LAHORE: Matloob Ahmed of Garrison Golf Club delivered a commanding performance to clinch the 12th J.A. Zaman Memorial Championship, pulling away from the field in emphatic fashion on the final day.Starting the day tied with his long-time rival Mohammad Shabbir, Matloob wasted no time in asserting control, carding an early birdie on the second hole. He maintained the momentum through the front nine, adding another birdie on the 6th, while Shabbir struggled to find rhythm, with uncharacteristic errors and bogeys creeping into his round due to errant shots.The defining moment of the championship came on the 7th hole. After Shabbir’s tee shot drifted left, forcing him to play safe into the fairway, Matloob seized the opportunity with a brilliant approach, landing his ball just feet from the pin in two shots. Under pressure, Shabbir faltered, pulling his approach into the greenside bunker and eventually carding a bogey. Matloob calmly converted his eagle putt, resulting in a decisive three-shot swing that shifted the momentum firmly in his favor.From that point onward, Matloob played with confidence and composure, steadily extending his lead as Shabbir was unable to recover. Finishing with an impressive tournament score of -18, Matloob secured a resounding victory and his third J.A. Zaman Memorial title.Minhaj claimed third place with a solid final round of 3-under par, finishing at -4 overall. While not at his peak throughout the tournament, his late surge earned him a podium finish. Other notable performances included Talat Ijaz at -3 and Alam at -2 for the championship.In the senior professionals category, Tariq continued his dominance, capturing his fourth consecutive title. The junior professionals title was awarded to Ashass from Karachi, who finished with a total score of +3. Marking a significant milestone for the tournament, the ladies professionals category was introduced this year and won by Zehbunissa.The 2026 edition of the championship witnessed record participation, with over 600 golfers from across Pakistan, making it the largest golf tournament in the country in terms of player turnout. (PR)

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Nescafé Tigers emerged title winners in the Shahid Hayat Memorial Polo Super League 2026 final, defeating EcoStar Knights 7½–5 in an exciting contest held at the Lahore Polo Club. The tournament, organised in memory of former polo player Shahid Hayat, drew a large and enthusiastic crowd to the polo ground, reflecting the vibrant sporting spirit of Lahore.  Justice Kamran Hayat Miankhel, brother of the late Shahid Hayat, attended the final as the chief guest. He was accompanied by the late player’s widow and daughters, Zainab and Zara Hayat. Also present were Lahore Polo Club President Malik Azam Hayat Noon, Executive Committee Member Feroze Gulzar, Club Secretary Major (R) Amjad Ghafoor, and a large number of polo enthusiasts and families. In the final match, Nescafé Tigers dominated from the opening chukker, establishing an early lead against EcoStar Knights and maintaining their advantage throughout the game to secure a convincing win. For the Tigers, Raja Mikayial Sami delivered an outstanding performance, scoring three goals, while 10-year-old Azlan Azam impressed with two goals. Adnan Azam and Shiraz Qureshi contributed one goal each.  EcoStar Knights put up a strong fight, with Raja Jalal Arsalan scoring four goals and young Shafay Barry adding one. Earlier, in the subsidiary final, Lotto Carpets Kings defeated PB Wolves 6½–5 in a closely contested match.  At the closing ceremony, Raja Mikayial Sami was named player of the match, while Raja Jalal Arsalan received the top scorer award for the tournament. Azlan Jalil Azam was recognised as the best young player, and Akbar Azam along with Shafay Barry were honored as the emerging players of the league. 

Lahore (PCB Report):Muneeba Ali’s second successive half-century led Invincibles to a four-wicket win over Challengers in the 11th fixture of the National Women’s T20 Tournament 2025-26 at the Ghani Glass Cricket Ground in Lahore on Sunday afternoon. In the second match of the day, Fatima Sana’s third half-century in the tournament along with a three-wicket haul by Ghulam Fatima helped Conquerors beat Stars by 56 runs at the same venue.Both matches were reduced to 16 overs-a-side due to overnight rain.The first game saw Challengers opted to bat first after winning the toss and posted 151 for three.21-year-old Eyman Fatima was once again among the runs, top-scoring with an unbeaten 53 off 29 balls, which included eight fours and one six. This was Eyman’s first half-century of the tournament, having earlier scored a century.Eman Naseer (30, 25b, 4x4s) and Yusra Ehtisham (29, 18b, 6x4s) also made valuable contributions with the bat.For Invincibles, leg-spinner Syeda Aroob Shah returned figures of two for 18 in four overs.In turn, Invincibles achieved the target with a ball to spare and four wickets in hand. Captain Muneeba Ali led from the front with an unbeaten 79 off 50 balls, striking 10 fours and two sixes.She stitched a 47-run first-wicket partnership with Gull Feroza (31, 12b, 5x4s, 1x6) and later added an unbroken 37-run stand for the seventh wicket with Amber Kainat (7 not out, 7b).For Challengers, Natalia Pervaiz and Syeda Masooma Zehra picked up two wickets apiece.In the afternoon game, Conquerors scored 157 for nine in their 16 overs, courtesy a 78-run knock from Fatima Sana. The right-handed batter struck nine fours and five sixes during her 34-ball innings. She stitched an 82-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Hafsa Khalid (31, 20b, 5x4s) after Conquerors were reeling at 47 for five in 7.1 overs.For Stars, Ayesha Rehman and Tuba Hassan picked up two wickets each.In reply, Stars could only manage 101 for nine, falling short by 56 runs. Opening batter Kaynat Hafeez top-scored with 35 off 25 balls, which included one four and two sixes. Coming in at number six, Tuba chipped in with a nine-ball 24, hitting two fours and as many sixes.For the winning side, leg-spinner Ghulam Fatima took three wickets, while Hafsa bagged two.Scores in brief:Invincibles beat Challengers by four wickets at Ghani Glass Cricket GroundChallengers 151-3, 16 overs (Eyman Fatima 53 not out, Eman Naseer 30, Yusra Ehtisham 29; Syeda Aroob Shah 2-18)Invincibles 152-6, 15.5 overs (Muneeba Ali 79 not out, Gull Feroza 31; Natalia Pervaiz 2-19, Syeda Masooma Zahra 2-33)Player of the match – Muneeba Ali (Invincibles)Conquerors beat Stars by 56 runs at Ghani Glass Cricket GroundConquerors 157-9, 16 overs (Fatima Sana 78, Hafsa Khalid 31; Ayesha Rehman 2-29, Tuba Hassan 2-29)Stars 101-9, 16 overs (Kaynat Hafeez 35, Tuba Hassan 24; Ghulam Fatima 3-22, Hafsa Khalid 2-16)Player of the match – Fatima Sana (Conquerors)Monday’s fixtures: Invincibles v Strikers, Ghani Glass Cricket Ground, 10am start; Challengers v Stars, Ghani Glass Cricket Ground, 2pm start

Lahore (Sports News): Approximately 250 players from across the country have submitted their entries to participate in this prestigious event, including Junior Boys (U-9, U-13) and Women’s categories. All participants will also be provided the opportunity to compete in the qualifying rounds۔A key highlight of this championship is that, for the first time, players from the **Members Category** have been given the opportunity to compete at the national level. This initiative marks a significant step toward the promotion of squash and has been undertaken under the leadership of Noor-ul-Amin Mengal٫ President of the Punjab Squash Association.

Lahore (Sports News): The Pakistan Women's National Team is set to depart for Côte d’Ivoire on Monday to participate in the FIFA Series, marking one of the most significant milestones in the history of women's football in Pakistan. At a press conference held in Lahore on Sunday, the team's management, coaching staff, and captain spoke with clarity and conviction: this group is going there to win.Mejzgaan Orakzai, Director of the Pakistan Football Federation Women's Football Department, stated that the team’s participation in their first-ever FIFA event was made possible by efforts by PFF President Mohsen Gilani."I would like to thank PFF President Mohsen Gilani, whose personal efforts have resulted in Pakistan being able to participate in the FIFA Series," she said. "Without his personal involvement and the collaboration of PFF staff we wouldn't have been able to do this."It is a point worth underscoring. The FIFA Series places Pakistan in competition against sides from outside their usual confederation boundaries — Turks and Caicos Islands (CONCACAF), Mauritania, and Ivory Coast (both CAF) — an opportunity that required deliberate pursuit at the highest level of federation leadership."This is a unique opportunity to play outside of our confederation," she said. "We are exposed to different styles of playing, different tactical identities. Our global connections are fostered and developed. This is crucial for the team's growth."The PFF Women's Football Department, which operates as an all-women's unit, is also focused on building an ecosystem that extends well beyond the playing field — creating pathways for women coaches, referees, administrators, and managers at every level of the game.Head Coach Adeel Rizki was measured but unambiguous in his assessment of this squad. "The preparations have been quite strong. I believe this is one of the strongest squads we've had so far. We expect to go there and compete at the highest level and make Pakistan proud."When asked about selection decisions, Rizki outlined a philosophy built entirely on footballing merit — and one that explicitly rejects any division between diaspora and locally-based players."There is no diaspora versus local. We need to keep the balance correct and grow the entire ecosystem. We look at the characteristics and character of the player, their current form, the opponents we are facing, and which players best suit our game model. The question is always: which Pakistani player is best suited for which position. That is how we go about it."He also set out a clear roadmap for where this programme is headed. The short-term target is the SAFF Championship. Beyond that, a qualification spot in the Asian qualifiers. And on the longer horizon — Olympic qualifiers and the FIFA Women's World Cup."With such a strong team in place and strong women around us, these are not unachievable goals," he said.Maria Khan, captain of the Pakistan Women's National Team, carried that same competitive confidence into her remarks and was equally emphatic that the squad functions as a single, unified unit."We don't see diaspora versus local. We see Pakistani players ready to represent their country. We are one team — from the technical staff to the people behind the scenes, to the media, to the women's department. All of us, one team."On facing higher-ranked opposition, including Ivory Coast — a side with World Cup qualification experience — Khan did not flinch. "Playing higher-ranked opponents is nothing new to us. We played the Philippines before, which was also a World Cup team. Since then, the team has grown — not just in experience, but in character and playing ability. Anytime you get to play in these situations, it's an opportunity to do something great. The pressure is on Ivory Coast. It's not on us."She also spoke about what is perhaps the most telling indicator of how far this programme has come: several players in this squad are joining up directly from professional football clubs. "The best sign is the fact that we have players coming from fully professional leagues to represent the country during FIFA windows. That is one of the best signs for our national team."Asked about her favourite memory in a Pakistan shirt, Khan answered without hesitation. "It was back in 2022. Lining up to represent the country for the first time and hearing the national anthem. It just hits different."

Islamabad (faisal): The ITF Pakistan 3rd Zainab Ali Naqvi Memorial World Juniors Tennis Championship 2026 (Leg-1) will commence on 6th April- 2026, at the PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad.A total of 24 boys and 15 girls from 14 countries-including Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Japan, China, Australia, Russia, Poland, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Thailand are participating in the championship.This International tournament is dedicated to the memory of Zainab Ali Naqvi, a talented young tennis player from Karachi, who tragically passed away on February 12, 2024, after suffering a heart attack while competing in an ITF Junior Tournament in Islamabad.Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President-PTF, along with Secretary General Col. Zia-ud-Din Tufail and the PTF management, paid heartfelt tribute to Zainab Ali Naqvi. They stated that this championship serves as a meaningful way to honor her legacy and keep her memory alive. They also expressed their sincere condolences and prayed for strength and patience for Zainab’s family in bearing this irreparable loss.The main draw matches for both boys and girls will commence on April 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

Sameer Minhas blazed his second consecutive half-century as Islamabad United eased past 157-run target against Rawalpindiz with seven wickets in hand and 34 balls to spare in the 12th match of the HBL Pakistan Super League 11 here at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Saturday night.The inaugural HBL PSL champions took the bragging rights in the newly formed Twin Cities Derby by claiming a special Golden Bail from the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This was also United’s highest winning margin in terms of balls remaining since June 2021.Islamabad United jumped to the second spot on the points table from fifth position with five points off four games. On Sunday, Multan Sultans will take on Quetta Gladiators at 7pm PKT.Sameer’s 36-ball 70 comprised of seven fours and four sixes as he shared a 58-run opening stand with Devon Conway, who struggled to get off the blocks before falling for just six off 11 balls in the sixth over.The young opening batter also finished as the holder of Inverex Solar Hanif Mohammad Cap for being the leading run-scorer in the tournament so far with 180 runs in three innings.Following a 62-1 powerplay, Islamabad continued to march towards the total with Sameer reaching his half-century in 25 balls. By the time Rawalpindiz managed to get him out in the ninth over the damage was almost done with United requiring a run-a-ball 65.Haider Ali (26 not out, 16b, 3x4s, 1x6) and Mark Chapman (24, 7b, 4x4s, 1x6) took no time to finish the game after joining forces at 112-3 in 11.3 overs. The duo shared an unbeaten 45-run stand off just 17 balls as Chapman struck Rishad Hossain for two fours and a six in the last three balls of 12th over to eke out 19 runs.No.3 Mohammad Faiq, who replaced Andries Gous in the playing XI, earlier departed for 19 off 16 with the help of two fours. For Rawalpindiz, Mohammad Amir, Rishad and Jalat Khan managed to get one wicket each.At the start, Rawalpindiz were asked to bat first by Shadab Khan and they were stunned by the incoming right-arm pacer Richard Gleeson, who got Yasir Khan caught in the second over and castled Mohammad Rizwan in the fourth.Kamran Ghulam and Daryl Mitchell (19, 15b, 2x4s) tried to salvage the innings from 15-2 in 3.5 overs and managed a 51-run stand off 37 balls. Kamran was the chief aggressor in the partnership as he hit Salman Irshad for three fours in the sixth over and Shadab for a six in the eighth.Mitchell fell to Salman at the halfway mark with 66 runs on the board. That the Rawalpindiz were able to score 90 off the last 10 overs was due to no.7 batter Dian Forrester’s fireworks late in the innings.Forrester remained unbeaten for 44 off 19 balls including two fours and four sixes, of which the fours and two sixes came against Salman in the last over of innings as it went for 20.Abdullah Fazal’s 16 off 23 was also vital in the later half of the innings as he smashed two sixes in his outing. Forrester shared a 11-ball 21-run stand with Abdullah, a 14-ball 18-run partnership with Rishad and an unbeaten 21-run stand with Mohammad Amir Khan.For United, Gleeson, Faheem and Salman picked up two wickets each, while Imad returned frugal figures of 4-0-15-1.Scores in brief:Rawalpindiz 156-7, 20 overs (Kamran Ghulam 50, Dian Forrester 44 not out, Abdullah Fazal 23; Richard Gleeson 2-21, Faheem Ashraf 2-22, Salman Irshad 2-52)Islamabad United 157-3, 14.2 overs (Sameer Minhas 70, Haider Ali 26 not out, Mark Chapman 24 not out)Player of the match – Sameer Minhas (Islamabad United)Sunday’s fixture – Quetta Gladiators v Multan Sultans at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore; 7pm PKT

Islamabad (Sports News): The Pakistan National Women’s team is set to make history when it participates in the FIFA Series in Cote d’Ivoire from April 9 to 16.In what marks the first appearance by the national team in a FIFA event, Pakistan open their campaign against the Turks & Caicos Islands on April 9 before facing Mauritania on April 12.Under head coach Adeel Rizki, Pakistan will end their campaign with a match against hosts Cote d’Ivoire on April 16. The team departs for Cote d’Ivoire on Monday with excitement building amongst the team ahead of the FIFA Series.“I want to say a big thank you from our team to PFF President Mohsen Gilani for organising the team’s participation at the FIFA Series,” said forward Nadia Khan. “It is one thing just saying different things but actually executing it and following through is something different and it's truly amazing that we can play at this level and get exposure like this.”Goalkeeper Zeeyana Jivraj was also looking forward to the FIFA Series with the team’s training camp culminating in Lahore on Sunday.“FIFA specifically picking us to compete in the FIFA series I think is really really big for us,” Zeeyana said. “With us it's always really difficult because we don't really get much time together as a team and so this time it's been really nice to be able to get a few weeks of training before we go and play in the Ivory Coast and hopefully that can allow us as a team to gel to be able to perform.”Midfielder Sanah Mehdi asked the fans to get behind the team and support them in their bid for glory.“We're all really looking forward to the support and please get behind us and watch our games,” Sanah said. “It means a lot to us and it's what drives us forward.”Squad: Goalkeepers: Zeeyana Jivraj, Nisha Ashraf, Arzoo Hazara; Defenders: Isra Khan, Anaya Ahmad, Anmol Hira, Kayla Siddiqui, Karissa Jivraj, Alia Sadiq, Maria Khan, Nizalia Siddiqi; Midfielders: Suha Hirani, Rameen Fareed, Layla Banaras, Sanah Mehdi, Zehmena Malik; Forwards: Mariam Mahmood, Aqsa Mushtaq, Aiman Altaf, Nadia Khan, Maryam Zehri, Azwa Chaudhry.

Lausanne, Switzerland (PR): The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced that it has signed an exclusive digital and television broadcast rights agreement with Pakistani broadcaster tapmad for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, taking place from 15 to 30 August 2026.Thanks to this agreement, Pakistani hockey fans will be able to follow their team as they return to the World Cup for the first time in eight years.Commenting on the agreement, FIH Director General Mike Joyce said: “We are very pleased to see Pakistan, a country that has written some of the greatest chapters in hockey’s history, return to the highest level of international hockey, as confirmed by its qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 and its participation in the FIH Hockey Pro League. We are delighted to collaborate with tapmad to help hockey fans in Pakistan watch the performances of their favourite team at the FIH’s most prestigious event.”Over the past year, tapmad has broadcasted major FIH events including the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2024-25, the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26, and the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier Ismaïlia 2026.As anticipation builds for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, tapmad is set to deliver an immersive viewing experience, LIVE, in HD quality, and without any ads.Yassir Pasha, CEO tapmad said: “Securing exclusive rights for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 reflects tapmad’s commitment to bringing world-class sports closer to Pakistani audiences. At tapmad, we believe moments like Pakistan’s return to the Hockey World Cup deserve to be experienced by every fan across the country. We are proud to support this historic journey and ensure fans can watch every moment live, in high definition, and without ads on tapmad.”

Islamabad (Sports Report): Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has announced a three-member team Pakistan Davis Cup Juniors Team to participate in the upcoming Davis Cup Juniors, scheduled to be held in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, from 16th to 24th May 2026.The trials were conducted at the PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad, from 30th March to 2nd April 2026. A total of 12 players were invited to participate in the trials based on their current rankings and performances. Mr. Abubakar Talha was exempted from the trials in recognition of his recent outstanding performance.The selected players:• Abubakar Talha • Hassan Usmani • Zohaib Afzal Malik