Shahnaz ShaikhWith the Hockey World Cup 2026 set to begin on August 15 in Belgium and the Netherlands, Pakistan's campaign will hinge on a familiar equation: five points from the pool stage should be enough to send the four-time champions into the quarter-finals.The 16-team event has been divided into four pools, with Pakistan drawn in Pool D alongside England, India and Wales. The top two sides from each pool advance to the knockout stage, and Pakistan's opener against England on the tournament's opening days is expected to set the tone for the campaign. Five days later, on August 19, comes the fixture that will dominate headlines back home: Pakistan versus India.Putting the Pro League behind themPakistan's recent form in the FIH Pro League has been underwhelming, but there is a case to be made that those results should not weigh on the squad heading into Belgium and the Netherlands. The bigger issue, in this observer's view, has been a shortage of big-match temperament — a consequence of Pakistan's limited exposure to top-ranked opposition in major tournaments over recent years.That shortage will be tested immediately against India. Pakistan cannot afford to go into that match with anything less than full conviction. The days of grass-roots, 1970s-style hockey are long gone; what is required now is the structured, four-quarter game plan of the modern era — built on Pakistan's traditional zonal approach, a “one-plus-one” and trio attacking shape, and German-influenced defensive pressing.A strong showing at this World Cup would carry weight well beyond the scoreline — it would give real momentum to the Pakistan Hockey Federation's ongoing efforts to revive the sport domestically. Pakistan remains the only nation to have lifted the World Cup four times, a record that still sets it apart in the sport's history.Three departments, one teamVictory, if it comes, will depend on all three departments of the side functioning as a single unit.The forward line carries the responsibility of stretching opposition defences and creating chances, while staying disciplined enough not to leave the team exposed to counter-attacks. The midfield must build a solid defensive screen, breaking up opposition moves before they reach the circle. Deep defence needs to function as the team's last line of caution, while — as in all modern hockey — the goalkeeper's form could ultimately prove decisive.A settled group, despite the turnover at the topThe current squad has largely trained and competed together for close to two years, even as the team has gone through three different management set-ups in the space of six months. The inclusion of the Sufiyan-Hassan pairing in attack is expected to add further firepower up front.Players will need to manage the tempo of a fast, modern game: staying composed when ahead, and avoiding panic when behind.The numbers that need to changeStatistics from Pakistan's recent Pro League matches point to a clear problem — possession and ball retention were markedly lower than their opponents', forcing the side to spend an estimated 60 percent of its energy on defensive duties rather than building attacks. It is a weakness this correspondent has flagged before: physical conditioning, inconsistency, and a tendency to fade in the closing stages of matches. A return to the four-quarter game management associated with the Olympian Shahnaz Shaikh method could help address exactly that endurance problem.One thing the team management would do well to avoid, going into the tournament, is any suggestion — public or private — that this World Cup “is not a target.” That framing has no place for a team carrying four World Cup titles into a tournament of this stature.Pakistan have four stars on their jersey. The chase for a fifth begins in Holland and Belgium.

QUETTA (SBR): Former Pakistan and Asian squash champion and former World No. 14 Shahid Zaman Khan has once again returned to his hometown of Quetta with a mission to support and encourage the younger generation of squash players.This time, Shahid has brought SZKSQUASH shirts and sports support for young players, continuing his efforts to give back to the city where his own squash journey began.Last year, Shahid donated squash rackets, balls and other essential equipment to young and aspiring players in Quetta. His continued support reflects his strong belief that talented children in Balochistan deserve opportunities, encouragement and access to proper sporting equipment.Speaking to the news, Shahid said, “I was born in Quetta, and this city will always have a special place in my heart. I want to help the younger generation because I know how much talent exists here.”Shahid said his passion for helping young players comes from his father, Mr. Gul Bahadur Khan, who has spent his entire life supporting and developing squash players in Quetta.“My father, Gul Bahadur Khan, has dedicated his entire life to squash and to helping young players. He is now almost 80 years old, but his love for Quetta and Pakistan remains as strong as ever. I saw that same passion in him when he was young, and I learned from him that we should always give something back to our city and our country,” Shahid said.The family’s commitment to squash continues through Shahid’s brother Zahid Gul, who is also actively helping and supporting young children and players in Quetta.Shahid said that Zahid was particularly happy to see him return to Quetta with more support for the younger generation.“My brother Zahid Gul is also doing his best to help the kids of Quetta. He is very happy that I have come back again and brought more help for the young children. This is not only about squash; it is about giving these children hope and showing them that people believe in their future,” Shahid said.Shahid Zaman Khan believes that Quetta has enormous sporting talent and that with the right facilities, coaching and encouragement, young players from Balochistan can reach the highest levels of national and international squash.His return to Quetta is therefore more than a visit to his hometown. It is part of a continuing commitment to invest in young people, promote squash and give back to the community that shaped his own career.For Shahid, the message is simple: the next generation of champions may already be in Quetta — they just need someone to believe in them.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (SBR): With one week to go until the 2026-27 Roshn Saudi League season kicks off, anticipation is building for another campaign packed with world-class talent, fierce rivalries and compelling storylines.Beginning on August 13, 2026, and concluding on May 29, 2027, the 34-round season will feature 306 matches as clubs from across Saudi Arabia battle for domestic glory. From the opening round to the final whistle of Matchweek 34, fans can look forward to a calendar filled with blockbuster derbies, heavyweight clashes and fixtures that could shape the title race, continental qualification and relegation battle.Reigning champions Al Nassr begin the defence of their crown looking to fend off familiar challengers, with Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli and an increasingly competitive chasing pack all aiming to mount their own title bids. With many of the world's biggest stars once again set to grace the Roshn Saudi League, every matchweek promises high-quality football and unforgettable moments.The schedule also builds towards a thrilling finale, with champions Al Nassr hosting Riyadh rivals Al Hilal in a Capital Derby on the closing day of the season. Last season's title race went down to the final matchday, and the fixture list has once again created the potential for a dramatic conclusion to the campaign.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The South Korean hockey team beat Pakistan 6-2 in the final fixture of a 4-match series here at the Nasser Bunda Hockey Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex on Friday. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) created an opportunity for the Under-21 side to gain valuable international exposure against the experienced Korean lads.South Korea made a flying start, scoring twice in the opening quarter through Rim Jinkang in the third minute and Kim Hyeonhong in the fifth minute, both from penalty corners, to take a 2-0 lead. Pakistan reduced the deficit in the second quarter when Mohammad Ahmed scored a field goal in the 19th minute, leaving Korea ahead 2-1 at half-time.The visitors dominated the third quarter, converting three penalty corners. Lim Dohyun struck in the 37th and 40th minutes, while Kim Hyeonhong added his second goal of the match in the 42nd minute to extend Korea’s lead to 5-1.Pakistan responded immediately in the fourth quarter as Ghulam Mustafa scored a field goal in the 43rd minute. However, Kim Yong Bok sealed Korea’s 6-2 victory with another field goal in the 54th minute.Although the Under-21 side lost the final fixture, Pakistan’s senior team had already wrapped up the series with three consecutive victories. The national team’s overall performance throughout the series drew widespread appreciation from hockey fans, reflecting encouraging progress ahead of upcoming international competitions. 

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Independence Day Open Road Cycle Race will take place on August 14, 2026 from Lahore to Sahiwal to celebrate the 79th Independence Day under the banner of Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF), as the race will start from Punjab Stadium Lahore at 6.00 am toward Sahiwal and will terminate at 11.00 am or before at Sahiwal.According to an official of PCF, the riders from all affiliated units of Pakistan Cycling Federation, including Pakistan Army, Pakistan Wapda, Pakistan Railways, Sui Southern Gas Co (SSGC), and Higher Education Commission (HEC), Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Punjab will participate in the mega Road Race. Apart from all the cycling units, the cyclists from all over Pakistan will also be eligible to show their muscles in the competition.The race will start at 06.00 am Sharp from Punjab Stadium Lahore and will move ahead via Thokar Naiz Baig, Chung, Rela Khurd, Patokki and Okara to reach Sahiwal on G.T Road. Likely, Faisal Ayub Khokhar Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of the Punjab, will be the chief guest at the opening ceremony and flag off the Independence Day Cycle Race.Captain Sami Ullah, Deputy Commissioner, Mian Nadeem, Assistant Commissioner Headquarters, Shahzada Alamghir President Sahiwal Cycling Association, Mian Mohammad Waheed Secretary Sahiwal Cycling Association will receive the cyclists at the finishing point in Sahiwal. Dr. Asif Tufail, Commissioner Sahiwal will give away the cash awards to the first ten position holders at the closing ceremony.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: A rising martial arts athlete, Hamza Omar has won the gold medal for Pakistan in the 8th Asian Taekwondo Open Championships (Grade 2), recently held in Indonesia. He outclassed Richard Hanusovski from Slovenia in the final in two consecutive rounds to win the top honour.According to an official of Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF), the international championship was held from 3 to 5 August 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia, where Hamza Omar Saeed delivered an excellent performance in the Men’s +87 kg category, winning the gold medal and raising Pakistan’s flag high.Hamza Omar performance:Round of 16: Hamza Omar beat Manjeet Singh Rathore of IndiaQuarterfinal: Humza Omar beat Aiden Staley of AustraliaSemifinal: Hamza Omar beat Izar Fadihullah of IndonesiaFinal: Hamza Omar beat Richard Hanusovski of SloveniaThe President, officials, coaches, and Taekwondo community of the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Hamza Omar Saeed, the national coaching staff, and his family on this historic achievement.

Multan (Sadia Yousaf): The Pakistan Cricket Board has today announced the Match Officials panel for the upcoming National Champions Cup 2026-27 set to take place from 11 to 18 August at the Multan Cricket Stadium. A total of seven 50-over matches will be played with the final scheduled on Tuesday, 18 August. Former Test cricketer Ali Naqvi along with Kamran Chaudhary will lead the playing control teams throughout the four-team tournament. Ali and Kamran both are part of ICC International Panel of Match Referees. Among the umpires, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Nasir Hussain and Rashid Riaz Waqar of ICC International Panel of Umpires will perform duties with Abdul Moqeet, Syed Imtiaz Iqbal, Tariq Rasheed and Zulfiqar Jan of PCB National Elite Panel of Umpires. For the opening match on Tuesday, 11 August, Asif Yaqoob and Zulfiqar Jan will be on-field umpires, while Faisal Khan Aafreedi will perform duties as third umpire. Imtiaz Iqbal will be the fourth umpire on opening day of the tournament. In the all-important final, Ali Naqvi will lead the playing control team comprising of on-field umpires Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz, third umpire Faisal Khan Aafreedi and fourth umpire Nasir Hussain. Complete tournament appointments:  11 August – Pakistan Greens v Pakistan Whites, Asif Yaqoob and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field), Faisal Khan Aafreedi (third), Syed Imtiaz Iqbal (fourth) and Kamran Chaudhary (referee) 12 August – Pakistan Blues v Pakistan Gold, Rashid Riaz Waqar and Nasir Hussain (on-field), Abdul Moqeet (third), Tariq Rasheed (fourth) and Ali Naqvi (referee) 13 August – Pakistan Blues v Pakistan Whites, Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Syed Imtiaz Iqbal (on-field), Asif Yaqoob (third), Zulfiqar Jan (fourth) and Kamran Chaudhary (referee) 14 August – Pakistan Gold v Pakistan Greens, Tariq Rasheed and Abdul Moqeet (on-field), Rashid Riaz (third), Nasir Hussain (fourth) and Ali Naqvi (referee)15 August – Pakistan Blues v Pakistan Greens, Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field), Asif Yaqoob (third), Syed Imtiaz Iqbal (fourth) and Kamran Chaudhary (referee)16 August – Pakistan Gold v Pakistan Whites, Nasir Hussain and Tariq Rasheed (on-field), Rashid Riaz Waqar (third), Abdul Moqeet (fourth) and Ali Naqvi (referee)18 August – Final – Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz Waqar (on-field), Faisal Khan Aafreedi (third), Nasir Hussain (fourth) and Ali Naqvi (referee)

London (SBR): England Men have named a 16-player squad for the opening two Rothesay Tests against Pakistan. The series begins at Headingley on Wednesday 19 August.England Men’s Test squad (16 player):Joe Root (Yorkshire – captain), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Shoaib Bashir (Derbyshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Sam Cook (Essex), Jordan Cox (Essex), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Matthew Fisher (Surrey), Emilio Gay (Durham), Dan, Lawrence (Surrey), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)Dan Lawrence, the second-leading runscorer in Division One of the Rothesay County Championship this season, is recalled two years after his most recent Test appearance against Sri Lanka and is set to bat at six.Jordan Cox, who made his Test debut earlier this summer against New Zealand at the Kia Oval, is to bat at three in place of the injured Jacob Bethell.Bethell sustained a right knee injury during the Metro Bank ODI series against India last month and is set to be sidelined for the entirety of the Rothesay Test Series against Pakistan.Sam Cook is also included having played one Test against Zimbabwe last summer, while Brydon Carse and Ollie Pope return for the first time since last winter’s Ashes Series defeat in Australia.Joe Root will captain the Test team in a permanent capacity for the first time since 2022 in front of his home crowd at Headingley.England Men National Selector, Marcus North, said: “We have selected a squad for the first two Tests that balances rising talent with the experience needed against a quality Pakistan team.“Dan Lawrence returns following an exceptional season so far with Surrey and we believe he has the right level of experience, maturity and skill to complement our middle order.“Jordan Cox is well regarded as one of the most exciting talents in English cricket and will have the opportunity to bat at 3 in place of Jacob Bethell, who sadly misses this series through injury.”ends

Port of Spain (SBR): Pakistan produced a commanding all-round performance on the fourth day of the second Test to beat West Indies by eight wickets at the Queen’s Park Oval and level the two-match series 1-1. Set a target of 75 after dismissing the hosts for 117 in their second innings, Pakistan completed the chase in 23.3 overs for the loss of two wickets. Abdullah Shafique, who was named player of the match for his unbeaten 160 in the first innings, remained not out on 24 alongside captain Babar Azam, who also scored an unbeaten 24. West Indies resumed their second innings on the fourth morning at 103 for six, holding an overall lead of only 60 runs. Pakistan’s bowlers required just 5.2 overs to claim the remaining four wickets, restricting the home side to 117 in 46.1 overs. Ali Usman and Sajid Khan shared eight wickets between them in the innings. Ali returned figures of four for 39 from 19.1 overs, while Sajid claimed four for 32 from 12 overs. Mohammad Ali removed Justin Greaves for three before Ali Usman accounted for Kemar Roach and Shamar Joseph to complete the West Indies collapse. Brandon King was unable to bat because of injury. Pakistan lost Imam-ul-Haq for nine early in their chase when he was caught off the bowling of Jayden Seales. Azan Awais contributed 18 before being bowled by Joseph, leaving Pakistan at 42 for two. Abdullah and Babar then combined in an unbroken 35-run partnership to guide Pakistan to victory. Babar accelerated towards the conclusion, striking two fours and two sixes in his 30-ball innings, as Pakistan reached 77 for two.The foundation for Pakistan’s victory had been established through Abdullah’s outstanding first-innings performance. The right-handed batter scored an unbeaten 160 from 323 balls, hitting 15 fours and three sixes. Abdullah’s unbeaten scores of 160 and 24 earned him the player-of-the-match award and ensured Pakistan ended the tour with a deserved series-levelling victory. Scores in brief: Pakistan beat West Indies by eight wickets West Indies 344 all out, 105.4 overs (Justin Greaves 73, Roston Chase 70; Sajid Khan 4-85) and 117 all out, 46.1 overs (Kavem Hodge 34; Ali Usman 4-39, Sajid Khan 4-32) Pakistan 387 all out, 115 overs (Abdullah Shafique 160 not out, Babar Azam 88, Azan Awais 55; Jomel Warrican 6-112) and Pakistan 77-2, 23.3 overs (Abdullah Shafique 24 not out, Babar Azam 24 not out) Player of the match: Abdullah Shafique 

Islamabad (Sports News): UR United Faisal Hills successfully defended their Super League Edition III crown with a commanding 10-wicket victory over Faisal Hills Badshah in the day-night final played at the Faisal Hills Cricket Ground, Taxila.After winning the toss, UR United captain Habib Ullah opted to bowl first, a decision that proved decisive as his bowlers restricted Faisal Hills Badshah to 157 runs.For Faisal Hills Badshah, Sohail Afridi top-scored with 43, while Uzair contributed 31 and Usman Shah added 22. UR United's bowling attack shared the spoils, with Waleed Arif, Lala Haq, and Asif Manzoor claiming two wickets each to keep the opposition under pressure throughout the innings.Chasing 158, the defending champions produced a flawless batting display, reaching the target in just 15.4 overs without losing a wicket. Captain Habib Ullah led from the front with a magnificent 103 not out, while Rohan remained unbeaten on 49, as the opening pair completed one of the most dominant run chases in the tournament's history.Tournament Awards:Player of the Final: Habib UllahImpact Player of the Final: Usman ShahColourful Innings of the Final: RohanBest Player of the Tournament: UzairBest Batter of the Tournament: Habib UllahBest Bowler of the Tournament: Asif ManzoorEmerging Player of the Tournament: Ahsan Mehmood