how many finals or semi-finals you play.&rdquo;

The stage for the tri-series is set as England also arrived on Friday and will undergo training on Saturday (today). Pakistan and Sri Lanka have started their preparation from Thursday.

The series will be played under double league round robin format with the top two teams progressing to the October 31 final.

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			<title>‘Pakistan should go with balanced squad in tri-series’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635220/pakistan-should-go-with-balanced-squad-in-tri-series</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635220/pakistan-should-go-with-balanced-squad-in-tri-series#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 26 13:05:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alam Zeb Safi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2635220</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sadiq says Shaheen must prioritise batting depth with defined role and disciplined bowling]]>
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				<![CDATA[Former Test opener Sadiq Mohammad has said that Pakistan should go with a balanced squad in the ODI tri-series which will begin on Sunday with the game between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Pindi Stadium Rawalpindi.

&ldquo;Pakistan squad should carry five specialist batsmen, five bowlers and a stumper. My advice to Shaheen Afridi is to ensure that every player has a clearly defined role, with the right batsmen occupying their proper positions in the batting order,&rdquo;Sadiq told The Express Tribune in an interview.

&ldquo;It is disappointing that Shahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadqat are not in the ODI squad. They are the two in-form batsmen and needed to be there,&rdquo; Sadiq said.

&ldquo;Pakistan should build its batting lineup around Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam and Hasan Nawaz, supported by a wicket-keeper batsman and the necessary all-rounders. The bowling options could include Sufiyan Muqim, Arafat Minhas, Faheem Ashraf, Razaullah, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi and Abrar, depending on the final team combination. The middle order must be instructed to target a minimum total of 300 runs,&rdquo; Sadiq said.

He said that at least one established batsman should remain at the crease until the final over to help Pakistan finish strongly,

&ldquo;Whether batting first or chasing the objective should be to bat through all 50 overs and maximise the final total. Ideally, one of the top five batsmen should face the last ball of the 50th over and finish the innings with a well-timed shot in front of square,&rdquo; Sadiq said.

&ldquo;Bowlers must consistently hit a good length and maintain a disciplined line around the fourth stump, just outside off stump. Every delivery should have a clear purpose, with bowlers planning how to challenge the batter rather than simply delivering the ball.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Razaullah&#39;s outswing ability should be utilised with the new ball. I recommend giving him two overs with two slips in place and instructing him to pitch the ball up, inviting right-handed batsmen to play the cover drive and creating opportunities for catches in the slip cordon. Against left-handed batsmen, he should use his inswinger to target the pads and create opportunities for leg-before-wicket dismissals, with the field adjusted accordingly, including a deep square-leg fielder where appropriate,&rdquo; Sadiq said.

He said that Pakistan should consider batting first if they win the toss.

&ldquo;I think they should bat first after winning the toss, particularly when conditions are favourable and a strong total could improve their qualification prospects. The team must aim to bat for the full 50 overs and avoid unnecessary collapses. If teams finish level on points after four matches, net run rate or other applicable competition rules could determine qualification for the final. In such circumstances, every run matters,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;Finally, if the choice is between Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub, I would favour Salman on the basis of my assessment of their batting. I consider the bowling contributions of both players relatively modest, so the decision should primarily depend on the batting role required by the team,&rdquo; Sadiq said.

Sadiq advised Babar to act as a premier batsman.

&quot;Babar should play his natural game, just as he used to. For the first 25 runs, he should focus on playing in front of square rather than guiding the ball behind square. Once he is set, he should make sure to play the last ball of each over and not worry too much about his strike rate. This approach could help him score a century in 115 to 125 balls by the end of the innings. However, he must make sure to play the last ball of the innings,&quot; Sadiq said.

&quot;When batting with a tailender, Babar must face at least four balls per over while guiding the tailender to stay with him and encouraging him to play with a straight bat.&quot;

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			<title>Smith targets batting depth for World Cup</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635206/smith-eyes-batting-depth-for-world-cup</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635206/smith-eyes-batting-depth-for-world-cup#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 26 11:24:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan’s batting coach stresses adaptability and problem-solving across conditions]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s South African batting coach Michael Smith wants the country&#39;s batsmen to develop greater adaptability and depth as the team begins a year-long build-up to the 2027 ICC Men&#39;s Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Pakistan&#39;s preparations will include an extensive programme of One-Day International cricket at home and abroad, with the upcoming ODI tri-nation series providing an opportunity to assess batting options and prepare for varying playing conditions.

Smith, a former South African first-class cricketer, said Pakistan&#39;s recent Twenty20 International series against Sri Lanka had offered useful preparation, particularly on pitches with additional pace and bounce.

&ldquo;I think we played really well against Sri Lanka on some wickets that we asked for a little bit of pace and bounce because that&#39;s what we are going to be getting in 12 months&#39; time in the World Cup,&rdquo; Smith told PCB Digital.

He stressed the importance of adapting to different surfaces, noting that teams could encounter contrasting conditions during the tournament.

&ldquo;In the World Cup you are going to be playing in different places in South Africa and Zimbabwe where you could come across five different pitches in five different games,&rdquo; he said.

Smith identified problem-solving as a key component of his coaching philosophy, saying batters needed to make sound decisions against different bowling attacks and adjust their approach according to match situations.

&ldquo;The biggest thing that we talk about is problem solving and being able to have the skillset to play on different wickets against different bowling attacks,&rdquo; he said.

Pakistan have several experienced options in their squad, including Babar Azam, who has scored 20 ODI centuries, and Fakhar Zaman, the country&#39;s only double centurion in the format. Salman Ali Agha has also emerged as a consistent contributor, having scored more than 1,000 ODI runs since the 2023 World Cup.

The squad also includes younger batsmen and wicket-keeping options, while all-rounders Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf and Arafat Minhas could strengthen the lower order.

Smith said Pakistan needed sufficient depth across all batting positions rather than relying on a small group of established players.

&ldquo;We don&#39;t want to be a team that relies on two or three players. We want to know who our two or three best players are in every position and hopefully give them enough experience so we can set them up for success,&rdquo; he said.

The coach added that building a winning mentality would be equally important during the preparation period.

&ldquo;Winning games from different places is the true hallmark of really good teams,&rdquo; Smith said.

Pakistan will use the tri-series to evaluate their options while balancing the need to win matches with giving players opportunities to establish themselves ahead of the global tournament.]]>
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			<title>PKF eyes reforms after Asian Games failure</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635186/pkf-eyes-reforms-after-asian-games-failure</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635186/pkf-eyes-reforms-after-asian-games-failure#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 26 08:13:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alam Zeb Safi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2635186</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Federation considers greater exposure, Iranian coach and league revival for improvement]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s disappointing campaign at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya has prompted the country&rsquo;s kabaddi authorities to consider changes aimed at restoring Pakistan&rsquo;s standing in a sport in which it was once a major force on the international circuit.

For the first time in the history of the Asian Games, Pakistan returned without a medal in kabaddi. The team failed to reach the semi-finals after suffering a 51-30 defeat by Iran in a crucial group match. However, the biggest setback came against Thailand, a relatively inexperienced opponent, who edged Pakistan 48-45 to severely dent their semi-final hopes.

&ldquo;Yes, it was unfortunate that we returned without a medal for the first time in four decades,&rdquo; Pakistan Kabaddi Federation&rsquo;s (PKF) Secretary General and former national captain Mohammad Sarwar told The Express Tribune.

&ldquo;We were leading Thailand by 14 points, but we lost the match in the last seven minutes. It was heartbreaking for all of us,&rdquo; Sarwar said.

He identified a lack of international exposure as one of the main reasons behind Pakistan&rsquo;s disappointing performance, saying regular competitions against top teams were essential to developing match temperament.

&ldquo;Our biggest issue is the lack of exposure. Other teams travel to India and keep playing matches, and that makes a significant difference. We do not play against India and rarely travel abroad, except for major events. We need to increase our international exposure because match temperament is crucial ahead of such important competitions,&rdquo; Sarwar said.

Pakistan had also invited Iran to participate in a joint training camp ahead of the Asian Games, but the plan did not produce the desired results. &ldquo;The team usually trains in Iran, but the conflict involving Iran and the United States prevented Pakistan from travelling there this time,&rdquo; Sarwar said.

Pakistan have won seven bronze and two silver medals in kabaddi at previous Asian Games, making their failure to reach the podium a significant setback for the country.

Sarwar acknowledged that Pakistan needed to pay greater attention to mat kabaddi, the format played at the Asian Games, where barring strong India, Iran and South Korea have made considerable progress.

&ldquo;We need to focus on this format. The problem is that circle-style kabaddi is usually given priority in Pakistan. Iran, for example, focus on Asian-style kabaddi, while their circle-style game is weak,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;We did not expect to return without a medal because we believed our team was competitive.&rdquo;
The federation is also considering hiring an Iranian coach in an effort to improve the team&rsquo;s performance in the Asian-style.

&ldquo;We are now considering hiring an Iranian coach, even though we were the ones who taught them kabaddi. We will see how this experiment works,&rdquo; Sarwar said.

Pakistan&rsquo;s next target is the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, where the federation hopes to build a stronger squad.

&ldquo;Our next target is the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. We will build a good team and see how the players perform,&rdquo; Sarwar said.

The 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Games are penciled in for December 11-21 in Riyadh.
The federation also plans to revive its domestic league, which it believes could help improve players&rsquo; competitiveness and financial security.

&ldquo;We held the Super Kabaddi League a few years ago and intend to revive it. Such an event is important if we want to keep the sport alive and strengthen players financially,&rdquo; Sarwar said.
Pakistan began their Asian Games campaign convincingly, beating Malaysia 65-22 and Nepal 58-43. However, consecutive defeats against Thailand and Iran ended their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

India won both the men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s kabaddi titles, defeating Iran in both finals. The Indian men secured a 40-34 victory, while the women won 37-34.

India&rsquo;s continued progress has been supported by a high-profile professional league that provides players with regular competition and greater exposure. Pakistani players also featured in the league in the past, but their participation has been suspended in recent years because of strained political and diplomatic relations between the neighbouring countries.]]>
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			<title>Maldives arrive for King Cup</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635218/maldives-arrive-for-historic-billie-jean-king-cup-in-islamabad</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635218/maldives-arrive-for-historic-billie-jean-king-cup-in-islamabad#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 26 12:58:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Zulfiqar Baig]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Eight nations will compete as Pakistan hosts the women’s event for the first time]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Maldives team have arrived in Islamabad ahead of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group III, which will be held from October 21 to 24 at the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Tennis Complex.

Pakistan will host the international women&rsquo;s team tennis competition for the first time, with eight nations set to compete in the tournament.

Bahrain, Bhutan, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Maldives, Pakistan and Qatar are participating in the event.

PTF president Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and secretary general Colonel Zia-ud-Din Tufail, along with federation officials, welcomed the Maldivian delegation upon arrival.

The PTF leadership said hosting the tournament reflected Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to developing tennis, particularly women&rsquo;s tennis, while strengthening international sporting ties.

The competition will also give Pakistani players an opportunity to face international opponents on home soil.

The federation said it was making arrangements to welcome the participating teams and officials and ensure the smooth running of the tournament.

The event marks a milestone for Pakistan tennis as the country prepares to stage the regional competition for the first time.]]>
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			<title>Scotland fast bowler Wheal retires from cricket</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635214/scotland-fast-bowler-wheal-retires-from-cricket</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635214/scotland-fast-bowler-wheal-retires-from-cricket#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 26 12:42:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2635214</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Recurring back and knee injuries force the paceman to end his career after four T20 World Cups]]>
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				<![CDATA[Scotland fast bowler Brad Wheal has retired from cricket at the age of 30, citing recurring injuries that have left him unable to cope with the demands of fast bowling.

Wheal made his international debut against Hong Kong in 2016 and went on to play 18 one-day internationals, taking 27 wickets, and 26 Twenty20 internationals, claiming 24 dismissals.

The right-arm paceman featured in four ICC Men&rsquo;s T20 World Cups, including the 2026 edition in India. He was also part of Scotland teams that recorded memorable victories over Bangladesh in 2021 and the West Indies in 2022.

Wheal, who also represented English county side Hampshire, said the decision to end his career had not been easy but was one he had come to terms with.

&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve loved my time at Hampshire and representing Scotland as a professional cricketer, but unfortunately, recurring injuries have forced my hand, and I&rsquo;ve made the decision to retire from playing cricket,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve had four stress fractures in my back and recently had surgery on my knee, and ultimately my body can&rsquo;t cope with the demands of fast bowling anymore.&rdquo;

Wheal said representing Scotland had been a source of pride for him and his family, adding that his experiences at international tournaments and friendships with teammates were among the highlights of his career.

&ldquo;I&rsquo;m incredibly thankful to all my teammates, coaches and support staff who I&rsquo;ve worked with over the years,&rdquo; he said, also thanking Scotland supporters for their backing.

Wheal added that he would continue to follow the national team and support his former teammates from afar.]]>
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			<title>Medvedev to face Jodar in Shanghai semis</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635216/medvedev-to-face-jodar-in-shanghai-semis</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635216/medvedev-to-face-jodar-in-shanghai-semis#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 26 12:52:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Russian beats Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals]]>
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				<![CDATA[Daniil Medvedev overcame a wobble to beat a fighting Tommy Paul on Friday and reach the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters, setting up a showdown with rising star Rafael Jodar.

At age 20, the Spaniard is the youngest player to reach the Shanghai semi-finals since the tournament&#39;s inaugural edition in 2009.

Medvedev, the 2019 Shanghai champion, overcame inconsistent serving to beat Paul 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.

The 30-year-old saved seven break points to hold back the American in a marathon sixth game, giving little away as he broke to take the first set when Paul fired long.

But the 18th-ranked Paul returned inspired in the second set, displaying fantastic defence as Medvedev drove him around the court.

He was rewarded when Medvedev double-faulted twice in a must-win game to tumble into a decider.

The Russian, ranked sixth, cruised to a 2-0 lead in the third set and carried that momentum to the end, breaking again to win on his second match point.

Earlier, 13th-ranked Jodar beat Norway&#39;s Casper Ruud 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 -- recovering from a set down for the fourth time in a row this week.

Both players were tested but held serve to start with until Ruud capitalised on a break point, taking the first set with a searing forehand into the corner.

But Jodar&#39;s brilliance shone through, dazzling the crowd with a gorgeous over-the-shoulder smash in the fourth game of the second set.

Despite losing that game, the Spaniard held his nerve and won a crucial break point to go up 5-4 before closing out the set at the first time of asking.

Ruud, ranked 24th, saved three match points in the third set but double-faulted to hand Jodar victory.

&quot;Casper is a very tough player,&quot; Jodar said afterwards. &quot;I had to give my best level today to win this match.&quot;

Top seed Alexander Zverev faces Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the other semi-final on Saturday.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Barcelona face Betis challenge</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635204/barcelona-face-betis-challenge</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635204/barcelona-face-betis-challenge#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 26 11:08:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2635204</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Hansi Flick's irresistible side have scored 43 goals in that spell]]>
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				<![CDATA[There is much debate over who should win the Ballon d&#39;Or this year, but if Lamine Yamal&#39;s recent form continues over the season, handing out next year&#39;s award would be simple.

The teenage winger was at his mesmerising best as Barcelona waltzed to a 4-1 win at Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday, to make it 10 victories from 10 matches this season across all competitions.

Hansi Flick&#39;s irresistible side have scored 43 goals in that spell, including seven in the last two games, even without talisman Raphinha.

A sensational dribble from Yamal helped create a goal for Anthony Gordon in Istanbul, and the winger&#39;s inviting cross also carved out another for Fermin Lopez.

&quot;I don&#39;t know what to call it, it was an almost-rabona dribble,&quot; Yamal told Movistar.

&quot;It came off well to set up Gordon, that&#39;s the main thing, that it was effective at the end of the day.&quot;

Yamal had a moment of luck when the ball bounced off the defender back to him but showed excellent reflexes and speed to keep it in and find the former Newcastle winger.

The 19-year-old was named player of the match and earned lavish praise from his coach after another performance in which his ability to beat defenders and generate danger proved decisive.

&quot;It&#39;s amazing to have a player like him on this level. He changed the game for us and this was really good,&quot; Barca coach Flick told reporters.

&quot;In the second half he was fantastic, how he dominated the game, the (final ball)... it&#39;s unbelievable what he&#39;s doing.&quot;

Yamal has eight goals and nine assists in 10 games for Barcelona this season.

However, perhaps the most impressive aspect of Barcelona&#39;s start has been that their attacking brilliance has not depended on any one player.

Raphinha&#39;s absence has given former Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus an opportunity to step in successfully, while Karim Adeyemi has added goals and electric speed when needed to replace Gordon.

In midfield, Flick can call on Gavi and Dani Olmo among others without his side losing its identity, while Dutchman Frenkie de Jong is soon to return from injury.&nbsp;

That depth will become increasingly important as Barcelona enter the most demanding part of their autumn.

Critics have pointed out that they have yet to face one of Europe&#39;s elite sides, with Galatasaray away arguably their toughest assignment so far.

That argument will be tested this weekend as Barcelona face Manuel Pellegrini&#39;s high-flying Real Betis at La Cartuja.

The Andalusian side are third in La Liga, five points behind Barca and one ahead of Real Madrid.]]>
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			<title>Southgate does not forsee a return to management</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635202/southgate-does-not-forsee-a-return-to-management</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635202/southgate-does-not-forsee-a-return-to-management#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 26 11:00:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The former England coach says his desire to remain involved in football has changed]]>
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				<![CDATA[Former England manager Gareth Southgate has said he does not forsee a return to coaching after his &quot;desire to be involved in football&quot; has changed.&nbsp;

Southgate led the Three Lions to two finals of the Euros in 2021 and 2024 but fell agonisingly short of ending England&#39;s wait since 1966 to win a major tournament.

The 56-year-old resigned shortly after Euro 2024 and since then has embarked on a range of other experiences rather than seeking a route back into the game.

Southgate has been a visiting lecturer at Harvard Business School in Boston and fronted a documentary where he travelled across the United Kingdom to understand challenges facing young men and boys.

&quot;I don&#39;t see a scenario where I do that,&quot; Southgate told the Amol Rajan Connection podcast on a possible return to Premier League management.

&quot;Towards the end of my time with England, I stopped enjoying, at the very least for a period, the wins that keep you going.

&quot;By the end, I didn&#39;t even enjoy the wins for any longer than a couple of minutes. So, I&#39;ve hardly watched football.&quot;

Southgate added he has not even visited a football stadium since going to see his first club Crystal Palace win the FA Cup final in May 2025.

&quot;I went to the FA Cup final to see my team, Crystal Palace, win their first trophy. I&#39;ve not been to a football ground since. So my sort of desire to be involved in football has changed.&quot;

English football has been rocked in recent weeks by Manchester City&#39;s guilty verdict on over 100 charges of breaking Premier League rules.

City have appealed and deny any wrongdoing, plunging the world&#39;s most watched league into limbo awaiting a final ruling and decision on any potential sanction.

&quot;My underlying thought is none of this is good for football and there are no winners,&quot; said Southgate.

&quot;Because if you&#39;re at the Premier League, for a very brief moment you might feel justified that all the flak you&#39;ve had for this case taking so long, this is why it&#39;s taken so long and there&#39;s the verdict, and I&#39;m sure there&#39;s an element of justification in that.

&quot;Then there&#39;s this realisation of how do we deal with all of this because you know the possibility of all the different legal cases that emerge from this, how long this could still take, what&#39;s the right sort of punishment, how do you keep the whole game on track?

&quot;That&#39;s unbelievably complex.&quot;]]>
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			<title>India recall Bhuvneshwar for T20I decider</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635199/india-recall-bhuvneshwar-for-t20i-decider</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635199/india-recall-bhuvneshwar-for-t20i-decider#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 26 10:41:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2635199</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Veteran pacer replaces injured Arshdeep as India prepare for series finale against West Indies]]>
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				<![CDATA[Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been added to India&#39;s squad for the fifth T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru, the Selection committee confirmed.&nbsp;

Bhuvneshwar&rsquo;s inclusion comes after Arshdeep Singh sustained a blow to his bowling shoulder during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

A decision on Arshdeep&#39;s availability for the series finale will be taken ahead of the match, subject to his recovery.

The 36-year-old, whose last appearance in the shortest format came in November 2022, has also been included in the squad for the New Zealand series, scheduled for later this month

The West Indies have tied the T20I series 2-2 against India, with the series decider set to be played in Bengaluru on Saturday before the hosts depart for their tour of New Zealand scheduled to begin on October 22.

Updated India T20I squad:

Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma (vc), Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Naman Dhir, Bhuvneshwar Kumar]]>
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			<title>Fakhar highlights World Cup preparations</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635237/Fakhar-highlights-World-Cup-preparations</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635237/Fakhar-highlights-World-Cup-preparations#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 26 15:06:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Opener says tri-series offers Pakistan chance to build combination ahead of 2027 global event]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s seasoned batsman Fakhar Zaman said on Friday that the ODI tri-series, also involving England and Sri Lanka, would help the team fine-tune combination for the 2027 ODI World Cup and regain momentum in the 50-over format after an extended break from one-day cricket.

Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday (tomorrow), with England completing the three-team line-up.

Fakhar said Pakistan had drawn up plans for the upcoming series but would keep some details confidential, adding that preparations were also focused on the bigger challenge ahead.

&ldquo;There are a lot of plans regarding the tri-series, some of which you cannot make public,&rdquo; Fakhar told reporters at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.

&ldquo;We are very hopeful and excited. The way we are preparing, we have all the plans for the World Cup in the back of our minds, so we will try to do well in this tri-nation series and also build a combination because we are playing one-day matches after a long time.&rdquo;

Pakistan have several experienced players in their ODI squad, including Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi. Meanwhile, younger players such as Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz and wicket-keeper Saad Baig will be looking to establish themselves.

Fakhar, Pakistan&#39;s only double centurion in the men&#39;s ODIs, said the squad&#39;s recent first-class cricket commitments could help players adapt to the demands of the 50-over format.

&ldquo;The best thing about the combination is that all the boys are coming after playing the first-class season. So everyone is in rhythm and is coming after playing a long format of cricket,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;When you play first-class cricket then 50 overs format does not seem that long to you, whereas when you play T20 regularly, it seems a little long,&rdquo; Fakhar said.

The left-handed opener added that Pakistan&#39;s bowlers had also shown encouraging signs, with the squad eager to establish a settled combination ahead of the global tournament.

&ldquo;We have a very good combination, as you can also see from the way wickets are being sold out. Everyone has the World Cup in their minds,&rdquo; he said.

Pakistan&#39;s recent ODI results have offered grounds for optimism. They swept Sri Lanka 3-0 at home in November 2025, defeated South Africa 2-1 and beat Australia by the same margin in home series in May and June 2026. However, they suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Bangladesh in March.

Fakhar acknowledged the pressure on senior players to deliver, saying criticism was an inevitable part of the professional sport when results did not go their way.

&ldquo;When you perform, you get appreciation from fans. When you don&#39;t do well, then it is natural that things don&#39;t feel good,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;Every person, senior and junior, tries to do their best and improve in their profession.&rdquo;

Pakistan have not won a major global cricket title in recent years, and Fakhar said the squad understood the importance of turning promising performances into silverware.

&ldquo;We are excited right now, and we definitely have this thought in the back of our minds that it has been a long time since we won a big event,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;We have reached finals and played semi-finals, but the happiness that you get as a nation after winning the trophy is something you don&#39;t get, no matter how many finals or semi-finals you play.&rdquo;

The stage for the tri-series is set as England also arrived on Friday and will undergo training on Saturday (today). Pakistan and Sri Lanka have started their preparation from Thursday.

The series will be played under double league round robin format with the top two teams progressing to the October 31 final.

&nbsp;

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			<title>Pakistan gear up for ODI tri-series</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635041/pakistan-gear-up-for-odi-tri-series</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635041/pakistan-gear-up-for-odi-tri-series#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 26 14:35:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2635041</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sri Lanka also undergo training at the Pindi Stadium; England set to arrive today]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan on Thursday underwent tough training session at the Pindi Stadium Rawalpindi to fine-tune for the ODI tri-series which will start on Sunday.

Sri Lanka also did training while England were scheduled to arrive on Friday morning, as per the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Pakistan&rsquo;s players did batting, bowling and fielding practice under the supervision of head coach Mike Hesson who recently led his side to a 2-1 win over Sri Lanka in the T20I series at Rawalpindi.

Pakistan will be led by ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi. Star batsman Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf will also be seen in the series.

Pakistan team assembled at Islamabad on Wednesday night for the most important assignment which will help all three sides to prepare for next year&rsquo;s World Cup to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

As many as nine players, who recently were also part of the T20I series, will also be seen in action in Pakistan&rsquo;s team for the tri-series which will be hosted by Pindi and Lahore.

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson said the team had made progress in ODI cricket over the past six months but would need to maintain that momentum.

&ldquo;Our one-day side made some good progress in the last six months. We&#39;ve got to continue that,&rdquo; Hesson told reporters after Pakistan lost the third T20I to Sri Lanka.

&ldquo;Certainly, against the Sri Lankan side, who would have got some confidence, and obviously an England side who&#39;s currently number one in the world. So, it&#39;s going to be a tough tri-series, one we&#39;re looking forward to,&rdquo; Hesson said.

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah, meanwhile, is looking to build on his return to the ODI squad. The paceman claimed three wickets for 36 runs in four overs in Pakistan&rsquo;s opening T20I against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi on October 9.

&ldquo;You change a lot as a human being and as a cricketer as you get matured and you gain experience,&rdquo; Naseem said.

&ldquo;You also learn a lot through ups and downs in life. You bowl with express pace when you are young and new in the sport, but now I think that you also need to have some sense in terms of what you are trying to do,&rdquo; said the pacer.

Pakistan&rsquo;s recent ODI record offers grounds for optimism. The Green-shirts whitewashed Sri Lanka 3-0 at home in November 2025, then beat South Africa 2-1 in another home series. They lost 2-1 away to Bangladesh in March 2026 before responding with a 2-1 home series victory over Australia in May and June.

England will arrive on the back of three consecutive ODI series victories against Sri Lanka and India at home and Sri Lanka away. Sri Lanka, by contrast, have lost three of their last four series.

The series begins in Rawalpindi before moving to Lahore, where the final will be played on October 31.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka faced a setback with opener Pathum Nissanka ruled out of the tri-series as he awaits medical clearance following a left hamstring injury sustained during the recent tour of England. Lahiru Udara has been named as his replacement.

Lahiru is also in sublime form and had blasted 91 in the first T20I in Pindi on October 9 to single-handedly guide the visitors to 182. However, Pakistan chased that target with seven balls to spare.

The tri-series will be held under double league round robin format with the top two teams progressing to the October 31 final.

Squads

Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Sufiyan Moqim.

Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis (captain, wk), Lahiru Udara, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga.

England: Harry Brook (captain), Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, James Coles, Jordan Cox, Mason Crane, Henry Crocombe, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Josh Tongue.

Tri-series schedule

October 18: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka &mdash; Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

October 20: Pakistan vs England &mdash; Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

October 22: Sri Lanka vs England &mdash; Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

October 25: Pakistan vs England &mdash; Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

October 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka &mdash; Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

October 29: Sri Lanka vs England &mdash; Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

October 31: Final &mdash; Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore]]>
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			<title>Hesson expects tough tri-series test</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634838/hesson-expects-tough-tri-series-test</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634838/hesson-expects-tough-tri-series-test#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 26 13:44:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alam Zeb Safi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2634838</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan coach says his charges must maintain recent ODI progress]]>
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				<![CDATA[After wrapping up their three-match T20I series with a 2-1 victory over Sri Lanka at home, Pakistan face a tougher test in the ODI tri-series, featuring England and Sri Lanka, which will also be held on home soil.

The tri-series will be hosted by Rawalpindi and Lahore from October 18 to 31. The tournament will follow a double round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the final on October 31.

The first three matches will be played in Rawalpindi, while the remaining four, including the final, will be held at Lahore&rsquo;s Gaddafi Stadium.

Nine players who recently featured in the T20I series against Sri Lanka are also part of Pakistan&rsquo;s ODI squad. Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the side, which also includes Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha.

England are among the world&rsquo;s leading teams, while Sri Lanka have gained some momentum after beating Pakistan in the third T20I on Tuesday night in Rawalpindi, denying the hosts a series whitewash.

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson also expects a tough challenge in the tri-series.

He said Pakistan had made considerable progress in ODIs over the past six months and would need to maintain that momentum against two competitive opponents.

&ldquo;Well, look, a different group of players. You know, some slightly more experience in certain areas. But look, I&#39;m excited,&rdquo; Hesson told reporters after Pakistan lost the third T20I to Sri Lanka on Tuesday night.

&ldquo;I mean, our one-day side made some good progress in the last six months. We&#39;ve got to continue that. And certainly against the Sri Lankan side, who, you know, would have got some confidence tonight, and obviously an England side who&#39;s currently number one in the world. So it&#39;s going to be a tough tri-series, one we&#39;re looking forward to,&rdquo; Hesson said.

Pakistan have enjoyed some success in ODIs over the past year.

In November 2025, they swept Sri Lanka 3-0 at home and defeated South Africa 2-1 in another home series. In March 2026, Pakistan lost 2-1 to Bangladesh in an away series. They bounced back in May-June 2026, beating Australia 2-1 at home.

England, meanwhile, have won their last three ODI series, against Sri Lanka and India at home and Sri Lanka away.

Sri Lanka have struggled in recent months, losing three of their last four series.

Pakistan&rsquo;s ODI squad was expected to assemble in Islamabad on Wednesday ahead of the important assignment.

Attention will also be on fast bowler Razaullah and how he performs in the tri-series if given an opportunity. He featured in two T20Is against Sri Lanka but will need to improve his discipline and consistency.

Hesson said the coaching staff would work with the young fast bowler to help him develop his skills.

&ldquo;I think, you know, when I think of Pakistan cricket, I think of pace and I think of unusual actions,&rdquo; Hesson said.

&ldquo;And, you know, he&#39;s fresh, and he&#39;s raw, but he&#39;s got genuine pace. And even Kusal Mendis, who plays pace well, got done for pace on a few occasions.&rdquo;

&ldquo;So, look, he will get better with opportunity. And we have to work with him, and, you know, we&#39;ve got Shaun Tait now, a chance for someone with, obviously a similar action to be able to work with him and, you know, get good at being able to change his lengths and trust when to bowl his bouncer and when to bowl his yorker. But it&#39;s exciting. So we&#39;ll see some more of him over the next few months, that&#39;s for sure.&rdquo; Hesson said.

Pakistan ODI squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim.]]>
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			<title>Arafat urges better powerplay batting</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634831/arafat-urges-better-powerplay-batting</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634831/arafat-urges-better-powerplay-batting#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 26 12:47:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2634831</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan’s all-rounder says stronger partnerships can help boost T20 totals]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s emerging all-rounder Arafat Minhas has said that Green-shirts need to make better use of the powerplay and build early partnerships to post bigger totals in T20 cricket.

Reflecting on Pakistan&rsquo;s batting approach, Arafat said the team had failed to capitalise on the opening overs as effectively as in previous matches.

&ldquo;I think we didn&rsquo;t capitalise on the powerplay like in previous games. We could have built partnerships early on in the innings; the total would have been 200 or 200 plus if we had a couple of partnerships,&rdquo; he said.

Sri Lanka on Tuesday denied Pakistan whitewash when the visitors crushed the hosts by eight wickets in a one-sided game in Pindi.

Arafat explained that when he came to the crease, the captain was already settled, and the pair discussed building a partnership. He said Sahibzada Farhan guided him throughout the innings and he tried to give him as much of the strike as possible before taking the initiative himself.

&ldquo;However, when I got set, I seized the opportunity and charged against the bowlers,&rdquo; he added.

He also highlighted the growing importance of adapting to changes of pace in modern T20 cricket, saying teams needed to prepare for bowlers who increasingly rely on variations.

&ldquo;Wherever you play T20 cricket, changes of pace and variations are now becoming common; I think we have to practise accordingly,&rdquo; he said.

Explaining his bowling approach, Minhas said he focused on maintaining accurate lines and lengths to restrict the flow of runs and create wicket-taking opportunities.

&ldquo;As a spinner, I tried to bowl in good areas and contain the run flow; that helped me create those wicket-taking chances,&rdquo; he said.

Minhas also praised the support of the home crowd at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where he made his international debut, describing the atmosphere as a major advantage.

&ldquo;It is always good to play in front of the home crowd. I made my debut at this venue. It is a huge advantage having fans&rsquo; support,&rdquo; he said, adding that he particularly enjoyed playing at the Rawalpindi venue.

He said Pakistan&rsquo;s 2-1 series victory was a collective effort that had boosted the team&rsquo;s confidence, while the quality of cricket throughout the series had also been encouraging.

&ldquo;The way we won the series 2-1, it was a team effort and gave us confidence; the level of cricket was also good,&rdquo; he said.]]>
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			<title>Regulator expects Man City appeal to be heard by January</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634833/regulator-expects-man-city-appeal-to-be-heard-by-january</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634833/regulator-expects-man-city-appeal-to-be-heard-by-january#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 26 12:49:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Premier League giants face more than 100 charges of financial rules]]>
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				<![CDATA[The chair of English football&#39;s Independent Regulator has said he expects Manchester City&#39;s appeal after being found guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules to be heard by January.

City, who have repeatedly maintained they are innocent of the charges, are currently top of the Premier League table with six wins out of six following their 3-0 defeat of Liverpool last weekend.

No sanction has yet been announced, but City could face a heavy points deduction leading to relegation and there is even been speculation they could be stripped of the three Premier League titles they won between 2009 and 2018.

&quot;The Premier League have said that they want to get this resolved within season, and actually, of course, it&#39;s not the Premier League, it&#39;s an independent commission that&#39;s actually going to hear this, made of three retired either judges or lawyers,&quot; Independent Football Regulator (IFR) chair David Kogan told Times Radio on Wednesday.

&quot;My understanding is that there is a prescribed process, which is 12 weeks, and so people are assuming this will actually be heard by the middle or the end of January.

&quot;But as I say, it&#39;s not our proces, it&#39;s that of the Premier League&#39;s independent commission. What I don&#39;t think we can do is take any judgment until we&#39;re quite clear.&quot;

Kogan said Tuesday he would resign if there was political interference in any future IFR investigations of City.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham was criticised for his comments saying he would be &quot;really concerned&quot; if City&#39;s Abu Dhabi owners left the club following the verdict.

Downing Street subsequently had to backtrack, insisting no one was &quot;above the rules&quot;.

Burnham, who was mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 to June 2026, has since published all of his dealings with the City hierarchy.

&quot;We&#39;ve had absolutely no interference from anybody since we created the regulator a year ago,&quot; Kogan said.

&quot;We cannot, when regulating football, be subject to political interference on decisions we make about owners, directors or anything else.&quot;

He added: &quot;And I won&#39;t actually be prepared to run an organisation which is subject to that degree of interference.&quot;

Manchester City manger Enzo Maresca said last week he &quot;completely trusts&quot; the club and believes it will win its appeal.]]>
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			<title>Man City silence Liverpool crowd</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634429/man-city-silence-liverpool-crowd</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634429/man-city-silence-liverpool-crowd#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 26 13:25:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Enzo Maresca’s men seal an emphatic win to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League]]>
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				<![CDATA[Manchester City silenced a hostile Liverpool crowd in their first match since being found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations but there is a deep sense of uncertainty over what it actually means.

Enzo Maresca&#39;s men are top of the table with six wins out of six after their impressive 3-0 win at Anfield on Sunday.

Yet those points could count for nothing unless City are successful in their appeal against the findings of an independent commission that found them guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League rules.

No sanction has yet been decided, but the club could face a severe points deduction leading to relegation, or even expulsion from the English top flight.

There is even speculation that City could be stripped of the three Premier League titles they won between 2009 and 2018, the period to which the charges relate.

The Premier League, which has a huge global reach, faces an appeal process likely to drag on for months, putting a question mark against every City result, and with huge potential implications for other clubs.

&quot;We&#39;re sat here not knowing what it means,&quot; former Manchester United captain turned pundit Gary Neville told Sky Sports on Sunday.

&quot;City supporters will be delighted (with the win), but I don&#39;t think they recognise right now the stain, the stigma and the damage this is going to do to them.&quot;

The BBC&#39;s chief football writer, Phil McNulty, said the team&#39;s impressive win at Anfield had been overshadowed by what was happening off the pitch.

&quot;Every victory, every league table, will come with a metaphorical asterisk until clarity and finality comes,&quot; he said. &quot;No one knows when this will be.&quot;

Andoni Iraola&#39;s Liverpool are ninth in the table, nine points behind leaders City.

But even if Liverpool fail to challenge for the title, the three points lost on Sunday could cost them dearly in the battle for a place in the Champions League.

Potential sanctions against City could also have an impact on the battle for relegation.

&quot;That today, what does it mean going forward?&quot; former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports.

&quot;This has to be done before the end of the season. There&#39;s no way this can carry on to the end of the season because we&#39;re all getting kidded.&quot;

&nbsp;

Liverpool anger 

The Premier League announced late last month that an independent commission had found that City had arranged &quot;sham&quot; deals to artificially inflate revenues and reduce costs by more than &pound;900 million ($1.2 billion) between 2009 and 2018.

Liverpool feel particularly aggrieved, having finished second behind the Manchester club in the Premier League three times in the past 12 years.

City&#39;s rivals believe the Abu Dhabi-backed club&#39;s spending in the 2009-2018 period built the foundations for a golden era that continues to bear fruit.

The Premier League leaders spent around &pound;460 million ($609 million) in the 2026 summer transfer window -- a new Premier League record for a single window -- as new boss Maresca reshaped the squad following the departure of Pep Guardiola.

One of City&#39;s expensive new signings, midfielder Elliot Anderson, admitted the criticism of the club had galvanised the players as they stepped out at Anfield.

&quot;We&#39;ve got to stick together,&quot; said the England midfielder. &quot;I think it really brings us together. It gives you that determination to come out here, everyone is against you, and turn them over, which we did.&quot;

Anderson and his teammates will have to get used to their new reality as the whole of English football waits for a definitive decision in a case that has rumbled on for years.

As chants, banners, flags and scarves at Anfield showed, City stand accused of cheating their way to the top -- and opposition fans will not be silenced.]]>
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			<title>Man City verdict reignites Liverpool rivalry</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634065/man-city-verdict-reignites-liverpool-rivalry</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634065/man-city-verdict-reignites-liverpool-rivalry#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 10 Oct 26 07:46:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2634065</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[City expect a hostile reception at Anfield]]>
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				<![CDATA[Manchester City will face the full fury of Anfield on Sunday when the Premier League leaders confront old rivals Liverpool in their first game since being found guilty of breaking financial rules.

City can expect a hostile reception from Liverpool fans after an independent commission found they arranged &quot;sham&quot; deals to artificially inflate revenues and reduce costs by more than &pound;900 million ($1.2 billion) between 2009 and 2018.

The financial breaches occurred during a period in which City won three Premier League titles and numerous other trophies, with Liverpool struggling to break the Etihad Stadium outfit&#39;s silverware monopoly.

City have appealed against the devastating verdict and manager Enzo Maresca was bullish on Friday that they will overturn the original ruling.

But the Premier League season is now stuck in stasis awaiting a ruling on the appeal and any potential sanction.

&quot;I think the worst thing probably is the uncertainty, that no one knows what&#39;s going to happen,&quot; Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola said on Friday.

A severe points penalty leading to relegation or even expulsion from the English top flight are on the table, while there is also speculation City could be stripped of titles.

&quot;I think they have to be stripped of the titles. Otherwise you send the wrong message to anyone in the future,&quot; John Gibbons of Liverpool podcast The Anfield Wrap told AFP.

&quot;There can&#39;t be any trust now, certainly not if there&#39;s not an admission of guilt. For me, I don&#39;t see how Manchester City continue in the league.&quot;

Over the past 12 years, Liverpool have finished second to City on three occasions.

Only one of those in 2013/14 came during the period under scrutiny.

But City&#39;s rivals believe the wrongdoing in that period built the foundations for a golden era under former boss Pep Guardiola, who stepped down at the end of last season.

&#39;Not playing by same rules&#39; 

Twice Jurgen Klopp&#39;s Reds missed out on the title despite amassing over 90 points.

Those title battles turned meetings between City and Liverpool into English football&#39;s marquee event and the eyes of the world will be on Anfield again come Sunday.

&quot;It just shows how remarkable that team that Jurgen Klopp built was and what they were up against,&quot; added Gibbons.

&quot;They were obviously going against another side who it has been shown weren&#39;t playing by the same rules as everyone else.&quot;

Even in happier times, City have rarely enjoyed their trips to Anfield.

Last season&#39;s 2-1 victory was City&#39;s first win there in front of a crowd since 2003, with their other win coming amid Covid-19 restrictions in 2021.

City return to Anfield sitting top of the Premier League after a flawless start to Maresca&#39;s reign, featuring seven successive wins in all competitions.

Just months after the charges against the club were first announced in February 2023, City went on to win the treble, clinching the club&#39;s first Champions League crown, as well as the Premier League and FA Cup.

The question is whether Maresca&#39;s men can tap into that siege mentality once more, rather than wilting under the intense scrutiny.

Liverpool supporters have often created a febrile atmosphere for City&#39;s visits since they emerged as title contenders following the takeover by their Abu Dhabi-based owners in 2008.

This weekend&#39;s showdown is likely to set a new standard for vitriol directed at City&#39;s players and fans.

&quot;It&#39;s going to be massively hostile,&quot; said Dom Farrell, author of the book &quot;Glory Days for the Waifs and Strays&quot; that chronicled City&#39;s rise from the third tier to European champions.

&quot;If they were to win against Liverpool and then beat an off-form Paris Saint-Germain you really get a siege mentality going.

&quot;But there&#39;s also a decent chance they get turned over and then it just starts to feel you&#39;re in this sort of dead zone waiting for the verdict.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Manchester City beat Arsenal to stay top of WSL</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633071/manchester-city-beat-arsenal-to-stay-top-of-wsl</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633071/manchester-city-beat-arsenal-to-stay-top-of-wsl#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 26 08:30:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2633071</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Hemp’s brace help City fight back for a 4-2 win]]>
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				<![CDATA[Lauren Hemp scored twice as Manchester City came from behind on two occasions to beat Arsenal 4-2 in the Women&#39;s Super League on Sunday, keeping the champions top of the table heading into the international break after a fifth straight &zwnj;win from their opening five matches.

Arsenal went ahead through Lisa Baum in the 43rd minute, but City levelled when Hemp forced the ball home from a tight angle in first-half stoppage time.

Alessia Russo put the Gunners back in front four minutes after the break but again City came back, Kerstin Casparij equalising in the 63rd minute before Hemp put them in front ⁠for the first time nine minutes later.

Striker Bunny Shaw sealed the three points in the 84th minute with her fifth goal of the season to condemn Arsenal, who are without a win since the opening day of the season, to their second straight defeat after losing 1-0 away to Chelsea last week.

The loss leaves Arsenal in 10th spot on five points from five games after a dismal start to the campaign.

Earlier in the afternoon, Sonia Bompastor&#39;s Chelsea thumped West Ham United 3-0 to put them into second place, two points behind City. They took the lead thanks to a &zwnj;Melvine ⁠Malard strike and added two late goals through Keira Walsh and Maika Hamano.

London City Lionesses showed that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the title race, Alexia Putellas scoring twice in the first half of a 6-1 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur, who were left shell-shocked by the pressing of the visitors.

Spurs ⁠had only conceded two goals in the first four outings, but they were hit for six as London City notched their third successive win in impressive fashion to move to third place on 12 points.

Charlton Athletic, who ⁠are still searching for their first point since being promoted, remain bottom of the 14-team table after a 5-1 hammering at the hands of Brighton &amp; Hove Albion, with Kiko Seike scoring twice for ⁠the Seagulls.

Everton&#39;s strong start to the season continued with a 2-1 win over Birmingham City that lifts them to fifth spot in the table on nine points, two ahead of cross-town rivals Liverpool, who lost 1-0 to Manchester United on Saturday.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan hockey secures private sponsorship</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635040/pakistan-hockey-secures-private-sponsorship</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635040/pakistan-hockey-secures-private-sponsorship#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 26 14:33:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Zulfiqar Baig]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2635040</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Partnership targets youth development and international success]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and Vital Group on Thursday signed a sponsorship agreement aimed at promoting hockey and encouraging greater youth participation in the sport.

The signing ceremony at Islamabad was attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Prime Minister&#39;s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Vital Group&#39;s Mian Asad, national team players and former Olympians.

Ahsan Iqbal said hockey was a symbol of Pakistan&#39;s national identity and the country had the potential to regain its lost glory in international hockey.

He said talented young players were being encouraged to help restore Pakistan&#39;s golden era in the sport, adding that the national team must once again raise the country&#39;s flag on the international stage.

He said that private-sector support would play an important role in developing sports and motivating athletes, stressing that financial security would allow players to focus on their performance rather than worrying about meeting their expenses.

&quot;A player&#39;s focus should be on how to score the next goal, not how to meet his expenses,&quot; he said.

Ahsan also highlighted the growing importance of science, technology and data in modern sports, saying physical fitness, mental strength, discipline and consistent training were essential for international success.

He offered the national hockey team the use of the National Sports City in Narowal as a permanent training base, saying the facility provided international-standard facilities for 14 sports at one location.

He added the government was taking steps to provide hockey players with modern training facilities and a supportive environment.

PHF chief Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said the federation would take all possible measures to promote hockey and would work with private sponsors to strengthen the sport.

He added that the agreement with Vital Group was an important step towards advancing hockey in Pakistan and expanding opportunities for young people.

Mashhood said public-private partnerships were essential for sports development and noted that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif had specifically mentioned a proposed hockey league in his budget speech.

He said the government had restored departmental sports and was providing athletes with opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.

Mashhood also said a large number of Dutch players would be available for the Pakistan Hockey League, expressing confidence in efforts to strengthen the country&#39;s hockey structure.

Pakistan, a former powerhouse in international hockey, has been seeking to revive its fortunes through improved training, institutional support and greater investment in the sport.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan rally to hockey bronze</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632764/pakistan-rally-to-hockey-bronze</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632764/pakistan-rally-to-hockey-bronze#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 26 09:36:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632764</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Green-shirts score four unanswered goals after halftime to beat South Korea 5-3]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan clinched the men&rsquo;s hockey bronze medal with a 5-3 victory over South Korea at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya on Saturday, staging a remarkable comeback after trailing by two goals at halftime.

The Green-shirts had fallen 3-1 behind at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium but produced a four-goal second-half fightback, keeping South Korea scoreless after the interval.

Sufyan Khan opened the scoring by converting a penalty corner in the first quarter, but Lee Gangsan quickly restored parity for South Korea.

The Koreans then took control in the second quarter. Kim YongBok put South Korea ahead before Yang Jihun converted another penalty corner to give his side a 3-1 lead at halftime.

Pakistan returned from the break with greater urgency and began to turn the contest around. Abdul Rehman pulled one back in the third quarter, reducing the deficit to 3-2 while South Korea struggled to create clear chances.

The decisive turnaround came in the final quarter. Waheed Rana scored twice, including a penalty-corner conversion, to put Pakistan ahead. Hannan Shahid then added another goal as the Green-shirts extended their advantage to 5-3.

South Korea were unable to respond in the closing stages, allowing Pakistan to see out the victory and secure the bronze medal.

Pakistan finished with 57 per cent possession and earned nine penalty corners, compared with five for South Korea.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan Hockey League 2027 launched</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634846/Pakistan-Hockey-League-2027-launched</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634846/Pakistan-Hockey-League-2027-launched#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 26 14:43:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2634846</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[New league aims to attract investment and elevate standard of national sport]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan on Wednesday launched Pakistan Hockey League (PHL) at a ceremony in Islamabad in a bid to revive the country&rsquo;s national sport.

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said that it is a joint initiative of the federation and Media Cast, designed to bring together international players, Pakistani talent, corporate sponsors and team owners under a professional competition structure.

Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, chairman of the Prime Minister&#39;s Youth Programme and chief guest at the launch ceremony, reaffirmed the government&#39;s commitment to supporting hockey&#39;s revival and encouraging investment in the sport.

He welcomed efforts to bring the government, private sector and hockey community together, expressing confidence that the league and other development initiatives would help restore Pakistan&#39;s standing in international hockey.

Khan said the government would continue to support initiatives aimed at developing the sport, nurturing young talent and creating new opportunities for Pakistani players.

PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani said the federation was committed to sustained reforms, investment and institutional development to strengthen the sport&#39;s foundations.

He said priorities included improving playing standards, upgrading infrastructure, attracting corporate investment, expanding facilities and providing players with better incentives and opportunities.

Wani stressed that restoring Pakistan hockey would require professional management, long-term planning and stronger partnerships between the government and private sector.

&quot;Our commitment is to bring investment into hockey, improve infrastructure, provide better incentives for our players and create an environment in which Pakistan hockey can once again progress and succeed,&quot; he said.

Salman Danish, owner of Media Cast and a partner in the league, said the company would work with the PHF to organise the competition professionally, attract corporate partners and sponsors, and develop a sustainable commercial model for the sport.

Organisers said the league would seek to increase commercial interest in hockey, raise competitive standards and create sustainable investment opportunities. It is also intended to reconnect younger generations with Pakistan&#39;s rich hockey history and traditions.

Pakistan, a former powerhouse in international hockey, has struggled to maintain its position among the sport&#39;s leading nations. The league&#39;s success will depend on attracting investment, establishing a competitive structure and translating commercial interest into long-term development opportunities for players.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Malaysia break Pakistan’s unbeaten run</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631504/malaysia-end-pakistans-unbeaten-run</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631504/malaysia-end-pakistans-unbeaten-run#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 26 07:39:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2631504</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Green-shirts face 5-4 defeat despite Sufyan Khan’s four goals in Pool B hockey thriller]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s unbeaten run ended with a 5-4 defeat by Malaysia on Saturday in their Group B match of the men&rsquo;s hockey competitions of the 20th Asian Games.

In a fast-paced game Pakistan took the lead in the third minute through Sufyan Khan who hit from the spot .

However two minutes latter Malaysia leveled when Shello Silverius needed a well-controlled field goal.

Malaysia kept the pressure and it paid dividends when they struck through Saari Faizal in the 23rd minute who hit it from short corner to take 2-1 advantage.

However it did not deter the Green-shirts and they staged a superb fight-back when Sufyan struck two back-to-back goals through penalty corner in the 39th and 43rd minute to put the Green-shirts 3-2 ahead.

Two minutes latter Malaysia brought the parity through a strike from Fitri Saari.

However a minute latter Sufyan landed his fourth goal to once again put Pakistan 4-3 ahead.

And it seemed that Pakistan would be able to keep the upper hand but Malaysia had thought otherwise.

Shello Silverius struck in the 56th minute via short corner before Azari Abu Kamal landed the winner in the 57th minute to seal a thrilling win for Malaysia.

This was the fourth straight win for Malaysia and it took them to 12 points at the summit.

The loss left Pakistan on the second spot of the group with nine points.

Sufyan&rsquo;s four goals also propelled him to the summit with nine goals, all coming through penalty corners.

India&rsquo;s Dilpreet Singh follows also with nine goals.

Pakistan will now face Oman while Malaysia will meet China in their group final matches on Monday.

Two teams from this group will make it to the semi-finals. China trail third with six points from three matches.

India lead Group A with nine points, followed by Japan also with nine points.]]>
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			<title>Monfils officially retired from tennis</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634829/monfils-officially-retired-from-tennis</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634829/monfils-officially-retired-from-tennis#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 26 12:38:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2634829</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[ITIA confirms that the French seed has been on their retired players list since October 5]]>
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				<![CDATA[Gael Monfils, the last of his generation&#39;s French musketeers, has officially retired from tennis, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed to AFP on Wednesday.

The 40-year-old had signalled his intention to leave the sport at the end of 2026 but received a wildcard for an ATP 250 event in Lyon and was widely expected to make a farewell appearance at the Paris Masters at Bercy at the start of November.

The ITIA, however, confirmed that Monfils has been on their retired players list since October 5, ruling him out of any tournaments for the next six months.

Under the rules of the body responsible for anti-doping in tennis, players on this list must make themselves available for random doping tests for at least six months before they are allowed to return to competition.

The former world No. 6 played his last official match in early September when he lost to Learner Tien in the second round of the US Open.

His first round win over Adolfo Daniel Vallejo at Flushing Meadow made him just the third man aged 40 or over to win a match at the New York slam in the Open era after Ken Rosewall in 1977 and Jimmy Connors in 1992.

He had earlier reached the semi-finals of the mixed doubles with his wife Elina Svitolina.

Although Monfils, winner of 13 ATP titles, had not yet made any public statement on Wednesday morning, his retirement marks the end of an era for French tennis.

After the retirements of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon and Richard Gasquet, &quot;La Monf&quot; is the last of the four &quot;musketeers&quot; of his generation to hang up his racquet.

But unlike his contemporaries, all of whom now hold positions connected to tennis, the current world No. 254 had stated in September his intention to move into the world of finance and become a wealth manager for a Swiss company.

Having turned professional in 2004, the right-hander reached the semi-finals of the French Open in 2008 and US Open in 2016, and also made it to three Masters 1000 finals.

A spectacular player admired admired the world, Monfils produced his final tour de force at the start of the 2025 season.

By winning the Auckland tournament at the age of 38, he became the oldest player to win a title on the main tour since 1977, a record since broken by Novak Djokovic.

He went on to reach the round of 16 at the Australian Open, notably defeating world No. 4 Taylor Fritz along the way.]]>
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			<title>Alcaraz exits Shanghai Masters</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634431/alcaraz-exits-shanghai-masters</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634431/alcaraz-exits-shanghai-masters#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 26 13:32:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Spaniard suffers a shocking defeat to Bergs in the third round]]>
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				<![CDATA[Carlos Alcaraz fell to Zizou Bergs in straight sets at the Shanghai Masters on Monday, interrupting the former world number one&#39;s in-form return to the professional Tour after being sidelined for months by injury.

The 39th-ranked Belgian beat the second-seeded Spanish star 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) in the third round to land the tournament&#39;s biggest upset yet, and will play either Tommy Paul or Valentin Vacherot next.

&quot;It&#39;s a little disbelief and not feeling too much,&quot; Bergs, 27, said afterwards.

&quot;You&#39;re just really in the moment, being focused on the points you have to play,&quot; he added.

&quot;I&#39;ll be very happy.&quot;

Alcaraz started with more quality until Bergs broke the Spaniard&#39;s serve to go up 3-2 in the first set.

The 23-year-old grabbed back that break in the next game but was uncharacteristically off-target, sending a mess of shots into the net.

He double-faulted to hand Bergs a critical break point in the 11th game, and lost the first set when a volley went short.

Alcaraz was visibly frustrated during the second set as he vented to his corner following a series of misfired shots that left him with no points in the fourth and eighth games.

Alcaraz forced a tie-break but could not reach a third set as Bergs closed things out just past the two-hour mark on his first match point.

Fritz fumbles 

Earlier, Stefanos Tsitsipas came back to beat Taylor Fritz 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 and earn fourth round meeting with Daniil Medvedev, who brushed aside qualifier Dalibor Svrcina 6-2, 6-3.

A wardrobe malfunction delayed victory for the Greek world number 43 when a tennis ball tumbled out of the American&#39;s pocket a second time and forced the men to replay a match point.

A tired-looking Fritz, seeded 11th, hung on for a bit longer to save the eighth game but could not stick around beyond that, with Tsitsipas holding serve to win at the fifth time of asking.

&quot;I could have done a few things easier, but I ended up being my biggest enemy,&quot; Tsitsipas told the crowd afterwards.

&quot;I turned things around really well towards the end and became friends with myself and played some incredible tennis,&quot; he said.

Felix Auger-Aliassime, Casper Ruud and Rafael Jodar also went through to the last 16.]]>
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			<title>Ushna, Mahin create history at Futures Tennis Championships</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633520/ushna-mahin-create-history-at-futures-tennis-championships</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633520/ushna-mahin-create-history-at-futures-tennis-championships#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 26 14:48:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Zulfiqar Baig]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2633520</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A total of 30 players from 17 countries are participating in the event]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The first leg of the W15 Islamabad&ndash;World Tennis Women&rsquo;s Futures Tennis Championships 2026 continued, at the PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad.

A total of 30 players from 17 Countries ,France, China, Russia, Denmark, Mexico, Uzbekistan, South Africa, the Netherlands, Korea, Nepal, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, Thailand, T&uuml;rkiye, the Czech Republic, and Pakistan are competing in the championship.

Astrid Cirotte of France, currently ranked World No. 624, is the top seed of the tournament.

Top Pakistani Players: Ushna Suhail, Mahin Aftab Qureshi, Meheq Khokhar, Romaisa Malik, and Hajra Sohail are participating in the Championships.

Nine matches were played on the first day of the event.

Ushna and Mahin Create History as First Pakistani Pair to Win a World Tennis Futures Doubles Match

Pakistan&#39;s leading women&#39;s players, Ushna Suhail and Mahin Aftab Qureshi, created history by becoming the first Pakistani pair to win a doubles match at a World Tennis Women&#39;s Futures Tournament.

Competing in the W15 Islamabad&ndash;World Tennis Women&#39;s Futures Championships 2026, the Pakistani duo defeated Romaisa Malik (Pakistan) and Nissa Finnigan (South Africa) 6-0,6-0 in the opening round to advance to the second round of the doubles event.

With this historic victory, Ushna and Mahin have not only progressed in the tournament but have also secured valuable WTA ranking points, marking a significant milestone for women&#39;s tennis in Pakistan.

Women&#39;s Singles 1st Round:

Wozuko Mdlulwa (RSA) bt Mahin Aftab Qureshi (PAK) 4&ndash;6, 7&ndash;6(7), 7&ndash;5

Abhilasha Bista (Nep) bt Romisa Malik (Pak) 6&ndash;0, 6&ndash;1

Sofiia Suslova (RUS) bt Liliya Piskun (RUS) 0&ndash;6, 6&ndash;3, 6&ndash;1

Elena Jamshidi (Den) bt Meheq Khokhar (Pak) 6&ndash;0, 6&ndash;0

Sevil Yuldasheva (Uzb) bt Anna Simkina (RUS) 6&ndash;0, 6&ndash;0

Anastasiya Kuparev (Ger) bt Hajra Sohail (Pak) 6&ndash;4, 6&ndash;1

Suzuna Oigawa (Jpn) bt Jeong Moon (Kor) 6&ndash;2, 6&ndash;2

Women&#39;s Doubles 1st Round:

Warona Mdlulwa / Wozuko Mdlulwa (RSA) bt Sofiia Suslova (RUS) / Liliya Piskun (RUS) 6&ndash;3, 6&ndash;2

Suzuna Oigawa (Jpn) / Kei Yau Cheung (HKG) bt Sabrina Olimjanova (Uzb) / Varvara Rubtsova (RUS) 6&ndash;2, 6&ndash;2

Julia Khramtsova (RUS) / Ksenia Laskutova (RUS) bt Serife Pelin Sari (TUR) / Abhilasha Bista (Nep) 6&ndash;1, 6&ndash;1

Ushna Suhail (Pakistan) / Mahin Aftab Qureshi (Pak)bt Romisa Malik (Pak) / Nissa Finnigan (RSA) 6&ndash;0, 6&ndash;0

The matches will start tomorrow at 10:00am.]]>
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			<title>World Tennis Women Championship starts tomorrow</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633121/world-tennis-women-championship-starts-tomorrow</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633121/world-tennis-women-championship-starts-tomorrow#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 26 13:55:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Zulfiqar Baig]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2633121</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Players from 17 countries set for $15,000 event in Islamabad]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The World Tennis Women&rsquo;s Championship 2026 will begin at the PTF Tennis Complex in Islamabad on Tuesday, with players from 17 countries set to compete in the $15,000 event.

The championship, which runs from October 6, features competitors from France, China, Russia, Denmark, Mexico, Uzbekistan, South Africa, the Netherlands, South Korea, Nepal, Japan, Hong Kong, Turkey, Czech Republic, Germany, Thailand and Pakistan.

France&rsquo;s Astrid Cirotte, ranked 624th in the world, is the tournament&rsquo;s top seed.

Pakistan&rsquo;s leading players include Ushna Suhail, Mahin Aftab Qureshi, Meheq Khokhar, Romaisa Malik and Hajra Sohail.

The main draw matches are scheduled to begin at 10 am on Tuesday, with the tournament providing local players an opportunity to compete against international opposition and earn WTA ranking points.

Pakistan Tennis Federation&rsquo;s (PTF) president Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and secretary general Col Zia Uddin Tufail extended their best wishes to the participating players and welcomed the international competitors to Pakistan.

Qureshi said the federation was committed to developing women&rsquo;s tennis and was providing Pakistani players with opportunities to compete in international women&rsquo;s tournaments on home soil.

&ldquo;These events will enable local players to compete against international opposition, gain valuable experience, win matches and earn important WTA ranking points,&rdquo; he said.

Tufail said back-to-back women&rsquo;s championships in Islamabad would give Pakistani players valuable international exposure while helping them improve their rankings and compete at the professional level..

The women&rsquo;s singles competition will feature a 32-player main draw, while the doubles event has 16 teams. The doubles draw includes two Pakistani pairings in the opening round, with Finnigan and Romisa Malik facing Mahin Qureshi and Ushna Suhail in an all-Pakistani contest.

Meheq Khokhar, partnering Anna Simkina, will face third seeds Jeong Moon and Kamonwan Yodpetch.]]>
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			<title>GM Bashir makes strong start in Asian Games shooting</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632226/gm-bashir-makes-strong-start-in-asian-games-shooting</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632226/gm-bashir-makes-strong-start-in-asian-games-shooting#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 26 07:34:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alam Zeb Safi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632226</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Olympian fires 289-8x to finish eighth in stage 1 of the 25m rapid fire pistol, with stage second set for Thursday]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s ace-shooter Ghulam Mustafa Bashir had a solid start in his men&rsquo;s 25 metre rapid fire pistol event of the 20th Asian Games at the Aichi Perfecture General Shooting Gallery in Japan on Wednesday.

Competing in stage 1, the 2022 World Championship bronze medallist and Olympian Bashir finished eighth among 28 shooters with a score of 289-8x.

He will now compete in the second stage on Thursday and it is highly expected that the veteran shooter will be able to qualify for the finals also to be held on the same day.

Bashir&rsquo;s performance placed him ahead of several experienced competitors and kept him within reach of the leading positions. China&rsquo;s Su Lianbofan topped the stage 1 standings with 297-12x, followed by South Korea&rsquo;s Yoon Seoyeong with 293-9x and Lee Gunhyeok with 292-8x.

Bashir&rsquo;s 289 points also put him just one point behind Kazakhstan&rsquo;s Nikita Chiryukin, who occupied seventh place. His result was particularly encouraging given the closely packed standings, where only a few points separated many of the competitors.

Initially Mohammad Farooq and Mohammad Shabbir were also scheduled to feature in this event but they could not proceed.

&ldquo;I think Bashir has started well,&rdquo; a senior official of National Rifle Association of Pakistan (NRAP) Razi Ahmed Khan told The Express Tribune.

Razi, who is also a senior coach, hoped that Bashir will be able to advance to the finals.

&ldquo;I think he is in the best position to proceed. The second stage is more important. The pressure is really on top two shooters and if Bashir keeps his focus he can qualify and even win a medal,&rdquo; Razi said.

Only two shooters have made it to the Asian Games because of NOC issue. The other is Rabia Kabir who has completed her competition in the 25m pistol, having failed to do better.

Besides Farooq and Shabbir, Farrukh Nadeem, who won Asian shotgun gold, prolific Usman Chand, Imam Haroon and Kishmala Talat were the others who could not proceed due to NOC matter.

&ldquo;NOCs had been issued but they were late and when you miss a flight then you need at least one week to manage ammunition transportation and that is why they could not proceed,&rdquo; Razi said.

He specifically mentioned Kishmala, saying she was in fine touch and could win another medal.

&ldquo;Kishmala had secured historic bronze last time in the 2023 Hanzghou Asian Games and again she could lift a medal as she was in great form but unfortunately the same matter ended her chance,&rdquo; Razi said.

Kishmala became the first Pakistani shooter who won a medal in Hanzghou in Pakistan&rsquo;s Asian games shooting history.]]>
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			<title>Usman’s horse Eden Du Veret makes historic Asian Games landing</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2629836/usmans-horse-eden-du-veret-makes-historic-asian-games-landing</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2629836/usmans-horse-eden-du-veret-makes-historic-asian-games-landing#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 26 09:18:00 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alam Zeb Safi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2629836</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The premier eventer and his horse will start their Asian Games journey on September 20]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s star eventer Usman Khan and his horse Eden Du Veret have landed in Narita, Japan, safely to feature in the 20th Asian Games eventing event.

This is the fourth successive time that Usman has qualified for the quadrennial event. However on previous three occasions he could not proceed due to financial issues.

&ldquo;Yes, we have safely landed and will begin our journey on September 20,&rdquo; Usman told this correspondent.

Usman and his horse underwent a 70-day quarantine, 60 days in France and last ten-day pre-export mandatory quarantine in Germany before they flew to Japan.

Eden Du Veret is the FEI name of Usman&rsquo;s horse while his EFP name is Mirage, the horse which had also been used in the 2024 Paris Olympics Qualifiers.



Mirage was transported via Lufthansa flight while Usman proceeded through Etihad Airways. The 200 kilogramme of equipment was loaded separately on Qatar Airways.
Besides this a 100kg of feed had been taken on a flight a week earlier.

However some equipment of National Federations have not yet reached Japan. The agents, handling such matter, have updated the national federations about the situation.

The federations have been told that not all horse equipment and veterinary kits were delivered to the venue last night.
An additional 4,900 kilogramme over and above the quantities originally booked by national federations (NFs) was delivered to Li&egrave;ge. However, agents said, that due to payload restrictions, they were unable to accommodate all the cargo on the flight.

&ldquo;Once delivered to Li&egrave;ge, all the equipment formed part of one consolidated consignment. We therefore had no option to identify and unload the equipment of individual NFs whose quantities exceeded their original bookings.&rdquo;

&ldquo;We immediately began exploring every possible solution to expedite the shipment of the equipment from Europe to Japan, and arrangements were made for it to arrive in Narita this evening.&rdquo;

&ldquo;However, I have just been advised that QR806 departed Doha with only 19 pieces on board. The remaining pieces are now scheduled to travel on QR806 tomorrow,&rdquo;

Usman has also asked the agents about his equipment, adding if the NOC equipment arrives tonight, they can arrange a training session later this evening.

Usman told the agent if it does not arrive until tomorrow then it would be a big issue for Pakistan in the crucial lead-up to the Games.

It would be a testing time for Usman to deliver at the continental stage. He has a massive experience of playing at the highest level.

Usman&rsquo;s eventing journey is too long, having spent around two decades in this field, first by backing himself in Australia and now doing his best in France, his new abode.
Usman specifically had moved to France from Australia in order to prepare for the Paris Olympics qualifiers at a zone hardly at 45 kilometre drive from the Paris Olympics playing zone.

He qualified but could not maintain his ranking after missing a few events especially the one in South Africa which dropped him to the reserves list. He still could compete provided a rider would drop but he decided not to opt for that as his horse was too young and inexperienced.

Usman, who basically belongs to Lahore, had qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but his horse Azad Kashmir died. He then revised his qualification process and when he was near the finish line in the qualifiers in Australia his horse Kasheer fell and died on the spot. Usman was left critically injured. Following a few months of top treatment in Australia Usman recovered and took a big time before deciding to return to the international circuit.]]>
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			<title>Razaullah’s rocket rise</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2628733/razaullahs-rocket-rise</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2628733/razaullahs-rocket-rise#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 26 10:00:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alam Zeb Safi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2628733</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Mardan’s pacer hard work, raw pace and persistence earn Pakistan call-up]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Razaullah Khan Mashwani&rsquo;s rise to Pakistan&rsquo;s Test team did not begin under bright stadium lights or in a high-profile academy.

It began with tape-ball cricket in Mardan.

The fast bowler, who made a sensational international debut against England, was born into a family from Nehag Dara in Upper Dir. When he was about hardly two years old, his family moved to Mardan, the second-largest city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where he began building the career that would eventually take him to Pakistan&rsquo;s national team.

For years, Razaullah&rsquo;s progress was powered less by recognition than by persistence.

&ldquo;He is a very good boy and his main focus is on his game only,&rdquo; said Akmal Khan, one of the coaches who has worked with him and runs the Akmal Khan Cricket Academy in Mardan.



Akmal, a former first-class batting all-rounder and qualified coach, has watched Razaullah develop from a promising youngster into one of Pakistan&rsquo;s most exciting fast-bowling prospects.

&ldquo;He is a nice guy and is passionate about his bowling,&rdquo; Akmal told The Express Tribune.

Razaullah is also a capable batsman, Akmal said, a part of his game that he believes will become more apparent as his career develops.

But it is his pace that has made him stand out.

Razaullah started with tape-ball cricket before making the transition to hard-ball cricket. His father, now elderly and no longer working, encouraged him to stay focused on the sport, while his five brothers supported him throughout the journey.

&ldquo;Razaullah came to Mardan in 2007,&rdquo; Akmal said. &ldquo;His father has always encouraged him to focus on cricket and work hard. All of his brothers have also supported him throughout his journey.&rdquo;

The progression was gradual but relentless.

Razaullah joined the Akmal Khan Cricket Academy during the 2022-23 season. In 2023, he played Under-19 cricket at the inter-district level before being selected for the Abbottabad Region Under-19 team.



His first opportunity at the national Under-19 level immediately caught attention.

&ldquo;In his first appearance at the national Under-19 level, he was one of the best-performing players,&rdquo; Akmal said.

Akmal was part of the coaching staff for the regional Under-19 team, working alongside head coach Arun Lal, who also backed the young fast bowler.

Razaullah continued to impress at a tournament in Quetta before moving into senior cricket with the Mardan district team. His progress, however, was interrupted by an elbow injury after his second match.

The setback did not derail him.

MIT Solutions gave him an opportunity to play in 2024, and he responded by taking 28 wickets. He returned for another season with the team and claimed 27 wickets, helping it reach the final against Sahir Associates.

Although Sahir Associates won the final and earned promotion to first-class cricket, Razaullah&#39;s performance strengthened his reputation.

He was later included among the 30 players selected for the Abbottabad Region, but opportunities remained limited.

Then came another break.

Rafatullah, the Peshawar Region coach, gave Razaullah a chance to play as a guest player for the region. He showed that his value extended beyond the ball, scoring a century and a half-century.

Sahir Associates subsequently offered him a contract for the 2025-26 first-class season.

In five matches, he took 25 wickets.

That brought another step up: the Pakistan Super League.

Rawalpindiz selected Razaullah, and although he played only two matches, he made an impression with his pace, reaching 148 kph.

His performances continued to accumulate.

Razaullah represented Abbottabad Region in the National T20 competition, where the team became champions in 2026. He was then called up to a white-ball camp at the National Cricket Academy.

The next opportunity was the Champions Cup, where he was selected for Pakistan Gold.

He seized it.

Razaullah&#39;s performances drew attention around the country and helped Pakistan Gold win the tournament. Soon afterward, he returned to the National Cricket Academy for a fast-bowling camp, where he was named player of the camp.

Then, late one night, the call came.

Razaullah was at home when the National Cricket Academy asked him to report.

That call ultimately led to his selection for Pakistan&#39;s Test squad.

For a young cricketer whose journey began with a tape-ball in Mardan, the rise has been remarkably quick.

But those who have followed him closely say it was not accidental.

&ldquo;Razaullah is a very talented and hardworking young man,&rdquo; Akmal said. &ldquo;He strongly believes in hard work and has always trusted his own efforts. He has never believed in taking shortcuts.&rdquo;



His journey, Akmal said, is the product of &ldquo;dedication, determination and continuous hard work.&rdquo;

Mukhtiar Hussain, a former manager of Abbottabad Region, reached a similar conclusion after working with the fast bowler.

&ldquo;He is a hard-working player and the best thing in him is that he focuses on his job,&rdquo; Mukhtiar told this correspondent.

For now, Razaullah remains connected to the places that helped shape him. One of his brothers still lives in Nehag Dara in Upper Dir, while Razaullah himself lives in Mansab, near New Sabzi Mandi in Mardan.

At the Akmal Khan Cricket Academy, where part of his journey took shape, there is already anticipation for his return.

Akmal said the academy and Shaheen Club, which he represents, will welcome him warmly.

For a player who spent years chasing opportunities from the margins of Pakistan&#39;s cricket system, the welcome will mark another milestone in a journey that has gone from tape-ball cricket in Mardan to the country&#39;s Test team, powered, above all, by pace, patience and persistence.

Pakistan also has a solid batsman Kamran Ghulam who belongs to Dir Upper.]]>
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			<title>Rs5.7 billion approved for SAG infrastructure development</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2628489/rs57-billion-approved-for-sag-infrastructure-development</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2628489/rs57-billion-approved-for-sag-infrastructure-development#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 26 06:46:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Zulfiqar Baig]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2628489</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Investment exposes scale of work needed before biennial event to held in April 2027]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan has approved a Rs5.7 billion package to upgrade sports infrastructure ahead of the South Asian Games, with authorities seeking to ensure venues are ready to host the regional multi-sport event.

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), chaired by Planning Commission Deputy Chairman and Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, reviewed and approved the development package at a meeting on Wednesday.

The projects include extensive upgrades to facilities at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad, as well as improvements to sports infrastructure in other cities.

Officials said the work is intended to improve the quality, functionality and operational readiness of venues required for the Games, which will bring athletes and teams from across South Asia to Pakistan.

The approval represents a significant allocation of public funds to sports infrastructure as Pakistan prepares to host the regional competition. The investment also reflects the scale of rehabilitation and development work considered necessary to bring existing facilities up to the required standard.

Secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani welcomed the decision, describing it as a major achievement for the country&#39;s sports sector.

Wani credited the prime minister and the Planning Commission with supporting efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and said the investment would serve purposes beyond the Games themselves.

&ldquo;The approval of the Rs. 5.7 billion infrastructure package is a major step forward for the successful hosting of the SAG,&rdquo; Wani said.

He said the planned upgrades to the Pakistan Sports Complex and other facilities would provide athletes and visiting teams with improved venues while creating a longer-term benefit for Pakistani sport.

The government has increasingly focused on improving sporting infrastructure as Pakistan prepares to host major regional competitions. For the SAG venue readiness will be critical to the smooth conduct of events and the experience of participating teams.

The approved programme covers both the capital&#39;s main sports complex and facilities elsewhere, indicating that preparations extend beyond a single host venue.

Wani said the IPC ministry would coordinate with the Planning Commission and other relevant stakeholders to implement the projects and complete them on time.

The authorities will have to ensure that construction, rehabilitation and procurement work progresses in accordance with the operational requirements of the Games.

The investment is expected to leave Pakistan with upgraded sports facilities after the competition, although the immediate priority for officials will be completing the works before athletes arrive.

The SAG will be held in Pakistan from April 3-11 at different venues.]]>
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			<title>Arshad Nadeem faces Budapest test</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2628308/arshad-nadeem-faces-budapest-test</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2628308/arshad-nadeem-faces-budapest-test#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 26 08:44:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alam Zeb Safi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2628308</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Olympic champion heads to Hungary capital for World Athletics Ultimate Championship]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem travelled to Budapest on Wednesday to compete in the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship, seeking a return to form after a disappointing performance at the Commonwealth Games.

The 29-year-old premier athlete was on his way to Hungary, his manager Awais Tahir told The Express Tribune on Wednesday.

The men&#39;s javelin final is scheduled for September 13, with Arshad set to face a strong field that includes Sri Lanka&#39;s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, Grenada&#39;s Anderson Peters, Germany&#39;s Julian Weber, American Curtis Thompson, Trinidad and Tobago&#39;s Keshorn Walcott, Kenya&#39;s Julius Yego and Poland&#39;s Dawid Wegner.

The competition is being held for the first time, adding another major international stage for Arshad as he looks to rebuild momentum ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Arshad&#39;s latest outing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow ended in disappointment. He finished ninth in the 12-man final after three throws in the opening phase and was thus dethroned as he had won crown at Birmingham in 2022 with a Games record throw of 90.18 metres.

His return to Budapest, however, carries a degree of familiarity and significance.

Hungary was the scene of Arshad&rsquo;s breakthrough on the global stage when he won silver at the 2023 World Championships. A year later, he produced the defining performance of his career at the Paris Olympics, winning gold with a throw of 92.97 metres which is also Olympics record.

His manager said the athlete&#39;s preparation is focused on long-term development.

&quot;As for the training, it takes time to achieve better results. Our main focus is the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, so we&#39;re working with a long-term plan,&quot; Tahir said.

Arshad trained under South African coach Terseus Liebenberg, who also played an important role in preparing him for his Olympic triumph in Paris.

The coach has urged the athlete to reset after reaching the pinnacle of his career.

&quot;After such an incredible feat it is just natural that he had to once again reset, refocus, set new goals and regain his hunger for success at the highest level,&quot; Liebenberg had told this correspondent a few days ago.

He described Arshad as an athlete with an exceptionally strong mindset and expressed confidence that he could rediscover his best form.

The Budapest field presents a formidable challenge.

Pathirage, Sri Lanka&#39;s leading javelin thrower, enters the competition with considerable momentum after winning gold at the Commonwealth Games and recently claiming a Diamond League title. His consistency in recent months has made him one of the leading contenders.

Peters, a two-time former world champion, brings extensive experience, while Weber, Thompson, Walcott, Yego and Wegner add further depth to the field.

India&#39;s Neeraj Chopra, one of Arshad&#39;s biggest rivals in recent years, will not compete in Budapest after an injury ruled him out. Chopra is also set to miss this month&#39;s Asian Games in Japan.

For Arshad, the Budapest contest represents an opportunity to measure himself against some of the world&#39;s leading throwers.

After the championship, he will return to Pakistan on September 15 before travelling to Japan for the Asian Games, where he will attempt to add to his medal tally.

Arshad won bronze at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta but missed the 2022 edition, which was held in Hangzhou in 2023 due to injury.

His immediate priority, however, is Budapest, where the Olympic champion will be looking to put his recent struggles behind him and demonstrate that his best throwing remains ahead of him.]]>
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			<title>Aban, Sohail, Veshnavi win squash titles</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634834/aban-sohail-veshnavi-win-squash-titles</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634834/aban-sohail-veshnavi-win-squash-titles#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 26 13:04:22 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2634834</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sindh, Punjab and SNGPL players claim honours in four age-group finals]]>
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				<![CDATA[Muhammad Aban, Sohail Adnan, Abdul Hadi Farzan and Veshnavi claimed titles in their respective categories after winning the finals of the McDonald&rsquo;s National Junior Squash Championship here at the Jahangir Khan Squash Academy at the PSB Coaching Centre on Wednesday.

Aban of Sindh defeated fellow provincial player Muhammad Bin Naseem 3-1 in the Under-11 final.

After losing the first game 4-11 Aban regained his focus and played with great discipline to win the remaining three games12-10, 12-10 and 11-4 to seal the win.

Meanwhile Sohail, representing SNGPL, downed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa&rsquo;s Danish Sikandar 3-0 in the Under-15 final&nbsp; with the game score being 11-7, 12-10, 11-5.

Punjab&rsquo;s Farzan secured the Under-9 title with a straight-game victory over Muhammad Ibrahim of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the game score of 11-5, 11-9, 11-5. And Veshnavi defeated Damya Khan in an all-Sindh final in the girls&rsquo; Under-19 category.

Veshnavi showed her fine skills and did not allow her opponent to retaliate at any stage of the show, sealing a 11-9, 13-11, 11-7 victory.

Vishnavi had inflicted a 3-1 upset defeat on top seed Amina Malik of WAPDA in the semi-final.

Damya had secured her place in the final by defeating Rania Qazi of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Sohail Adnan had set final date with Danish Sikander of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after beating Army&rsquo;s Faizan Ali Khan 11-7, 11-2, 11-7 in the semi-final.

Danish had advanced after his opponent Fawad Khan got retired hurt with Danish leading 11-9, 11-8.

Farzan had reached final with an 11-3, 11-7, 11-0 victory over Sindh&rsquo;s Raif Ali Ahmed. Muhammad Ibrahim of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had qualified for ousting Sindh&rsquo;s Muhammad Hamza 11-6, 11-6, 12-10 in the semi-finals.

Aban, meanwhile, had defeated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa&rsquo;s Atif Ali Naz 6-11, 11-7, 11-6 in the pre-final. In the same age group Bin Naseem had conquered fellow Sindh player Abdul Karim Qadir 12-10, 11-6, 12-10 in the semi-final.]]>
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			<title>Jahangir Khan hopeful of Pakistan’s squash revival</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634830/jahangir-khan-hopeful-of-pakistans-squash-revival</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634830/jahangir-khan-hopeful-of-pakistans-squash-revival#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 26 12:41:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Zubair Nazir Khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2634830</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Legend credits regular tournaments and corporate support for nurturing emerging talent]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan squash legend Jahangir Khan is optimistic that the country can regain its lost standing in the sport, saying regular international and domestic tournaments help nurture emerging players and improve their competitiveness.

Speaking exclusively to Express News, the former world champion welcomed the continued staging of Professional Squash Association (PSA) and domestic tournaments, saying they were providing valuable opportunities for young players to develop their skills.

&ldquo;Regular competitions are helping emerging players polish their skills,&rdquo; Jahangir said, adding that promising talent was emerging in Sindh, particularly Karachi, where players had also improved their national rankings.

He said sustained efforts, coupled with determination and hard work, could help Pakistani players make their mark internationally and restore the country&rsquo;s former status in world squash.

Jahangir also welcomed Pakistan&rsquo;s hosting of squash tournaments offering a total prize purse of Rs9.1 million, describing the development as a significant milestone for the sport in the country.

He praised Sindh Squash Association&rsquo;s president Adnan Asad for his efforts to promote the game, saying attractive prize money was generating greater interest in squash.

Jahangir said the continued organisation of such events would not only support the sport&rsquo;s development but also help improve Pakistan&rsquo;s image internationally.

The participation of established foreign players in tournaments held in Pakistan was also boosting the confidence of local competitors and motivating them to improve their performances, he added.

Jahangir further praised McDonald&rsquo;s Pakistan for supporting sports, particularly squash, and urged other corporate organisations to contribute to the development of the game.

He said sustained investment, regular competition and opportunities for emerging players could help Pakistan produce a new generation of international stars.

Jahangir expressed confidence that continued efforts to promote squash could eventually restore Pakistan&rsquo;s dominance on the world stage.]]>
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			<title>SSGC dominate National Cycling Championship</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634430/ssgc-dominate-national-cycling-championship</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634430/ssgc-dominate-national-cycling-championship#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 26 13:29:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correpondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2634430</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Army finish second as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa secure third place]]>
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				<![CDATA[Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) finished at the summit, followed by Pakistan Army and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as the 10th National Road Cycling Championship concluded at Bahria Town Karachi on Sunday.

SSGC won the championship with 16 medals, including 11 gold, three silver and two bronze. Pakistan Army finished runners-up with nine medals, comprising two gold, four silver and three bronze, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa secured third place with seven medals, including two silver and five bronze.

Ahmad Shahzad (Balochistan), Mohammad (Sindh) and Muneeb (Punjab) emerged as the leading young riders while Sindh&rsquo;s Samar, Punjab&rsquo;s Christina Haroon and Hoorin Yahya from Crank Addicts stole limelight as young female pedallists.

Organised by the Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF), the three-day championship attracted cyclists from across the country, who competed in men&rsquo;s, women&rsquo;s, junior, masters and other categories.

Teams representing SSGC, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts and other organisations took part in individual time trials, team time trials and road races.

POF won three gold medals, while Balochistan secured one gold to complete the list of gold-medal-winning teams.

The inclusion of masters&rsquo; categories for cyclists aged 40-49 and 50 and above was a notable feature of this year&rsquo;s championship. The event also provided young male and female cyclists with an opportunity to demonstrate their potential and gain valuable competitive experience.

The closing ceremony was held on Sunday, with HabibMetro Bank senior executive Sharifa Haider Ali attending as chief guest and distributing prizes among the outstanding performers.

The PCF also announced plans to explore the possibility of hosting the South Asian Road Cycling Championship at Bahria Town Karachi next year, subject to consultations and approval from the relevant international cycling authorities and other stakeholders.

The proposed event aims to provide Pakistani cyclists with greater exposure to regional competition and promote the country as a venue for international sporting events.

The federation, however, expressed concern over the lack of an annual grant or financial assistance from the Pakistan Sports Board, saying limited resources had made it increasingly difficult to organise national-level competitions.

It said the championship had been staged with support from sponsors and called on government institutions, private-sector companies and sports bodies to provide greater assistance for the development of cycling in Pakistan.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Verstappen wins chaotic Singapore sprint</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634084/verstappen-wins-chaotic-singapore-sprint</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634084/verstappen-wins-chaotic-singapore-sprint#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 10 Oct 26 10:47:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2634084</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Red Bull driver holds off Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton to win by 2.50sec]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Max Verstappen won a wet and wild Singapore sprint race for Red Bull on Saturday after George Russell crashed his Mercedes when leading at the end of the opening lap.

Verstappen held off Ferrari&#39;s Lewis Hamilton to win by 2.50sec with Charles Leclerc third as the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri touched and spun on the final lap when fourth and fifth.

A heavy shower 10 minutes before the scheduled start meant a delay of 30 minutes.

All cars began on intermediate tyres with some sectors of the Marina Bay Street Circuit much dryer than others as the field embarked on two formation laps behind the safety car.

The eventual standing start saw Russell start on the front row alongside pole-sitter Verstappen, and it was the Englishman who got away better.

His lead was short-lived as he lost control after touching a treacherous white line on the final bend of the opening lap.

He slid sideways into the pit lane wall, bringing out a safety car.

It was another setback in a season of bad luck for Russell, who will start from the back of the grid in Sunday&#39;s grand prix because of engine penalties.

&quot;It was a miscalculation,&quot; Russell admitted to Sky Sports.

&quot;Came through the corner, had more battery deployment than I thought, pushed me a little bit wider than I hoped and went on to the white line. Silly mistake. Big consequences.&quot;

It left Hamilton, who had a brilliant start from sixth on the grid, in second place having leapfrogged Ferrari team-mate Leclerc and the two McLarens.

The big beneficiary of Norris and Piastri&#39;s &quot;papaya spat&quot; on the last lap was championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who inherited fourth place in his Mercedes having started seventh on the grid.

Fifth was RB&#39;s Liam Lawson, sixth was the Haas of Oliver Bearman, seventh was Audi&#39;s Nico Hulkenberg and Norris got going again to limp home in eighth and round out the points scorers.]]>
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			<title>Schauffele closes in on leaders</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634079/schauffele-closes-in-on-leaders</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634079/schauffele-closes-in-on-leaders#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 10 Oct 26 09:20:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2634079</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[American moves four shots off the lead in Japan]]>
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				<![CDATA[Double major winner Xander Schauffele moved four shots off the lead in Japan after carding two eagles and a double bogey on &quot;a weird day&quot; at the US PGA Tour&#39;s Baycurrent Classic on Saturday.

Defending champion Schauffele heads into Sunday&#39;s final day with a shot at retaining his title after carding a 6-under-par 65 to finish the third round 9-under overall.

The American had a roller-coaster front nine in sunny conditions in Yokohama, starting with a bogey before holing two birdies and an eagle on the par-5 fourth.

Schauffele followed that up with a double bogey on the next hole before sinking another eagle on the par-5 sixth, and went on to card four more birdies and another bogey to finish the round.

&quot;It was a weird day,&quot; said Schauffele, who won Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021.

&quot;It was a lot of good, honestly some really bad in there as well.

&quot;But overall, if someone told me I was going to shoot 65, I&#39;d probably take it.&quot;

Michael Brennan, Zach Bauchou and Jacob Bridgeman lead the field heading into the final day on 13-under par.

Bridgeman is looking for his third win on the tour this year.

The trio hold a one-stroke lead over a chasing pack that includes Australia&#39;s Adam Scott.

Japan&#39;s Hideki Matsuyama is eight shots off the lead after a mixed day when he shot a 2-under-par 69.

Matsuyama, the 2021 champion in Japan, started like a freight train, rattling in four birdies and an eagle on the first seven holes.

He ran into serious trouble on the back nine, though, carding five bogeys and only one more birdie to undo much of his good work.

&quot;It was a mix of great golf and the worst golf,&quot; said 2021 Masters champion Matsuyama.

&quot;But it wasn&#39;t that I played absolutely terribly on the back nine.

&quot;It was little things, so I just need to make some small adjustments to make sure that doesn&#39;t happen again tomorrow.&quot;

Three-time major winner Jordan Spieth was six shots off the lead after shooting a 3-under-par 68 to finish 7-under overall.

Spieth is looking for his first win on the tour since April 2022.

Collin Morikawa, the 2023 champion in Japan, was on 4-under overall.]]>
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			<title>Marquez wins Japanese GP sprint</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632769/marquez-wins-japanese-gp-sprint</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632769/marquez-wins-japanese-gp-sprint#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 26 10:44:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632769</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[He moves seven points behind leader Jorge Martin]]>
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				<![CDATA[Ducati&#39;s Marc Marquez won the Japanese Grand Prix sprint on Saturday to shave five points off Aprilia rider Jorge Martin&#39;s lead in the MotoGP championship standings.

Marquez made a scorching start ​and held the inside line on the first turn of the &zwnj;opening lap to surge past Martin, who had set a lap record at the Motegi circuit earlier on Saturday to grab pole position.

Reigning champion Marquez maintained his lead and coasted to victory, moving him to ​306 points - seven behind Martin (313), ahead of Sunday&#39;s race.

&quot;The target was ​front row in the qualifying. Starting on first or second was ⁠the best place to do a great sprint race,&quot; seven-times world champion Marquez ​said.

&quot;We did a small modification for the sprint race, and I felt much better ​on the bike.&quot;

Aprilia&#39;s Martin finished second, but was demoted to third behind LCR Honda&#39;s Diogo Moreira.

The Spaniard had found it hard going towards the end of the sprint as he was put ​under pressure by Tech3&#39;s Enea Bastianini, with the thrilling duel leading both riders ​to stray outside the track.

&quot;I tried in the last lap to do everything I could &zwnj;to keep ⁠Enea behind. I achieved that,&quot; Martin said.

&quot;I don&#39;t know exactly where I touched (the outside), because I was really focused on not doing it. So, big mistake.&quot;

Brazilian Moreira earned his first sprint podium. It was also the first sprint podium for ​satellite team LCR since ​2023.

&quot;Today was the ⁠day. We saw the crash and I said, &#39;OK, today I will try to push to see&#39;. At the end, lap ​by lap, I was feeling more comfortable with the bike,&quot; ​the 22-year-old ⁠said.

KTM&#39;s Pedro Acosta, fresh off the first MotoGP victory of his career , started in the front row but quickly found himself in the gravel after being involved in a ⁠three-rider ​crash along with Alex Marquez and Fabio Di ​Giannantonio.

Japan&#39;s Ai Ogura (Trackhouse) finished fifth, ahead of Martin&#39;s Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi, whose outside bid for the ​championship was dealt another blow.]]>
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			<title>SSGC riders shine at national cycling</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633976/SSGC-riders-shine-at-national-cycling</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633976/SSGC-riders-shine-at-national-cycling#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 26 20:20:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2633976</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ali Ilyas, Rabia Gharib and Zeeshan claim individual gold medals]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) riders claimed multiple gold medals as the 10th National Road Cycling Championship which started Bahria Town Karachi on Friday.
Ali Ilyas won the elite men&#39;s individual time trial for SSGC, while teammate Rabia Gharib secured gold in the elite women&#39;s event. Zeeshan of Army also claimed top honours in the junior men&#39;s individual time trial.
The championship brought together cyclists representing departmental, institutional and provincial teams from across the country. Col Aamir Hanif inaugurated the competition.
In the elite men&#39;s individual time trial, Muhammad Bilal of Army finished second behind Ilyas, while Ahmad Zaib Malik of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took bronze.
Gharib topped the elite women&#39;s podium, ahead of Zainab Rizwan of Pakistan Cycling Academy and Muskan Aslam of Army, who finished second and third respectively.
Army&#39;s Zeeshan won the junior men&#39;s individual time trial, with Muhammad Khan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa taking silver and Nisar of Punjab earning bronze.
SSGC continued its strong showing in the men&#39;s team time trial, securing gold ahead of Army, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finished third.
In the women&#39;s junior category, Noor Fatima of Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) won gold. Ali Saba of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa claimed silver, while Rahmat of Sindh took bronze.
The masters events also produced competitive finishes.

Faisal Gharib of SSGC won the Masters 50-plus category, followed by Rehan Haider of Islamabad and Sher Muhammad of Balochistan.
Wazeer Ahmed contributed another gold for SSGC in the men&#39;s masters category for riders under 48 years. Ghulam Abbas of Army secured silver, while Wazeer Muhammad of Crank Addict finished third.]]>
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			<title>Verstappen claims first pole of season</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632767/verstappen-claims-first-pole-of-season</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632767/verstappen-claims-first-pole-of-season#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 26 10:37:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632767</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[He clocks 1 minute 35.130 seconds to edge out Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Red Bull&#39;s Max ​Verstappen claimed his first pole position of the season at the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia &zwnj;on Saturday, proving he remains the master of Sepang&#39;s challenging circuit nine years after his last victory there.

Verstappen clocked 1 minute 35.130 seconds to edge out Ferrari&#39;s Lewis Hamilton, who snatched second place in the dying moments of qualifying despite struggling with tyre degradation in the brutal Malaysian heat.

Verstappen&#39;s ​team mate Isack Hadjar was third fastest but will start eighth due to a five-place grid penalty, with championship leader Kimi ​Antonelli moved up to third for Mercedes alongside Ferrari&#39;s Charles Leclerc.

Verstappen was the last driver to win a ⁠Grand Prix in Malaysia in 2017, in what was his second career victory, before the race was taken off the calendar ​after the government said it could not justify the costs.

Nine years and four championships later, the Dutchman became the first driver this ​season to put a car without a Mercedes engine on pole.

&quot;It&#39;s fantastic, we&#39;ve been trying for many Grands Prix to get more, sometimes a bit closer to the others,&quot; said Verstappen as he eyes his first win of the season.

&quot;But to finally get it from where we started the ​season, pretty incredible.&quot;

Ferrari find &#39;sweet spot&#39;

Hamilton, who also has one victory in Sepang, struggled with tyre degradation in practice sessions but ​the veteran Briton said they had now found the right setup.

&quot;It&#39;s so hot here, I keep saying it. But that&#39;s made it a massive challenge &zwnj;for ⁠the tyres, for the car, for the mechanics in the garage,&quot; Hamilton said.

&quot;We made so many changes through all these practice sessions because the cars are sliding, these tyres are overheating. It was really, really hard to find a good balance.

&quot;We made one last change going into qualifying and I think we hit the sweet spot.&quot;

Hadjar sounded frustrated on the team radio despite finishing ​third fastest and later said he ​expected to go second ⁠quickest to limit the grid penalty as much as possible.

&quot;It&#39;s a bit unfortunate we take the penalty on a track that fast,&quot; Hadjar said. &quot;But you know, from P8, I&#39;m confident we can ​go through the field and come back for a good result.&quot;

Mercedes disappointed

Mercedes endured a disappointing ​qualifying session despite ⁠bringing an upgrade package to Malaysia. Antonelli had his first Q2 lap deleted for exceeding track limits, prompting a surprised radio exchange.

&quot;Wait, what? Are we sure about the track limits,&quot; he asked before recovering to go second-fastest in the session on fresh soft tyres.

However, he ⁠could barely ​squeeze anything more out of the car in Q3, while teammate George ​Russell - second in the championship - could only manage eighth.

McLaren&#39;s reigning champion Lando Norris and team mate Oscar Piastri will start on the third row, and Alpine&#39;s ​Pierre Gasly and Audi&#39;s Gabriel Bortoleto completed the top 10.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan whip China to end 64-year medal wait</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632760/pakistan-whip-china-to-claim-volleyball-bronze</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632760/pakistan-whip-china-to-claim-volleyball-bronze#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 26 09:00:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632760</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[National volleyballers seal historic victory to secure first bronze in Asian Games since 1962]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan secured the men&rsquo;s volleyball bronze medal with a commanding 3-0 victory over China at the Asian Games in Nagoya on Saturday.

Pakistan controlled the bronze-medal contest from the opening serve at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium, winning 25-18, 25-16, 25-18 in a match that lasted one hour and seven minutes.

China struggled to match Pakistan&rsquo;s attacking efficiency, while Pakistan maintained pressure throughout all three sets. The winners finished with 75 total points compared with China&rsquo;s 52 and also benefited from 20 Chinese errors.

Pakistan&rsquo;s attack proved particularly effective. They converted 46 of 72 spike attempts for a 64 per cent success rate, while China managed 27 successful spikes from 70 attempts, a 39 per cent rate.

Pakistan also dominated at the net, producing 13 block points compared with China&rsquo;s two. Their defence was similarly stronger, with Pakistan recording 13 digs to China&rsquo;s nine.

China made 13 opponent errors that contributed to Pakistan&rsquo;s score, while Pakistan committed 20 errors in the contest.

The first set was closely contested in its early stages before Pakistan established control and closed it out 25-18. They carried that momentum into the second set, opening a decisive advantage and winning 25-16.

China attempted to respond in the third, but Pakistan remained composed and completed the straight-sets victory 25-18.

Pakistan had last time won bronze in the 1962 Asian Games held in Indonesia.

Pakistan had lost their semi-finals against Iran.

In the quarters Pakistan had defeated India 3-0.

In the league stage Pakistan had defeated Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan before losing to Japan to finish second in their group.]]>
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			<title>Wrestlers Inayat, Gulzar eliminate at Asian Games</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632761/wrestlers-inayat-gulzar-eliminate-at-asian-games</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632761/wrestlers-inayat-gulzar-eliminate-at-asian-games#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 26 09:07:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632761</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Inayat loses to Nurkozha of Kazakhstan; Gulzar suffers defeats in both fights]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan ended their wrestling journey in the Asian Games on a disappointing note when their remaining two wrestlers also exited without giving any breakthrough.

Former Youth Olympics bronze medallist Inayat Ullah crashed out of the men&rsquo;s freestyle 74kg competition after suffering a 12-2 defeat against Kazakhstan&rsquo;s Nurkozha Kaipanov in the round of 16 in Nagoya.

Inayat showed resistance early but the 2024 Tirana World Championship gold medallist Kaipanov steadily took control, winning the opening period 6-2 before completing the bout with another six points in the second. The Kazakh wrestler secured victory by technical superiority, ending Pakistan&rsquo;s campaign in the weight category.

Meanwhile Muhammad Gulzar suffered a one-sided defeat against Iran&rsquo;s Amirali Azarpira in the men&rsquo;s freestyle 97kg round of 16.

Azarpira dominated from the outset, winning the opening period 6-0 before adding four more points in the second to complete a 10-0 victory by technical superiority.

Gulzar struggled to create scoring opportunities throughout the bout. The Iranian wrestler maintained control and sealed his place in the quarter-finals without conceding a single point.

Gulzar was then given a repechage fight where he ended with a heavy defeat against Turkmenistan&rsquo;s Shatlyk Hemelyayev.

Gulzar struggled to find a way into the contest as Hemelyayev dominated from the opening exchanges. The Turkmen wrestler collected 12 unanswered points to secure a victory by technical superiority, with Gulzar unable to register a point.

&ldquo;You know we need more exposure for mat- wrestling development,&rdquo; Pakistan Wrestling Federation&rsquo;s (PWF) president Arshad Sattar told The Express Tribune on Saturday.

&nbsp;&ldquo;Our grapplers are product of mud-wrestling which is their key source of income and you know mat-wrestling is something different and this needs a huge push with the massive assistance of the state. If sate backs us so I hope we will start lifting medals even at the Olympics in the next few years,&rdquo; Arshad said.

Mohammad Abdullah and Noman Zaka were the other wrestlers who also failed to click on Friday.

Meanwhile Pakistan&rsquo;s key taekwondo fighter Hamzah Omar Saeed bowed out of the men&rsquo;s +80kg taekwondo competition after losing 2-0 to Thailand&rsquo;s Jack Mercer at the Asian Games in Nagoya on Saturday.

Mercer won the opening round 4-2 before extending his advantage in the second, winning 7-5 to secure victory on the final score.

Saeed managed two body-punch points and three points from body kicks, while Mercer also landed a head kick worth three points. The Thai fighter maintained control through the contest

With no Gam-jeom penalties recorded for either athlete, Mercer advanced to the quarter-finals.

Shahzaib Khan had eliminated on Friday.]]>
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			<title>Iran knock Pakistan out of title contention</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632603/iran-knock-pakistan-out-of-title-contention</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632603/iran-knock-pakistan-out-of-title-contention#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 11:56:17 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632603</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Green-shirts suffer straight-sets defeat in Asian Games volleyball semis]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s hopes of reaching the Asian Games men&rsquo;s volleyball final ended after they suffered a straight-sets defeat against Iran in the semi-finals in Okazaki, Japan, on Friday.

Iran proved too strong for the Green-shirts, completing a commanding 3-0 victory with scores of 25-13, 25-15 and 25-11 at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium.

Pakistan struggled to find their rhythm from the outset as Iran dominated the opening set 25-13 before maintaining their grip on the contest with a 25-15 win in the second.

There was no turnaround for Pakistan in the third set as well, with Iran racing away to a 25-11 victory to wrap up the match in exactly one hour and seal their place in the final.

Iran enjoyed a clear advantage in attack, recording a 64 per cent success rate on spikes compared with Pakistan&rsquo;s 34 per cent. The Iranians also dominated at the net, registering a 32 per cent success rate in blocks against Pakistan&rsquo;s four per cent.

Iran finished with 75 total points, while Pakistan managed 39.

Usman Faryad Ali was Pakistan&rsquo;s leading scorer with 11 points, all of them coming from spikes. Murad Khan followed with nine points, including eight from spikes and one block.

Afaq Khan contributed three points, while Jabran and Musawer Khan scored two apiece. Hamid Yazman and Murad Jehan added one point each.

Iran also held the edge from the service line, recording four service points compared with Pakistan&rsquo;s two.

Pakistan the other day floored India 3-0 to reach the semi-finals.

Pakistan will now meet in the bronze medal match on Saturday with the winners of the second semi-final between Japan and China which is scheduled on Friday.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan claim silver in squash team event</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632600/malaysia-shatter-pakistans-squash-gold-dream</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632600/malaysia-shatter-pakistans-squash-gold-dream#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 11:53:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632600</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Green-shirts settle for silver after 2-0 defeat in Asian Games men’s team final]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s bid for Asian Games squash gold ended in disappointment as Malaysia powered to a 2-0 victory in the men&rsquo;s team final at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena in Japan on Friday.

The Green-shirts, who had produced an impressive run to reach the title clash, were unable to overcome a strong Malaysian side and had to settle for the silver medal.

Malaysia drew first blood through Ameeshenraj Chandaran, who recovered from losing the opening game to defeat Pakistan&rsquo;s Nasir Iqbal 3-1 in 41 minutes.

Iqbal made a flying start, taking the opening game 11-8, but Chandaran quickly turned the contest around. The Malaysian dominated the second game 11-3 before taking a closely fought third 11-6.

Chandaran maintained his momentum in the fourth game and closed out the contest 11-4 to put Malaysia ahead in the tie.

With Pakistan needing a victory in the second match to keep their gold-medal hopes alive.

Noor Zaman at one stage was leading 2-1. However, Yow Eain NG fought back strongly and lifted the fourth and fifth sets 11-4, 11-5 to seal much-needed victory for his side.

Earlier, Yow took a good start by winning the first game 11-8. However, Noor recovered immediately and won the next two games 11-6, 11-6 to get a lead.

Pakistan had entered the final hoping to cap their campaign with the top prize after progressing through the earlier stages of the team competition.

Meanwhile Malaysia also clinched the women&rsquo;s squash team gold medal after defeating Hong Kong, China, 2-1 in the final.

Aifa Azman gave Malaysia a strong start, sweeping Tze Lok Ho 3-0 in the opening match.

Azman prevailed 11-9, 11-9, 12-10 in 36 minutes to put Malaysia 1-0 ahead in the gold-medal contest.

Hong Kong fought back to level the tie by winning the second match, forcing the title showdown into a decisive third encounter.

Malaysia held their nerve in the decider to seal a 2-1 victory and secure the gold medal.]]>
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			<title>Bashir fires Pakistan to shooting bronze at Asian Games</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632414/bashir-fires-pakistan-to-shooting-bronze-at-asian-games</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632414/bashir-fires-pakistan-to-shooting-bronze-at-asian-games#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 26 07:50:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632414</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Olympian also becomes the first Pakistan's male shooter to win a medal at this stage]]>
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				<![CDATA[Ghulam Mustafa Bashir won bronze medal in the men&rsquo;s 25 metres rapid-fire pistol at the Asian Games in Nagoya on Wednesday, producing a strong performance in a tense eight-man final.

Bashir finished third with a score of 22, securing Pakistan a place on the podium at the Aichi Prefecture General Shooting Gallery.

This is the first medal from Bashir in his Asian Games career and the second for Pakistan in the continental event history. Kishmala Talat had won bronze in the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou.

South Korea&rsquo;s Lee Gunhyeok claimed the gold medal after scoring 32, edging China&rsquo;s Su Lianbofan in the shoot-off. Su also finished on 32 but took silver after the tie-break.

Vietnam&rsquo;s Pham Quang Huy finished fourth with 20 points, while Indonesia&rsquo;s Suteja Dewa Putu Yadi placed fifth on 18.

South Korea&rsquo;s Yoon Seoyeong was sixth with 12, followed by India&rsquo;s Anish on 11 and Kazakhstan&rsquo;s Nikita Chiryukin on seven.

Bashir had entered the final after finishing sixth in the second stage also on Thursday with 578 points, including 19 inner tens.

He was among the eight shooters who advanced from the qualifying round.

Lee&rsquo;s victory also saw him equal the Asian record of 32 in the final, while the competition featured several of Asia&rsquo;s leading rapid-fire pistol shooters. Bashir had finished eighth in the first stage on Wednesday.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan secure eSports bronze at Asian Games</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632053/pakistan-secure-esports-bronze-at-asian-games</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632053/pakistan-secure-esports-bronze-at-asian-games#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 26 09:43:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632053</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Thailand take gold and China secure silver in the battle royale event]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan secured the bronze medal in the battle royale event of the eSports Asian Games in Nagoya on Tuesday.

Thailand won gold, while China took silver after the 12-match competition concluded at Aichi Sky Expo Hall D.

As many as 12 teams from Asia took part in the competitions.

Pakistan was represented by Mohammad Huzaifa, Shayan Asad, Falak Sher Memon, Hasnain Rahman and Syed Sameer in event held at the Aichi Sky Expo Hall.

This is the fifth bronze from Pakistan. They have already claimed two bronze in men&rsquo;s singles squash through Noor Zaman and Mohammad Ashab Irfan, a bronze through women cricket and a bronze via MMA fighter Mohammad Asim Khan.

Meanwhile Pakistan women lost their squash fixture 3-0 to South Korea.

South Korea&rsquo;s Hwayeong Eum defeated Mahnoor Ali 11&ndash;2, 11&ndash;4, 11&ndash;7 Inside 18 minutes at Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena.

Minggyeong Heo then defeated Sana Bahadar 11-5, 11-5, 11-8 to take 2-0 lead.

Dami Kim then completed the rout when she downed Mehwish Ali 11-3, 11-8, 11-5.

In the women&rsquo;s team stage 1 round robin Mahnoor went 3-0 down to Macao&rsquo;s Yeung Wai Leng with the game score being 11-9, 11-3, 12-10. The show lasted for 25 minutes.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan win gold at Chess Olympiad category D</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631858/pakistan-win-gold-at-chess-olympiad-category-d</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631858/pakistan-win-gold-at-chess-olympiad-category-d#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 26 09:42:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The biennial Olympiad is one of the largest events in the sport's calendar]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan have won a gold medal in category D at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in one of the country&#39;s most notable achievements in international chess.

The biennial Olympiad is one of the largest events in the sport&#39;s calendar, with teams from nearly 200 countries taking part in 2026.

The Pakistan delegation raised the national flag, the Green Crescent, at the tournament as the result was confirmed. Officials described it as a showcase of the strength and talent of Pakistani chess on the global stage.

Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi, president of the Chess Federation of Pakistan, was in Samarkand throughout the campaign, supporting the national players.

After the result, he congratulated the team and praised their hard work, determination and fighting spirit.

He said the players had brought great pride to Pakistan by demonstrating their skills at international level, and urged them to keep working hard and represent the country with the same passion in future competitions.

Federation vice-president Malik Rehan Azam and secretary general Raja Gauhar Iqbal were also at the Olympiad, carrying out their duties alongside the rest of the delegation.

The success is likely to be welcomed by players and supporters at home, where chess has long had a dedicated following but a far smaller international profile than in many other countries. Officials hope the result will encourage more young players to take up the game.]]>
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