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                        <title>Latest Sports News &amp; Updates | The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <link>https://tribune.com.pk</link>
                        <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>The big show bows out: Maxwell retires from international cricket</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638307/the-big-show-bows-out-maxwell-retires-from-international-cricket</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638307/the-big-show-bows-out-maxwell-retires-from-international-cricket#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 26 20:38:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2638307</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Australian all-rounder folds 15-year international career but remains available for Melbourne Stars in Big Bash League]]>
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				<![CDATA[Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell on Monday night announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a career spanning more than a decade, while confirming he will continue playing in the Big Bash League (BBL).
The 38-year-old has also retired from first-class and List A cricket but remains committed to the Melbourne Stars after extending his contract until the 2027-28 season.
Maxwell had previously retired from one-day internationals in June 2025 but continued playing T20 internationals, representing Australia at the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Australia&#39;s final match of that tournament, against Oman in February, proved to be his last international appearance. He took two wickets but did not get an opportunity to bat as Australia failed to progress beyond the group stage.

&quot;A little bit sad and a little bit inevitable as well. Announcing my retirement from international cricket and domestic games for Victoria in the 50-over and four-day stuff. Red ball completely, probably won&#39;t shock anybody,&rdquo; Maxwell said on the Final World Podcast.
&quot;After the last one-day game for Victoria, speaking to my teammates and letting them know that that was going to be my last game for the state was probably harder than I thought it was going to be. Knowing that they&#39;ve played such a huge role in my whole career, every time I&#39;ve come back, had great teammates there and a lot of support from the state,&rdquo; said Maxwell.
&ldquo;Yeah, I certainly got a little bit choked up speaking in front of the group, but yeah, it&#39;s probably a time where I probably need to spend a little bit more time investing in the body to make sure I can get through the remaining couple of tournaments I&#39;ve got in my career,&rdquo; Maxwell said.
&quot;We probably had numerous discussions before and after the T20 World Cup,&quot; Maxwell said on the Final Word podcast, adding that the decision was made without pressure from the Australian team management.
The two-time ODI World Cup winner said he had considered the possibility of playing a farewell international at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), but understood Australia&#39;s focus on rebuilding ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Maxwell played a key role in Australia&#39;s 2021 T20 World Cup triumph, scoring the winning runs in the final. He also became one of the most explosive batters in the shortest format, scoring 2,897 runs in 130 T20 internationals at a strike rate of 154.42.
His tally includes five centuries, a joint world record in men&#39;s T20 internationals alongside India&#39;s Rohit Sharma. He also claimed 51 wickets in the format.
Maxwell earned seven Test caps, scoring 339 runs, including a century against India in Ranchi in 2017.
The all-rounder recently led Belfast Wolves to the final of the inaugural European T20 Premier League before representing Victoria in two One-Day Cup matches.
Maxwell also revealed that managing his fitness had become a priority as he prepares for the remaining tournaments in his playing career.
He had considered making himself available for Australia&#39;s upcoming white-ball series against England, which includes a T20 international in Melbourne, but opted to focus on recovering from a knee problem and preparing for the BBL.
The Melbourne Stars will therefore remain his primary competitive commitment as he begins the next chapter of his cricket career.]]>
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			<title>Tenerife striker De Miguel dies after collision</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638453/tenerife-striker-dies-after-collision</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638453/tenerife-striker-dies-after-collision#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 26 11:22:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP .]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Jesus de Miguel succumbs to injuries suffered in a horrific on-field clash with Andorra goalkeeper]]>
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				<![CDATA[Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died on Tuesday as a result of injuries he suffered in a sickening collision with FC Andorra&#39;s goalkeeper in a Spanish second division match.
&quot;Broken with pain, with a lump in our throat and unable to believe this is real, CD Tenerife announces the tragic death, at 8:00 am (7am GMT), of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,&quot; his club Tenerife said in a statement.
&quot;No words can ease the pain, nothing can lessen this great feeling of sadness. Our thoughts are with the family, his close friends and Tenerife fans, who today are grieving over this terrible news.&quot;
De Miguel, 30, was fouled in the middle of the pitch by Equatorial Guinea international goalkeeper Jesus Owono, who had raced out of his goal to try and clear the ball.
The incident happened towards the end of the match at the Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez stadium, with the teams level at 2-2. Owono was sent off and the match was subsequently abandoned.
Spanish media said that De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest and was resuscitated. The player was taken to hospital and placed in intensive care, with Tenerife later saying that De Miguel&#39;s condition had &quot;worsened neurologically&quot;, before his death.
&quot;I am so deeply sorry. Rest in peace, Jesus,&quot; former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, Andorra&#39;s majority shareholder, wrote on social media.
Andorra also sent their &quot;most sincere condolences&quot; to De Miguel&#39;s family, team-mates and Tenerife.
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and other clubs in Spain also sent messages of condolence, as well as the Spanish football federation (RFEF).
&quot;Shattered by this sad news, the Royal Spanish Football Federation wishes to express our deepest sorrow at his passing today,&quot; wrote the federation in a statement.
The RFEF postponed Tuesday&#39;s matches in the Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina, &quot;as a gesture of respect and solidarity&quot;.
Real Madrid held a minute of silence before their training session on Tuesday.
&quot;Immense sadness, there are no words,&quot; Madrid&#39;s French forward Kylian Mbappe wrote on Instagram.
La Liga side Espanyol also delayed the presentation of their new coach Eder Sarabia to Wednesday.
Top flight chief Javier Tebas and Spanish sports minister Milagros Tolon also posted messages of condolence.
&quot;Today we all share the terrible pain of an irreparable loss,&quot; wrote Tebas on X.
&quot;We share in your grief,&quot; wrote Tolon, offering her &quot;deepest condolences to (De Miguel&#39;s) family and loved ones&quot;, as well as Tenerife, the players and staff.
De Miguel had been at Tenerife for just over a season, having joined in the summer of 2025 from Castellon. The striker helped the team gain promotion to the second division.
The forward began his career with Leganes at youth level in the Madrid suburbs, playing for a string of teams, including Unionistas de Salamanca, before signing for Castellon in 2023.]]>
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			<title>Sadiq pinpoints flaws in Babar's batting</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638291/Sadiq-pinpoints-flaws-in-Babar%27s-batting</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638291/Sadiq-pinpoints-flaws-in-Babar%27s-batting#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 26 15:49:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alam Zeb Safi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2638291</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Former opener suggests technical adjustments to help Pakistan’s star regain form]]>
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				<![CDATA[KARACHI: Former Pakistan Test opener Sadiq Mohammad has identified several technical flaws in Babar Azam&#39;s batting, pointing to his early shot selection, footwork, batting stance and failure to judge deliveries outside off stump as areas requiring attention.

In an interview with The Express Tribune Sadiq, who also played county cricket for Gloucestershire, drew on his own experience of overcoming similar batting difficulties to offer Babar a series of technical suggestions. He believes adjustments to Test captain&#39;s stance, footwork and timing could help him rediscover his scoring touch.

Recalling how he overcame his own problems, Sadiq said he had struggled with dismissals in the third-slip, gully and backward-point areas during his county career. He discussed the issue with his elder brother Wazir Mohammad, who watched him bat in the nets at Birmingham and suggested technical adjustments.

Sadiq said the advice worked, as he went on to score a century in his very next innings against Warwickshire.

Identifying Babar&#39;s first problem, Sadiq believes the right-hander plays his shots too early, with the bat away from his body and his front left toe.

He also highlighted Babar&#39;s batting stance, which he believes makes it difficult for the batsman to judge the width of deliveries outside off stump.

According to Sadiq, Babar&#39;s back foot touches the off-stump line when he makes contact with the ball. This, he believes, allows bowlers to exploit the sixth-stump line with away-swinging deliveries, tempting Babar into chasing balls outside off stump.

Sadiq suggested that Babar change his guard from leg stump to fourth-leg stump and move his right back foot towards a position between leg and middle stump as the bowler approaches the umpire. He believes this adjustment would encourage bowlers to target the stumps rather than exploit the space outside off stump.

Another concern, according to Sadiq, is Babar&#39;s tendency to play the ball too early instead of allowing it to come closer to his body.

He believes this causes Babar&#39;s off-side shots to travel towards gully, third slip and backward point. Making contact around six inches away from his left-foot toe, Sadiq said, changes the bat&#39;s position from a closed face to an open face, resulting in sliced shots that travel behind square in the air rather than along the ground.

He also pointed out that Babar does not transfer enough body weight onto his front foot while driving, preventing him from directing the ball towards the front of square.

Sadiq further stressed the importance of watching the ball make contact with the bat, saying Babar&#39;s failure to do so is another reason his cover drives travel behind square.

On timing and contact, he advised Babar to make contact with the ball in front of his left front toe while playing on the front foot, keeping his back bent to ensure the ball travels along the ground. He said the same principle should apply when playing off the back foot, with contact aligned with the front-foot toe.

Sadiq believes regular practice in the nets, particularly with the suggested change in stance and foot positioning, could help Babar direct most of his attacking and defensive shots towards the front of square.

Despite identifying these shortcomings, Sadiq expressed confidence in Babar&#39;s ability to return to his previous form.

&quot;Babar, in my view, you are still a very good batsman. I suggest you work on my tips, and you will be the same Babar again. For a world-class batsman like you, it should not be difficult to apply these changes in your next outing. Go out and get it right,&quot; Sadiq signed off.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf also wrote on X the other day that Babar should be sent to England and Australia to work on his batting flaws.

Sadiq also appreciated Yousuf saying former batsman&rsquo;s suggestion is almost right, but he as an opening batsman has different suggestion.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Samad to lead Shaheens in Asia Cup Rising Stars</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638410/samad-to-lead-shaheens-in-asia-cup-rising-stars</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638410/samad-to-lead-shaheens-in-asia-cup-rising-stars#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 26 05:44:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2638410</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Defending champions begin their campaign against UAE on November 20]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Cricket Board has today announced the 15-member Pakistan Shaheens squad for the upcoming 50-over edition of the ACC Men&rsquo;s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 set to be played in Qatar from 19 to 29 November.&nbsp;

Abdul Samad will lead defending champions Pakistan Shaheens in the tournament where they are placed in Group B alongside India A, Nepal and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Shaheens will begin their campaign against UAE on 20 November and will face India A on 22 and Nepal on 24 November.&nbsp;

The semi-finals of the tournament will be played on 26 and 27 November, while the final will take place on Sunday, 29 November. All of Shaheens&rsquo; matches are day-night and will be played at the Eden Park International Stadium except the first one which is a day fixture and is scheduled to be played at the University of Doha Ground.&nbsp;

Apart from skipper Samad, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Haider Ali, Shahzaib Khan, Farhan Yousuf, Shamyl Hussain form a strong batting core for the Shaheens with Rohail Nazir listed as the designated wicket-keeper.&nbsp;

Left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Danish Aziz, leg-spinner Saad Masood and Sufyan Moqim are the trio of spinners in the squad. The pace contingent will be led by Mohammad Hasnain and it comprises of Ahmed Daniyal - Shaheens&rsquo; super-over hero from the previous edition of the tournament &ndash; left-arm pacer Akif Javed and Muhammad Imran Randhawa.&nbsp;

Shaheens won the last 50-over edition of the ACC Men&rsquo;s Asia Cup Rising Stars in 2023 in Sri Lanka when they beat India A by 128 runs. Meanwhile, in the previous edition, which was played in T20 format, the Shaheens clinched title by edging Bangladesh A in a thrilling final decided by super-over.&nbsp;

Pakistan were runners-up in the opening two editions of this tournament in 2013 and 2017, while they emerged victorious in 2019. In the 2026 edition, the Group A consists of Afghanistan A, Bangladesh A, Hong Kong China and Sri Lanka A.&nbsp;

15-member squad

Abdul Samad (captain), Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Danish Aziz, Farhan Yousuf, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Rohail Nazir (wk), Saad Masood, Shahzaib Khan, Shamyl Hussain, Sufyan Moqim

Pakistan Shaheens fixtures&nbsp;

20 November &ndash; 11am PKT - v United Arab Emirates at University of Doha Science and Technology&nbsp;

22 November &ndash; 3pm PKT &ndash; v India A at West End Park International Cricket Stadium

24 November &ndash; 3pm PKT &ndash; v Nepal at West End Park International Cricket Stadium

26 November &ndash; 3pm PKT &ndash; 1st Semi-final at West End Park International Cricket Stadium

27 November &ndash; 3pm PKT &ndash; 2nd Semi-final at West End Park International Cricket Stadium

29 November &ndash; 3pm PKT &ndash; Final at West End Park International Cricket Stadium]]>
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			<title>Pakistan-India World Cup clash draws 8.4 million ticket requests</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638443/pakistan-india-world-cup-clash-draws-84-million-ticket-requests</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638443/pakistan-india-world-cup-clash-draws-84-million-ticket-requests#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 26 10:34:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[REUTERS]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2638443</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[More than 120 million ticket applications pour in for the 2027 tournament across three host nations]]>
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				<![CDATA[Nearly 8.4 million ticket applications have been received for India and Pakistan&#39;s group-stage clash at next year&#39;s Men&#39;s ⁠Cricket World Cup, organisers said on Monday.&nbsp;
The rivals are set to clash in Johannesburg at ⁠The Wanderers on October 10, 2027.&nbsp;
The final, hosted at the same 34,000-seat venue, ⁠trails close ⁠behind with almost eight million ticket requests.&nbsp;
Nearly three million fans from 193 countries have applied for tickets in the ballot ⁠window, which remains open ⁠until November 21, for the tournament co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.&nbsp;
More than 120 million total ticket ⁠requests have been received for the 14-team showcase that runs October 2 to November 21.]]>
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			<title>Demichelis set for Manchester City reunion</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638413/demichelis-set-for-manchester-city-reunion</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638413/demichelis-set-for-manchester-city-reunion#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 26 06:07:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The former City defender hopes to revive Leipzig's Champions League campaign against his old club]]>
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				<![CDATA[Coach Martin Demichelis will be looking to strike a blow against his former employers when his RB Leipzig side host Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Former Argentina centre-back Demichelis spent three seasons at Manchester City, winning the 2013-14 Premier League title and two League Cups.

Demichelis, who also won four league titles as a player at Bayern Munich, is now hoping to bring success to Saxony in a budding coaching career.

Leipzig have beaten City just once in six attempts, but may feel Enzo Maresca&#39;s men are vulnerable.

In their past three games, City have lost twice and won the other match on penalties, as the spectre of sanctions for breaching financial rules looms.

Demichelis, 45, was controversially handpicked by then-Red Bull boss Jurgen Klopp to take over in the summer.

To bring in Demichelis, Leipzig sacked popular coach Ole Werner, who had taken a young team back into the Champions League, while overseeing the development of Yan Diomande.

Real Madrid paid a reported 125 million euros ($140 million) for Diomande, just a year after Leipzig signed him for 20 million euros.

Demichelis was relegated from La Liga during a short stint with Mallorca last season but Klopp and Leipzig had seen enough to convince them of his ability, after he oversaw a significant up-turn in the club&#39;s form.

After a rocky start with Leipzig including a 4-1 loss at Como in the Champions League and a 6-1 thrashing by Bayern Munich, Leipzig have won three games in a row.

The Red Bulls sit just three points off top spot in the Bundesliga, but are in desperate need of points in Europe.

The 2020 semi-finalists are 29th in the 36-team table after winning just one of three Champions League games this campaign.

&#39;Competitive aura&#39;

Demichelis benefited from the tutelage of several big-name coaches, including Louis van Gaal, Manuel Pellegrini, Diego Simeone and his idol Diego Maradona.

Leipzig centre-back Maxime Esteve said Demichelis has brought a &quot;competitive aura&quot; to the club.

&quot;Even in small games in training, you can see that the coach does not want to lose,&quot; Esteve told AFP and other media on Monday.

&quot;When he misses something, you can see he&#39;s a little bit angry. You can see he stopped playing football not that long ago.

&quot;You can see the aura of his competitiveness.&quot;

Esteve played under another former City player, Vincent Kompany, during his time at Burnley and said Demichelis reminds him of the Belgian, who is now coach of Bayern.

&quot;It&#39;s funny because they both spend a lot of time in the gym. They want to stay fit, because they have a big history in football.

&quot;They play in games in training and you can see they are quite competitive. They don&#39;t want to lose.

&quot;They are really energetic and spend a lot of time at the training ground.

&quot;They are perfectionists and want to sort out the small details as soon as they can.&quot;

Esteve also has experience defending against Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland in the Premier League.

The Frenchman acknowledged his side had played against freshly minted Ballon d&#39;Or winner Harry Kane only two weeks ago, but called the big Norwegian &quot;the best striker in the world&quot;.

&quot;He&#39;s so powerful, so good with his head, so quick. He has all of the qualities to be a beast.

&quot;So it will be a difficult game but when you want to progress in football, you have to play against the best opponents. And you want to perform in this type of game.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Conway out of India ODI</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638434/conway-out-of-india-odi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638434/conway-out-of-india-odi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 26 10:05:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[REUTERS]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2638434</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[New Zealand turn to Tim Seifert for the series opener]]>
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				<![CDATA[New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said opener Devon Conway will miss the first one-day international against India due to a head injury after colliding with teammate Matt Henry during training at Eden Park in Auckland on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The players were attempting a ⁠catch when they clashed and Conway was ruled out with concussion after a head injury assessment, NZC said in a statement.&nbsp;

&quot;Both players will continue to be monitored and their involvement ⁠in the series against India will be updated in due course.&quot;&nbsp;

New Zealand are already missing Rachin Ravindra due to a shoulder injury and Mark Chapman, who has a hamstring ⁠problem.

Captain Mitchell Santner confirmed Tim ⁠Seifert will take Conway&#39;s place but was hopeful that Henry would be available for Wednesday&#39;s match.&nbsp;

&quot;He (Conway) is obviously very good in one-day cricket and was biding his time in the T20 series,&quot; Santner told reporters.&nbsp;

&quot;I guess another one of those freak ⁠accidents that happens.&quot; India, who won the preceding T20 series 3-2, are ⁠using the five-match ODI series as part of their preparations for next year&#39;s World Cup.&nbsp;

&quot;The World Cup will certainly be at the back of our mind,&quot; India captain Shubman Gill told reporters.&nbsp;

&quot;These conditions are going to be much similar to those ⁠in South Africa ... Keeping that in mind, the experience will be valuable for both our batters and bowlers.&quot;&nbsp;

Gill and batter KL Rahul will sit out the final two ODIs to prepare for the two tests that follow.]]>
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			<title>AFC postpones Asian Cup 2027</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638423/afc-postpones-asian-cup-2027</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638423/afc-postpones-asian-cup-2027#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 26 08:08:59 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2638423</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The decision follows growing uncertainty over the tournament's staging amid recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia]]>
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				<![CDATA[The 2027 Asian Cup football tournament in Saudi Arabia will be postponed from January to December due to &quot;exceptional circumstances&quot; in the region, the continent&#39;s governing body said on Tuesday.
A number of big sports events in Saudi Arabia have been cancelled or postponed in recent weeks following Houthi attacks on the country.
&quot;The organising committee for AFC Asian Cup approved to reschedule the flagship national team tournament in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region,&quot; the Asian Football Confederation said in a statement.
The AFC also cited &quot;substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions&quot;.
&quot;The new dates of the tournament will be presented to FIFA for approval,&quot; it said.
The continental showpiece was originally scheduled to take place from January 7 to February 5 next year.
The new dates are December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028.
Local organisers insisted last month that the Asian Cup was &quot;on schedule&quot;, despite growing fears for the fate of the tournament.
The Saudi cities of Jeddah, Riyadh and Al Khobar are set to stage the month-long competition.
The decision to move the tournament back almost a year came after &quot;extensive discussions and close consultation&quot; between Saudi officials and the AFC, the governing body said.
&quot;Exceptional circumstances have been created for the organisation and delivery of the competition as originally scheduled, making the postponement necessary in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders,&quot; it said.]]>
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			<title>Dortmund bring back painful memories for Pellegrini</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638417/dortmund-bring-back-painful-memories-for-pellegrini</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638417/dortmund-bring-back-painful-memories-for-pellegrini#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 26 06:35:59 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The former Manchester City boss returns to Germany 13 years]]>
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				<![CDATA[Veteran Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini has regularly produced impressive results at the highest level but his failure to win the Champions League means some hesitate to place him among the managerial elite.

The 73-year-old&#39;s team boast three wins from three in the league phase ahead of Wednesday&#39;s visit to face Borussia Dortmund, the scene of one of the most agonising defeats in his long career.

In 2013 Pellegrini&#39;s Malaga conceded twice in injury time against Jurgen Klopp&#39;s Dortmund, to miss out on a Champions League semi-final berth.

It was an especially cruel defeat for Pellegrini, who had attended his father&#39;s funeral in Chile before landing in Germany on the morning of the match.

&quot;They did not want us in the semi-finals,&quot; complained Pellegrini about the officiating afterwards, with Felipe Santana&#39;s winner seemingly scored from an offside position.

That summer Pellegrini moved to Manchester City, winning the Premier League and two League Cups before departing in 2016, without a Champions League trophy.

The evergreen Chilean joined Betis in 2020 and is now enjoying the longest spell in charge of a club in his career.
Pellegrini has stayed faithful to the idea that his teams must entertain and Betis fit the bill, boasting a host of exciting attackers like Isco and Ez Abde.

Pellegrini, who graduated in civil engineering in 1979 while playing at Universidad de Chile, took Betis to their first final in 17 years, winning the Copa del Rey in 2022.

Last season he steered the Andalusians back to Champions League qualification after two decades away from the elite.

&quot;We started the first match of the season... and at the end of the team talk we wrote in green letters -- &#39;today we begin our journey to the Champions League&#39;,&quot; explained Pellegrini in May.

&#39;My own&#39; way

Pellegrini returning Betis to the big-time is no surprise, given his track record.

The coach turned Villarreal into a Champions League semi-finalist in 2006, with his team knocked out by Arsenal.

Juan Roman Riquelme missed a last-gasp penalty in the second leg which could have taken the game to extra-time on Spain&#39;s east coast.

Pellegrini led Villarreal to a second-place finish in La Liga in 2008, finishing above giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

His success earned him the Real Madrid job in 2009, where he achieved a then-club record 96 points, but was sacked at the end of the season to make way for Jose Mourinho.

Madrid chief Florentino Perez was desperate for the club&#39;s 10th Champions League trophy and thought the Portuguese would deliver it.
Later at City, he was replaced by Pep Guardiola.

After Madrid, Pellegrini helped Malaga reach the Champions League for the first and only time in their history, with their journey ending in Dortmund.

&quot;Manuel Pellegrini doesn&#39;t always get the recognition he deserves, because he has had an incredible career and achieved huge success,&quot; said Lille coach Davide Ancelotti in September.

&quot;Those of us who are just starting out, like me, have immense admiration for him. I don&#39;t know if I&#39;ll manage until his age. I tell myself it&#39;s impossible.&quot;

Betis beat Lille 3-2 in a thriller before going on to overcome Porto and Feyenoord to maintain their perfect European start.

Pellegrini&#39;s side have qualified for European football for six straight seasons and in 2025, reached their first ever European final, in the Conference League, where they were defeated by Chelsea.

Betis beat Malaga on Saturday in La Liga in a happier reunion for Pellegrini than the trip to Dortmund.

&quot;They were three unforgettable years (in charge),&quot; said Pellegrini, who has never believed silverware should be the only measure of a coach or team&#39;s success.

&quot;I don&#39;t take a team to see how many titles I win, but to improve what happened before and do it in my own way,&quot; explained the coach back in 2016.

Fans of Villarreal, Malaga and now Betis, enjoying some of their greatest days under his reign, would likely agree with his approach.]]>
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			<title>Kane would trade Ballon d'Or for Champions League trophy</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638412/kane-would-trade-ballon-dor-for-champions-league-trophy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638412/kane-would-trade-ballon-dor-for-champions-league-trophy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 26 05:52:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[England striker says team success means more to him than individual recognition ahead of Bayern's clash with Atletico]]>
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				<![CDATA[Ballon d&#39;Or winner Harry Kane said Monday he would trade that accolade for the Champions League trophy, ahead of Bayern Munich&#39;s visit to face Atletico Madrid.

Kane was named the world&#39;s best player last week, beating superstars Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to the prestigious award.
However the England international said the reason he plays the game is to enjoy success with his team-mates.

&quot;Team trophies are why we play football. The team aspect of our sport is really, really important,&quot; Kane told reporters in the Spanish capital.

&quot;The Ballon d&#39;Or last week was one of the best feelings I&#39;ve had in my life and my career... but to have moments with the team, celebrations with the club, to be able to lift the Champions League with Bayern would be an incredible feeling.

&quot;Of course the Ballon d&#39;Or is a highlight, it puts me on an even bigger level, but you want to have these big finals, the Champions League, having that feeling of emotion with your team-mates as well.

&quot;I would choose the Champions League, but I have the opportunity to do both -- let&#39;s see what happens.&quot;

The 33-year-old striker was hailed by Atletico coach Diego Simeone as an &quot;incredible player&quot; and &quot;very good for football&quot;, before Tuesday&#39;s match.
&quot;I&#39;d like to thank Diego Simeone, who is one of the best coaches of this era,&quot; said Kane.

&quot;I&#39;m proud to receive praise from someone like him. Winning the Ballon d&#39;Or was a huge achievement for me &ndash;- I&#39;ve had to overcome many challenges in my career, some people didn&#39;t think I&#39;d get this far... but Simeone will do everything he can to stop me and the team tomorrow.&quot;

Bayern have only won one of their first three league phase games, with draws against Arsenal and Viking.

Kane suffered defeat in Atletico&#39;s Metropolitano stadium in 2019 when playing in the Champions League final for Tottenham against Liverpool. It is also the venue for this season&#39;s final.

&quot;You have good memories in stadiums, sometimes you don&#39;t -- hopefully we can have a good memory tomorrow,&quot; added Kane.

&quot;I play again here next week with England against Spain, and then hopefully at the end of the year we&#39;re back again for the Champions League final.

&quot;So I have a chance and we have a chance to erase that painful memory from 2019 for sure, and that&#39;s what you can do in life and football, just take the next opportunity.&quot;

New deal

Kane also confirmed he was close to sealing a new deal to keep him in Munich for the foreseeable future.

&quot;I&#39;d say it&#39;s more days (than weeks)... we&#39;re extremely close now,&quot; said Kane, with his current contract expiring in June 2027.

Bayern assistant coach Aaron Danks, who is standing in for Vincent Kompany in the Belgian&#39;s absence with illness, said Michael Olise and Manuel Neuer were available after injury issues.

Kompany was released after five days in hospital last week following a collapse in training and subsequent diagnosis of meningeal irritation.

&quot;The most important part of my role in Vinny&#39;s absence is to protect everything that we&#39;ve built over the last two and a half years,&quot; said Danks.

&quot;It&#39;s to protect the processes that we&#39;ve put in place, to protect the identity of the team. So no, not too much will change.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Fakhar dismisses Pakistan's short-ball woes</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638106/Fakhar-dismisses-Pakistan%27s-short-ball-woes</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638106/Fakhar-dismisses-Pakistan%27s-short-ball-woes#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 26 15:44:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Senior batsman says positive environment boosts players' confidence]]>
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				<![CDATA[KARACHI: Pakistan&#39;s senior batsman Fakhar Zaman has dismissed the impression that the national team&#39;s batsmen are vulnerable to short-pitched bowling, insisting that occasional dismissals to short-pitched deliveries and bouncers should not be exaggerated into a weakness.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I do not agree that we have problems against short-pitched bowling. During the South Africa tour, their top bowlers did not trouble us with bouncers and short-pitched deliveries. Sometimes you get out to a short ball, but I do not think we have a particular weakness against it,&rdquo; he told Straight Drive with Salman Butt.
&ldquo;We tend to exaggerate the issue whenever someone gets out to a bouncer or short delivery. If three England batsmen got out to short balls in their last match against us, it does not mean they are weak against short-pitched bowling.&rdquo;
He also backed wicket-keeper-batter Saad Baig to enjoy a long international career and stressed the importance of maintaining sporting pitches in domestic cricket.
Fakhar, who struck a match-winning 127 in Pakistan&#39;s three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Saturday&#39;s final at Gaddafi Stadium, said the team&#39;s environment and management&#39;s backing were crucial to bringing the best out of players.
&ldquo;The way this management trusts its players is encouraging. If it continues to back them, it will help players gain confidence,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;It is actually the environment that affects players the most.&rdquo;
The left-hander said the youngsters had shown considerable fighting spirit during the series and their performances had created healthy competition within the team.
&ldquo;When you are a senior player and youngsters are coming through, you feel a greater responsibility and have to put in more effort. It also creates healthy competition,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;There is a fighting spirit among the youngsters, which is a positive sign for Pakistan cricket. They have played an important role in our series victory.&rdquo;
&nbsp;&ldquo;When you are not scoring runs, you become confused about which shots to play. I told Saad at breakfast today that he was in good form and should make the most of it. He has tremendous talent, and I believe he can serve Pakistan cricket for a long time,&rdquo; Fakhar said.
Reflecting on his own innings, Fakhar said he was aware of the pressure associated with batting in a final and preferred to give himself time at the crease.
&ldquo;When I have scored runs in finals, I have always given myself time. A final has its own pressure. We are still learning, and when it is your day, things go well. I have scored runs in finals before as well,&rdquo; he said.
Fakhar also revealed that he feared he might not be able to return to the field after twisting his knee during the match.
&ldquo;My knee twisted, and at that moment I thought I would not be able to return to the field. I also told Shaheen that I would not be able to come back. Babar asked me about it too,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;However, when the physiotherapist examined me, he said it was just irritation and not a major injury. Once I started running, my body warmed up and I did not feel much discomfort.&rdquo;
Asked about the quality of pitches in the tri-series and their suitability as preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Fakhar welcomed the surfaces provided during the tournament.
&ldquo;I think pitches like the ones prepared for this series should be provided. They offered something for everyone, including spinners, fast bowlers and batsmen. Similar pitches should also be prepared for domestic cricket,&rdquo; he said.]]>
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			<title>Saad Baig targets bigger scores after promising Pakistan debut</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638279/saad-baig-targets-bigger-scores-after-promising-pakistan-debut</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638279/saad-baig-targets-bigger-scores-after-promising-pakistan-debut#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 26 12:51:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[20-year-old scores 185 runs in five matches ODI tri-series]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s emerging wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig says he is determined to turn promising starts into bigger scores and establish himself as a dependable performer after an encouraging debut ODI series.

The 20-year-old scored 185 runs in five matches during the recently concluded tri-nation series, including his maiden half-century, and helped Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka by three wickets in Saturday&rsquo;s final at Lahore&rsquo;s Gaddafi Stadium.

Baig made 74 in the title-deciding match as Pakistan chased down a target of 326 to lift the trophy. He also took three catches behind the stumps during the tournament.

Speaking on the Pakistan Cricket Board&rsquo;s digital programme Straight Drive with Salman Butt, Baig reflected on his first international series, adapting to different batting positions and managing pressure situations.

&ldquo;My plan was simple. I wanted to carry the confidence and belief I had developed in domestic cricket into international cricket,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;Whatever the situation, whether early wickets had fallen or a partnership was developing, I wanted to back my skills, play my natural game and trust my abilities.&rdquo;

Baig said he also learned the importance of adjusting his approach according to the match situation.

&ldquo;Sometimes you have to control your natural instincts and build a partnership according to the situation. I tried to do that while communicating with my batting partner,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I am thankful to have contributed to the team&rsquo;s success.&rdquo;

The left-hander progressed through Pakistan&rsquo;s age-group system, representing the country at under-13, under-16 and under-19 levels before captaining the side at the 2024 ICC Men&rsquo;s Under-19 World Cup.

Pakistan reached the semi-finals of that tournament, losing to Australia by one wicket.

Baig said making the transition from age-group cricket to the senior national team was particularly rewarding, especially as several members of his under-19 batch have also reached the international level.

&ldquo;It is a very good feeling to have come through a proper pathway, from age-group cricket to captaining Pakistan in the U19 World Cup and then representing the senior national side,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;I am grateful to have made a positive start, but this is only the beginning. My focus is to keep learning, identify areas where I can improve and develop my game further so that I can perform consistently for Pakistan.&rdquo;]]>
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			<title>Solano targets SAFF Cup semi-finals</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638289/solano-targets-saff-cup-semi-finals</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638289/solano-targets-saff-cup-semi-finals#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 26 15:38:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan’s head coach backs team ahead of India clash]]>
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				<![CDATA[With a high-stakes clash against arch-rivals India looming, Pakistan football team head coach Nolberto Solano has urged his side to challenge the occasion at the SAFF Championship 2026, declaring that every match will be treated as a final as the Green-shirts target a place in the semi-finals.

Confident in his players&#39; abilities, Solano has called for unity, discipline and defensive solidity, insisting that Pakistan have what it takes to compete despite the absence of overseas-based players.

Speaking at a press conference at a local hotel in Islamabad on Monday evening, Solano acknowledged that every opponent would pose a tough challenge but said Pakistan were determined and confident heading into the competition.

&ldquo;Every match is always tough, as usual, and we are looking forward to the challenge. We are trying to build a strong team and I believe we are not far from achieving our goals. We have already achieved success in the Maldives, so we understand the level of competition. We have also played in Indonesia. We know what we need to do,&rdquo; he said.

Pakistan will face India and the Maldives in the group stage, with Solano identifying qualification for the semi-finals as the team&#39;s primary objective.

&ldquo;We will take things step by step. Thursday&rsquo;s match against India is a big one, followed by the game against the Maldives. Our focus is on these two matches so that we can qualify for the semi-finals. We have to treat every match as a final. The first final will be against India and the second against the Maldives,&rdquo; he said.

Discussing the significance of the Pakistan-India rivalry, Solano compared it to the football rivalry between his home country, Peru, and Chile.

&ldquo;The rivalry between Peru and Chile is similar to that between Pakistan and India. It carries the same intensity. I understand very well how important these matches are for the fans. We want to make people happy because we know what these games mean to them,&rdquo; he said.

The former Peru international also emphasised that football was a team sport and that success required every player to contribute collectively.

&ldquo;We have to play as a united team. Football is not about one individual; it is a collective game. Whether we are attacking or defending, we have to perform as a team,&rdquo; he added.

Pakistan will be without its overseas-based players during the initial stage of the competition, as the championship is not being held during a FIFA international window. However, Solano insisted that their absence would not be used as an excuse and expressed full confidence in the abilities of local players.

&ldquo;At the start of this competition, we cannot include our diaspora players because it is not being held during a FIFA window. However, we are giving local players an opportunity and assessing the talent available here. There are no excuses. We believe in our players,&rdquo; he said.

He further stated that the national team&#39;s doors remained open to every player with the required ability and the right mentality.

&ldquo;We are gradually expanding our talent pool. Any player with the ability and the right attitude has a chance to represent the national team,&rdquo; he added.

&ldquo;We first try to become a solid team. Our strategy is to avoid conceding goals because some of our strongest players belong to the defensive department,&rdquo; he said.

Solano also highlighted the importance of a strong domestic football structure.

&ldquo;We have to look ahead. We have talent, but these young players need support. They need a strong structure and clubs. The situation was similar in my country, Peru. Gradually, young players continued to improve and their abilities developed further,&rdquo; he said.

Welcoming the announcement of a professional football league in Pakistan next year, Solano described it as an important development for improving players&#39; physical conditioning and the overall standard of the game.

&ldquo;It is important for this generation of players to become physically fit and cover more ground. It is great news for us that Pakistan will have a professional league next year. Our current players have never had the opportunity to go through a pre-season. Pre-season training is extremely important for a player because it lays the foundation for the entire season. Hopefully, we will have this facility soon as well,&rdquo; he said.

The head coach further explained that the team&#39;s formation would depend on the players available and the nature of the opposition, stressing the need to remain tactically flexible.

Pakistan will launch its SAFF Championship 2026 campaign against traditional rivals India on Thursday, with Solano describing the encounter as the team&#39;s first major test. The Green-shirts will then face the Maldives in their second group match, with a positive result crucial to their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

Pakistan are in Group B with India and Maldives, while Group A comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals.

Pakistan will face India in their opening match on November 5. India have announced a second-string side for the event. Their senior team will travel to New Zealand for two friendly matches. They will face the hosts&nbsp;in Auckland on November 12 and Christchurch on November 15.

Nepal is missing the event for the first tme in history due to suspension issue.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Chelsea deepen Manchester United's crisis</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637942/chelsea-deepen-manchester-uniteds-crisis</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637942/chelsea-deepen-manchester-uniteds-crisis#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 26 15:22:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Carrick faces mounting pressure due to below-par showing of his charges]]>
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				<![CDATA[Michael Carrick&#39;s stay of execution as Manchester United boss may not last long after his team imploded in a 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea on Saturday.

The visitors wasted a string of chances to take the lead at Stamford Bridge before Morgan Rogers waltzed through the heart of the United defence to open the scoring on 50 minutes.

Lisandro Martinez then ruined any chance of a revival from Carrick&#39;s men with two quickfire yellow cards, the second of which also conceded a penalty converted by Cole Palmer.

Winless in nine games, defeat leaves the 20-time English champions still just one point above the relegation zone and in danger of ending the weekend in the bottom three.

Many expected Carrick to be axed following last weekend&#39;s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.

The former United midfielder was instead given the chance to turn his side&#39;s fortunes around and will lament a lack of ruthlessness during the first half.

Carrick recalled captain Bruno Fernandes after he was left out last weekend in the wake of criticising his manager&#39;s tactics during a 4-1 thrashing at Como in the Champions League.

Fernandes should have marked his return with the opener when he blazed over from Bryan Mbeumo&#39;s inviting cross.

The roles were reversed when Mbeumo could not stretch to meet Fernandes&#39;s delivery at the back post before twice Amad Diallo was denied by Chelsea&#39;s stand-in goalkeeper Mike Penders.

United did finally get the ball in the net when Matheus Cunha turned in Harry Maguire&#39;s header from a corner, but the Brazilian had strayed just offside.

Carrick could not hide his frustration in a half-time interview to broadcasters and his mood soured further with a disastrous start to the second period.

Martinez sent off 

Rogers credits Carrick for revitalising his career during a spell together at Middlesbrough but dealt a potentially decisive blow to his former boss.

The England international collected the ball inside the centre circle but was allowed to drive directly towards the United goal before dinking the ball over Senne Lammens.

Martinez also spoke out publicly in recent weeks to criticise United&#39;s lack of spending in the transfer market to bolster Carrick&#39;s squad.

But on this season&#39;s evidence, Martinez is one of those most in need of replacing.

The Argentine international could not cope with Rogers&#39;s strength moments later as he was penalised for hauling back the Chelsea forward.

From the resulting free-kick, Martinez then needlessly crashed into Wesley Fofana with a raised forearm.

After a VAR review, referee Peter Banks awarded a penalty and showed Martinez a second yellow card.

Lammens got hands to Palmer&#39;s spot-kick but still allowed the ball to trickle into the bottom corner.

On a rare start since Xabi Alonso took charge of the Blues, Estevao had a third goal disallowed for offside when he crashed Palmer&#39;s pass into the top corner.

Cries of &quot;sacked in the morning&quot; rained down from the Chelsea fans as their side toyed with United for the final quarter without adding to their lead.

Another big decision awaits the United hierarchy before a massive Champions League clash at home to Roma on Tuesday.

Beaten in two of their three European games so far, United face both the embarrassment and financial shock of an early exit should they fall to another defeat against the Italians at Old Trafford.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Atletico beat Levante to top LaLiga</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637945/atletico-beat-levante-to-top-laliga</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637945/atletico-beat-levante-to-top-laliga#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 26 15:48:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Grimaldo and Simeone are on target for Diego Simeone’s side]]>
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				<![CDATA[Atletico Madrid earned a solid 2-0 win at Levante on Saturday to move provisionally top of La Liga before Barcelona host Alaves later on.

Diego Simeone&#39;s side climbed a point clear of the Catalan giants, who suffered their first league defeat against rivals Real Madrid last weekend.

Goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Giuliano Simeone in Valencia helped Atletico record a seventh consecutive league win to continue their strong form and put pressure on the reigning champions.

&quot;I&#39;m very happy with the team&#39;s work,&quot; Atletico coach Simeone told Movistar.

&quot;We&#39;re very far from the end of the season... we&#39;ll keep going game by game.&quot;

There was a minute&#39;s silence at the start of the match in memory of the 69 victims of the train crash in the province of Toledo that rocked Spain this week.

Levante&#39;s Dani Requena forced Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak into an impressive early save.

Morten Hjulmand thought he had put Atletico ahead after Alex Baena slipped him in, but a VAR review showed the Dane was offside.

Baena, the visitors&#39; main creative outlet, was involved in the opener.

The Spaniard&#39;s pass was poorly defended by Levante and the ball bobbled through to Grimaldo, who lashed high into the net at the near post.

Lee Kang-in hit the crossbar early in the second half as Atletico looked to put the game to bed.

The coach&#39;s son Giuliano prodded home for Atletico&#39;s second goal after being played in by World Cup winner Baena.

Oblak saved superbly from Karl Etta Eyong to stop the hosts fighting their way back into the game.

It was Simeone&#39;s 344th La Liga win at the helm of Atletico, matching the club&#39;s record set by Luis Aragones.

&quot;I don&#39;t feel it much as mine, but it belongs to my players, everyone who has been with me for so many years,&quot; said Simeone, who started coaching Atletico in 2011.

Atletico host Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday before welcoming Barca to the Metropolitano stadium next weekend in La Liga.

On Sunday, Jose Mourinho&#39;s Real Madrid, third, visit Racing Santander among other fixtures.]]>
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			<title>Hakimi stars as PSG rip Le Havre</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637925/hakimi-stars-as-psg-rip-le-havre</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637925/hakimi-stars-as-psg-rip-le-havre#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 26 10:35:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2637925</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PSG's nearest Ligue 1 rivals Rennes suffer defeat at Nice]]>
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				<![CDATA[Achraf Hakimi rose to the occasion scoring a glorious hat-trick on Friday as a heavily rotated Paris Saint-Germain thumped rock-bottom Le Havre 5-1 in Ligue 1.

PSG&#39;s nearest Ligue 1 rivals Rennes lost 5-2 at Nice to drop four points adrift while Olivier Giroud&#39;s late goal lifted Lille second after their 1-0 home win over Lens.

The former World Cup and Champions League winner Giroud is now 40 and came off the bench to net his third goal of the season to settle a tense, tight struggle.

PSG have won six league games in a row after a slow start this term and top the table with 20 points. Lille are second on 18 but Monaco can join them should they beat Paris FC on Sunday, while Rennes have 16.

On just two points so far, Le Havre gave their opponents a game early on as they suddenly surged forward in numbers with the PSG backline scampering in retreat before striker Josh Maja hammered in the opener against the run of play on 18 minutes.

Pushing for a second, Le Havre were carved open in a quick-fire move with Belgian winger Mika Godts racing onto a Hakimi pass to level on 26 minutes.

Two minutes later Hakimi left the defence trailing and his blistering low drive just inside the near post made it 2-1.

The European champions were running the Normandy side ragged before Hakimi scored his second with a fierce free-kick that curled low past the &#39;keeper Arnaud Bodard to put PSG 3-1 up.

Le Havre poured everyone forward in a brave effort to get back into the game, only for PSG to burst back, catching the home goalkeeper way off his line with not a single defender in his half.

Senny Mayulu ran around Bodard, and his cool long-range finish hit the back of the net to effectively end the contest, just after the hour.

Hakimi completed his hat-trick when Bodard saved his initial effort, only for the ball to rebound off the Morocco international and loop into the net on 69 minutes. He had hardly finished a triumphant celebration when coach Luis Enrique subbed him off.

&quot;He&#39;s a striker when we have the ball. He&#39;s free to do that when we are in possession, but obliged to defend when we aren&#39;t,&quot; said Luis Enrique.

The Spanish coach left stars Desire Doue, Vitinha and Joao Neves on the bench, while Ousmane Dembele was absent through injury and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia faces the prospect of missing the rest of the season after tearing his ACL in last week&#39;s Champions League win over Barcelona.]]>
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			<title>Police down Guangdong</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637599/police-down-guangdong</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637599/police-down-guangdong#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 26 14:30:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Hosts seal a thrilling win in high-scoring hockey friendly against Chinese side]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Police held off a spirited Guangdong fightback to claim a 7-6 victory in a high-scoring hockey test match in Lahore on Thursday.

The match, played at the DHA Hockey Arena was part of the Chinese side&rsquo;s tour of Pakistan aimed at strengthening sporting ties between the two countries and providing local players with international match experience.

The closely contested encounter produced 13 goals, with Pakistan Police eventually emerging victorious by a single goal.

The match attracted a huge crowd who witnessed an entertaining contest between the two sides.

Inspector General of Punjab Police Abdul Kareem, who is also president of the Pakistan Police Sports Board, also witnessed the match as chief guest.

He was accompanied by Chief Sports Officer DIG Athar Ismail, AIG Administration Qazi Farooq, and former Olympians Manzoor Hussain, Shahbaz Ahmed Senior, Tahir Zaman and Khawaja Junaid.

PHF Director of Administration Colonel (retd) Nasir Akhunzada was also present.

Guangdong opened their tour with a 5-2 defeat against Mari Energies in Rawalpindi before securing a shootout victory over Pakistan Army after the match finished level at 1-1.

Pakistan Navy then defeated the visitors 3-1 in Islamabad, while Pakistan Customs claimed a narrow 3-2 win in Lahore. Pakistan Rangers followed with a 3-1 victory in Narowal. A record crowd had witnessed that game.

Pakistan&rsquo;s junior team also recorded a 5-2 win over Guangdong in Gojra on Wednesday, taking a 3-2 lead at half-time before adding two more goals.

The series has offered Pakistani players valuable opportunities to compete against foreign opposition as the PHF looks to strengthen domestic hockey and develop emerging talent.

Pakistan were once among the leading forces in international hockey, winning three Olympic gold medals and four World Cup titles, but have struggled to maintain their former standing in recent years.

The federation has been seeking more competitive fixtures and improved pathways for young players as part of efforts to revive the national game.

Such tours also will help Pakistan&#39;s domestic sides to get rich experience while playing against some food foreign teams.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan juniors sink Guangdong</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637422/pakistan-juniors-sink-guangdong</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637422/pakistan-juniors-sink-guangdong#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 26 14:21:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2637422</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Hosts beat Chinese side 5-2 in Gojra]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s junior hockey team on Wednesday defeated China&rsquo;s Guangdong 5-2 in the six-match friendly Test series at the International Hockey Stadium in Gojra.

The match, played at the Olympic Village, was organised as part of efforts to promote Pakistan-China friendship and to strengthen sporting ties between the two countries.

Pakistan made an impressive start and maintained pressure on their opponents throughout the contest, taking a 3-2 lead into half-time before scoring twice more to seal an emphatic victory.

Toba Tek Singh Deputy Commissioner Maham Asif Malik, District Police Officer Akhlaq Tarar, PHF Director of Domestic and High Performance Tahir Zaman and Director Administration Col (redt) Nasir Akhunzada also witnessed the match.

The series is aimed at strengthening sporting relations between Pakistan and China while providing players with valuable match experience against international opposition.

Guangdong have also faced several Pakistani departmental teams during their visit. Rangers recorded a 3-1 victory over the Chinese side while Mari Energies defeated the visitors 5-2. Customs secured a narrow 3-2 win.

Pakistan Navy also beat Guangdong 3-1 at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad, while the Chinese team defeated Pakistan Army 4-2 in a shootout after a closely contested encounter.

The fixtures have provided domestic sides and junior players with opportunities to test themselves against foreign oppositions as the PHF seeks to revive hockey in Pakistan.

The country was once among the dominant force in international hockey, winning three Olympic gold medals and four World Cup titles. However, Pakistan have struggled to maintain those standards in recent years and have fallen behind leading nations.

The PHF is now making efforts to strengthen grassroots development, improve domestic competitions and create clearer pathways for emerging players to progress to the national team.

The series against Guangdong is part of those efforts with regular competitive fixtures expected to help young players gain experience and contribute to the long-term development of Pakistan hockey.]]>
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			<title>PHF rolls out Schools Hockey League</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637222/phf-rolls-out-schools-hockey-league</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637222/phf-rolls-out-schools-hockey-league#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 26 14:44:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2637222</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[League offers young players a clear path to the national teams]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) have announced plans for a nationwide Schools Hockey League aimed at developing young players and rebuilding the pathway to the national teams.

The competition will begin on November 15, with tehsil, district and divisional rounds taking place simultaneously across Pakistan. The provincial competitions are scheduled for January, followed by the national round in February.

The plans were discussed at a consultative meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday. The IPC secretary and the PHF chief Mohiyuddin Ahmed Wani chared the meeting..

Representatives from school education and sports departments in all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad capital territory attended the meeting.

Wani urged participants to treat the league&#39;s implementation as a national responsibility, recalling Pakistan&#39;s past achievements in hockey and the sport&#39;s status as the country&#39;s national game.

Ehtasham Anwar, the PHF&#39;s focal person for the Schools Hockey League (SHL), outlined the competition&#39;s structure and key features.

The league will operate under the PHF, with its own chief executive officer and a steering committee chaired by the federation&#39;s president.

Organisers say the competition will provide young players with a pathway towards national-team selection while offering financial and development opportunities.

Players from top three teams will receive monthly stipends of Rs10,000, Rs7,500 and Rs5,000 respectively for one year. The winning team and selected players will also be given opportunities to undertake international tours.

School heads and sports teachers, who contribute to the league&#39;s success, will receive special awards in recognition of their efforts.

The programme will also focus on balancing sporting development with education. Each year, 100 boys and 100 girls will be selected for summer camps featuring hockey coaching, fitness training and academic tutoring.

The initiative is intended to strengthen grassroots hockey and encourage wider participation among schoolchildren, including girls.

The representatives of the provincial departments and federal entities pledged their cooperation, promising to coordinate their sporting calendars and activities with the new competition.

PHF hopes the league will help establish a sustainable talent pathway and increase the pool of players available for Pakistan&#39;s national teams.]]>
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			<title>Rangers beat Guangdong in hockey</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637039/rangers-beat-guangdong-in-hockey</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637039/rangers-beat-guangdong-in-hockey#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 26 14:28:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2637039</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Huge crowd packs Narowal Stadium to witness thrilling clash]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Rangers scored twice in the second half to beat China&rsquo;s Guangdong 3-1 in their hockey series match at the Sports City Hockey Stadium in Narowal on Monday.

A huge crowd thronged the stadium to witness the game.

The teams were levelled 1-1 at half-time after a tightly contested opening two quarters, but Pakistan Rangers gave a breakthrough in the 37th minute through Muhammad Sami, who struck a fine goal from short corner.

Guangdong responded three minutes later when Fong Xiang Xuan scored from a penalty corner in the 40th minute to level the match 1-1.

Pakistan Rangers put in their concerted efforts and regained the lead in the 45th minute as Aamir Sohail scored a fine field goal to put his side 2-1 ahead.

Muhammad Hammad then sealed the victory with another field goal in the 55th minute, giving Pakistan Rangers a two-goal cushion in the final quarter.



Photo: PHF

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal and Pakistan Hockey Federation&#39;s (PHF) President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani also witnessed the match as guests of honour.

Wani, who is also the secretary of the IPC, thanked Ahsan Iqbal and people of Narowal for supporting the successful staging of the showdown.

He said the enthusiastic reception from local hockey fans offered encouragement for the future of the sport in Pakistan. It was the fifth fixture of the series.

Earlier, Mari Energies defeated Guangdong 5-2 and Customs downed them 3-2.

Navy conquered Guangdong 3-1 at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium Islamabad. The visitors defeated Army 4-2 in a shootout in a thrilling encounter.

PHF is making concerted efforts to bring back the lost glory of the country in hockey. Pakistan once ruled the world in the sport but now struggling in international circuit. However recent steps from the PHF have created hope of resurrection of the sport.]]>
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			<title>Rybakina to face Fernandez for Ningbo title</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636686/rybakina-to-face-fernandez-for-ningbo-title</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636686/rybakina-to-face-fernandez-for-ningbo-title#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 26 12:30:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2636686</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Kazakh seed secures victory over Diana Shnaider in the semifinal]]>
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				<![CDATA[Top-ranked Elena Rybakina closed in on her fourth WTA title of the year as she beat Diana Shnaider on Saturday to set up a Ningbo Open final against Leylah Fernandez.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Rybakina, the number one seed and defending champion, defeated the 13th-ranked Russian 6-3, 7-5.

Rybakina, who usurped Aryna Sabalenka as world number one in her US Open triumph in September, missed last week&#39;s Wuhan Open with a foot injury.

The Moscow-born Kazakh threatened to run away with the first set but struggled to put Shnaider away when serving at 5-3 up.

Rybakina twice double-faulted as she uncharacteristically saw an astounding 10 set points come and go.

The 27-year-old finally clinched the set at the 11th time of asking.

The hard-hitting Shnaider, 22, dug herself out of a hole on her own serve to hold at the start of the second set.

Now in the groove, Rybakina ramped up the pressure to break serve in the seventh game, then held for a 5-3 lead.

Rybakina served for the match at 5-4 but inexplicably crumbled with victory in sight and was broken to love, only to recover and immediately grab the break back.

She served for the match once more at 6-5 and this time made no mistake, sealing the deal on her second match point with a two-handed backhand down the line.

In the other semi-final, Fernandez defeated Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 7-5 as she chases a second title in as many months.

The Canadian world number 30 won her first title of the year in Singapore last month and had too much for the 26th-ranked Bouzkova of the Czech Republic.

After dominating the first set, Fernandez broke early in the second for a 2-0 lead, only for Bouzkova to hit back as both struggled on their serve.

The second set turned into an arm-wrestle before Fernandez prevailed in just under two hours when Bouzkova returned long.]]>
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			<title>Cirotte lifts tennis singles title</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635378/cirotte-lifts-w-15-singles-title</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635378/cirotte-lifts-w-15-singles-title#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 17 Oct 26 13:16:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Zulfiqar Baig]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[France’s player downs Thailand’s Yodpetch in the final]]>
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				<![CDATA[France&rsquo;s Astrid Cirotte fought back from a set down to defeat Thailand&rsquo;s Kamonwan Yodpetch and win the women&rsquo;s singles title at the W-15 Islamabad Junaid Family Foundation World Tennis Women&rsquo;s Championships 2026.

Cirotte prevailed 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 in the final of the tournament&rsquo;s second leg at the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Tennis Complex, recovering from a difficult start to secure the title.

Yodpetch, however, returned to the winners&rsquo; podium in the doubles competition, partnering China&rsquo;s Ru Xi Wu to claim the crown.

The pair defeated Germany&rsquo;s Anastasiya Kuparev and Uzbekistan&rsquo;s Sevil Yuldasheva 6-3, 4-6, 10-2 in the final, winning the deciding match tie-break convincingly after the teams split the opening two sets.

The international tournament featured 31 players from 17 countries, including France, China, Russia, Denmark, Mexico, Uzbekistan, South Africa, the Netherlands, South Korea, Nepal, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, Thailand, T&uuml;rkiye, the Czech Republic and hosts Pakistan.

United States Charg&eacute; d&rsquo;Affaires Natalie A. Baker attended the closing ceremony as chief guest, while Ansir Junaid, chairman of the Junaid Family Foundation, and his wife were guests of honour. They joined officials in distributing prizes to the champions and runners-up.

PTF president Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and secretary general Colonel Zia-ud-Din Tufail were also present at the ceremony.

French tennis player Aravane Reza&iuml; received a shield in recognition of her services and contributions to the sport.

The closing ceremony was attended by ambassadors, diplomats, tennis officials, players, coaches, parents and spectators, reflecting growing interest in women&rsquo;s tennis and international sporting events in Pakistan.

Qureshi congratulated the champions and runners-up on their performances and thanked Baker, the Junaid family and other guests for attending. He also acknowledged the foundation&rsquo;s support in staging the tournament.

The championship forms part of the PTF&rsquo;s efforts to promote women&rsquo;s tennis, provide Pakistani players with opportunities to compete alongside international opponents and strengthen the country&rsquo;s capacity to host international tennis events.

The Junaid Family Foundation sponsored the tournament, supporting efforts to develop the sport and expand opportunities for women players in Pakistan.]]>
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			<title>Zverev stunned by Davidovich Fokina</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635374/zverev-stunned-by-davidovich-fokina</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635374/zverev-stunned-by-davidovich-fokina#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 17 Oct 26 12:05:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2635374</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Spaniard will either face Medvedev or Jodar in Shanghai final]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Top seed Alexander Zverev fell to a relentless Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the Shanghai Masters semi-finals on Saturday over three tense sets.

The 26th-ranked Davidovich Fokina fought back to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 and will play either Daniil Medvedev or fellow Spaniard Rafael Jodar in the final on Sunday.

The 27-year-old Spaniard combined grit, lightning-fast returns and graceful drop shots to stun the German, who will end the year world number one.

&quot;I was a little bit nervous,&quot; Davidovich Fokina said of his shaky start.

&quot;But I keep going, I keep fighting, every ball,&quot; he said.

The Spaniard extended his winning streak in China to nine matches, after claiming an ATP 250 title in Chengdu.

Zverev, the French and US Open champion, said fatigue had caught up with him.

&quot;I think a break is quite necessary now,&quot; the 29-year-old told reporters, saying he would monitor his fitness ahead of a tournament in Vienna that begins October 24.

&quot;I carried a little bit of injury, I carried fatigue into the tournament, and I&#39;m okay to lose to a player like this today,&quot; said Zverev, who had felt his ankle at times in Shanghai.

The duo fought over long rallies in the first set, earning Davidovich Fokina a high-five from the world number two after one particularly impressive lob.

Despite a series of misjudged shots Zverev managed to avoid facing any break points in the first set.

He sprinted to send a brilliant backhand down the line, converting a crucial break point to go up 6-5.

He took the first set with an ace and looked to be heading back to the final he last reached in 2019.

Trouble arrived in the second set though as Zverev looked to be moving with some difficulty.

Davidovich Fokina worked his first break point in the fourth game but Zverev held when the Spaniard returned into the net.

Davidovich Fokina&#39;s growing pressure paid off and he successfully ran for a backhand to take the match into a deciding set.

The emboldened Spaniard raced into a 3-0 lead.

The German saved two match points but the reprieve was only a brief one.]]>
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			<title>Monfils officially retired from tennis</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634829/monfils-officially-retired-from-tennis</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634829/monfils-officially-retired-from-tennis#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 26 12:38:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2634829</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[ITIA confirms that the French seed has been on their retired players list since October 5]]>
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			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Gael Monfils, the last of his generation&#39;s French musketeers, has officially retired from tennis, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed to AFP on Wednesday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He went on to reach the round of 16 at the Australian Open, notably defeating world No. 4 Taylor Fritz along the way.]]>
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			<title>GM Bashir makes strong start in Asian Games shooting</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632226/gm-bashir-makes-strong-start-in-asian-games-shooting</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632226/gm-bashir-makes-strong-start-in-asian-games-shooting#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 26 07:34:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alam Zeb Safi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632226</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Olympian fires 289-8x to finish eighth in stage 1 of the 25m rapid fire pistol, with stage second set for Thursday]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s ace-shooter Ghulam Mustafa Bashir had a solid start in his men&rsquo;s 25 metre rapid fire pistol event of the 20th Asian Games at the Aichi Perfecture General Shooting Gallery in Japan on Wednesday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It began with tape-ball cricket in Mardan.

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

The progression was gradual but relentless.

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



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

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

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

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

The setback did not derail him.

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

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

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

Then came another break.

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

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

In five matches, he took 25 wickets.

That brought another step up: the Pakistan Super League.

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

His performances continued to accumulate.

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

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

He seized it.

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

Then, late one night, the call came.

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Budapest field presents a formidable challenge.

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

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

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

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

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

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

His immediate priority, however, is Budapest, where the Olympic champion will be looking to put his recent struggles behind him and demonstrate that his best throwing remains ahead of him.]]>
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			<title>Masood Khan receives warm welcome after completing Peshawar-Karachi run</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637934/masood-khan-receives-warm-welcome-after-completing-peshawar-karachi-run</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637934/masood-khan-receives-warm-welcome-after-completing-peshawar-karachi-run#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 26 12:20:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Riaz Ahmad]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2637934</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ultra-endurance athlete receives a Rs500,000 cash award after completing the gruelling journey on foot]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Record-holding ultra-endurance athlete Masood Khan received a warm welcome at the Peshawar Sports Complex after completing an extraordinary 1,850-kilometre journey from Peshawar to Karachi on foot in 24 days.

Director General Sports Wasal Khan, Additional Deputy Commissioner Dawood Salimi, Additional Director General Sports Rasheeda Ghaznavi, Director Operations Jamshed Baloch and other officials welcomed the athlete with floral garlands and congratulated him on the achievement.

Speaking at the reception, Wasal Khan said Masood had brought honour to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan through his determination, courage and hard work.

He described the feat as an inspiration for young people and said the provincial government was committed to supporting talented athletes and promoting sports.

Wasal Khan also announced that the Sports Department would organise a marathon along the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route in November, along with other sporting competitions. He announced a cash award of Rs500,000 for Masood in recognition of his accomplishment.

Dawood Salimi praised the athlete&rsquo;s perseverance, saying the achievement demonstrated that difficult goals could be reached through dedication and consistent effort. He said the district administration would continue supporting sports and positive activities for young people.

Masood said his main motivation was to honour the memory of his late father and bring recognition to Pakistan.

He described the 24-day journey as an immense test of physical endurance, saying he faced scorching heat, rain and other hardships along the way. At one point, he lost consciousness but continued with the challenge after recovering.

The athlete said he covered between 70 and 85 kilometres each day, depending on the circumstances. He prepared for the feat with 90 days of intensive training, spending around eight hours daily on physical preparation.

Masood said he had won 49 medals in full and half-marathon competitions across Pakistan, including 24 gold medals.

He also recalled completing another endurance challenge by covering approximately 808 kilometres on foot from Peshawar to Skardu in nine days.]]>
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			<title>Marquez stretches MotoGP championship lead</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637926/marquez-stretches-motogp-championship-lead</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637926/marquez-stretches-motogp-championship-lead#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 26 10:37:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2637926</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Marco Bezzecchi late surge takes him to third at Sepang]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Marc Marquez extended his lead in the MotoGP standings when he finished second in a thrilling Malaysian sprint race Saturday behind Pedro Acosta, with title rival Jorge Martin out injured.

Acosta crossed the finish line in 20min 04.098 sec, with fellow Spaniard Marquez 0.578sec behind in second for Ducati.

Italian Marco Bezzecchi mounted a late challenge to take third at Sepang.

Reigning world champion Marquez went 19 points clear of closest challenger Martin, who withdrew from the weekend action earlier in the day after failing to recover from a broken wrist.

The seven-time world champion Marquez survived an early scare when he almost collided with Ai Ogura on a sharp turn after the lights went green, as younger brother Alex Marquez retained the early lead from pole.

Alex Marquez crashed out on Lap 3 after he skidded off on a sweeping turn, allowing Japan&#39;s Ogura to become the new race leader.

Championship leader Marquez, who had started from second before falling back, moved into third behind Acosta.

A light drizzle swept across the Sepang circuit and the race changed momentum when Acosta overtook Ogura to become the third race leader on the seventh lap, before the Japanese was gobbled up by Marquez into second.

Marquez had to use his experience to fend off the challenge of Ogura as both men traded places, before the Spaniard accelerated past the Trackhouse rider on a tight corner to pursue Acosta right to the finish line.

Marquez said he did not enjoy the race, despite now being in a strong position in his title duel with Martin.

&quot;I enjoyed zero. Today was real work, we did what we needed to do,&quot; he said.

&quot;It&#39;s a circuit which some years I have struggled a lot, but we are saving well.

&quot;Will be super concentrated for tomorrow.&quot;

Martin&#39;s premature exit from Sepang dealt a huge blow to the Spaniard&#39;s title hopes, with just three race weekends to go after this.

The Aprilia rider fears his chances of reclaiming the title he won in 2024 could be over.

&quot;Maybe I can win it, but for me it&#39;s already a loss,&quot; said the Spaniard.

&quot;So for sure I will fight till the end. Not only for me, because at the end of the day I&#39;m already champion, but for my team, for my people, I will fight till the end.&quot;

The main race is on Sunday.]]>
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			<title>Verstappen slams Red Bull stable-mate</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637904/verstappen-slams-red-bull-stable-mate</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637904/verstappen-slams-red-bull-stable-mate#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 26 07:19:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2637904</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Dutch driver faces one-place grid penalty for the Mexico City GP]]>
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				<![CDATA[Max Verstappen slammed his Red Bull stable-mate Liam Lawson as &quot;not very smart&quot; after a Friday practice crash that saw both hit with one-place grid penalties for the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Ferrari&#39;s Charles Leclerc topped the times ahead of world champion Lando Norris of McLaren in an eventful session that saw Kimi Antonelli wind up fourth as he closes in on the title.

Red Bulls&#39; four-time champion Verstappen was embroiled in an incident that left him with damaged bodywork, tangling with Racing Bulls&#39; Lawson in a feisty fight for track position going into the Foro Sol section.

Verstappen said New Zealand&#39;s Lawson caused the trouble near turn 12, their minor collision spewing debris over the circuit and causing the session to be red-flagged for the track to be cleared.

&quot;It was not unlucky,&quot; said the Dutchman. &quot;It was not very smart behaviour by him in what he was trying to do there. But it is not going to change my weekend.&quot;

Both drivers were summoned by the stewards, who found they behaved in a manner that was &quot;unacceptable&quot; and handed out the penalty.

&quot;I think it is just not very smart behaviour when you are fighting for your seat,&quot; Verstappen said, a reference to Lawson&#39;s admission this week that he does not know if he will retain his place next season with Racing Bulls, despite an impressive season with the sister team to Red Bull.

Racing Bulls may move to promote Red Bull junior driver Nikola Tsolov, who on Friday became the first Bulgarian driver to take part in an official practice session at a Grand Prix when he drove in FP1.

Lawson has impressed throughout the year and outperformed team-mate rookie Arvid Lindblad comprehensively.

On Thursday he told reporters that finding consistency in formula one is hard, but he believed he has &quot;maximised a lot this year.

&quot;I&rsquo;m not really sure what more is expected, but I&rsquo;m not really sitting here thinking too much about the whole seat selection thing.

&quot;I overthought things last year so I&rsquo;m trying a different mindset this year to score as many points as I can.&quot;

Lawson is ninth in the drivers&#39; championship with 77 points while teammate Lindblad is 11th on 38.

His performances have helped lift Racing Bulls to fifth in the constructors&#39; title race behind the big four of Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren.

He ended up ninth in Friday FP2 while Verstappen was fifth behind the Mercedes of George Russell and 20-year-old Italian Antonelli -- who is poised to become the sport&rsquo;s youngest champion on Sunday if he finishes in the top nine.

Verstappen, a five-time winner in Mexico, admitted: &quot;It could have gone better, but we&#39;re not too far off and just have some fine tuning to do. No one has much grip here but it is the same for us all and nothing new.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Leclerc quickest in Mexico GP practice</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637903/leclerc-quickest-in-mexico-gp-practice</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637903/leclerc-quickest-in-mexico-gp-practice#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 26 07:17:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2637903</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Monegasque driver clocks a best lap in one minute and 17.827 seconds]]>
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				<![CDATA[Ferrari&#39;s Charles Leclerc dominated practice for the Mexico City Grand Prix on Friday, clocking the fastest times in both sessions for the second weekend running.

The Monegasque driver clocked a best lap in one minute and 17.827 seconds in the second practice session to outpace McLaren&#39;s world champion Lando Norris by 0.103 seconds with George Russell finishing third ahead of his Mercedes team-mate runaway championship leader Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli, 20, who was absent on Thursday to recover from a virus, can become the sport&#39;s youngest champion on Sunday, and Italy&#39;s first since 1963, if he finishes in the top nine.

He can also take the title if his two remaining rivals &ndash; Russell and Ferrari&#39;s seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton &ndash; fail to win.

Leclerc&#39;s success on Friday repeated his showing in Austin, Texas, at last weekend&#39;s United States Grand Prix.

Red Bull&#39;s four-time champion Max Verstappen, a record five-time winner in Mexico, was fifth ahead of team-mate Isack Hadjar after an early clash with Racing Bulls&#39; Liam Lawson which left him with damaged bodywork.

Lawson&#39;s team-mate Arvid Lindblad was seventh ahead of Alpine&#39;s Pierre Gasly, Lawson and Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren.

Seven-time champion Hamilton was down in 11th for Ferrari after suffering a power failure that ended his running midway through.

The session began with Gasly leading Alpine team-mate Franco Colapinto out ahead of Cadillac&rsquo;s local hero Sergio Perez, set for his 300th race start, the seventh driver to reach this landmark. He was promptly cautioned for a pit lane infringement.

After the inclusion of 10 rookie reserves in free practice one, all 22 full-timers were back with a wide range of tyres on show &ndash; Ferrari taking mediums, Verstappen softs and others hards on the low-grip track.

A red flag paused the action after 15 minutes to clear debris in the Foro Sol after Verstappen clashed with stable-mate Lawson and damaged his car&rsquo;s bargeboard.

The frustrated Dutchman&#39;s actions seemed excessively aggressive and required a Red Bull pit-stop for repairs. The incident was noted by the stewards and set for investigation afterwards.

Ferrari dominated the early stages with Leclerc on top before Norris, on softs, took command as McLaren bounced back shortly before Hamilton lost power and pulled up on the straight.

He had just switched to softs and completed one lap.

It was a setback for Hamilton who lost vital learning time on softs while Leclerc regained the initiative ahead of Norris, Russell and Antonelli before the field switched to heavier fuel loads and medium tyres.]]>
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			<title>WAPDA dominate National Athletics Championship</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636699/wapda-dominate-national-athletics-championship</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636699/wapda-dominate-national-athletics-championship#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 26 14:57:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2636699</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Shahbaz wins marathon as Amtul secures two golds]]>
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				<![CDATA[WAPDA strengthened their lead at the Lok Sahaita 54th National Athletics Championship with 16 golds after the third day of the competition at NED University on Friday.

Navy remained second with seven gold medals, followed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) with six, as the championship entered its final day. The closing ceremony is scheduled for Saturday.

WAPDA collected ten gold medals in the men&#39;s events and six in the women&#39;s competitions, underlining their dominance across the championship.

Navy&#39;s Shahbaz Masih won the men&#39;s marathon, completing the 42-kilometre race in two hours, 48 minutes and 48 seconds. Sindh&#39;s Raees Khameer finished second in 2:55:26, while Police&#39;s Ahmed took bronze in 2:58:23.

HEC&#39;s Abu Bakar claimed gold in the decathlon with 5,294 points. Punjab&#39;s Abdul Rehman finished second with 5,127 points, narrowly ahead of WAPDA&#39;s Shoaib Khan, who scored 5,125.

HEC&#39;s Khabeeb won the men&#39;s 3,000-metre steeplechase in 9:41.16, while WAPDA&#39;s Muhammad Irfan took silver and Police&#39;s Mubashir finished third.

In women&#39;s events, HEC&#39;s Kinza Fatima won the 400-metre hurdles in 1:05.40. WAPDA&#39;s Nazia claimed the 800 metres in 2:25.10, ahead of HEC&#39;s Nida Karim.

WAPDA also won the mixed 4x400-metre relay in 3:39.10 and the mixed 4x100-metre relay in 44.50 seconds.

Navy&#39;s Amtul Rehman added two titles to her tally, winning the women&#39;s heptathlon with 3,608 points and the triple jump with a distance of 11.77 metres. The victories took her gold-medal count at the championship to four.

Navy&#39;s Abdullah Nawaz won the men&#39;s discus throw with a distance of 51.05 metres, while WAPDA&#39;s Hazrat Umar claimed the men&#39;s 400-metre hurdles in 55.06 seconds.

The championship is being held under the supervision of the Athletics Federation of Pakistan and organised by the Sindh Athletics Association with the support of Lakh Sahaita.

WAPDA will look to maintain their advantage on Saturday as the competition concludes.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan plans nationwide golf promotion</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638109/Pakistan-plans-nationwide-golf-promotion</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638109/Pakistan-plans-nationwide-golf-promotion#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 26 16:10:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Zulfiqar Baig]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2638109</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PM’s Adviser on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan says measures will be taken to expand the sport beyond Islamabad]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[ISLAMABAD: Pakistan plans to expand golf beyond the federal capital, with the government set to take concrete measures to introduce and promote the sport in cities across the country, Prime Minister&rsquo;s Adviser on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan said.

Speaking at the Movenpick Golf Cup at Margalla Greens Golf Club in Islamabad, he said the initiative was in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&rsquo;s vision of promoting tourism and sports in Pakistan.

He said golf was among the world&rsquo;s most popular sports and deserved greater attention in Pakistan. The government, he added, was committed to taking practical steps to make the sport more accessible and encourage wider participation across the country.

Sardar Yasir also announced that the Movenpick Golf Cup would be organised annually, with players delivering outstanding performances encouraged and recognised to foster a competitive sporting culture.

The event brought together leading golfers and members of the diplomatic corps, providing a platform for sporting engagement and strengthening international ties through golf.

GM Nicolas Verdun welcomed the initiative, highlighting the role of sporting events in promoting golf and enhancing international engagement in Pakistan. Wing Commander Khokhar, Pakistan Tennis Federation President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and other prominent personalities also attended the event.

In the diplomatic gross category, Trang Thang claimed the title, while Colonel Norey Pan Othman finished second and Eric secured third place. In the diplomatic net category, Shoshi took first place, followed by Train, while Do and Tai were also among the leading performers.

In the overall gross category, Commander Rizwan Rashid secured first place, followed by Captain Alam and Zia Khan. In the net category, Nadeem Abbasi claimed the title, with Dr Amir Khawaja finishing second and Taimur Hassan third.

The Movenpick Golf Cup reflected growing interest in the sport in Pakistan, with organisers and participants expressing hope that similar initiatives would help develop golf and expand its reach across the country.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Pakistan set to feature in Youth Olympics</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637800/Pakistan-set-to-feature-in-Youth-Olympics</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637800/Pakistan-set-to-feature-in-Youth-Olympics#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 26 15:32:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2637800</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Four athletes to represent the country in athletics and swimming at Dakar Games]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan is set to field&nbsp;a five-member contingent, including four athletes, in&nbsp;the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, with the competition scheduled to run from October 31 to November 13.

Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) announced the contingent on Friday after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allocated Pakistan quota places in athletics and swimming.

Pakistan will be represented by Shahzain Safdar in athletics, while Hareem Malik and Syed Muhammad Daniyal Hatim will compete in swimming. Safdar will be accompanied by athletics coach Rehan Yousaf.

Lt Col (retd) Ahmed Ali Khan has been named Chef de Mission and will lead the national contingent at the Games.

According to the POA, Pakistan received one male quota place in athletics and two swimming places, one each for male and female athletes, through allocations made by the IOC.

The athletes&#39; nominations were reviewed and vetted by the respective international federations in line with the age limits and eligibility requirements for participation in the event.

The Dakar Games, scheduled to take place in Senegal, will provide young athletes from across the world with an opportunity to compete on an international stage and gain experience in a multi-sport event.

The POA said Pakistan&#39;s participation reflected the IOC&#39;s commitment to providing athletes from all National Olympic Committees with opportunities to take part in events within the Olympic Movement.

The association expressed confidence that the contingent would uphold the values of sportsmanship, discipline and integrity while representing the country.

Contingent: Lt Col (retd) Ahmed Ali Khan (chef de mission), Hareem Malik (swimmer), &nbsp;Syed Muhammad Daniyal Hatim (swimmer), Shahzain Safdar (athlete), Rehan Yousaf (athlete) 

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Egyptians claim squash titles</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636873/Egyptians-claim-squash-titles</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636873/Egyptians-claim-squash-titles#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 26 17:06:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ZUBAIR NAZEER KHAN]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2636873</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Al Hammamy, Rowan Elaraby triumph in Karachi finals]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[KARACHI: Egyptian players Karim El Hammamy and Rowan Elaraby claimed the men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s titles, respectively, at the Venice ABC Open 2026 international squash tournament which concluded here at the DHA Creek Club on Sunday.

Second seed El Hammamy defeated top seed Curtis Malik of England 3-0 in the men&rsquo;s final with the set score being 11-6, 12-10, 11-3 in 48 minutes.

El Hammamy, ranked World No 49, overcame an injury to beat Malik, World No 25, to lift the title at the $82,000 tournament.

In the women&rsquo;s final, fourth seed Rowan Elaraby of Egypt defeated second seed Amina El Rihany of Egypt 3-0 to win the crown.

Rowan, World No 47, did not allow her opponent to settle down and sealed an emphatic 11-6, 11-8, 11-5 victory.

Sindh&rsquo;s Labour Minister Saeed Ghani also witnessed the finals while DHA Bahria Administrator Brig (retd) Ameer Nawaz Khan was the guest of honour. Squash legend Jahangir Khan was also present.

In the semi-finals on Saturday Curtis overcame Yassin Shohdy of Egypt 3-2 in a closely contested battle. Karim on the other hand conquered Yee Xian Siow of Malaysia 3-0 in the pre-final.

Egypt&#39;s Raneem Elaraby and Amina El Rihany on Saturday advanced to the final of the women&rsquo;s section.

Fourth seed Elaraby, on Saturday whacked compatriot Haya Rizk 3-1 in the semi-final.

El Rihany also produced a strong performance, overcoming third seed Nour Shahin by the same score-line in the other semi-final.

It was a PSA copper event in which 24 men&rsquo;s and 23 women took part.

Pakistan&rsquo;s experienced players Asim Khan and Nasir Iqbal were also part of the event but they failed to deliver.

Nasir exited at the first hurdle while Asim fell in the quarter-finals.

The event missed rising star Noor Zaman and Mohammad Ashab Irfan due to their engagement in the Silicon Valley Open in the United States when Noor exited at the quarter-finals stage after upsetting world No4 Karim Gawad of Egypt in the pre-quarter-final.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>WAPDA win National Athletics Championships</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636871/WAPDA-win-National-Athletics-Championships</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636871/WAPDA-win-National-Athletics-Championships#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 26 16:56:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk.]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2636871</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Maria Bibi breaks national 5,000m record in Karachi]]>
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				<![CDATA[WAPDA emerged as overall champions of both men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s sections of the 54th National Athletics Championship, winning 27 gold medals.

Maria Bibi set a national record in the women&rsquo;s 5,000 metres on the final day at the NED University.

WAPDA finished atop the overall standings with 17 gold medals in the men&rsquo;s events and ten in the women&rsquo;s competition. Navy finished second overall with nine golds, while Higher Education Commission (HEC) took third place with eight golds.

Maria clocked 19 minutes and two seconds to win the women&rsquo;s 5,000m, breaking the previous national record of 19:04.05 set by Olympian Rabia Ashiq in 2012. WAPDA&rsquo;s Nazia Ehsan took silver in 19:49.50, while HEC&rsquo;s Goonish Batool finished third in 20:10.80.

WAPDA&rsquo;s sprinter Shajar Abbas won the men&rsquo;s 200m in 20.75 seconds, ahead of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa&rsquo;s Attaullah, who clocked 20.90. HEC&rsquo;s Haseeb Ahmed took bronze in 21.40.

HEC&rsquo;s Khaula Umar Khan claimed the women&rsquo;s 200m title in 24.80 seconds, with Sindh&rsquo;s Iqra Riaz second and WAPDA&rsquo;s Malaika Shehzadi third.

Navy&rsquo;s Usman Ghani won the men&rsquo;s high jump with 1.96 metres, while WAPDA&rsquo;s Sohail Amir took the men&rsquo;s 5,000m title in 15:16.20.

Navy secured gold in the men&rsquo;s 4x100m relay in 42.00 seconds, while WAPDA won the women&rsquo;s event in 48.63.

WAPDA also claimed victories in the men&rsquo;s triple jump and hammer throw, alongside several field events. Navy&rsquo;s Amtil Rehman was among the standout performers, winning four gold medals, while Shajar collected three.

The championship was held under the supervision of the Athletics Federation of Pakistan and organised by the Sindh Athletics Association, with support from Lok Sahaita.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Beach volleyball battles begin in Karachi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637425/beach-volleyball-battles-begin-in-karachi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637425/beach-volleyball-battles-begin-in-karachi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 26 14:55:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2637425</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Police, Navy lead opening-day winners at Manora]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s National Beach Volleyball Championship for men and women opened at Manora Beach in Karachi on Wednesday with departmental and regional teams battling for early victories in the national competition.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Police, Airport Security Force (ASF), WAPDA, PAF and Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) won their opening matches in the men&rsquo;s event, while Navy, POF, Navy Whites, WAPDA and Islamabad secured victories in the women&rsquo;s competition.

The championship, organised under the auspices of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF), has brought together teams representing departments and regions from across the country to compete for national honours.

Several teams made convincing starts, winning in straight sets, while WAPDA and Islamabad in the women&rsquo;s event and WAPDA in the men&rsquo;s competition had to work through three-set contests to secure victory.

In the men&rsquo;s competition, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa defeated Islamabad 2-0, while Police overcame Sindh by the same margin. ASF also began its campaign with a 2-0 victory against Gilgit Baltistan.

WAPDA faced a tougher challenge against Azad Jammu and Kashmir, eventually winning 2-1 after a closely contested encounter. PAF defeated Balochistan 2-0, while POF completed the opening day&rsquo;s programme with a straight-set victory over Punjab.

The women&rsquo;s competition also produced a series of strong opening performances.

Navy defeated Sindh 2-0, while POF beat Police by the same score. Navy (White) also recorded a 2-0 win against Balochistan to begin its campaign on a positive note.

WAPDA came through a competitive match against KP, winning 2-1, while Islamabad overcame AJK by the same margin to round off the opening day&rsquo;s women&rsquo;s fixtures.

The results gave the winning teams an early opportunity to strengthen their positions in their respective groups as the championship moves into its second day.]]>
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			<title>Mansoor backs Noor to reach top ten</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636826/Mansoor-backs-Noor-to-reach-top-ten</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636826/Mansoor-backs-Noor-to-reach-top-ten#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 26 08:12:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Alam Zeb Safi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2636826</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Former World No11 says patience, fitness and experience key to squash star’s rise]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[KARACHI: Pakistan&rsquo;s former international squash player Mansoor Zaman has said that the rising star Noor Zaman has the talent to become one of the world&rsquo;s leading players but must improve his patience, fitness and match management to fulfill his potential.

Speaking to The Express Tribune in an exclusive interview from Peshawar, Mansoor praised Noor&rsquo;s technical ability and physical attributes but said his tendency to rush points and finish games too quickly often resulted in lapses of concentration and costly mistakes.

&ldquo;Noor is doing well. He is very talented and has good quality, but he lacks patience. He is in a hurry and tries to end the game with speed,&rdquo; Mansoor said.

&ldquo;It is the wrong thing in him because, in this way, he loses his focus and concentration and then makes mistakes,&rdquo; said Mansoor, a former World No11.

Mansoor said Noor had the potential to compete with the world&rsquo;s best once he learned to control the pace of his game and maintain his composure under pressure.

&ldquo;He has good quality, he has shots with him and his reach and run are superb, but he lacks a little bit in stamina,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;If he works on his fitness, then I think he will soon find a place in the top ten.&rdquo;

Noor reached the quarter-finals of the Silicon Valley Open in Redwood City, California, before losing 3-1 to Egypt&rsquo;s Mohamed ElShorbagy in the Professional Squash Association Gold tournament.

The Pakistani opened his campaign with a 3-1 victory over Malaysia&rsquo;s Beng Hee Ming before producing an impressive performance against Egypt&rsquo;s Karim Gawad, a former world number two, who was ranked world number four while entering into the tournament.

Noor won the opening two games against Gawad 11-9 and 11-7, lost the third 11-9, but recovered to take the fourth 11-6 and secure his place in the last eight.

His run ended against fifth seed ElShorbagy, who recovered after dropping the opening game to win 8-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-8.

Mansoor described the victory over Gawad as an important milestone, saying it could help Noor improve his ranking and secure more favourable draws in future competitions.

&ldquo;It was a big win in the US, as it will help improve his ranking and onwards he will get easy draws,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;His second game in the US was against world number four and he upset Karim Gawad. It is a good sign for him,&rdquo; Mansoor said.

Mansoor was one of the finest squash players of his era. He is also a two-time Asian champion.

Mansoor said experience remained a key difference between Noor and the established players at the top of the rankings, who had competed more frequently against elite opposition.

&ldquo;He has the quality in his game like a world champion. He needs experience,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;The top ten players are more experienced as they play more matches. Noor has just got the chance and now he plays with top ten players.&rdquo;

He urged Noor to continue working on his fitness and consistency, adding that sustained effort could help the Pakistani establish himself among the sport&rsquo;s leading players.

&ldquo;He needs a little bit of hard work and there is nothing impossible. He can become the world&rsquo;s top player,&rdquo; Mansoor said. 

Noor Zaman, who was also part of Pakistan&#39;s silver-medal winning team&nbsp;in Nagoya Asian Games, is currently World No 34.]]>
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			<title>Curtis, Karim reach ABC Cup final</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636691/curtis-karim-reach-abc-cup-final</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636691/curtis-karim-reach-abc-cup-final#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 26 13:39:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Top seed rallies to win five-game semi-final; Karim prevails over Siow]]>
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				<![CDATA[England&rsquo;s Curtis Malik overcame Yassin Shohdy of Egypt 3-2 in a closely contested semi-final of the Venice ABC Open Squash Championship at the DHA Creek Club on Saturday.

Top seed Malik won 12-10 in the opening game before taking the second 11-7. Shohdy fought back strongly, winning the next two games 11-9 and 11-8 to level the match and force a decider.

Malik held his nerve in the fifth game, winning 11-5 to complete a 12-10, 11-7, 9-11, 8-11, 11-5 victory in a match that swung back and forth.

Shohdy&#39;s response after falling two games behind threatened to turn the contest around, but Malik regained control in the deciding game to seal his place in the final.

In the other semi-final, second seed Karim El Hammamy of Egypt produced a dominant performance to defeat Yee Xian Siow of Malaysia 3-0.

El Hammamy won 11-9, 11-9, 11-6, maintaining control throughout the contest and avoiding the need for a fourth game.

Karim had qualified for the semi-final after beating Asim Khan of Pakistan 3-1 in the quarter-finals.

Curtis had defeated Ziad Ibrahim of Egypt 3-0 to make it to the semi-finals.

The final between Curtis and Karim will be interesting as both players have done extremely well in the 24-man event in which Pakistani players failed to deliver.

Both Asim and Nasir Iqbal did not live up to the billings.

Meanwhile Egypt&#39;s Raneem Elaraby and Amina El Rihany advanced to the final of the women&rsquo;s section.

Fourth seed Elaraby defeated compatriot Haya Rizk 3-1, recovering from a second-game setback to win 11-3, 4-11, 11-7, 11-4.

Second seed El Rihany also produced a strong performance, overcoming third seed Nour Shahin by the same scoreline. El Rihany won 11-3, 10-12, 11-8, 11-4 to book her place in the title decider.

Both the finals will be held on Sunday.]]>
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			<title>Marc Marquez wins Australian sprint</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636661/marc-marquez-wins-australian-sprint</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636661/marc-marquez-wins-australian-sprint#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 26 07:04:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Victory puts him 10 points clear of fellow Spaniard Martin in the standings]]>
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				<![CDATA[Marc Marquez stormed home first from pole in the Australian MotoGP sprint race on Saturday to seize control of the world championship from Jorge Martin who crashed out challenging him for the lead.

The reigning seven-time world champion, who dominated qualifying, had too much power in his Ducati to surge to the chequered flag ahead of his brother Alex in the 13-lap contest.

Victory put him 10 points clear of fellow Spaniard Martin in the standings ahead of the final MotoGP ever around the waterfront Phillip Island circuit on Sunday.

Martin, who started from fourth under dark clouds but with the rain staying away, took the lead on lap three in a ding-dong battle with his rival.

But he lost control on lap eight while challenging for the lead once again to put a massive dent in his championship ambitions.

&quot;It was a tight battle,&quot; said Marquez. &quot;Of course, I gave everything. I was aggressive, and he (Martin) was faster than me.

&quot;But just I tried to defend in the best way possible. Both of us we are riding to the limit. Both of us, we deserve the victory because we are pushing a lot.

&quot;But, you know, racing is like it is.&quot;

His brother Alex, who started second, filled an all-Ducati podium with Fabio Di Giannantonio.

Aprilia&#39;s Marco Bezzecchi, who won the MotoGP last week in Indonesia, was fourth to remain third in the standings, 50 points behind Marquez.

Pedro Acosta (KTM) came fifth and Ai Ogura (Aprilia) sixth.

Marc Marquez held the line to be first at the opening corner with Martin up to second with Johann Zarco third and it stayed that way at the end of lap one.

Martin was pressing hard and he took the lead on lap three as the race became a dogfight between the two championship leaders as they pulled clear of the field.

A big mistake from Martin running wide on lap five opened the door again for Marquez, with the lead changing hands several times as they battled for supremacy.

But Martin pushed too much and sensationally lost control on lap eight, skidding out to end his race.

Phillip Island has been a staple on the calendar since 1997 but the Australian race is moving next year to a street circuit in Adelaide.]]>
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			<title>Leclerc tops times in practice</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636659/leclerc-tops-times-in-practice</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636659/leclerc-tops-times-in-practice#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 26 06:53:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[29-year-old finishes ahead of Mercedes' championship leader Kimi Antonelli]]>
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				<![CDATA[Charles Leclerc completed a double top for Ferrari on Friday when he led the times ahead of Mercedes&#39; championship leader Kimi Antonelli in second practice for this weekend&#39;s United States Grand Prix.

The 29-year-old Monegasque father-to-be, who won in Austin two years ago, clocked a best lap in one minute and 35.291 seconds to outpace the 20-year-old Italian by 0.042 seconds with four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull 0.189 seconds adrift in third.

Leclerc, whose wife Alexandra Saint Mieux is expecting their first child, had earlier topped opening practice ahead of Verstappen and drove like a man on a mission throughout the day.

Antonelli could clinch the drivers&#39; title to become Formula One&#39;s youngest champion -- and Italy&#39;s first since Alberto Ascari for Ferrari in 1953 -- this weekend if he wins and his main rivals are unable to stay within reach of his points total.

Team-mate George Russell and Ferrari&#39;s seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton need to finish in the top eight and top four respectively to keep their title hopes alive if Antonelli wins.

Hamilton was fourth for Ferrari, six-tenths off the pace, with Russell fifth ahead of Racing Bulls&#39; Liam Lawson and the McLarens of world champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Isack Hadjar was ninth in the second Red Bull and Oliver Bearman 10th for Haas.

Verstappen, winner of the last two races, showed he meant business as soon as the pitlane opened for FP2 by accelerating after the two Racing Bulls and, unexpectedly, surging past Lawson at Turn One, much to the New Zealander&#39;s surprise.

He swiftly posted a lap in 1:36.581 to go top ahead of Russel, with Antonelli grumbling about his seat &#39;moving around like crazy&#39;, a distraction that required an early stop in the pits.

Three drivers had grid penalties confirmed between the sessions: five places for Racing Bulls&#39; rookie Arvid Lindblad, ten for Alpine&#39;s Franco Colapinto and 20 for Audi&#39;s Gabriel Bortoleto, all for exceeding the limits on taking new power unit components.

Norris, on hards, then went top briefly before Russell beat his time but then dropped to second as Verstappen took a tow from team-mate Hadjar to clock 1:35.934 and go clear by a tenth.

Given his need to win, Antonelli&#39;s absence for repairs was a setback as his rivals, notably Verstappen and Russell, capitalised before he rejoined the fray -- and immediately took third behind them. It was a sign of his pure talent and speed.

By this time, Russell had experienced a curious skirmish with Leclerc which resulted in a black-and-white flag warning him for driving standards. It appeared he had forced the Ferrari driver off track.

After a busy half hour, most switched to soft tyres for some qualifying simulation runs that began with Russell going top before Verstappen and then Leclerc took control, the Ferrari clocking 1:35.291.

To confirm Ferrari&#39;s form, Hamilton went third, albeit six-tenths adrift of his team-mate, until demoted a place by the hasty Antonelli grabbing second, just 0.042 off Leclerc&#39;s time.]]>
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			<title>Asim crashes out of ABC Cup</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636546/asim-crashes-out-of-abc-cup</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636546/asim-crashes-out-of-abc-cup#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 26 14:35:54 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Egypt’s El Hammamy, England’s Curtis Malik advance to semi-finals of squash event]]>
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			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan&rsquo;s last remaining hope Asim Khan suffered a quarter-final defeat at the Venice ABC Cup at DHA Creek Club here on Friday, losing 3-1 to Egypt&rsquo;s Karim El Hammamy in the men&rsquo;s singles event.

Asim, one of Pakistan&rsquo;s experienced campaigners, made a promising start after losing the opening game 11-8. He fought back strongly to win the second set 11-7 and level the match 1-1.

However, El Hammamy regained control in the following games, winning 11-8 and 11-7 to seal victory and book his place in the semi-finals.

The Egyptian capitalised on Asim&rsquo;s weaknesses in the closing stages while the Pakistani appeared to struggle with fatigue as the match progressed.

Pakistan&rsquo;s other experienced player Nasir Iqbal had already exited the competition in the first round, leaving Asim as the country&rsquo;s key representative in the men&rsquo;s singles quarter-finals.

In another men&rsquo;s singles quarter-final, top seed Curtis Malik of England defeated Z Ibrahim 3-0 to advance to the semi-finals. Malik dominated the encounter, winning 11-8, 11-8, 11-5.

Egypt&rsquo;s Yassin Shohdy also progressed after defeating compatriot Salah Eltorgman 3-1. Shohdy lost the second game 11-4 after taking the opener 11-9, but recovered to win the third 11-5 before clinching the fourth 12-10.

In the women&rsquo;s singles quarter-finals, Egypt&rsquo;s Habiba Rizk overcame England&rsquo;s Lucy Turmel 3-2 in a closely contested encounter. Rizk won 11-7, 11-8 and 11-8 in the first, third and deciding games, while Turmel took the second 11-8 and the fourth 11-3.

Egypt&rsquo;s Rowan Elaraby defeated Hong Kong&rsquo;s Toby Tse 3-0, winning 11-4, 11-1, 11-8. Nadine Shahin of Egypt beat Japan&rsquo;s Akari Midorikawa 3-1, while compatriot Amina El Rihany swept South Africa&rsquo;s Hayley Ward 3-0, winning 11-7, 11-2, 11-9 in the quarter-finals.]]>
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