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 

Islamabad (Sports News):The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is delighted to announce the participating teams and the Pools of the first-ever FIH Para Hockey World Cup, which will take place from 20 to 24 August 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands, as follows:Pool A (playing in Belgium)· Belgium· Italy· Germany· France· Pakistan· Zambia· Paraguay· United StatesPool B (playing in the Netherlands)· Netherlands· Spain· Bulgaria· England· India· Malaysia· Chile· ArgentinaThe FIH Para Hockey World Cup 2026 will be a 6-a-side tournament. It will be played at HC Myra in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and Louvain-La-Neuve HC, in Belgium. However, the final day will be held in the same arenas as those hosting the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, namely the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen and the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre.FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “With today’s announcement of the participating teams—from all around the world—and the pools, our inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup is truly taking shape. I can only reiterate how happy and proud I am that, under my presidency, we have been able to launch this event, which will significantly contribute to the development of Para Hockey worldwide. This is clearly a major milestone in our ongoing efforts and determination to promote diversity and inclusion in hockey.”

Lahore (Sports News): Defending champions Lahore Qalandars inflictedfirst defeat on Multan Sultans in the HBL Pakistan Super League 11 as they romped to a 20-run victory while defending 185 in a rain-shortened 13-over match here at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday night.Player of the match Mohammad Naeem's explosive 60 off 28 balls and Parvez Hossain Emon’s quick-fire 45 off 19 balls in an 86-run opening partnership set the platform before the bowlers held firm to defend a steep total.After a delay of nearly two hours due to persistent rain, Ashton Turner won the toss and chose to bowl in a contest reduced to 13 overs per side.Debutant pacer Mohammad Ismail conceded 26 runs in the opening over, including 10 in wides, setting a new record for the most expensive first over in HBL PSL history.Naeem and Emon pounced, racing to 50 in 3.2 overs and ending the shortened 3.5-over powerplay at 66 without loss.Emon provided destructive blows early on, targeting Mohammad Nawaz for two sixes and a four in the fourth over before taking Faisal Akram for three consecutive sixes at the start ofthe next. He departed after blistering two fours and five sixes in his knock in the sixth over, caught at deep mid-wicket off Ismail.Dropped on 16 by Arafat Minhas, Naeem made the Sultans pay, combining with Abdullah Shafique (33, 14b, 3x4s, 2x6s) to maintain the onslaught. At 134 for one after eight overs, the Qalandars looked on course for a total close to 200.The Sultans clawed back impressively in the final five overs, conceding 51 while taking four wickets. Ismail (3-0-47-2) removed Abdullah in the ninth over, while Akram had Naeem caught at mid-wicket in the next after striking four fours and as many sixes.Peter Siddle then bowled Rubin Hermann two overs later and Asif Ali was run out in the last over of the innings.Sikandar Raza's unbeaten 13 off eight, including back-to-back boundaries off the innings' final two deliveries, pushed the Qalandars to 185 for five, aided by 23 extras including 14 wides.Chasing 186 at an asking rate over 14 runs an over, Multan required a brisk start but instead lost Steve Smith (9, 10b, 2x4s) bowled by Qalandars’ skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-0-32-1) in the third over with the score on 17. Two deliveries later, Ubaid Shah (3-0-34-1) had Josh Philippe caught by Shaheen at mid-off to leave Multan reeling at 18 for two.Sahibzada Farhan (24, 15b, 1x4, 2x6s) counter-attacked with a couple of sixes off Shaheen in the sixth over but Mustafizur Rahman struck in his first over to have him caught off Abdullah, reducing the Sultans to 50 for three inside six overs.Shan Masood then launched a counter-attack, blazing 44 off just 18 balls with seven fours and a six to haul Multan back into the contest. However, Mustafizur (3-0-37-2) struck again in the 10th over, trapping the left-hander leg-before-wicket to leave the Sultans at 100 for four.Turner refused to surrender, smashing an unbeaten 52 off 22 deliveries laced with two fours and five sixes. He found an ally in Arafat Minhas (25, 11b, 1x4, 2x6s) and their fifth-wicket stand of 57 off 20 balls briefly raised Multan's hopes but in vain.Sikandar broke the partnership in the final over, having Minhas caught by substitute Dunith Wellalage and the equation proved too steep despite Turner's heroics.Scores in brief (13 overs per side):Lahore Qalandars 185-5, 13 overs (Mohammad Naeem 60, Parvez Hossain Emon 45, Abdullah Shafique 33; Mohammad Ismail 2-47)Multan Sultans 165-5, 13 overs (Ashton Turner 52 not out, Shan Masood 44, Arafat Minhas 25, Sahibzada Farhan 24; Mustafizur Rehman 2-37)Player of the match: Mohammad Naeem (Lahore Qalandars)

Islamabad (Abdullah Asjad)Shahid Zaman Khan is not only one of the finest squash players to represent Pakistan in the professional era, but also a powerful symbol of legacy, sacrifice, and lifelong service to the game and his homeland. Born in Quetta Cantt, he comes from a historic squash family deeply rooted in excellence. He is the son of Gul Bahadur Khan, the legendary coach of Balochistan who devoted his entire life to developing squash in Quetta. Even today, at nearly 80 years of age, Gul Bahadur Khan continues to live in the same house in Quetta Cantt where Shahid was born a true example of humility and dedication. His mother, Shamim Gul, was the pillar of strength behind his success. She is also the sister of the world-famous squash champion Qamar Zaman, widely known as “The Master of Strokes.” From his mother’s side, Shahid inherited a legendary squash legacy; from his father’s side, he inherited discipline, resilience, and commitment to coaching. The prayers and sacrifices of Shamim Gul shaped his character and determination. His brothers Ali Jan, Abdul Wahid, and Zahid Gul have always stood by him with unity and pride.Shahid Zaman Khan has 32 years of professional experience in squash 16 years as an international PSA player and 16 years as a respected coach in the United States. As a professional player, he proudly represented Pakistan for 16 years on the PSA Tour, won numerous international titles, remained Pakistan No. 1 for several years, and achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 14. His love for Pakistan was unwavering, and he carried the green flag with pride across the globe.After retiring from professional squash, he transitioned into coaching and has now served 16 years in Boston, USA. He coached at The Tennis and Racket Club, Boston’s oldest and most prestigious club, worked with Equinox, and made history as the first Pakistani squash player to serve as a coach at Harvard Business School bringing pride to Pakistan at one of the world’s most respected institutions. He has also worked with Boston University and Wellesley College, expanding the reach of squash within leading academic communities.In 2012, he founded SZK Squash LLC, where he continues to train juniors, professionals, and passionate players. His academy stands for discipline, character development, and high-performance excellence.Shahid Zaman Khan lives in Boston, Massachusetts with his wife and their three sons Mohammad Khan, Arslan Khan, and Yousuf Khan. All three boys were born in Boston and are growing up under the guidance of their father. They have become talented squash players and are proudly continuing the family tradition. Recently, Mohammad, Arslan, and Yousuf visited Quetta, where they trained with their father and learned the importance of giving back to the community. They are not only learning the game of squash but also the values of humility, service, and responsibility.Shahid has never forgotten Pakistan. When his nephew Hamza Khan became World Junior Champion in 2023 after a 37-year gap for Pakistan, Shahid supported and trained him in Boston before his historic victory. In 2025, his nephew Noor Zaman also became a world champion, continuing the proud family tradition that traces back to Qamar Zaman. Recently, Shahid returned to Quetta with the support of his brother Zahid Gul and donated 20 squash rackets, shirts, and essential equipment. For the first time in Quetta’s history, he organized six junior squash tournaments in 2025 and personally coached rising young players. His mission is clear to revive squash in Balochistan and help Pakistan reclaim its dominance in world squash.Shahid Zaman Khan sincerely wishes to support and work with the Pakistan Squash Federation if given the opportunity. He is ready to dedicate his international experience, professional knowledge, and global connections to help develop young Pakistani players and strengthen the country’s squash system. He believes that with proper planning, modern training methods, and sincere leadership, Pakistan can once again rise to the top of world squash.He also supports youth programs such as SquashBusters, believing that giving back is not charity, but responsibility.With 32 years of dedication 16 as a top PSA professional and 16 as an international coach Shahid Zaman Khan’s journey is a story of heritage, faith, patriotism, family values, and lifelong service to squash and Pakistan.