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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>England crush Pakistan at Headingley</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625122/England-crush-Pakistan-at-Headingley</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625122/England-crush-Pakistan-at-Headingley#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 15:20:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2625122</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Hosts win first Test by an innings and 103 runs to take a 1-0 lead in three-match series]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat on Friday as England completed an innings and 103 runs victory in the first Test at Headingley, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after dominating with bat and ball.

England had resumed the third day on 366 for eight, holding a 195-run lead over Pakistan&#39;s first-innings total of 171. They added 43 runs to reach 409 before being bowled out, extending their advantage to 238.

Jofra Archer, unbeaten on 23 overnight, added only a few more runs before Pakistan wrapped up the England innings. Ali Usman was Pakistan&#39;s most successful bowler, finishing with five wickets for 95 runs.

Pakistan&#39;s second innings quickly turned into another struggle. Archer removed Imam-ul-Haq for a duck and Azan Awais for nine, leaving the visitors 13 for two.

Shan Masood made 29 and Abdullah Shafique 15, but Pakistan were unable to establish a substantial partnership. Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson continued to trouble the batting order as wickets fell at regular intervals.

Mohammad Rizwan provided the only significant resistance, scoring 41 from 39 balls with five fours. His attacking innings briefly delayed England&#39;s victory, but he was eventually bowled by Gus Atkinson.

Pakistan were dismissed for 135 in 37.3 overs, with Robinson, Archer and Tongue taking three wickets each. Atkinson also claimed one wicket while conceding only 11 runs from his eight overs.

The defeat completed a disappointing match for Pakistan, who had been bowled out for 171 in their first innings after England won the toss and elected to field.

Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue had taken five wickets each in that innings, while Abdullah Shafique top-scored for Pakistan with 61. Imam-ul-Haq contributed 42 but the rest of the batting order failed to provide sustained resistance.

England then built a commanding total of 409.

Jordan Cox struck a solid 73, while captain Joe Root made 66. Harry Brook fell nine runs short of a century after scoring 91 from 93 balls, and Dan Lawrence added 51.

The result gives England a strong start to the series and leaves Pakistan needing a significant improvement in their batting in the next Test.

For England, the victory was a comprehensive team performance, with their bowlers exploiting Pakistan&#39;s weaknesses and their batsmen making the most of the opportunity to build a sizeable first-innings lead.

Pakistan will now look to regroup before the second Test as they attempt to level the series.

In the Test Pakistan never were seen retaliating. Their batting lacked maturity and their bowling had no sting which was direly needed in English conditions.

Babar Azam&rsquo;s absence was a major factor which left the batting line up highly truncated.

Babar had been ruled out of the show due to hand injury. However he is expected to be back for the second Test.

&nbsp;

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			<title>Australia seek revenge on Bangladesh</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625109/australia-seek-revenge-against-bangladesh</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625109/australia-seek-revenge-against-bangladesh#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 12:00:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2625109</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Hosts bring in Matthew Renshaw as they look to bounce back in the series]]>
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				<![CDATA[Bangladesh face a fierce Australian response in the second Test after their historic nine-wicket victory in Darwin, with the hosts reshuffling their batting line-up to bounce back in the second Test which will begin in Mackay on Saturday.

The stunning triumph was Bangladesh&rsquo;s first Test win on Australian soil and gave them a significant psychological advantage ahead of the next encounter.

Bangladesh laid the foundation for their victory with a superb bowling display in the first innings. Fast bowler Hasan Mahmud ripped through Australia&rsquo;s batting line-up, taking 6-55 as the hosts were bowled out for 198.

The visitors then produced an equally impressive response with the bat, posting 426 to secure a huge first-innings lead.

Tanzid Hasan led Bangladesh&rsquo;s batting effort with a composed 101 for his maiden Test century. Najmul Hossain Shanto added 84, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck 65 as Bangladesh put Australia&rsquo;s bowlers under sustained pressure.

Josh Hazlewood was Australia&rsquo;s best bowler, finishing with 6-89, but his efforts could not prevent Bangladesh from taking control.

Australia fought back in their second innings, with Cameron Green scoring a determined 104 to help the hosts reach 284. But Bangladesh were left with a modest target of 57, which they chased comfortably after losing one wicket.

Mehidy Hasan again proved decisive with the ball, claiming 5-68.

Australia have responded by bringing Matthew Renshaw into the side for the second Test, replacing opener Jake Weatherald, who managed only 23 runs in the first match.

Renshaw is expected to open alongside Travis Head, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon has retained his place despite captain Pat Cummins earlier suggesting Australia could consider a four-man pace attack.

Renshaw, 30, last played a Test in 2023, but Cummins has backed him to make a successful return.

&ldquo;We just want his best,&rdquo; Cummins told reporters.

Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons, meanwhile, warned his players not to expect the same Australia they faced in Darwin.

&ldquo;The only thing I had to say to them and I will repeat it anyway, is that Australia is going to come harder,&rdquo; Simmons said.

&ldquo;We have to either keep that level of performance or get a little bit better.&rdquo;

Bangladesh could make a change to their attack, with left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam pushing for selection after returning from a hamstring injury. Simmons, however, appeared reluctant to disrupt a winning combination.

&ldquo;I&rsquo;m one, who hardly likes to change winning teams. So it&rsquo;s a possibility, but I can&rsquo;t really say,&rdquo; he said.

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto expects more bounce at Mackay but believes his batters are prepared.

&ldquo;In these conditions, there will be a little more bounce than in Darwin,&rdquo; Shanto said. &ldquo;Over the last couple of days, the batters have worked on their skills in the nets, and I believe they will cope well with the extra bounce.&rdquo;

Australia: Matthew Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood.

Bangladesh (probables): Tanzid Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wicket-keeper), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam and Ebadot Hossain.]]>
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			<title>Shadab stars as Falcons sink Patriots</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625108/shadab-stars-as-falcons-sink-patriots</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625108/shadab-stars-as-falcons-sink-patriots#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 11:54:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Falcons chased 188 to move up to fourth spot in the CPL]]>
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				<![CDATA[Antigua and Barbuda Falcons held their nerve to beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by three wickets in a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) clash at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound on Thursday.

Put into bat, Patriots posted 187-6 as Dasun Shanaka produced a stunning late assault, smashing an unbeaten 49 from just 17 balls. Shanaka struck five fours and four sixes to provide the impetus after Kyle Mayers had made 34 off 18 balls at the top of the order. Jason Holder added 27 from 25, while Andre Fletcher contributed 20.

Shamar Springer took two wickets for Patriots while Shadab Khan, Jayden Seales and Moeen Ali claimed one apiece.

Falcons lost wickets regularly in the chase but stayed within reach of their target. Evin Lewis anchored the innings with 48 off 38 balls, including five sixes, while Hasan Nawaz made 33 from 28.

With the required rate climbing, Shadab changed the course of the chase with a blistering 30 from 12 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes.

Moeen finished unbeaten on 25 from 12 deliveries, while Karima Gore contributed 22 off 15 as Falcons reached 188-7 in 19.3 overs.

Mayers and Holder claimed two wickets each for Patriots, with Obed McCoy and Waqar Salamkheil taking one apiece.

The result gave Falcons a crucial three-wicket victory in the campaign, while Patriots were left to rue their failure to convert Shanaka&rsquo;s late fireworks into a winning total.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Alcaraz confirms US Open return</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625102/alcaraz-confirms-us-open-return</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625102/alcaraz-confirms-us-open-return#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 11:32:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[He had missed the French Open, ‌Wimbledon and the North American hard-court events in Toronto and Cincinnati]]>
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				<![CDATA[Carlos &zwnj;Alcaraz will return to competitive tennis at ⁠the US ⁠Open, ending a more than four-month absence caused by a&nbsp;wrist injury, in ⁠a bid to defend his title in New York.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion confirmed ⁠on Thursday that he will play the August 30-September 13 tournament after withdrawing from the Barcelona Open in April and missing the French Open, &zwnj;Wimbledon and the North American hard-court events in Toronto and Cincinnati.

Alcaraz had initially targeted Cincinnati, where he won last year, for his comeback. But he opted to give his wrist more time to recover.

He has gradually ⁠increased his workload in recent ⁠weeks and trained with Denmark&rsquo;s Holger Rune in Murcia as he tested the injury at higher intensity.

His return was also ⁠given a football-style announcement on Instagram by transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, who posted &ldquo;Here we go!&rdquo; ⁠alongside confirmation that Alcaraz would be back at the US Open.

New York holds particular significance for Alcaraz. He won &zwnj;his first Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows in 2022, becoming the youngest player to reach &zwnj;world &zwnj;number one in the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) rankings.

Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam in January with his triumph, at age 22, at the Australian Open.

He added the ATP hard court title in Doha in February.

But after withdrawing in Barcelona he pulled out of tournaments in Madrid and Rome before withdrawing from Roland Garros, where he was the two-time reigning champion.

He also missed Wimbledon, where rival Jannik Sinner prevailed for the second year in a row on the London grass, beating French Open winner Alexander Zverev in the final.

Zverev had moved into second in the world rankings ahead of Alcaraz after Wimbledon, but Alcaraz has since regained the number two spot ahead of the German.

Until this year Alcaraz had missed just one Grand Slam since making his main draw debut at the 2021 Australian Open, missing Melbourne in 2023 with a hamstring injury.]]>
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			<title>Sri Lanka reshuffle squad for Colombo Test</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625099/sri-lanka-reshuffle-squad-for-colombo-test</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625099/sri-lanka-reshuffle-squad-for-colombo-test#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 11:07:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige called up for the second Test against India]]>
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				<![CDATA[Sri Lanka have made changes to their Test squad ahead of the second match against India, calling up batter Kamil Mishara and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige as the hosts seek to level the two-match series after a heavy defeat in Galle.

Sri Lanka were beaten by 165 runs in the opening Test, leaving them with little margin for error in the second match, which begins in Colombo on August 23.

The squad changes come as Sri Lanka contend with a series of injuries that have depleted their batting resources.

Coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka will all miss the second Test, leaving Sri Lanka without three experienced members of their batting order.

Mendis has been ruled out with a severe hamstring injury, while Nissanka is continuing his recovery from wrist surgery.

Chandimal, who suffered a concussion on the fourth day of the Galle Test, must complete a mandatory seven-day stand-down period under concussion protocols and is therefore unavailable for the Colombo match.

The absences could open the door for Mishara and Arachchige to make their Test debuts.

Arachchige enters the squad after a productive run of form for Sri Lanka A against India A, where he was his side&#39;s leading run-scorer. Mishara has also impressed in domestic cricket, earning his opportunity as Sri Lanka look to rebuild a weakened batting line-up.

Captain Dhananjaya de Silva will lead a squad that also includes Lahiru Udara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis and Sonal Dinusha, while Niroshan Dickwella and Keshara Nuwantha provide further options.

The bowling attack features Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando.

Sri Lanka&#39;s defeat in Galle has left them sixth in the World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 33.33, while India are fifth on 53.33.

With the series at stake, Sri Lanka will need a much-improved performance in Colombo if they are to prevent India from completing a 2-0 sweep.

Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.]]>
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			<title>Renshaw returns as Australia retain Lyon for second Bangladesh Test</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625096/renshaw-returns-as-australia-retain-lyon-for-second-bangladesh-test</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625096/renshaw-returns-as-australia-retain-lyon-for-second-bangladesh-test#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 10:39:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Renshaw replaces opener Jake Weatherald in the Test which begins on Saturday]]>
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				<![CDATA[Matthew Renshaw will return to the Test side for the first time in more than three years after Australia confirmed their XI for the second World Test Championship match against Bangladesh in Mackay on Friday.

Renshaw replaces Jake Weatherald at the top of the order and will open alongside Travis Head, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon retained his place after captain Pat Cummins had earlier suggested Australia could field a four-man pace attack.

Scott Boland and reserve wicket-keeper-batter Josh Inglis miss out.

Renshaw, 30, last played a Test in 2023 but Cummins backed the left-hander to make a successful return.

&quot;We just want his best,&quot; Cummins told reporters.

&quot;I think some of the kind of chat about Renners in the past is he can look different from day to day.

&quot;I think now, when you get to your back half of your career as a batter, you want to really know what you look like at your best and I think he does that.&quot;

Australia&#39;s XI is: Matthew Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood.]]>
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			<title>Joe Root equals Sachin Tendulkar’s record</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625089/Joe-Root-equals-Sachin-Tendulkar%E2%80%99s-record</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625089/Joe-Root-equals-Sachin-Tendulkar%E2%80%99s-record#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 09:36:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Root reaches his 68th Test fifty against Pakistan to equal Tendulkar’s record]]>
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				<![CDATA[England captain Joe Root further enhanced his reputation as one of Test cricket&rsquo;s most prolific batters on Thursday, equalling Indian great Sachin Tendulkar&rsquo;s record for the most half-centuries in the history of the format during England&rsquo;s first Test against Pakistan at Headingley.

Root reached his 68th Test fifty on the second day of the opening Test, bringing him level with Tendulkar at the top of the all-time list. The England batter, however, was unable to convert the milestone into another major score, falling for 66 off 112 deliveries.

His innings was marked by authority and patience, with Root striking ten boundaries as he helped England establish a commanding position after Pakistan were dismissed for just 171 in their first innings.

The latest achievement adds another significant landmark to Root&rsquo;s extraordinary Test career. With 68 half-centuries now to his name, he has drawn level with Tendulkar, while former West Indies batter Shivnarine Chanderpaul occupies third place on the list with 66 fifties.

Australia&rsquo;s Allan Border and India&rsquo;s Rahul Dravid are joint-fourth with 63 Test half-centuries apiece.

Root&rsquo;s consistency has been one of the defining features of his career, and his latest milestone underlined his ability to contribute heavily to England&rsquo;s batting effort even when he does not go on to score a century.

Root also strengthened his standing among the most successful Test captains when it comes to producing scores of 50 or more.

His 66 at Headingley was his 42nd Test score of at least 50 as England captain, moving him into fifth place on the all-time list.

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith leads the rankings with 61 such scores, followed by Australia&rsquo;s Ricky Ponting with 54 and Allan Border with 51. Pakistan&rsquo;s Misbah-ul-Haq is fourth with 43, leaving Root just one score behind him.

The figures underline the remarkable consistency Root displayed during his tenure as England captain and add another statistical achievement to a career already packed with records and milestones.

England&rsquo;s strong batting display also put them firmly in control of the first Test after Pakistan had been bowled out for 171.

The hosts began the second day at 112 for two, still 59 runs behind Pakistan&rsquo;s modest first-innings total. By the close of play, however, England had surged to 366 for eight, establishing a substantial 195-run first-innings advantage.

A series of useful partnerships transformed the complexion of the contest, with Root playing an important role in one of the most significant stands of the day.

He joined forces with debutant Jordan Cox, and the pair produced a century partnership that put England in a commanding position. Cox impressed on debut with a composed 73, showing considerable temperament as he helped England move decisively ahead of Pakistan.

Cox eventually fell to Ali Usman, ending an important contribution for the hosts. Root followed soon afterwards, dismissed for 66 after having helped England build the platform for their sizeable lead.

Despite losing wickets towards the latter stages of the day, England remained firmly in control at stumps, with an advantage of 195 runs and the opportunity to push for an even bigger total when play resumes.]]>
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			<title>Hamilton chases eighth F1 title</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625084/hamilton-chases-eighth-f1-title</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625084/hamilton-chases-eighth-f1-title#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 09:26:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[The 41-year-old sits 50 points behind current championship leader Kimi Antonelli]]>
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				<![CDATA[Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said Thursday he had spent the summer break training not partying, in the best shape of his life as he chases another title.&nbsp;

The 41-year-old sits 50 points behind current championship leader Kimi Antonelli but said his Ferrari was in a &quot;sweet spot&quot; that gave him hope of being able to close the gap.

&quot;This has been the most different summer break that I&#39;ve ever had in all of my championship seasons,&quot; the veteran Briton told reporters.

Previous summer breaks involved a week or two off &quot;with a bit of partying and stuff,&quot; he said.

But this year was different. &quot;I took this as an opportunity to really level up. So I trained for three weeks.&quot;

&quot;I come back the fittest I&#39;ve ever come back in summer in the 20 years or whatever that I&#39;ve been here,&quot; he said in an ominous warning to his rivals.

Hamilton cut a very different figure to the man who arrived at Zandvoort last year.

Following a frustrating start to his career at Ferrari, he had suggested the team should find another driver and that he was &quot;useless&quot;.

One year on, he said what had changed his outlook was that the team was moving in the right direction and the changes he had demanded had been implemented.

&quot;I think we&#39;re in a real sweet spot. We&#39;re just going to continue to build on this foundation that we&#39;ve built,&quot; he said.

Further driving Hamilton on is the fact he has never won at Zandvoort in his long F1 career.

This will be his last chance, as the Dutch Grand Prix is being removed from the calendar after this season.

&quot;I&#39;ve won at pretty much all the other tracks... So I definitely want to change that. So massively driven, it&#39;s just such an incredible circuit,&quot; he told reporters.]]>
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			<title>Simmons wary of Australia backlash</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625073/simmons-wary-of-australia-backlash</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625073/simmons-wary-of-australia-backlash#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 09:20:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Bangladesh coach said his side could not afford complacency against the World Test Championship leaders in Mackay]]>
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				<![CDATA[Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons has warned his players to expect a fierce backlash from Australia in the second test after his side shocked the cricket world with a&nbsp;nine-wicket&nbsp;victory in the series opener in Darwin.

Australian media dubbed the defeat the &quot;Darwin Disaster&quot; and Simmons said his side &zwnj;could not afford to be complacent when they face the World Test Championship standings leaders in Mackay from Saturday.

&quot;The only thing I had to say to them - and I will repeat it anyway - is that Australia is going to come harder,&quot; Simmons said.

&quot;We have to either keep that level of performance or get a little bit better. Even if we have to get 1% better in some areas, ⁠then we will have to make sure that that&#39;s there.

&quot;But we know that they are going to change their game. They are going to come harder at us.&quot;

The win in Darwin was Bangladesh&#39;s first test victory on Australian soil and Simmons said that it was among the most satisfying results of his long career coaching red-ball cricket.

The former West Indies all-rounder also hinted he was reluctant to alter a winning combination despite left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam pressing for selection after impressing in training.

Shoriful, who has taken 27 wickets in 13 tests, missed the first match because of a hamstring injury.

&quot;He offers something different. But again, we just won a &zwnj;test match,&quot; ⁠Simmons said.

&quot;I&#39;m one ... who hardly likes to change winning teams. So it&#39;s a possibility, but I can&#39;t really say.&quot;

Australia confirmed on Friday they would be making just one change to their team for the second test with Matt Renshaw coming in at the top of the order for Jake Weatherald, who was dropped on Tuesday.

Captain Pat Cummins said Australia were ⁠considering bringing in a fourth paceman in the shape of Scott Boland and leaving out spinner Nathan Lyon, but the line-up was confirmed shortly after training.

Cummins said he was looking for a much-improved performance from the team in Mackay.

&quot;I think ⁠if we play really well and we lose, you feel like you need to do some soul searching,&quot; he told reporters in Queensland.

&quot;I certainly felt like we didn&#39;t play anywhere near our best, and they played ⁠really well and they deserved to win. So, I think it&#39;s going back to when we play well.

&quot;I think everyone&#39;s in a pretty good nick. So it&#39;s just about translating our form into actually a good result.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Barcelona's Flick targets La Liga hat-trick</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625067/barcelonas-flick-targets-la-liga-hat-trick</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625067/barcelonas-flick-targets-la-liga-hat-trick#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 08:35:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The Catalans begin their campaign at Elche on Sunday]]>
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				<![CDATA[Hansi Flick&#39;s second season at Barcelona built on the success of his first, with the German coach guiding the Catalan giants to a second straight La Liga title.

His third campaign, however, brings significant structural change to the team as Barcelona look to maintain their domestic dominance and handle the threat of Jose Mourinho&#39;s Real Madrid, while aiming to end their wait for Champions League glory.

Barca begin their campaign at Elche on Sunday in the Spanish top flight, a day after Mourinho&#39;s Los Blancos visit Espanyol in the Catalan capital.

&quot;We have an incredible team, with a lot of quality,&quot; Flick told Barca&#39;s fans on Wednesday ahead of their final pre-season friendly against Al Ahly. &quot;We are ready to work hard day after day and to fight for all the titles.&quot;

The arrival of Rodri from Manchester City is Barca&#39;s most significant addition, while the departures of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres leave Flick with a reshaped attacking unit.

Barcelona have been prolific going forward but vulnerable at the back since Flick arrived in 2024, and the club hopes the arrival of World Cup winner Rodri can help address the latter.

The Spain captain was a market opportunity Barcelona were reluctant to pass up, particularly with Real Madrid also linked with the 30-year-old holding midfielder before his move to Catalonia.

Rodri brings not only control and defensive protection but also the experience of winning the biggest trophies in club football, qualities Barcelona hope can help them claim a first European crown since 2015.

&quot;I&#39;m here to compete for everything, for big things like the Champions League,&quot; said Rodri after his presentation.

Achieving a third consecutive Liga title is a challenge in itself, particularly with Real Madrid strengthening heavily in the transfer market and turning back to Portuguese veteran Mourinho.

Barcelona have established a domestic advantage over their great rivals in recent seasons, but Mourinho&#39;s arrival adds fuel to the fire of a rivalry he helped turn particularly bitter during his first spell in Madrid, between 2010-2013.

For Flick, the wily Mourinho represents a different kind of challenge.

The German has generally had few problems with opposing coaches during his time in Spain, but Mourinho is an expert at piling pressure on his rivals.

Striker vacancy

Former Germany and Bayern boss Flick will also have to rebuild an attack that has been one of the team&#39;s greatest strengths.

New arrivals Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi appear well suited to the German&#39;s high-intensity approach, with both offering the pace and work rate required to lead Barcelona&#39;s aggressive pressing game.

However, the key question is whether sporting director Deco can land a centre-forward before the transfer window closes.

Barca&#39;s attempt to sign Julian Alvarez splintered on the rocks of Atletico Madrid&#39;s resolve, leaving Flick without an obvious replacement for Lewandowski.

&quot;What Ferran did we can cover with the signings, but what Robert did is more difficult,&quot; said Deco.

&quot;We have internal solutions but we will make another move, we&#39;ll try and find the best solution.&quot;

Barcelona could opt for a cheaper attacker and preserve their spending power for next summer, particularly after making pricy moves for Rodri and Gordon.

Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Gordon and Adeyemi can all operate as false nines, giving Flick different ways to compensate for the absence of a traditional striker, if the club do not get a deal over the line.

Above all, Barcelona will hope teenage sensation Lamine Yamal can remain in his extraordinary form and enjoy a full season at the top of his game after injuries and other concerns disrupted the early months of his previous campaign.

At just 19, Yamal is already the crucial figure in Barcelona&#39;s attack and the player around whom the club&#39;s ambitions are built.

If Rodri can provide greater stability behind him and Flick finds enough goals across a reshaped attack, Barcelona have the tools they need to retain their Liga crown.

With Mourinho back in the Spanish capital the domestic race promises to be more fiercely contested though, and with the Champions League a key goal for Barca, Los Blancos are aiming to capitalise.]]>
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			<title>England crush Pakistan at Headingley</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625122/England-crush-Pakistan-at-Headingley</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625122/England-crush-Pakistan-at-Headingley#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 15:20:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Hosts win first Test by an innings and 103 runs to take a 1-0 lead in three-match series]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat on Friday as England completed an innings and 103 runs victory in the first Test at Headingley, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after dominating with bat and ball.

England had resumed the third day on 366 for eight, holding a 195-run lead over Pakistan&#39;s first-innings total of 171. They added 43 runs to reach 409 before being bowled out, extending their advantage to 238.

Jofra Archer, unbeaten on 23 overnight, added only a few more runs before Pakistan wrapped up the England innings. Ali Usman was Pakistan&#39;s most successful bowler, finishing with five wickets for 95 runs.

Pakistan&#39;s second innings quickly turned into another struggle. Archer removed Imam-ul-Haq for a duck and Azan Awais for nine, leaving the visitors 13 for two.

Shan Masood made 29 and Abdullah Shafique 15, but Pakistan were unable to establish a substantial partnership. Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson continued to trouble the batting order as wickets fell at regular intervals.

Mohammad Rizwan provided the only significant resistance, scoring 41 from 39 balls with five fours. His attacking innings briefly delayed England&#39;s victory, but he was eventually bowled by Gus Atkinson.

Pakistan were dismissed for 135 in 37.3 overs, with Robinson, Archer and Tongue taking three wickets each. Atkinson also claimed one wicket while conceding only 11 runs from his eight overs.

The defeat completed a disappointing match for Pakistan, who had been bowled out for 171 in their first innings after England won the toss and elected to field.

Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue had taken five wickets each in that innings, while Abdullah Shafique top-scored for Pakistan with 61. Imam-ul-Haq contributed 42 but the rest of the batting order failed to provide sustained resistance.

England then built a commanding total of 409.

Jordan Cox struck a solid 73, while captain Joe Root made 66. Harry Brook fell nine runs short of a century after scoring 91 from 93 balls, and Dan Lawrence added 51.

The result gives England a strong start to the series and leaves Pakistan needing a significant improvement in their batting in the next Test.

For England, the victory was a comprehensive team performance, with their bowlers exploiting Pakistan&#39;s weaknesses and their batsmen making the most of the opportunity to build a sizeable first-innings lead.

Pakistan will now look to regroup before the second Test as they attempt to level the series.

In the Test Pakistan never were seen retaliating. Their batting lacked maturity and their bowling had no sting which was direly needed in English conditions.

Babar Azam&rsquo;s absence was a major factor which left the batting line up highly truncated.

Babar had been ruled out of the show due to hand injury. However he is expected to be back for the second Test.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Shadab stars as Falcons sink Patriots</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625108/shadab-stars-as-falcons-sink-patriots</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625108/shadab-stars-as-falcons-sink-patriots#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 11:54:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Falcons chased 188 to move up to fourth spot in the CPL]]>
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				<![CDATA[Antigua and Barbuda Falcons held their nerve to beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by three wickets in a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) clash at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound on Thursday.

Put into bat, Patriots posted 187-6 as Dasun Shanaka produced a stunning late assault, smashing an unbeaten 49 from just 17 balls. Shanaka struck five fours and four sixes to provide the impetus after Kyle Mayers had made 34 off 18 balls at the top of the order. Jason Holder added 27 from 25, while Andre Fletcher contributed 20.

Shamar Springer took two wickets for Patriots while Shadab Khan, Jayden Seales and Moeen Ali claimed one apiece.

Falcons lost wickets regularly in the chase but stayed within reach of their target. Evin Lewis anchored the innings with 48 off 38 balls, including five sixes, while Hasan Nawaz made 33 from 28.

With the required rate climbing, Shadab changed the course of the chase with a blistering 30 from 12 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes.

Moeen finished unbeaten on 25 from 12 deliveries, while Karima Gore contributed 22 off 15 as Falcons reached 188-7 in 19.3 overs.

Mayers and Holder claimed two wickets each for Patriots, with Obed McCoy and Waqar Salamkheil taking one apiece.

The result gave Falcons a crucial three-wicket victory in the campaign, while Patriots were left to rue their failure to convert Shanaka&rsquo;s late fireworks into a winning total.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Sri Lanka reshuffle squad for Colombo Test</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625099/sri-lanka-reshuffle-squad-for-colombo-test</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625099/sri-lanka-reshuffle-squad-for-colombo-test#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 11:07:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige called up for the second Test against India]]>
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				<![CDATA[Sri Lanka have made changes to their Test squad ahead of the second match against India, calling up batter Kamil Mishara and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige as the hosts seek to level the two-match series after a heavy defeat in Galle.

Sri Lanka were beaten by 165 runs in the opening Test, leaving them with little margin for error in the second match, which begins in Colombo on August 23.

The squad changes come as Sri Lanka contend with a series of injuries that have depleted their batting resources.

Coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka will all miss the second Test, leaving Sri Lanka without three experienced members of their batting order.

Mendis has been ruled out with a severe hamstring injury, while Nissanka is continuing his recovery from wrist surgery.

Chandimal, who suffered a concussion on the fourth day of the Galle Test, must complete a mandatory seven-day stand-down period under concussion protocols and is therefore unavailable for the Colombo match.

The absences could open the door for Mishara and Arachchige to make their Test debuts.

Arachchige enters the squad after a productive run of form for Sri Lanka A against India A, where he was his side&#39;s leading run-scorer. Mishara has also impressed in domestic cricket, earning his opportunity as Sri Lanka look to rebuild a weakened batting line-up.

Captain Dhananjaya de Silva will lead a squad that also includes Lahiru Udara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis and Sonal Dinusha, while Niroshan Dickwella and Keshara Nuwantha provide further options.

The bowling attack features Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando.

Sri Lanka&#39;s defeat in Galle has left them sixth in the World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 33.33, while India are fifth on 53.33.

With the series at stake, Sri Lanka will need a much-improved performance in Colombo if they are to prevent India from completing a 2-0 sweep.

Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.]]>
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			<title>Renshaw returns as Australia retain Lyon for second Bangladesh Test</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625096/renshaw-returns-as-australia-retain-lyon-for-second-bangladesh-test</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625096/renshaw-returns-as-australia-retain-lyon-for-second-bangladesh-test#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 10:39:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Renshaw replaces opener Jake Weatherald in the Test which begins on Saturday]]>
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				<![CDATA[Matthew Renshaw will return to the Test side for the first time in more than three years after Australia confirmed their XI for the second World Test Championship match against Bangladesh in Mackay on Friday.

Renshaw replaces Jake Weatherald at the top of the order and will open alongside Travis Head, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon retained his place after captain Pat Cummins had earlier suggested Australia could field a four-man pace attack.

Scott Boland and reserve wicket-keeper-batter Josh Inglis miss out.

Renshaw, 30, last played a Test in 2023 but Cummins backed the left-hander to make a successful return.

&quot;We just want his best,&quot; Cummins told reporters.

&quot;I think some of the kind of chat about Renners in the past is he can look different from day to day.

&quot;I think now, when you get to your back half of your career as a batter, you want to really know what you look like at your best and I think he does that.&quot;

Australia&#39;s XI is: Matthew Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood.]]>
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			<title>Barcelona's Flick targets La Liga hat-trick</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625067/barcelonas-flick-targets-la-liga-hat-trick</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625067/barcelonas-flick-targets-la-liga-hat-trick#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 08:35:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The Catalans begin their campaign at Elche on Sunday]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Hansi Flick&#39;s second season at Barcelona built on the success of his first, with the German coach guiding the Catalan giants to a second straight La Liga title.

His third campaign, however, brings significant structural change to the team as Barcelona look to maintain their domestic dominance and handle the threat of Jose Mourinho&#39;s Real Madrid, while aiming to end their wait for Champions League glory.

Barca begin their campaign at Elche on Sunday in the Spanish top flight, a day after Mourinho&#39;s Los Blancos visit Espanyol in the Catalan capital.

&quot;We have an incredible team, with a lot of quality,&quot; Flick told Barca&#39;s fans on Wednesday ahead of their final pre-season friendly against Al Ahly. &quot;We are ready to work hard day after day and to fight for all the titles.&quot;

The arrival of Rodri from Manchester City is Barca&#39;s most significant addition, while the departures of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres leave Flick with a reshaped attacking unit.

Barcelona have been prolific going forward but vulnerable at the back since Flick arrived in 2024, and the club hopes the arrival of World Cup winner Rodri can help address the latter.

The Spain captain was a market opportunity Barcelona were reluctant to pass up, particularly with Real Madrid also linked with the 30-year-old holding midfielder before his move to Catalonia.

Rodri brings not only control and defensive protection but also the experience of winning the biggest trophies in club football, qualities Barcelona hope can help them claim a first European crown since 2015.

&quot;I&#39;m here to compete for everything, for big things like the Champions League,&quot; said Rodri after his presentation.

Achieving a third consecutive Liga title is a challenge in itself, particularly with Real Madrid strengthening heavily in the transfer market and turning back to Portuguese veteran Mourinho.

Barcelona have established a domestic advantage over their great rivals in recent seasons, but Mourinho&#39;s arrival adds fuel to the fire of a rivalry he helped turn particularly bitter during his first spell in Madrid, between 2010-2013.

For Flick, the wily Mourinho represents a different kind of challenge.

The German has generally had few problems with opposing coaches during his time in Spain, but Mourinho is an expert at piling pressure on his rivals.

Striker vacancy

Former Germany and Bayern boss Flick will also have to rebuild an attack that has been one of the team&#39;s greatest strengths.

New arrivals Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi appear well suited to the German&#39;s high-intensity approach, with both offering the pace and work rate required to lead Barcelona&#39;s aggressive pressing game.

However, the key question is whether sporting director Deco can land a centre-forward before the transfer window closes.

Barca&#39;s attempt to sign Julian Alvarez splintered on the rocks of Atletico Madrid&#39;s resolve, leaving Flick without an obvious replacement for Lewandowski.

&quot;What Ferran did we can cover with the signings, but what Robert did is more difficult,&quot; said Deco.

&quot;We have internal solutions but we will make another move, we&#39;ll try and find the best solution.&quot;

Barcelona could opt for a cheaper attacker and preserve their spending power for next summer, particularly after making pricy moves for Rodri and Gordon.

Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Gordon and Adeyemi can all operate as false nines, giving Flick different ways to compensate for the absence of a traditional striker, if the club do not get a deal over the line.

Above all, Barcelona will hope teenage sensation Lamine Yamal can remain in his extraordinary form and enjoy a full season at the top of his game after injuries and other concerns disrupted the early months of his previous campaign.

At just 19, Yamal is already the crucial figure in Barcelona&#39;s attack and the player around whom the club&#39;s ambitions are built.

If Rodri can provide greater stability behind him and Flick finds enough goals across a reshaped attack, Barcelona have the tools they need to retain their Liga crown.

With Mourinho back in the Spanish capital the domestic race promises to be more fiercely contested though, and with the Champions League a key goal for Barca, Los Blancos are aiming to capitalise.]]>
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			<title>Arsenal embrace being 'hunted' as Premier League returns</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625065/arsenal-embrace-being-hunted-as-premier-league-returns</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625065/arsenal-embrace-being-hunted-as-premier-league-returns#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 08:21:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The champions face newly promoted Coventry in season opener]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Mikel Arteta said Arsenal will embrace being &quot;hunted&quot; by their title rivals as the new Premier League season kicks off with the champions facing Coventry on Friday.

Just 34 days after a captivating World Cup came to an end, the Premier League returns with Arsenal aiming to cement their position as English football&#39;s preeminent force.

The Gunners have the honour of playing the opening game of the season at the Emirates Stadium, before a packed slate of top-flight matches across Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Arteta&#39;s side won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years last season, finally getting their hands on the trophy after finishing as runners-up for the previous three years.

Installed as the bookmakers&#39; title favourites this term, Arsenal look well placed to reign supreme again, especially given the questions surrounding their title challengers.

They routed Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield last weekend to send a statement of intent to the chasing pack.

Bolstered by new signings Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, with Ezri Konsa set to join from Aston Villa, Arteta has no doubts Arsenal can cope with the pressure of being the team everyone wants to beat.

&quot;We start from scratch, from zero, and we&#39;re going to have to prove we are at the level to go back to that position again,&quot; he said.

&quot;We need to show that desire, and the ambition to be better than what we were last season, a month ago, a week ago.

&quot;If you give me the choice, I want to be first, I want to be hunted, and I want to be in control of our future, rather than depending on somebody else.&quot;

Winning the Premier League was a cathartic moment for the north London club after so many near-misses raised doubts about their character.

&#39;A long marathon&#39;

Arteta believes surviving that test of their resolve will stand them in good stead in their bid to win Arsenal&#39;s first back-to-back titles since the 1930s.

&quot;We need to breathe because it&#39;s going to be a long marathon,&quot; he said.

&quot;We have the ability to improve, to evolve, and that&#39;s what I sense and I feel around the club, especially around the players.&quot;

Coventry are back in the Premier League for the first time in 25 years after winning promotion from the Championship.

After a spell in the fourth tier in 2017-18 and twice being force to ground-share with other clubs after financial issues involving their own stadium, Coventry&#39;s return to the elite is a feel-good story.

But even Sky Blues manager Frank Lampard acknowledges the uplifting tale might not have a happy ending.

&quot;We will go through tougher times this year for sure because of the competition we&#39;re up against now,&quot; Lampard said.

&quot;It&#39;s just a reality that we need to be ready for.&quot;

Manchester City, runners-up last season, start life without Pep Guardiola at home to Bournemouth on Sunday.

Guardiola stepped down at the end of last season after winning 20 trophies in a glorious decade at the Etihad Stadium.

Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has accepted the daunting task of emulating the Spaniard&#39;s success.

Liverpool&#39;s new manager Andoni Iraola will take charge of his first game in Sunday&#39;s trip to Newcastle.

Ex-Bournemouth boss Iraola was hired by Liverpool to replace Arne Slot, who was sacked following the Reds&#39; disappointing fifth-place finish last season.

Xabi Alonso begins his reign as Chelsea boss with a west London derby at Fulham on Monday.

Manchester United start on Saturday at promoted Hull, who are back in the top tier for the first time since 2017.

Big-spending Tottenham, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, travel to Brentford on Saturday.

Europa League winners Aston Villa, ravaged by a host of star departures since last season, head to Brighton on Sunday.]]>
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			<title>Inter set for Serie A title defence</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625061/inter-set-for-serie-a-title-defence</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625061/inter-set-for-serie-a-title-defence#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 08:09:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Rivals AC Milan get Ruben Amorim reboot to revive their fortunes]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Inter Milan begin their Serie A title defence on Saturday as clear favourites to retain the Scudetto, but the reigning champions have undergone significant changes since completing a league and Italian Cup double in May.

Cristian Chivu is entering his second season in charge and has reshaped a squad he inherited from Simone Inzaghi little over a year ago.

The Romanian has focused on rejuvenating an ageing team while adding a distinctly Premier League flavour during the summer transfer window.

Spanish goalkeeper Josep Martinez is expected to take over from the departed Yann Sommer as part of a refreshed rearguard that was showing signs of wear.

Veterans Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Darmian and Stefan de Vrij have all moved on, while Died Spence, who impressed for England at the 2026 World Cup, has arrived alongside experienced Manchester City centre-back John Stones.

Manuel Akanji, another former City defender, has completed a permanent switch after joining Inter on loan last term, but Denzel Dumfries is now at Real Madrid.

Inter are also pursuing Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones as they look to maintain a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

With captain Lautaro Martinez and France forward Marcus Thuram continuing to lead the attack, supported by emerging talents Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny, Inter are targeting a third league title in four seasons.

They are also eager to make amends for a disappointing European campaign that ended in the knockout play-off round against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.

&quot;The objective is always to win, always to dominate the league,&quot; midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu recently told beIN Sports. &quot;In five seasons I&#39;ve won eight trophies and played in two Champions League finals, and we&#39;ll keep trying to win titles.&quot;

Amorim tasked with Milan reboot&nbsp;

The race to unseat Inter appears wide open, with city rivals AC Milan turning to ex-Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim in a bid to revive their fortunes after finishing fifth last season.

They splashed out a club record 74 million euros ($86 million) to sign Portugal forward Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain, striving to bolster the attacking options for a team hurt by a lack of goals.

&quot;I know exactly what this club means: history, prestige and an extraordinary fanbase around the world,&quot; Amorim said after his appointment in June.

&quot;It is a challenge I embrace with pride and enthusiasm, fully aware of what these colours represent. I can&#39;t wait to get started and to experience every day the passion that drives AC Milan.&quot;

Anything less than a return to the Champions League would represent another setback for the seven-time European champions after a series of frustrating seasons that have tested supporters&#39; patience.

Napoli finished second last season but head into the new campaign under new management after Antonio Conte&#39;s exit.

Conte&#39;s successor, Massimiliano Allegri, boasts six Serie A titles with Juventus and Milan. He has questions to answer though after a disappointing spell at Milan ended with the club missing out on Champions League qualification on the final day.

Napoli have also had a quiet transfer window. Romelu Lukaku left for Turkey after an injury-ravaged past year, leaving Rasmus Hojlund as the main man up front for the 2024-25 Italian champions.

Juventus also view a top-four finish as the minimum requirement. The Turin giants ended last season sixth, 18 points behind Inter, and continue to grapple with financial pressures despite the backing of the Agnelli family.

The club has made sweeping changes and parted ways with Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic, previously Serie A&#39;s highest-paid player. Juventus have nevertheless invested heavily, spending more than 40 million euros to secure France forward Randal Kolo Muani.

Should Milan and Juventus fail to meet expectations again, Roma and ambitious Como could be well placed to capitalise.

Roma finished third under Gian Piero Gasperini, while Como, led by former Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas, are preparing for a remarkable Champions League debut just seven years after playing in Italy&#39;s fourth tier.

Elsewhere, Fiorentina have spent more than 120 million euros to mark the club&#39;s centenary and erase memories of a disastrous 2025-26 campaign that ended with a 15th-place finish.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Arsenal can become world's best club: Arteta</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624927/arsenal-can-become-worlds-best-club-arteta</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624927/arsenal-can-become-worlds-best-club-arteta#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 26 11:23:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The Gunners begin their title defence against promoted Coventry on Friday]]>
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				<![CDATA[Mikel Arteta has warned Arsenal&#39;s rivals that he plans to build the Premier League champions into the &quot;best club in the world&quot;.

Arteta&#39;s side start their bid for a second successive English title against promoted Coventry in the opening game of the top-flight season on Friday.

For the first time in 22 years, the Gunners will begin a campaign as the Premier League&#39;s preeminent force, a status Arteta is determined to maintain as he targets an Arsenal dynasty.

With Manchester City&#39;s golden era potentially at an end after Pep Guardiola resigned at the end of last season, the stage is set for Arsenal to enjoy their own sustained period of success.

Guardiola won six Premier League titles and Arteta, who worked under the Spaniard at City before taking charge of Arsenal in 2019, has no qualms about challenging his players to emulate that dominant run.

&quot;It&#39;s certainly the ambition of the club and the owners to be the best club in the world,&quot; he told Sky Sports this week.

&quot;In order to do that, you need the best facilities, the best stadium, the best supporters, and you need the best squad and the best players in the world.

&quot;That&#39;s what we try to build with the actual players that we have, and with the players that we want to sign to make the difference for Arsenal.&quot;

Arsenal haven&#39;t won consecutive English titles since the 1930s, a feat that proved beyond even Arsene Wenger&#39;s &#39;Invincibles&#39;, who were the club&#39;s last champions before Arteta&#39;s men ended the drought.

Arteta is using that goal as a rallying cry for his team, with the pain of their Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties last season adding further fuel to the Spaniard&#39;s motivational fire.

&quot;It&#39;s very difficult. You have to raise the level from every angle,&quot; he said.

&quot;When I look into the eyes of my players, I see that fire, that desire and the will to be better every single day.&quot;

Winning the Champions League for the first time remains a burning desire for Arteta&#39;s men, but their manager&#39;s primary ambition is domestic supremacy.

Arsenal, installed as the bookmakers&#39; favourite for the title, showed their hunger for silverware has not been sated by dispatching Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield on Sunday.

&#39;We want more&#39;

Bolstered by the arrival of Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle and Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, Arsenal looked more formidable than ever as they tore City to shreds.

Ominously for their rivals, Arteta isn&#39;t finished spending yet. The club are on the verge of tying up a deal for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa and have also been linked with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.

Coventry manager Frank Lampard could be forgiven for having a sleepless night or two as he ponders how to subdue Arsenal in his club&#39;s first game in the top tier for 25 years.

It is a conundrum that may well torment managers with far greater resources than Lampard this season.

City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea all have major questions to answer before they can establish themselves as genuine contenders for Arsenal&#39;s crown.

Enzo Maresca has replaced Guardiola at City, while former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola succeeds the sacked Arne Slot at Liverpool and Xabi Alonso takes charge of under-achieving Chelsea.

City finished seven points behind Arsenal last term and already seem further adrift on the evidence of their Community Shield debacle.

Liverpool, who came fifth last season, and Chelsea, who ended 10th, hope for much improved campaigns, but are far from the finished article.

The same is true of United, who climbed to third under Michael Carrick last season but have taken a surprisingly low-key approach in the transfer market.

As captain Martin Odegaard says, Arsenal have the destiny of the title in their hands.

&quot;This year we want more. We want to do it again in the league and then there are the other trophies,&quot; he said.]]>
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			<title>India knock Pakistan out of World Cup</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624779/India-knock-Pakistan-out-of-World-Cup</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624779/India-knock-Pakistan-out-of-World-Cup#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 26 15:17:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alam Zeb Safi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624779</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Harmanpreet Singh scores twice as India win Group D clash 5-3]]>
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				<![CDATA[KARACHI: India downed Pakistan 5-3 in a pulsating Group D clash at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Wednesday, knocking their arch-rivals out of the FIH Hockey World Cup after the Green-shirts suffered their second defeat of the tournament.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice from penalty corners while Abhishek added two field goals as India produced a clinical attacking display.

Pakistan struck twice in the second quarter through Hannan Shahid and Sufyan Khan, but India maintained control and went into halftime with a 4-2 lead.



India gets the 3 points! 🇮🇳 What an exciting game against Pakistan! 💥#HWC2026 pic.twitter.com/4SwC2x2I63
&mdash; International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) August 19, 2026



Harmanpreet opened the scoring from a penalty corner before Abhishek doubled India&#39;s advantage. Pakistan responded through Shahid, who scored twice during the match, and Sufyan Khan, who converted a penalty corner to keep Pakistan within reach.

India extended their advantage in the third quarter before Pakistan reduced the deficit again through Shahid in the final period. India, however, held their nerve and added a fifth goal to secure victory.

Pakistan earned four penalty corners but converted only one, while India scored twice from four penalty corners. India also converted a penalty stroke.

The defeat ended Pakistan&#39;s hopes of progressing from Group D. They had already suffered a 4-1 defeat by England, meaning Wednesday&#39;s loss was their second of the group stage.

India, who had beaten Wales 3-1 in their opening match, progressed to the next stage.

Pakistan will now play in the classification stage for 9th to 16th position. After holding Wales to a draw following a 4-1 defeat at the hands of England, Pakistan direly needed to win this game against India.

However, it was not expected keeping Pakistan&rsquo;s recent record against India, as in the FIH Pro League recently India had downed Pakistan in both matches in England.

Pakistan, which has only two players in their side having played in the previous World Cup held eight years ago, had qualified for the global event after missing the 2023 edition.

Earlier, England produced a ruthless attacking display to beat Wales 8-2 at the same venue.

This was England&#39;s third straight win, and they have finished Group D at the summit with nine points.

England raced into a 2-0 lead in the opening quarter and continued to punish Wales&#39; defence, adding two more goals before halftime. They led 4-0 at the break and never looked in danger of surrendering control.

Will Calnan was the standout scorer for England, netting twice, while Thomas Sorsby, Zachary Wallace and Sam Ward also found the net. Nicholas Bandurak added another goal and England&#39;s pressure through penalty corners helped create sustained attacking opportunities.

Henry Croft and Samuel Hooper were also on the score-sheet, with both registering goals from England&#39;s penalty-corner opportunities.

Wales, despite being under pressure for much of the contest, managed to respond in the final quarter. Gareth Furlong struck twice, including a goal from a short corner, but the late revival came far too late to alter the outcome. This was the second loss for Wales as they finished with just one point and will play classification matches from 9th to 16th position.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>PHF launches coaching education programme</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624705/phf-launches-national-coaching-education-programme</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624705/phf-launches-national-coaching-education-programme#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 26 06:34:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Zulfiqar Baig]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624705</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The first phase brings together coaches for hands-on training led by Dutch expert Herman Kruis]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) today formally inaugurated Phase 1 of its national coaching education program, marking a significant step toward modernizing the sport&#39;s technical standards and tactical frameworks across the country.

The opening session was conducted by PHF National Coaching Advisor Herman Kruis, bringing together dynamic blend of young and experienced Pakistani coaches. Designed as an interactive, highly practical, and objective learning workshop, the session focused on contemporary coaching methodologies, tactical analysis, and modern athlete management.

PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani attended the inaugural session to observe coach engagement and evaluate the program&rsquo;s baseline standards.

&quot;Modernizing our coaching ecosystem is fundamental to restoring Pakistan&#39;s competitive edge on the international stage,&quot; said PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani. &quot;Seeing our coaches&mdash;both upcoming and veteran&mdash;actively engage, ask sharp tactical questions, and embrace structured, modern techniques is deeply encouraging. Executive oversight ensures these programs deliver concrete, long-term impact at every level.&quot;

Participants noted the high level of practical interaction, clear technical objectives, and open Q&amp;A format, providing actionable insights for immediate application in local and regional training camps.

Phase 1 will continue with structured modules designed to establish a standardized national coaching framework, ensuring uniform modern methodologies are taught from grassroots academies up to senior national pools.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan face India in must-win World Cup clash</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624550/pakistan-face-india-in-must-win-world-cup-clash</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624550/pakistan-face-india-in-must-win-world-cup-clash#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 26 08:34:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alam Zeb Safi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624550</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Former Olympian Nasir Ali urges Pakistan to convert chances]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan face arch-rivals India in a decisive FIH Hockey World Cup Group D encounter on Wednesday, knowing only victory will ensure their progression to the tournament&#39;s next stage.

The match at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen is scheduled to start at 6pm PST, with England and Wales meeting at the same venue earlier in the day.

England, already assured of a place in the top-eight stage after winning their opening two matches, lead Group D with six points. India have three points after beating Wales 3-1, while Pakistan have one point from a 3-3 draw against Wales. Wales also have one point after two matches.

India will advance with a draw against Pakistan, leaving their neighbours under considerable pressure to produce their first victory of the tournament.

Former Pakistan captain and 1984 Los Angeles Olympics gold medallist Nasir Ali said the intense rivalry could make the match particularly demanding for both teams.

&quot;Both nations feel pressure when they play against each other,&quot; Nasir told The Express Tribune.

&quot;India will have an advantage as they have three points and even a draw will take them through. Pakistan have no other option but to beat India,&rdquo; Nasir said.

Pakistan began their campaign with a 4-1 defeat by England before recovering to earn a point against Wales. Their performance against Wales offered encouragement after Pakistan had surrendered a lead late in the match, but Nasir believes they must be more clinical against India.

&quot;It is a big tournament and you cannot afford to miss chances,&quot; he said, pointing to opportunities wasted against England, including Rana Waheed&#39;s effort that struck the post.

Nasir nevertheless believes Pakistan&#39;s performances indicate progress from their recent displays in the Pro League.

&quot;The team is taking off,&quot; he said. &quot;If you compare its current performance with that of the Pro League, you will find that the team is keeping possession of the ball, which is a good thing. In the Pro League, hardly 20 to 25 percent possession would be kept by Pakistan.&quot;

That improvement in possession will need to translate into attacking efficiency against an Indian side that has already demonstrated its ability to handle pressure in the tournament.

Nasir said Pakistan&#39;s players would have to maintain accuracy and composure in a fast-paced contest.

&quot;Today&#39;s hockey is very fast and you will have to be very accurate and should tackle the situation quite professionally,&quot; he said.

The stakes are heightened by the competition&#39;s new top-eight format. The leading two teams from each of the four initial groups advance to a league stage. The Group D qualifiers will join the top two teams from Group A.

Teams that have already met in the preliminary group stage will not play each other again in the next phase, but their earlier result will be carried forward.&nbsp;

For Pakistan, however, the equation is straightforward. A draw will not be enough. After losing to England and being held by Wales, they must beat India to continue their World Cup campaign.

With qualification resting on the result, Wednesday&#39;s encounter promises to be another high-pressure chapter in one of hockey&#39;s most closely watched rivalries.]]>
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			<title>Wales hold Pakistan in World Cup thriller</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624402/Wales-hold-Pakistan-in-World-Cup-thriller</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624402/Wales-hold-Pakistan-in-World-Cup-thriller#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 26 15:12:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624402</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Despite the outcome Pakistan still have a chance to progress in the 16-team event]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s hopes of reaching the second stage of the FIH Hockey World Cup remained alive after they were held to a 3-3 draw by Wales in a dramatic Group D encounter at the Wagener Hockey Stadium on Monday.

Pakistan had been expected to bounce back after losing 4-1 to England in their opening match, but Wales proved equally determined and twice fought back from behind to earn a point.

The draw leaves Pakistan needing a strong result against arch-rivals India in their final group match on Wednesday at the same venue. India had beaten Wales 3-1 in their opener.

Pakistan made the brighter start and took the lead in the third minute when Abdul Rehman finished an attacking move to put the Green Shirts 1-0 ahead.

The early goal settled Pakistan and they continued to apply pressure, earning several penalty corners as Wales struggled to establish a rhythm. Pakistan, however, were unable to extend their advantage despite creating opportunities.

Wales gradually worked their way back into the contest and turned the game around in the second quarter.

Gareth Furlong levelled for Wales in the 25th minute before Rhys Bradshaw struck a minute later to give the Welsh side a 2-1 lead.

Pakistan tried to respond before halftime but Wales held firm, protecting their advantage and forcing Pakistan to chase the game.

The third quarter produced no goals, although the intensity increased as both sides battled for possession and territory. Pakistan continued to search for an opening while Wales defended their lead.

The contest burst into life again in the final quarter. Pakistan levelled in the 49th minute when Sufyan Khan converted a penalty corner to make it 2-2.

The goal shifted momentum back towards Pakistan and they quickly completed the turnaround. Hannan Shahid scored in the 51st minute to put Pakistan ahead for the second time in the match.

With Pakistan leading 3-2 and less than 10 minutes remaining, Wales were facing the prospect of defeat despite having overturned an early deficit.

But Furlong again came to Wales&#39; rescue. The captain scored his second goal in the 53rd minute to restore parity at 3-3 and set up a tense finish.

Both sides pressed for a winner in the closing stages, but neither could produce the decisive goal. Pakistan had opportunities to regain the lead, while Wales continued to threaten on the counter, but the final whistle confirmed a share of the points.

Pakistan finished with eight penalty corners and converted one, while Wales earned six and also scored once from a penalty corner. Pakistan were shown two green cards and one yellow, while Wales received two green and two yellow cards.

For Pakistan, the draw will feel like both an opportunity missed and a lifeline. They surrendered a 1-0 lead before fighting back from 2-1 down, but their failure to hold the advantage after Shahid&#39;s goal prevented them from taking maximum points.

Meanwhile in the other vital group game England conqured India 4-2 to progress to the next stage. Now India, who have three points, will play a big game against Pakistan on Wednesday which will decide their fate. The winners of that show will progress in the event.

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			<title>Alcaraz confirms US Open return</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625102/alcaraz-confirms-us-open-return</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625102/alcaraz-confirms-us-open-return#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 11:32:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2625102</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[He had missed the French Open, ‌Wimbledon and the North American hard-court events in Toronto and Cincinnati]]>
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				<![CDATA[Carlos &zwnj;Alcaraz will return to competitive tennis at ⁠the US ⁠Open, ending a more than four-month absence caused by a&nbsp;wrist injury, in ⁠a bid to defend his title in New York.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion confirmed ⁠on Thursday that he will play the August 30-September 13 tournament after withdrawing from the Barcelona Open in April and missing the French Open, &zwnj;Wimbledon and the North American hard-court events in Toronto and Cincinnati.

Alcaraz had initially targeted Cincinnati, where he won last year, for his comeback. But he opted to give his wrist more time to recover.

He has gradually ⁠increased his workload in recent ⁠weeks and trained with Denmark&rsquo;s Holger Rune in Murcia as he tested the injury at higher intensity.

His return was also ⁠given a football-style announcement on Instagram by transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, who posted &ldquo;Here we go!&rdquo; ⁠alongside confirmation that Alcaraz would be back at the US Open.

New York holds particular significance for Alcaraz. He won &zwnj;his first Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows in 2022, becoming the youngest player to reach &zwnj;world &zwnj;number one in the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) rankings.

Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam in January with his triumph, at age 22, at the Australian Open.

He added the ATP hard court title in Doha in February.

But after withdrawing in Barcelona he pulled out of tournaments in Madrid and Rome before withdrawing from Roland Garros, where he was the two-time reigning champion.

He also missed Wimbledon, where rival Jannik Sinner prevailed for the second year in a row on the London grass, beating French Open winner Alexander Zverev in the final.

Zverev had moved into second in the world rankings ahead of Alcaraz after Wimbledon, but Alcaraz has since regained the number two spot ahead of the German.

Until this year Alcaraz had missed just one Grand Slam since making his main draw debut at the 2021 Australian Open, missing Melbourne in 2023 with a hamstring injury.]]>
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			<title>Iga Swiatek into Cincinnati semis</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625062/iga-swiatek-into-cincinnati-semis</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625062/iga-swiatek-into-cincinnati-semis#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 08:13:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2625062</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Elena Rybakina was forced to retire with a heel injury]]>
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				<![CDATA[Iga Swiatek moved into the semi-finals of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters as Elena Rybakina was forced to retire with a heel injury less than half an hour into their clash Thursday.

Rybakina&#39;s withdrawal raised concerns over the fitness of the world number two Kazakh just 10 days before the start of the US Open.

Trailing 4-1 in the opening set of Thursday&#39;s Cincinnati quarter-final, Rybakina suddenly pulled up short at 40-all, heading to her bench and consulting with the trainer.

She went back out and played one more point before quitting.

&quot;I was feeling anxious watching the whole situation,&quot; said her opponent Swiatek. &quot;I hope she will be fine. Health is always the priority.&quot;

&quot;This is an important tournament, but the US Open is the US Open. I hope she is ready for that,&quot; she said, referring to the major which begins in New York on August 30.

&quot;It was a shame she was injured, we were having a good match.&quot;

Had two-time Grand Slam winner Rybakina reached the Cincinnati final she would have risen to number one in the world for the first time in her career, following incumbent Aryna Sabalenka&#39;s shock exit to 20-year-old Sara Bejlek.

Defending Cincinnati champion Swiatek said she had &quot;gained a lot of confidence in the last weeks,&quot; which have also included her victory over Rybakina in the final of this month&#39;s Toronto event.

&quot;I feel great, ready to play my game... I&#39;m happy to be playing the tennis that I am.&quot;

&#39;Good record&#39;&nbsp;

Poland&#39;s Swiatek now plays a semi-final against Jessica Pegula, who is reportedly carrying a hip niggle after defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4).

Sixth-seeded Anisimova converted all five of her break points against Pegula, breaking her three times in the second set, before the world number three rebounded to win.

Pegula is setting WTA records at age 32. She is the fourth player since 2009 to reach five or more Masters 1000 quarter-finals after turning 30, along with Li Na, Serena Williams and Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Pegula needed just 34 minutes to pocket the opening set.

But Anisimova struck back in the second, earning a double break for 4-0.

After Anisimova squared the match at one-set each, Pegula regrouped with an opening break in the deciding set.

They would each be broken twice as they went to the tiebreaker, where Pegula sealed the win on her first match point.

Pegula&#39;s win was her sixth without a loss to Anisimova.

&quot;I know I have a good record against her, but literally every single match is like it was today,&quot; she said.

Sweet victory&nbsp;

In the men&#39;s draw, Flavio Cobolli advanced to the final four with a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat of Tommy Paul, gobbling down a handful of sweets for an unorthodox boost midway through the match.

The Roland Garros runner-up asked for the candy to be brought to the court and seemingly took energy from the pause before dispatching Paul, who had himself eliminated top seed Alexander Zverev 24 hours earlier.

&quot;A sweet with chocolate makes me happy,&quot; Cobolli said. &quot;I&#39;ve tried it in doubles so why not singles?&quot;

Cobolli mounted the comeback after dropping the opening set.

With the match tied at a set apiece, Paul needed an extraordinary effort to hold serve for 4-3 in the final set, battling through five deuces and saving four break points.

But Cobolli ignored the showing and closed out victory.

&quot;It was a difficult day,&quot; the winner said. &quot;I&#39;m proud of my effort, my game and my mental strength. It is all good practice for the US Open.

Cobelli will play for a place in the final when he faces Arthur Fils, who defeated Thiago Tirante 6-3, 6-2 in just 64 minutes -- the shortest men&#39;s match of the event.

Fils, the eighth Frenchman to reach Cincinnati semi-finals in the Open Era, said he was impressed by the weight of his opponent&#39;s big game.

&quot;He has an unbelievable serve, I was surprised by the speed of his ball,&quot; he said.

&quot;I tried to make him play a bit more. I stayed solid in my head and it worked pretty well for me.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Sabalenka slams Wang to advance at Cincinnati</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624720/sabalenka-slams-wang-to-advance-at-cincinnati</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624720/sabalenka-slams-wang-to-advance-at-cincinnati#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 26 07:42:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624720</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The world number one took only 54 minutes to beat Wang 6-1, 6-3]]>
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				<![CDATA[Aryna Sabalenka unleashed her big game with devastating effect on Tuesday, hammering China&#39;s Wang Xinyu 6-1, 6-3 to reach the fourth round of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati

The world number one took only 20 minutes to blow through the first set against her 36th-ranked opponent and began the second set with a break of serve.

Sabalenka kept up the pressure in the second set with Wang double-faulting on the top seed&#39;s first match point after 54 minutes.

The victory marked the 45th in a row for Sabalenka at the Masters 1000 level.

&quot;I cannot complain. She&#39;s a tough opponent,&quot; Sabalenka said. &quot;To win in straight sets like this in under an hour is insane.

&quot;I&#39;m super happy to be through. I really trusted myself and went for my shots. I wasn&#39;t over-thinking. I was able to stay focused and be in every point.&quot;

Sabalenka next plays Czach Sara Bejlek, a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 winner over Ekaterina Alexandrova.

Fourth seed Coco Gauff needed to battle following a sizzling first set in a 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) victory over fellow American Ann Li.

The 2023 champion had it all her own way in the opening set against her 29th-ranked foe, winning in 30 minutes. The pair exchanged early breaks in the second on the way to a tie-breaker, in which Gauff seized a 4-1 lead and won on her third match point.

&quot;She played better in the second set and I missed a couple of break opportunities,&quot; Gauff said. &quot;I tried to forget about those.

&quot;It was hard to control the ball for both of us and it was my first time playing a day match on this center court so I had to adjust to that.&quot;

Mirra Andreeva&#39;s French Open reigning champion status counted for little as the fifth seed struggled to close out a 6-1, 7-6 (7/5) victory over Janice Tjen.

The Indonesian challenger ranked 37 was bowled over in the first set but made Andreeva work to finally advance.

&quot;In the first I was in command and she had unforced errors here and there, but in the second after a couple of games I started getting nervous, she made fewer mistakes -- it turned into a match of mentality and physicality,&quot; Andreeva said.

Eighth seed Elina Svitolina was forced to withdraw before her match against Wang Xiyu with an ankle injury.

&quot;I&#39;ve been advised by the doctors to take a little bit of time to rest and recover completely,&quot; the Ukrainian said in a statement.

Canada&#39;s second-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime eliminated Argentina&#39;s Juan Manuel Cerundolo 7-5, 6-1 in 90 minutes.

&quot;It was a tricky start, finding my rhythm,&quot; the Canadian said. &quot;Lefties are tricky, you don&#39;t play them so often. You can prepare all you want but until you step onto the court you can&#39;t find your right adjustments. Then you feel comfortable.&quot;

Washington winner and fifth seed Taylor Fritz fired eight aces in defeating Daniel Merida 6-3 6-4 in 83 minutes. The Spaniard made 25 unforced errors as Fritz booked a fourth-round match against Australian Chris O&#39;Connell, who is 0-3 against the American.

&#39;I played amazing&#39;

Last week&#39;s Montreal finalist Brandon Nakashima came from the brink to upset fourth seed Daniil Medvedev 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-1.

Nakashima led 5-2 in the first set before falling in the tie-breaker, then saved three match points in the 10th game of the second set on the way to forcing a third, which he dominated.

Italian 10th seed Lorenzo Musetti defeated American Michael Zheng 6-1, 6-3 in 71 minutes.

Portugal&#39;s Nuno Borges defeated 2021 runner-up Andrey Rublev 6-3, 6-4 in 72 minutes.

The 47th-ranked Borges ended a five-match loss streak in the rivalry while Rublev will drop from the ranking top 20 for the first time since January 2020.

&quot;I played amazing,&quot; Borges said. &quot;It means a lot to be in the fourth round. It&#39;s a big moment for me.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Williams sisters fall at Cincinnati while Zverev advances</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624545/williams-sisters-fall-at-cincinnati-while-zverev-advances</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624545/williams-sisters-fall-at-cincinnati-while-zverev-advances#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 26 07:47:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624545</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Serena and Venus Williams lost in their first doubles match together since 2022]]>
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				<![CDATA[Serena and Venus Williams lost in their first doubles match together since 2022 while men&#39;s top seed Alexander Zverev battled into the fourth round on Monday at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters.

The Williams sisters, with 14 Grand Slam titles and three Olympic gold medals together, were side-by-side for the first time since the 2022 US Open but lost to American Payton Stearns and Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine 6-2, 1-6, 10-8.

&quot;It was fun and special. We kicked off a little rust,&quot; Serena Williams said. &quot;I didn&#39;t come here to win this tournament. It&#39;s about having fun and I did want to do the best I could.&quot;

German star Zverev, the reigning French Open champion, won his ATP season-best 46th match of the campaign by defeating Terrance Atmane 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (8/6).

Zverev finished the Frenchman, a 2025 Cincinnati semi-finalist, with a sizzling backhand down the line.

&quot;He was playing incredibly aggressively, hitting forehands all over the court,&quot; Zverev said. &quot;He made it difficult for you to play aggressive yourself.&quot;

Serena, 44, and Venus, 46, each lost serve once in the first set, dropping six of the final seven games, but dominated the second set and rallied from 8-2 down in the 10-point tie-breaker third set only to lose on a Venus double fault.

&quot;It was weird to be in a full stadium. This is not my usual Monday night,&quot; said Serena, who noted with the US Open approaching that their reunion is a limited-time attraction.

&quot;This is not forever. It&#39;s... not long,&quot; she said. &quot;We don&#39;t have to play every week. It&#39;s a bit different.&quot;

Alexandra Eala, the 17th-seeded Filipina, lost to US ninth seed Amanda Anisimova, who recovered after losing a 65-minute opening set for a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory.

The opener featured a 20-minute fifth game, with Eala, 21, coming back from a break down before Anisimova battled back.

Men&#39;s fifth seed Alex de Minaur battled through multiple rain interruptions to defeat Arthur Fery 7-5, 7-6 (7/3).

The Australian was up a set and 5-1 after a 30-minute stoppage before Wimbledon semi-finalist Fery caught fire, but he took the tie-break to advance despite 29 unforced errors.

&quot;You never want to go into a rain delay leading 5-1,&quot; he said. &quot;It was a tough day with all the interruptions. I can&#39;t remember a match that started and stopped so many times. I&#39;m happy with how I found a way.&quot;

He next faces France&#39;s Arthur Fils, who dumped Czech ninth seed Jiri Lehecka 6-1, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3.

Spanish teen 12th seed Rafael Jodar dominated Alejandro Tabilo of Chile 6-2, 6-1 and next faces Roland Garros finalist Flavio Cobolli of Italy.

&quot;A Masters 1000 is something I dreamed of as a kid,&quot; Jodar said. &quot;I&#39;m grateful for the position I&#39;m in now.&quot;

Argentine Thiago Tirante, who ousted Novak Djokovic in the second round, defeated Spain&#39;s Martin Landaluce 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/4).

Brazil&#39;s Joao Fonseca withdrew from the event with an abdominal injury.

&#39;A crazy day&#39;&nbsp;

Two-time Grand Slam champion Elena Rybakina shook off two one-hour rain stoppages to beat Magdalena Frech 6-4, 7-6 (7/2).

&quot;It was a crazy day, to be honest, coming out every time into clouds and humidity,&quot; Rybakina said. &quot;I was on top of the ball in the tie-break but it was a difficult one.&quot;

There were also wins for Iga Swiatek and US third seed Jessica Pegula.

Former world number one and defending champion Swiatek outlasted Greece&#39;s Maria Sakkari 4-6, 6-1, 6-1.

Pegula, a 2024 finalist, dispatched compatriot Emma Navarro 7-5, 6-2.]]>
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			<title>Nooh laments Pakistan weightlifting crisis</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623082/nooh-laments-pakistan-weightlifting-crisis</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623082/nooh-laments-pakistan-weightlifting-crisis#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 26 08:49:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alam Zeb Safi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623082</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Birmingham gold medallist says federation’s IWF ban has derailed his career and cost Pakistan medals]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s seasoned weightlifter and 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games gold medallist Nooh Dastgir Butt says the country&rsquo;s weightlifting crisis has not only derailed his career but also deprived several leading lifters of major international opportunities.

&ldquo;I am doing preparation, but how can you do it with a big heart when there is no participation in sight in any major event?&rdquo; Nooh told The Express Tribune in an interview.

&ldquo;I am confronting the bad time of my career. When I settled my affairs with the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation (PWF), it was banned by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF),&rdquo; he said.

Nooh was invited to appear in trials for next month&rsquo;s Asian Games in Japan but chose not to attend, saying he had little faith that Pakistan would eventually send a team.

&ldquo;Yes, I had been invited for the trials, but I did not go as I knew that nothing would happen and the team would not be sent,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;How can you focus on a target when you know that nothing will happen and you will not get an opportunity to feature in continental or other major events?&rdquo;

Nooh also questioned Pakistan&rsquo;s failure to send weightlifters to the recently concluded Commonwealth Games, where he believes the country could have won medals.

&ldquo;I have heard that one weightlifter is being sent to the Asian Games. I am surprised. If they are trying to do so, then why did they not try to send weightlifters to the recently concluded Commonwealth Games, where we could have won medals?&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;Had they sent us to Glasgow, I was sure of winning gold, as the gold in my weight category came with 389kg, while I had lifted 405kg at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.&rdquo;

Nooh said Talha Talib, his brother Hanzala Dastgir Butt and Haider Ali were also capable of winning medals, lamenting that Pakistan missed another opportunity for success.

David Liti of New Zealand won gold in the restructured 109kg plus category in Glasgow with a combined lift of 389kg, edging India&rsquo;s Lovepreet Singh, who lifted 388kg. England&rsquo;s Andre Griffiths took bronze.

At Birmingham in 2022, Nooh won gold with 405kg, while Liti took silver with 394kg and India&rsquo;s Gurdeep Singh claimed bronze with 390kg.

After missing out on the Commonwealth Games and facing uncertainty over the Asian Games, Nooh has now set his sights on the South Asian Games, which Pakistan is scheduled to host early next year.

&ldquo;Now I want to do my best in the South Asian Games. As I will be competing on home soil, I want to pull off a stunning performance,&rdquo; he said.

Regarding his bid for the 2028 Olympics, Nooh believes he can qualify if the weightlifting crisis is resolved urgently.

&ldquo;I am working hard, but there is nothing solid in sight. If you don&rsquo;t have a target, how can you go for full-fledged preparation? I am really unsettled and confused. Sometimes I think I have wasted my prime time, but I cannot leave this game as I have spent so many years here,&rdquo; he lamented.

The PWF is currently facing an IWF ban over doping-related violations. Several leading Pakistani weightlifters and federation officials, including former PWF President Hafiz Imran Butt and his son Irfan Butt, have been handed life bans.

Hafiz Imran Butt&rsquo;s nephew Jibran Butt is handling the PWF as its new chief.

The federation is also required to pay a substantial fine before the IWF ban can be lifted. A source familiar with the matter said the outstanding amount has reached around $30,000.

Unless the dues are cleared, the IWF ban will remain in place, preventing Pakistan&rsquo;s weightlifters from competing in international events.

According to well-placed sources familiar with PWF affairs, an Executive Committee meeting was held in Lahore a few days ago and was handled by officials who are themselves banned. The sources said the move was contrary to the IOC Charter and IWF regulations.]]>
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			<title>Fact check: Viral video of girl hitting sixes in men's tape ball match is doctored</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624787/fact-check-viral-video-of-girl-hitting-sixes-in-mens-tape-ball-match-is-doctored</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624787/fact-check-viral-video-of-girl-hitting-sixes-in-mens-tape-ball-match-is-doctored#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 26 17:43:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Fact Check By iVerify]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624787</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Batter on the crease is replaced by a girl in the visuals circulating online from the original Aug 2 clip]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Multiple users, a majority of whom appear to be cricket fans based on their past posts, have been sharing a video across social media platforms since August 18, 2026, claiming it shows a girl hitting sixes in a men&rsquo;s tape ball match. However, the video is AI-generated.

On August 18, a social media user who appears to be a cricket fan shared a video on Facebook showing a girl hitting sixes in a men&rsquo;s tape ball match. &ldquo;Check the shot,&rdquo; the caption read.

The post racked up 75 million views.

The same user shared a close-up angle of the same video as well, which garnered 5.4m views.

On TikTok, a user shared the same clip with the caption: &ldquo;Huge six by Mehak Pindi Wali.&rdquo; The post gained 10.9m views.

Another TikTok user also posted the clip, calling the six &ldquo;unbelievable&rdquo;. It accumulated 262,000 views.

The video also gathered attention on X, where an account that shared it garnered 190,000 views. &ldquo;You must have seen boys hitting sixes in tape-ball cricket. Today, take a look at the sixes hit by &lsquo;Mehak Pindi Wali&rsquo; as well,&rdquo; the caption read.

Several other cricket fan accounts on Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok also shared the clip, as seen here, here, here, here, here, here, and here; collectively gaining 405,000 views.

Separately, similar clips of the girl in different outfits and angles were shared on TikTok, as seen here, here, here, here, and here; collectively gaining 5.7m views.

Methodology

A fact-check was initiated to determine the veracity of the claim due to high virality and keen public interest in local cricket.

A keyword search was conducted to verify whether any credible Pakistani or international media outlets had recently reported on a young girl gaining attention for her performance in a tape ball cricket match, but it yielded no results.

A reverse image search was conducted to trace the origin of the viral clip, which yielded a video shared by the TikTok account TapeBall Voice on August 2, 2026.



@tapeballvoice2

Big Deal 😲🤝🏏 Hassan Penda Join US Brand Rawalpindi #tapeballcricket #hassanpenda #viralfyp #viral1million
♬ original sound - TapeBall Voice



It featured all the elements visible in the viral video: the second batter, the wicketkeeper, the pitch, and the lights. However, the batter on the crease in the August 2 clip has been replaced by a girl in the visuals circulating online.



The video was subsequently analysed using AI-detection tools. While several AI detection tools did not flag the video, Hive Moderation found it to be 54.6pc AI-generated.



Meanwhile, NVIDIA gave the video a synthetic score of 33.3pc, greater than the threshold of 30pc, adding that the clip was likely synthetic or AI-generated.



Fact-check status: False

The claim that a viral video shows a girl hitting sixes in a men&rsquo;s tape ball match is false.

The clip is AI-generated.

This fact check was originally published by iVerify Pakistan &mdash; a project of CEJ-IBA and UNDP.]]>
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			<title>Arshad eyes comeback after Glasgow setback</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622925/arshad-eyes-comeback-after-glasgow-setback</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622925/arshad-eyes-comeback-after-glasgow-setback#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Aug 26 08:13:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alam Zeb Safi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2622925</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Coach Salman Butt says plans for upcoming events will be revealed soon]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Salman Butt, coach of Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, is hopeful his pupil will bounce back from his disappointing performance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

&ldquo;I hope he will stage a comeback,&rdquo; Butt told The Express Tribune.

Arshad endured a rare early exit in Glasgow, finishing ninth in the 12-man javelin final after failing to make the top eight required to qualify for the final three throws.

The Pakistani star had arrived in Glasgow as the defending champion, having won gold at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games with a record throw of 90.18 metres.

That victory marked a major turning point in his career. Arshadwent on to win silver at the 2023 World Championships in Hungary before producing a historic performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he secured gold with a Games-record throw of 92.97 metres.

However, his form has dipped since his Olympic triumph, culminating in the below-par showing in Glasgow.

Upon his return, Arshad attributed his performance to the cold weather, saying his body had failed to respond properly to the conditions

He also requested his fans to back him, saying he will stage a comeback. Asked about the explanation, Butt said he had not heard the statement.

The coach also remained tight-lipped about the athlete&rsquo;s immediate training plans, saying he would be in a better position to provide details after Arshad returned to the gym.

&ldquo;It will be seen when he gets to the gym. In two days, I will reveal all plans,&rdquo; Butt said.

Arshad now faces two major assignments in September. He is scheduled to compete at the World Ultimate Athletics Championships in Budapest from September 11 to 13, followed by the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.

The Asian Games will provide another opportunity for Arshadto add a missing title to his career. He won bronze at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia but missed the 2023 Hangzhou edition because of injury.

He has also won gold at the Islamic Games and Asian Championships.]]>
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			<title>Waseem mulls overseas camp for next fight</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622644/waseem-mulls-overseas-camp-for-next-fight</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2622644/waseem-mulls-overseas-camp-for-next-fight#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 26 16:07:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alam Zeb Safi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2622644</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[WBA title defence or US showdown with Jesse Rodriguez remains a possibility]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&#39;s premier professional boxer and reigning WBA Gold bantamweight champion Mohammad Waseem is considering several overseas destinations for his training for the next professional fight which is more likely to be held latter this year.

&nbsp;Waseem will either go for his WBA gold title defence fight or he will opt for a unification fight.

&nbsp;&ldquo;Yes England, United States and Europe are on my radar as training destinations for my next fight which will most probably be held in December,&rdquo; Waseem told The Express Tribune on Friday.

&ldquo;What I want is to go for my WBA gold title defence which is very important. And then we will plan for other options,&rdquo; Waseem was quick to add.

Waseem had won his World Boxing Association Gold World Bantamweight title against Jakrawut Majungoen of Thailand in a 12-round bout at the Garrison Sports Complex Lahore last year.

&nbsp;A few months before that, he had lifted his first WBA gold world title in Quetta by beating Venezuela&#39;s Wiston Orono.

It was a dream of the valiant boxer who also has to his credit a bronze in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, and a silver medal in the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Waseem, despite having snared so many international medals in amateur circuit, however, has not played in the Olympics.

He had come agonizingly close to book an Olympic spot in London Games but he narrowly missed that chance when he lost in the quarter-finals of the Asia Qualifiers in Astana.

Waseem was also recently offered a fight in the United States but he did not opt for it because of a short time at his disposal.

&ldquo;Yes a fight had been offered in the US but time was too short and it was not possible to undergo the required training,&rdquo; the Quetta-born fighter said.

There are also chances of Waseem&rsquo;s possible fight against one of the greatest boxers of the world Jesse Rodriguez of the US, a champion in multiple divisions.

&ldquo;Yes talks are on and if this fight is finalized it would be good. He is a tough boxer but I can beat him,&rdquo; Waseem said.

&ldquo;If this happens then I will move to the US for training. I think three months training will be enough,&rdquo; Waseem said.

Waseem has been a rare fighter of the world who had become the WBC flyweight silver champion in only his fourth professional fight and he then went to defend it smartly. He latter also secured this title for the third time.

Waseem turned pro in 2015 months after he secured bronze medal for the country in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.

And his top flight continued. Although he faced a couple of casualties when he lost his two world title fights he played against South Africa&rsquo;s Moruti Mthalane in Malaysia and Sunny Edwards of England in Dubai in 2022. In both these fights Waseem was seen dominating but the eventual decisions went against the Pakistani fighter on both occasions.]]>
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			<title>Arshad lacked fitness before Glasgow, says former coach</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2621666/arshad-lacked-fitness-before-glasgow-says-former-coach</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2621666/arshad-lacked-fitness-before-glasgow-says-former-coach#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Aug 26 11:52:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alam Zeb Safi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2621666</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[He suffered a shock exit after failing to reach the top eight]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Fayyaz Hussain Bukhari, a former coach of Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, said the javelin thrower was not at his peak fitness before leaving for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games where he endured a disappointing campaign.

&quot;I saw him when he was doing throwing training and did not see the kind of spark in him that was required for winning medals at a major event,&quot; Bukhari told The Express Tribune from Lahore on Sunday.

&quot;Fitness is the most important thing and the basic element for an athlete. If you are not fit, you should not go for an event,&quot; he said.

Bukhari, who coached Arshad for eight years and guided him to qualification for the Tokyo Olympics, said fitness had always been his primary focus.

&quot;When I was Arshad&#39;s coach, I used to focus more on fitness,&quot; he said.

Recalling the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics, Bukhari said Arshad had contracted COVID-19 and was also struggling with an elbow injury.

&quot;Arshad had COVID and was suffering from elbow pain before the Tokyo Olympics. He had told me that if he did not achieve full fitness, he would not go. However, I worked hard with him and made him fitter and you saw that his throw in Tokyo was quite good,&quot; Bukhari said.

He stressed that athletes should undergo mandatory fitness tests before being cleared for international competitions.

&quot;Fitness tests are a must before fielding an athlete in any international meet. We have abolished all these things,&quot; he said.

Arshad endured a shock exit at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, failing to qualify for the top eight after finishing ninth following his first three throws in the 12-man finals.

The result contrasted sharply with his historic performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he stunned the athletics world with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 metres to win gold.

Although Arshad won several medals after the Paris Olympics, his performances did not match the standard he had set with his Olympic triumph.

The throws were not of his stature, and it was a worrying sign for the Mian Channu-born athlete with tremendous potential.

Bukhari was removed as Arshad&#39;s coach by the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) after the athlete finished fifth at the Tokyo Olympics. Salman Butt was subsequently appointed as Arshad&#39;s mentor and coach and has accompanied him in those roles ever since.

Despite the recent setback, Bukhari said he remained confident Arshad could regain top form.

&quot;Arshad does not need a big throw because he has already managed one at the Olympics. What he needs is to correct his mindset and attitude. These are important things if he wants to achieve more distinctions,&quot; he said.

Bukhari also criticised Salman Butt, alleging that he had distanced Arshad from both the Athletics Federation of Pakistan and his former coach.

&quot;He has taken the athlete away from the Athletics Federation of Pakistan and his former coach,&quot; Bukhari said.

&quot;We are ready to help him return to his actual position. We have done this before, and we can do this now as well,&quot; he added.

Bukhari also called for greater cooperation among Pakistan&#39;s sports governing bodies to improve the country&#39;s performances on the international stage.

&quot;Our country is brimming with talent and if our sports bodies join hands and work for the promotion of sports, we can do much better in the international circuit,&quot; he said.]]>
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			<title>Hamilton chases eighth F1 title</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625084/hamilton-chases-eighth-f1-title</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625084/hamilton-chases-eighth-f1-title#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 09:26:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2625084</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The 41-year-old sits 50 points behind current championship leader Kimi Antonelli]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said Thursday he had spent the summer break training not partying, in the best shape of his life as he chases another title.&nbsp;

The 41-year-old sits 50 points behind current championship leader Kimi Antonelli but said his Ferrari was in a &quot;sweet spot&quot; that gave him hope of being able to close the gap.

&quot;This has been the most different summer break that I&#39;ve ever had in all of my championship seasons,&quot; the veteran Briton told reporters.

Previous summer breaks involved a week or two off &quot;with a bit of partying and stuff,&quot; he said.

But this year was different. &quot;I took this as an opportunity to really level up. So I trained for three weeks.&quot;

&quot;I come back the fittest I&#39;ve ever come back in summer in the 20 years or whatever that I&#39;ve been here,&quot; he said in an ominous warning to his rivals.

Hamilton cut a very different figure to the man who arrived at Zandvoort last year.

Following a frustrating start to his career at Ferrari, he had suggested the team should find another driver and that he was &quot;useless&quot;.

One year on, he said what had changed his outlook was that the team was moving in the right direction and the changes he had demanded had been implemented.

&quot;I think we&#39;re in a real sweet spot. We&#39;re just going to continue to build on this foundation that we&#39;ve built,&quot; he said.

Further driving Hamilton on is the fact he has never won at Zandvoort in his long F1 career.

This will be his last chance, as the Dutch Grand Prix is being removed from the calendar after this season.

&quot;I&#39;ve won at pretty much all the other tracks... So I definitely want to change that. So massively driven, it&#39;s just such an incredible circuit,&quot; he told reporters.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan open FIVB World Championship with solid win</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625055/pakistan-open-fivb-world-championship-with-solid-win</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625055/pakistan-open-fivb-world-championship-with-solid-win#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 07:08:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2625055</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Under-17 volleyballers  crush Chinese Taipei 3-0, set sights on Iran]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan made a winning start to the FIVB Boys Under-17 World Championship in Doha on Thursday, sweeping Chinese Taipei 3-0 in their opening Pool E match.

Pakistan, competing alongside Iran, Chinese Taipei and Algeria, produced a disciplined performance to seal 25-20, 25-10, 25-23 victory and immediately put themselves in a strong position in the group.

The Pakistani side took control early, using strong serving, effective blocking and aggressive attacking to keep Chinese Taipei under pressure. After securing the opening set 25-20, Pakistan dominated the second, conceding just ten points.

Chinese Taipei responded in the third set and stayed within reach for much of the contest, but Pakistan held its composure in the closing stages to win 25-23 and complete the straight-set victory.

Faizan Ullah, Fahad Ali and Muhammad Irfan were among Pakistan&#39;s standout performers, making important contributions in attack, service, blocking and all-round team play.

The result provided Pakistan with a confident start at the global youth tournament and underlined the team&#39;s preparation for a demanding Pool E campaign.

Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) chairman Chaudhry Muhammad Yaqoob congratulated the players, coaching staff and team management, describing the victory as a reflection of the team&#39;s hard work, discipline and preparation.

He urged the players to remain focused, saying the victory was only the beginning of their World Championship campaign and that the competition would become increasingly demanding.

&quot;The entire nation is proud of our young boys,&quot; Yaqoob said, adding that he hoped the team would continue to represent Pakistan with unity and determination.

Pakistan&#39;s next test comes against regional rivals Iran on Friday with the match scheduled for 4pm.

The encounter will provide a much sterner examination of Pakistan&#39;s credentials as both teams seek to strengthen their position in Pool E.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Sabalenka, Zverev stunned in Cincinnati</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624905/sabalenka-zverev-stunned-in-cincinnati</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624905/sabalenka-zverev-stunned-in-cincinnati#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 26 08:18:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624905</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sara Bejlek stunned the world number one 7-6 (9/7), 6-4 in a gritty match]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Alexander Zverev crashed out of the Cincinnati Masters in a matter of hours on a rainy Wednesday of fourth-round action.

American Tommy Paul saved a match point on the way to a 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 upset of Germany&#39;s Zverev.

But the biggest shock came on the women&#39;s side where Czech Sara Bejlek, ranked 35th, stunned world number one Sabalenka 7-6 (9/7), 6-4 in a gritty match that finished up shortly after the clock ticked past midnight into Thursday morning.

Former champion Sabalenka led by a break in the opening set and was up 5-1 in the tiebreaker before Bejlek roared back to pocket the set in 65 minutes.

Bejlek broke the Belarusian three times in the second set, rallying from 4-1 down and securing the win with a love game capped by an ace.

&quot;I lost my words -- it feels incredible,&quot; Bejlek said after her first win over a top-10 player.

&quot;I was playing what I was feeling and not really thinking. I was trying not to be nervous and just play. I believed in myself no matter what.&quot;

Bejlek, who won the Abu Dhabi hard court title in February as a qualifier, booked a quarter-final clash with American Madison Keys.

It was yet another setback for Sabalenka as the start of the US Open looms on August 30.

The four-time Grand Slam champion was ousted in the fourth round of the Toronto Masters last week, having lost in the same round at Wimbledon and in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros.

Zverev&#39;s match was interrupted by rain for 90 minutes in the seventh game of the second set and had two more five-minute pauses as drops were dried from the court.

French Open champion Zverev had a chance to close it out at 6-5 in the second-set tiebreaker but stuffed a volley into the net.

The German again gained an edge in the deciding set with a break for 4-2, but Paul broke back in the next game and again for a 5-4 lead on the way to his third win over Zverev in their last four meetings.

&quot;I&#39;m not sure how I did it,&quot; Paul said. &quot;I put some returns in, he gave me some looks at second serves and he threw in a few doubles (faults). That always helps a ton.

&quot;I went after the ball a bit more, I was having fun out there.&quot;

Second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada was another casualty, falling 6-3, 6-4 to American Frances Tiafoe.

Zverev&#39;s conqueror Paul next faces Roland Garros runner-up Flavio Cobolli, who labored two and a half hours to engineer a turnaround against red-hot Spaniard Rafael Jodar 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-3.

American sixth seed Taylor Fritz dispatched Australian Chris O&#39;Connell 6-4, 6-3.

Thiago Tirante, who upset Novak Djokovic in the second round, continued his surprise run, reaching his first Masters quarter-final with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Jakub Mensik.

Australian Alex de Minaur was no match for Frenchman Arthur Fils, who cruised to a 6-3, 6-4 victory over the fifth seed.

Gauff advances&nbsp;

The women&#39;s 2023 champion Coco Gauff saved all eight break points she faced in a 6-3, 6-2 win over Czech Marie Bouzkova.

The fourth seed double-faulted on her first match point but leapt up to smash an overhead winner on her second chance.

&quot;I played well the whole match, going for my shots, coming forward and not letting her counter-punch,&quot; Gauff said. &quot;I&#39;m happy with how I played.&quot;

Defending women&#39;s champion Iga Swiatek needed four match points to get past Diane Parry of France 6-3, 6-3.

The seventh-seeded Pole now faces a re-run of last week&#39;s Toronto final against Elena Rybakina, who beat Diana Shnaider 6-4, 6-4.

Six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek captured her first title of 2026 with her victory over reigning Australian Open champion Rybakina in Toronto.

Two other current Grand Slam champions bowed out.

Ukraine&#39;s Marta Kostyuk rallied from a set down to beat French Open winner Mirra Andreeva 4-6, 6-0, 6-2.

Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova fell to Amanda Anisimova 6-1, 6-4 in another weather-disrupted match.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Verstappen commits to Red Bull until end of 2030</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624903/verstappen-commits-to-red-bull-until-end-of-2030</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624903/verstappen-commits-to-red-bull-until-end-of-2030#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 26 08:11:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624903</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Previous deal ran through end of 2028]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Max Verstappen signed a contract extension with Red Bull to the end of &zwnj;2030 on Thursday, ending speculation about the four-time world champion&#39;s near-term Formula One future.

The 28-year-old already had a contract to the end of 2028 but with break clauses offering a potential way out should the team fail to meet his expectations and provide a winning car.

Such performance-related clauses were believed to have been triggered this season, according to Dutch media reports.

Red Bull lie ⁠fourth overall this season, and Verstappen sixth, 110 points behind Mercedes&#39; Kimi Antonelli, after 11 races and ahead of his home grand prix this weekend.

LINKED TO MERCEDES AND MCLAREN

The Dutch driver had been linked in media reports to both McLaren, who have signed his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase from 2028 at the latest, and championship leaders Mercedes.

&quot;I am really pleased with the contract extension,&quot; Verstappen, who joined Red Bull&#39;s junior programme in 2014 and has won all his titles with the team, said in a team statement.

&quot;We have the best people and I&#39;m excited to keep working together with everyone to get back &zwnj;to ⁠the top again. This remains the ultimate goal that all of us have been working towards and will continue to pursue.

&quot;I have always said it: The team is like a second family for me and I feel very at home ... to continue this journey with the same Team that I have been with my whole career ⁠is really special and something I have always wanted to do.&quot;

Team boss Laurent Mekies said very few partnerships in sport had achieved what Verstappen and Red Bull had, and the extension was rooted in trust.

&quot;Since the very beginning, ⁠Max has embodied everything that makes Oracle Red Bull Racing special: uncompromising competitiveness, relentless determination and the courage to challenge convention,&quot; said the Frenchman.

&quot;His impact on our team and on Red Bull&#39;s motorsport ⁠story has been transformational, and he has been fundamental to everything we have accomplished together.

&quot;But we are not done yet. There are more races to win, more milestones to achieve and more history to write.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Haroon completes UCI internship</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624699/haroon-completes-uci-world-cycling-centre-internship</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624699/haroon-completes-uci-world-cycling-centre-internship#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 26 06:14:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624699</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan’s only UCI Level-3 coach gained international high-performance and race-management experience in Switzerland]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s only UCI Level-3 coach, Haroon General, has completed a one-month coaching internship at the UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC) in Aigle, Switzerland, Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) said.

He worked with the UCI track high performance team, the UCI WCC women&rsquo;s continental team and athletes from several countries during the programme.

The internship provided exposure to international coaching systems, athlete development, training methods and performance analysis, while also giving general experience of the day-to-day operations of a high-performance cycling centre.

He also served as a coach and assistant coach at several cycling events in Switzerland, including La P&eacute;rigord-Ladies 2026, La Picto 10, Martigny-Mauvoisin and the Valais Cyclosportive.

Haroon said the experience had provided valuable insight into high-performance coaching and athlete development.

He said he hoped to apply the knowledge gained in Switzerland to help develop cycling in Pakistan and strengthen pathways for athletes and coaches.

&ldquo;It was a great learning experience. Working with international teams and athletes at the UCI World Cycling Centre gave me valuable insight into high-performance coaching and athlete development. I hope to use this experience to contribute to the development of cycling in Pakistan and help build a stronger pathway for our athletes and coaches in the future.&rdquo;

PCF president Syed Azhar Ali Shah thanked the UCI World Cycling Centre for providing the opportunity and its continued support for the development of cycling coaches and athletes.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Douglass reclaims 50m freestyle world record</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624208/douglass-reclaims-50m-freestyle-world-record</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624208/douglass-reclaims-50m-freestyle-world-record#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 26 12:11:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624208</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[She will face former record-holder Gretchen Walsh]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Kate Douglass shattered the women&#39;s 50m freestyle world record on Saturday, clocking 23.49sec in the heats at the Pan Pacific Championships to set a tantalizing showdown with former record-holder Gretchen Walsh.

Douglass improved on the world mark of 23.55sec that fellow-American Walsh set on June 28 at the Sette Colli Trophy in Rome.

Walsh&#39;s mark had improved on the world record of 23.59 that Douglass herself had set on June 19 -- and Douglass said that she believed she could still improve technically.

&quot;I definitely wasn&#39;t expecting that,&quot; Douglass told Swimming World magazine. &quot;I still think there are things I could clean up.&quot;

Douglass&#39;s impressive performance came little more than 12 hours after she delivered the second-fastest 100m freestyle in history swimming the lead-off leg on the United States&#39;s victorious 4x100m free relay.

Walsh&#39;s mark had improved on the world record of 23.59 that Douglass herself had set on June 19 -- and Douglass said that she believed she could still improve technically.

&quot;I definitely wasn&#39;t expecting that,&quot; Douglass told Swimming World magazine. &quot;I still think there are things I could clean up.&quot;

Douglass&#39;s impressive performance came little more than 12 hours after she delivered the second-fastest 100m freestyle in history swimming the lead-off leg on the United States&#39;s victorious 4x100m free relay.

She touched the wall in 51.69sec -- one one-hundredth outside the 100m free world record set by Marrit Steenbergen of the Netherlands in June.

&quot;I think barely missing a world record last night kind of fueled me a little bit, and I know I wanted to go in and break the world record today -- and I did it this morning,&quot; Douglass said. &quot;I am more rested than when I broke the world record the first time, and I have been amped up.&quot;

Saturday&#39;s 50m free final promises fireworks.

Walsh, swimming in the last heat after Douglass broke her record, touched in 23.78, the second-quickest of the morning.

Australian Meg Harris, who ran down Walsh to win the 100m free on Thursday, was third-fastest in 24.22.

Douglass is also slated for another individual swim on the final night of the four-day meeting, which brings together top swimmers from non-European nations.

The American, who is the second-fastest performer in history in the 200m breaststroke, qualified second-fastest for that final behind Japan&#39;s Kotomi Kato.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Marchand wins first Euros gold as Liebmann breaks 1500m free world record</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624194/marchand-wins-first-euros-gold-as-liebmann-breaks-1500m-free-world-record</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624194/marchand-wins-first-euros-gold-as-liebmann-breaks-1500m-free-world-record#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 26 08:59:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624194</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[France’s star surged to 200m butterfly gold in one minute and 51.72 seconds]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[French four-time Olympic gold medallist Leon Marchand won the 200m butterfly final at the European championships in Paris on Saturday to claim his first continental title, while German teenager Johannes Liebmann smashed the 1,500m freestyle world record.

Two years on from his exploits at the Paris Games, Marchand returned to form in the French capital as he put injury woes behind him to claim Euro gold in a world-leading time of 1 minute 51.72 seconds.

The 24-year-old finished a huge 2.34sec ahead of Hungarian silver medallist Richard Marton, with Greece&#39;s Apostolos Siskos rounding off the podium a further 0.04sec behind.

&quot;It was a brilliant moment,&quot; Marchand said.

&quot;There was an absolutely mad atmosphere in the pool, I&#39;ll remember it for a long time.

&quot;The last 50 metres were really good. I think it&#39;s the best 50 metres I&#39;ve swum in a long time, but that also means I might have been able to get off to a faster start.&quot;

Hampered by a thigh injury picked up at French nationals in June, Marchand has a reduced programme at the Euros.

He won a silver medal with the 4x200m freestyle relay with France earlier this week and the Toulouse native will have another chance for gold on Sunday when he competes in the 400m freestyle.

Marchand&#39;s gold was his country&#39;s first individual title at these championships, but he soon had company in the form of Mary-Ambre Moluh when she won the 100m backstroke.

The 20-year-old&#39;s 57.94sec finish was a European record. Marrit Steenbergen of the Netherlands and France&#39;s Pauline Mahieu completed the podium.

Liebmann double

Liebmann bettered American Bobby Finke&#39;s 2024 Olympics world record in the 1,500m freestyle by just shy of four seconds as he won a second gold of the Euros.

The 19-year-old clocked a time of 14min 26.79sec for victory, 12.66sec ahead of Hungary&#39;s Zalan Sarkany in silver and German Oliver Klemet in third.

Liebmann already broke a continental record this Euros when he claimed 800m freestyle gold on Wednesday.

Kasia Wasick of Poland stunned Sweden&#39;s Sarah Sjostrom and Italian Sara Curtis by claiming gold in the 50m freestyle in 23.84sec.

Sjostrom&#39;s silver, 0.02sec adrift of Wasick, was the 30th European medal of the 32-year-old&#39;s career.

Curtis, 19, who has already had a championships to remember after breaking the 50m backstroke world record twice, took bronze to bring her tally in Paris to five medals.

Ireland&#39;s Ellen Walshe took gold in the 200m medley with a time of 2min 09.81sec.

After victory on Friday in the 400m medley, it was the 24-year-old&#39;s second major long-course win.

&quot;I can&#39;t believe it,&quot; Walshe told RTE Sport. &quot;I don&#39;t know how I was feeling coming into it, I don&#39;t even know, I&#39;m just so shocked.&quot;

Italy&#39;s Anita Gastaldi earned silver with a time of 2min 10.07sec and Belgian Roos Vanotterdijk finished third at 0.29sec.

Gastaldi&#39;s compatriot Nicolo Martinenghi grabbed his second gold of the championships by touching the wall first in the 50m breaststroke.

His second gold this week in Paris brought his career European tally in individual events to four.

Martinenghi&#39;s time of 26.57sec was 0.05 faster than Dutchman Koen de Groot and Italian Simone Cerasuolo.]]>
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			<title>Makhachev edges Garry to retain UFC welterweight title</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624180/makhachev-edges-garry-to-retain-ufc-welterweight-title</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624180/makhachev-edges-garry-to-retain-ufc-welterweight-title#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 26 07:22:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[REUTERS]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624180</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[He beat Garry by unanimous decision to seal a record 17th straight UFC win]]>
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				<![CDATA[Russia&#39;s Islam Makhachev used his dominant grappling to earn a unanimous decision win over Ian Machado Garry to retain his UFC welterweight title in a tight, tense five-round battle in the main event of UFC 330 in Philadelphia in the early hours of Sunday.

The 28-year-old Irish challenger provided plenty of problems for the champion, but Makhachev&#39;s limpet-like wrestling saw him safely through as he set a new UFC record of 17 victories in a row in the promotion.

At a considerable disadvantage in terms of height and reach, Makhachev brought the fight to the mat early in the first round with a lightning-quick single-leg takedown, but Garry remained calm as he worked his way back to his feet without suffering any damage.

In the second round, the Russian connected with a high kick to Garry&#39;s head that left him stunned, and again the fight went to the ground. This time, Garry was left on his back in the middle of the cage, but again he managed to get back to his feet as he survived the round.

The tide briefly turned in Garry&#39;s favour midway through the third round when he began to find his range, landing heavy kicks to the body and lead leg of his opponent and for the most part avoiding being taken down. But Makhachev went back to his smothering grappling in the fourth round to regain control of the bout.

Likely needing a finish to wrest the belt from his opponent, Garry gave his all in the final frame, but the champion managed to stay out of trouble as he held on to win on the scorecards of all three judges.

&quot;Ian is a great fighter, a good man, and I just respect him. He gave me a hard time, but I still prove [myself] every fight. Thank you for this match,&quot; Makhachev said.

In the co-main event, American-Brazilian Mackenzie Dern retained her women&#39;s strawweight title with a decision victory over Gillian Robertson of Canada.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan clinch Asian netball plate division title</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624006/Pakistan-clinch-Asian-netball-plate-division-title</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624006/Pakistan-clinch-Asian-netball-plate-division-title#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 26 07:17:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624006</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The country’s women overcome Thailand 55-50 in Hong Kong final, secure qualification for Cup Division]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan women&rsquo;s netball team defeated Thailand 55-50 in the final of the Asian Netball Championship 2026 plate division, securing the title and earning qualification for the Cup Division.

The next Asian Netball Championship will be held in Singapore in 2028.

Pakistan maintained their composure throughout the final and combined effective teamwork with disciplined execution to finish five goals ahead of Thailand. The 55-50 victory capped an impressive campaign and gave Pakistan another significant achievement on the Asian netball stage.

Among those who made important contributions to Pakistan&rsquo;s campaign were Saba Noor Anwar, Maya, Lia Raza Shah, Hina Chaudhry, Serena Naseem, Jasmine, Farah, Noor-ul-Ain and Samaya Safdar.

The success also carries significance beyond the title itself, as Pakistan&rsquo;s triumph has earned the national women&rsquo;s team a place in the Cup Division at the 2028 Asian Netball Championship, scheduled to be held in Singapore.

Earlier on Friday Pakistan had defeated Japan in the semi-final to book their seat in the final.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Pakistan reach Asian netball plate division final</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623846/pakistan-reach-asian-netball-plate-division-final</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623846/pakistan-reach-asian-netball-plate-division-final#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 26 08:07:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623846</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The Green-shirts down Japan 53-25 in the semi-final in Hong Kong]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s women&rsquo;s netball team marked Independence Day celebrations with a commanding victory, defeating Japan 53-25 in the semi-final of the Asian Netball Championship 2026 plate division in Hong Kong.

Pakistan dominated the semi-final from the outset and maintained their momentum until the final whistle, completing a 28-point victory over Japan. The result has set up a plate division final against Thailand, scheduled to be played on Saturday.

The Pakistani side had shown considerable resolve during the championship and finally translated its hard work into a decisive result against Japan. Their coordinated movement, disciplined approach and attacking intent enabled them to keep control of the game and secure a comprehensive victory.

Among those who made notable contributions were Saba Noor Anwar, Lia Raza Shah, Hina Chaudhry, Serena Naseem, Jasmine, Farah, Noor-ul-Ain and Samaya Safdar. The players combined effectively to produce one of Pakistan&rsquo;s most convincing performances of the tournament.

Pakistan had earlier made a strong start to their Plate Division campaign, defeating South Korea 72-23 before suffering a 66-48 loss to Thailand in their second outing.&nbsp;

The Green-shirts responded impressively against Chinese Taipei, securing a 55-38 victory on Wednesday to book their place in the semi-finals. They carried that momentum into the last-four clash against Japan, producing another convincing performance to reach Saturday&rsquo;s Plate Division final, where they will face Thailand in a rematch of their earlier encounter.]]>
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			<title>Lahore ready for biggest taekwondo test</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623470/As-many-as-38-nations,-873-participants-to-compete-in-the-8th-WT-President%E2%80%99s-Cup-Asian-Region</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623470/As-many-as-38-nations,-873-participants-to-compete-in-the-8th-WT-President%E2%80%99s-Cup-Asian-Region#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 09:44:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alam Zeb Safi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623470</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[As many as 38 nations, 873 participants to compete in the 8th WT President’s Cup Asian Region]]>
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				<![CDATA[KARACHI: Pakistan is set to host one of the biggest international taekwondo competitions in its history, with the 8th World Taekwondo President&rsquo;s Cup Asian Region scheduled to take place at the Jinnah Sports Complex in Lahore from August 17 to 21.

The five-day tournament, the first G-3 level event of its kind to be staged in Pakistan, is expected to attract around 38 countries, with athletes competing in both kyorugi and poomsae. The competition will also provide Asian fighters with a crucial opportunity to test themselves ahead of next month&rsquo;s Asian Games to be held in Japan.

Pakistan Taekwondo Federation&rsquo;s (PTF) chairman Col Wasim said preparations for the event had entered their final phase, with the federation confident of delivering a competition of international standards.

&ldquo;Yes, we are giving finishing touches to the preparations,&rdquo; Wasim told The Express Tribune. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a big event which will feature around 38 countries from across the world.&rdquo;

The scale of the tournament is reflected in the participation figures. A total of 873 participants are expected, including 609 athletes and 262 officials.

The kyorugi competition will have the largest field, with 425 athletes and 184 officials, while 101 athletes and 43 officials will take part in poomsae. The para event will feature another 84 athletes and 35 officials.

Several of Asia&rsquo;s strongest taekwondo nations are sending sizeable contingents. South Korea is expected to arrive with 60 athletes and officials, Iran with 70, Uzbekistan with 50, Kazakhstan with 35, Jordan with 22 and Saudi Arabia with 20.

Australia, England, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka and Nepal are among the other countries expected to field teams.

The arrival of international officials has also begun. Games Committee chairman Abdul Quddus Mohammad Ishaq, who is also the Secretary General of UAE Taekwondo Federation has reached Lahore to inspect arrangements at the Jinnah Sports Complex.

The event is also expected to attract senior officials from the international and Asian taekwondo bodies. The World Taekwondo vice-president and president of the Asian Taekwondo Union are expected to attend, while members of the ATU council have also been invited to witness the competition.

For the PTF, staging the tournament in Lahore represents a deliberate move to take international taekwondo beyond its traditional base. The federation has previously hosted G-1 and G-2 events in Islamabad, but opted for Lahore this time in an effort to expand the sport&rsquo;s popularity and reach a wider audience.

Wasim stressed that the federation was organising the event independently and had not sought financial or organisational assistance from the Pakistan Sports Board.

&ldquo;We are handling it alone with the assistance of our sponsors,&rdquo; he said.

According to Wasim, preparations have been underway for around two and a half months, with the federation now focused on ensuring that the tournament provides a strong international showcase for Pakistan.

&ldquo;We have been working on it for the last two and a half months and now the things are going to become a big reality,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;You will see how the spectacle will be conducted. We would not leave any stone unturned in making this event a big success.&rdquo;

While the tournament is a major organisational challenge, it will be an equally demanding examination for Pakistan&rsquo;s fighters.

Wasim believes the level of competition will provide a realistic indication of Pakistan&rsquo;s prospects at the Asian Games.

&ldquo;It would be a tough test for our fighters and those who will win medals here will also win medals in the Asian Games,&rdquo; he said.

Pakistan will be looking towards experienced international campaigners including Haroon Khan, Shahzeb Khan and Hamza to lead the challenge. The trio have competed extensively on the international circuit and have demonstrated the ability to defeat highly ranked opponents when they produce their best performances.

The presence of some of the world&rsquo;s leading taekwondo nations, however, means Pakistan&rsquo;s fighters will have little room for error. The tournament will expose them to high-level opposition and provide valuable competitive experience before the Asian Games.

The PTF has emerged as one of Pakistan&rsquo;s more active sports federations in recent years, regularly hosting international competitions as part of its efforts to develop the sport and provide domestic athletes with greater exposure.

Teams are expected to begin arriving in Lahore from August 14, three days before the competition officially gets underway.

Wasim acknowledged the difficulties involved in staging an event of such magnitude but said the effort was essential for the long-term development of Pakistan&rsquo;s sporting landscape.

&ldquo;Although it&rsquo;s not easy to hold such major events, these are very important if we are to develop our sports,&rdquo; he said.

With hundreds of athletes from nearly four dozen countries descending on Lahore, the President&rsquo;s Cup will offer Pakistan more than just a week of competition. For the country&rsquo;s taekwondo community, it will be a chance to showcase its organisational capabilities, expose its fighters to elite opposition and demonstrate that Pakistan can host major international sporting events.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Britain's Glave upstages Jacobs to win European 100m gold</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623453/britains-glave-upstages-jacobs-to-win-european-100m-gold</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623453/britains-glave-upstages-jacobs-to-win-european-100m-gold#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 26 07:39:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[The Jamaican-born clocked 10.09 seconds for the win]]>
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				<![CDATA[Britain&#39;s Romell Glave upstaged two-time defending champion Marcell Jacobs to win European men&#39;s 100m gold in Birmingham on Tuesday.

Jacobs, the Tokyo Olympics gold medallist, had been favourite going into the race, but had a terrible start, handing Glave an advantage he never ceded.

The Italian suddenly slowed to a jog at around the 50m point of the race with what he later said could be a &quot;serious&quot; injury to his adductor.

The Jamaican-born Glave clocked 10.09 seconds for the win, with world indoor 60m champion Jeremiah Azu also taking silver for Britain in 10.16sec.

&quot;It is an amazing feeling,&quot; Glave said. &quot;Just the work I put in to come here and execute my race. We have been working on my start, and I was able to execute that today.

&quot;Upgrading from a bronze medal from 2024 is an amazing feeling.

&quot;That was the aim to get one, two, and three, but we got 1-2, which is also amazing. Wasn&#39;t really pressure mentally. I was ready for this occasion.&quot;

Glave, 26, added of Britain&#39;s 100m performances, notably after Amy Hunt won the women&#39;s race on Monday: &quot;It is domination. Total domination.&quot;

Germany&#39;s Owen Ansah, facing calls from his country&#39;s anti-doping agency for a four-year ban for refusing to undergo a doping test, took bronze in 10.19sec.

Jacobs, 31, eventually came through the line in seventh place, more than two seconds off the pace.

&quot;I think my injury is serious because I felt something before the start when I tried the blocks,&quot; Jacobs said.

&quot;Something pulled on my adductor so I know it was serious. In the blocks I tried to push at the limit but at 50m I felt something pull seriously.

&quot;I tried it and I am a bit upset because I ran a very good semi-final. I ran 10.08 and it felt really easy, like jogging.

&quot;And now they won the final with 10.09. This is so unlucky. But this is a part of the game and I am here to play.

&quot;Now I will try to understand how serious this is and we will see about the rest of the season. I cannot control everything and this is a part of the sport.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Pakistan names Asian Games shooting squad</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623304/pakistan-names-asian-games-shooting-squad</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623304/pakistan-names-asian-games-shooting-squad#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 26 12:02:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623304</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Eight shooters set for Japan Games to be held from September 19 to October 4]]>
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				<![CDATA[&nbsp;Pakistan has finalised an 11-member shooting contingent, including eight shooters and three officials, for the Asian Games slated to be held in Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.

The selected shooters are Usman Chand and Imam Haroon in skeet, Farrukh Nadeem in trap, Ghulam Mustafa Bashir, Mohammad Umar and Mohammad Shabbir in rapid-fire, and Kishmala Talat and Rabia Kabir in pistol.

Russian coach Vladimir Kovalenko will serve as head coach, while Commander Fazal-ul-Bari has been appointed manager. National Rifle Association of Pakistan (NRAP) senior official and coach Razi Ahmed Khan said an additional shooter could still be added to the final list.

&ldquo;Yes, we have also sent a reserve list and an addition can be made to it,&rdquo; Razi told The Express Tribune.

The shooting squad is currently preparing in Karachi and Jhelum. A training camp was established in Karachi on August 7, but the shooters temporarily moved to Jhelum for trials for next year&rsquo;s Military Games. They are expected to return to Karachi on August 19 to resume preparations.

Razi said the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has pledged to sponsor half of the shooting contingent&rsquo;s expenses, with NRAP covering the remaining expenses.

&ldquo;Yes, the Board will back 50 per cent of our contingent while NRAP will manage the rest,&rdquo; he said.

Razi believes Pakistan has medal hooes, particularly through Bashir, Farrukh and Kishmala, but acknowledged the difficulty of competing at the Asian Games level.

&ldquo;The prospects are there, but it all depends on how a shooter delivers on a given day,&rdquo; he said.

Kishmala became the first Pakistani shooter to win an Asian Games medal when she claimed bronze in the 10m air pistol event at Hangzhou 2023. She will again be among Pakistan&rsquo;s medal hopes in Japan.

Farrukh won skeet gold at the Asian Championship in Doha earlier this year, while three-time Olympian Bashir won bronze at the 2022 World Championship in Cairo.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan women whip South Korea in Asian netball</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623284/pakistan-women-whip-south-korea-in-asian-netball</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623284/pakistan-women-whip-south-korea-in-asian-netball#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 26 08:58:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623284</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The Green-shirts seal 72-23 victory in Hong Kong]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan women&rsquo;s netball team produced an impressive performance in Hong Kong, whipping South Korea 72-23, their second win from three matches in the plate division of the Asian Women&rsquo;s Netball Championship.

Pakistan dominated proceedings from the outset, displaying excellent teamwork, discipline and determination throughout the match. Pakistan maintained control of the contest with a well-organised attacking approach and a solid defensive effort, eventually securing a comprehensive 49-point victory.

Lia Raza Shah, Farah, Noor-ul-Ain and Samaya were among the standout performers for Pakistan, making valuable contributions to the team&rsquo;s commanding display.

Pakistan&rsquo;s players showed strong coordination and composure as they built their lead, while their defensive organisation kept South Korea under sustained pressure. Despite attempts by the South Korean side to fight back, Pakistan remained firmly in control and continued to extend their advantage until the final whistle.

The emphatic victory will provide a significant boost to Pakistan&rsquo;s confidence as the team continues its campaign in the tournament. The Green-shirts will now look to build on this performance in their upcoming fixtures.

Pakistan had downed Japan in their first show. The brigade will now face Chinese Taipei in their next encounter on Wednesday and if they win it the it would help them secure a final spot in the plate division, featuring five teams.

The winners of the plate division will promote to the Cup Division in the next year&rsquo;s edition as the side which will finish sixth in the Cup division in this event will demote to the plate division.]]>
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			<title>Britain's Amy Hunt wins European women's 100m gold</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623263/britains-amy-hunt-wins-european-womens-100m-gold</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623263/britains-amy-hunt-wins-european-womens-100m-gold#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 26 06:31:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623263</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[She clocked 11.00 seconds for victory ahead of Poland's Ewa Swoboda]]>
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				<![CDATA[Britain&#39;s Amy Hunt scorched to victory in the 100m at the European athletics championships in Birmingham on Monday.

Hunt clocked 11.00 seconds for victory ahead of Poland&#39;s Ewa Swoboda, in 11.02, with Belgium&#39;s Delphine Nkansa taking bronze (11.06).

&quot;I had to upgrade this time. I was getting fed up with silver,&quot; said Hunt in reference to silver at last month&#39;s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

&quot;This is so special.&quot;

Switzerland&#39;s Geraldine di Tizio-Frey, who dubs herself as the &quot;world&#39;s fastest pharmacologist&quot; and is the fastest European on paper this season, had to be happy with fourth in 11.07sec.

Defending champion Dina Asher-Smith of Britain came in fifth.

The women&#39;s blue riband race had shaped up to be one of the most wide-open events, with no athlete establishing complete dominance.

And so it proved, Hunt&#39;s current form shining through at the end.

Hunt had broken 11 seconds for the first time this year and followed that up with a good performance at the Commonwealth Games.

Hunt, 24, was part of the British team that won European 4x100m relay gold in Rome in 2024, going on to claim Olympic silver in the relay in Paris later that year and then winning silver in the 200m at the Tokyo world championships a year later.

Still the world record holder for the women&#39;s under-18 200m, 22.42sec set in June 2019, the British champion is an English graduate from Cambridge University and only started training full time after graduating in 2023.

Hunt, currently based in Padua north of Venice with Italian coach Marco Airale, broke the 11sec barrier for the first time at the Stockholm Diamond League meet in June.]]>
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