LAHORE (Azhar Masood): The 2nd Ace Junior Golf League (AJGL) Amateur Golf Championship, dedicated to Pakistan’s most celebrated professional golfer Shabbir Iqbal, concluded at Lahore Garrison Greens, reinforcing the growing depth and discipline of junior golf in the country. Recognised by the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), the three-day championship brought together Pakistan’s leading junior talent in a competitive and professionally structured setting.Shabbir Iqbal’s legacy in Pakistan golf is unparalleled. With over 210 professional victories and nearly two decades as the nation’s top-ranked professional, his dominance is historic. Internationally, he recorded a Top 7 finish at the Asian Tour Q-School, Top 11 at the Pakistan Open (Asian Tour), and represented Pakistan at the 2009 World Cup in China. Domestically, his record includes five Pakistan Open titles, twelve Punjab Open wins, and countless major triumphs, setting a benchmark of excellence that continues to inspire generations.In the Boys Championship, Sharaan Ali of Rumanza Golf Club claimed the overall title with rounds of 68, 71, and 75, underlining his rise as one of Pakistan’s leading junior prospects. The Girls Championship was won by Aleesa Rashid of Gymkhana Golf Club, who finished with scores of 86, 89, and 85, displaying composure and resilience throughout the three-round contest.Strong performances were also recorded across the age categories. In the Boys Elite Category, Abdul Moez secured first place, followed by Shahvaiz Niazi. The Albatross Boys Category saw Sharaan Ali add a second title, finishing ahead of Zayd Omer, while Mustafa Khan topped the Eagle Boys Category, narrowly edging Haseeb Naeem.The Birdie Boys Category (ages 6–10) highlighted AJGL’s developmental focus, with Muhammad Huzaifa and Muhammad Aoun taking the top two positions. Played over nine holes for three days, the format prepares young golfers for future 18-hole championship play.In the girls’ divisions, Rimsha Irfan won the Elite Girls Category, while Aleesa Rashid continued her fine form by claiming the Albatross Girls Category, followed by Zarish Irfan. The Eagle Girls Category was won by Zoay Qureshi, with Dua Farid Rao finishing second.Gen Hilal Hussain, Patron-in-Chief, AJGL, served as President of the Pakistan Golf Federation for four years. Dr Asma Shami, Chairperson AJGL, has the distinction of serving four years as Chairperson Ladies Golf, PGF, with twelve years at PGF and two years with the Punjab Golf Association as an Executive Committee member. The League is further strengthened by Ms Munazza Shaheen, Pakistan’s first lady Rules Official, holding a prestigious qualification from R&A St Andrews.With Lady Vice Presidents nationwide, AJGL conducts monthly competitions for 150 juniors aged 6–21. As a nursery for junior golfers, the League plays a key role in supporting PGF and shaping Pakistan’s golfing future.A defining feature of AJGL is its commitment to inclusion. At both the November 2026 championship at Rumanza and the Lahore event, 14 underprivileged juniors from Peshawar were fully sponsored on each occasion, with travel, accommodation, and participation costs covered. The aim is to ensure that no golfing talent is lost due to financial constraints or humble backgrounds. This initiative was made possible through the relentless efforts of Col. Shahadat Hussain, with the support of Ms Shehzil Fareed and Peshawar Golf Club, giving these juniors ample opportunity and support to play golf.A rules session for the players was organised by Munazza Shaheen after the second round, during which she emphasised the importance of ethics and the rules of golf. Mr Shahid Javaid, a professional golfer himself, also addressed the juniors, highlighting Shabbir Iqbal’s regimen of intense practice and dedication. He remarked, “It is heartening to note that, for the first time in history, golf icons are being eulogised and appreciated. The credit goes to the visionary, trend-setting organisers of the AJGL team.”The prize distribution ceremony was attended by the Patron of Lahore Garrison Greens as Chief Guest, along with the President, LGG, and senior members of the golfing fraternity, reflecting the championship’s growing institutional support. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guestremarked, “It is a great pleasure to watch these enthusiastic, highly competitive juniors striving to bring honour to Pakistan. The credit goes to Dr Asma Shami and her team for their commendable efforts in providing the future of our country a springboard from which to take flight.”This championship marked AJGL’s first use of live scoring, allowing real-time access for parents, officials, and golf followers. The system, developed by Astute Solutions, enhanced transparency and modernised event delivery. Special appreciation was extended to Julke, owned by Bela Azam, for its continued financial support of youth development, and to Lahore Garrison Greens for its facilitation and cooperation throughout the championship.As the tournament concluded, AJGL once again demonstrated that junior golf in Pakistan is no longer merely aspirational—it is structured, competitive, and steadily shaping the future of the sport. What began as an idea has evolved into a movement, laying the foundations on which Pakistan’s next generation of champions will rise.

LAHORE (PR): The historic Aibak Polo Cup, being organised by the Lahore Polo Club in collaboration with Ecostar, commenced with great enthusiasm and competitive spirit. This year marks the 49th edition of the prestigious tournament, which remains one of the most anticipated events on Pakistan’s polo calendar.Two exciting matches were played on the opening day, attracting a large number of spectators and families who gathered at the Lahore Polo Club to witness top-quality polo action. A press conference regarding the tournament will be held on Wednesday (February 4, 2026) at 3:00 PM at Lahore Polo Club. During the briefing, tournament sponsor Ecostar and Lahore Polo Club President Malik Azam Hayat Noon will share further details about the event.In the opening match, FG Polo registered a hard-fought victory against BN Polo, winning by 7.5 to 6 goals in a closely contested game. Raja Mikayial Sami led FG Polo’s charge with an impressive performance, scoring four fabulous goals, while Marcos Rivarola added two goals. FG Polo also benefited from a half-goal handicap advantage, which proved decisive.For BN Polo, Hamza Mawaz Khan delivered a strong performance by scoring four goals, while Ibrahim Khalil contributed one goal. Both teams are scheduled to face each other again on Thursday in the next four chukkers. The winning team will qualify for the final, while the losing side will compete in the subsidiary final.The second match of the day provided spectators with intense excitement as SQ Seagold edged past Master Paints in a dramatic sudden death extra-time victory, winning the nail-biting encounter 6-5 in the fifth chukker. For SQ Seagold, Raja Samiullah delivered an outstanding performance by scoring three goals, while Bilal Haye scored two goals, and Ahmed Ali Tiwana added one.Master Paints fought valiantly, with Amirreza Behboudi emerging as top scorer with four superb goals, while Raja Temur Nadeem added one goal. Despite their spirited effort, Master Paints narrowly missed victory in extra time.

Lahore (Sports News): Six franchises including defending champions Lahore Qalandars have unveiled their retentions for the HBL PSL season 11, while Multan Sultans have not retained any players from their previous squad, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed on Wednesday.All franchises except Islamabad United have retained four players each. United have kept hold of three players. The two new franchises Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad are set to announce their retentions by Saturday, 7 February.The only captain to win HBL PSL three times, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been retained in Platinum category, while Abdullah Shafique has been retained in Diamond category by Lahore Qalandars.Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza will also stay with Qalandars in Gold category. Emerging player of the HBL PSL X Mohammad Naeem has been retained by the reigning champions in Silver category.Quetta Gladiators have retained mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed in Platinum category, Usman Tariq in Diamond, HBL PSL X player of the tournament Hasan Nawaz in Gold and left-handed batter Shamyl Hussain in emerging category.Babar Azam, the leading run-getter of the HBL PSL history and one of the only two players to feature in 100 HBL PSL games, has been retained by 2017 champions Peshawar Zalmi. They have also kept left-arm wrist-spinner Sufyan Moqim in Diamond, Abdul Samad in Gold and pacer Ali Raza in Emerging category.Shadab Khan’s nine-year long journey with Islamabad United will reach the decade-mark as he has been retained by the three-time HBL PSL champions in Platinum category.Fast bowler Salman Irshad in Gold and USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous in Silver categories are the other two retentions by Islamabad United.Hasan Ali – the leading wicket-taker in HBL PSL history – will continue to star for Karachi Kings as he has been retained in Platinum category. Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah and Saad Baig have been retained in Diamond, Gold and Emerging, respectively by the 2020 champions.Full retentions:Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Abdullah Shafique (Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Gold) and Mohammad Naeem (Silver)Quetta Gladiators: Abrar Ahmed (Platinum), Usman Tariq (Diamond), Hasan Nawaz (Gold) and Shamyl Hussain (Emerging)Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (Platinum), Salman Irshad (Gold) and Andries Gous (Silver)Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (platinum), Sufyan Moqim (Diamond), Abdul Samad (Gold) and Ali Raza (Emerging)Karachi Kings: Hasan Ali (platinum), Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Diamond), Khushdil Shah (Gold) and Saad Baig (Emerging)Multan Sultans: Zero retentions

Lahore (Sports News): Lahore Qalandars have announced the retention of four key players for the upcoming 11th edition of the tournament, ahead of the PSL auction. Lahore Qalandars have retained captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, premier batter Abdullah Shafique, dynamic all-rounder Sikandar Raza, and emerging talent Mohammad Naeem. The decision ensures continuity and reinforces the core of the squad as the franchise prepares for the next phase of team building. “We are delighted to retain these players, but this has been the hardest decision we have faced as a franchise,” said Sameen Rana, owner of Lahore Qalandars. “Some of the players we have had to leave out have been our core for years. They helped shape the identity of Lahore Qalandars and were central to our journey and success. Unfortunately, the rules meant we could only pick four. It came down to that, and these are the four we had to choose, even though it was an extremely painful call.” The retained players are expected to play a central role in the team’s plans and on-field performances as Lahore Qalandars aim to build a competitive squad at the auction. With a strong core in place, the defending champions are gearing up to make a powerful statement in PSL 11 as they set their sights on continuing their winning legacy.

Islamabad (Sports News): The National Challenge Cup 2026 kicks off from Wednesday, February 4 with 12 teams taking part. The revival of domestic football had been top of the agenda for the Pakistan Football Federation under the leadership of President Syed Mohsen Gilani and the start of the tournament will give local players a chance to get some long-awaited action.The 12 teams have been divided into four groups of three each with the top two advancing to the quarter-finals. Navy, Pakistan Air Force and Mamsons are in Group ‘A’ while defending champions Wapda headline Group ‘B’ and are alongside KRL and Hazara Coal Company.Army, Railways and International Supply Company are in Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ is completed by SA Gardens, PACA and Nimso.“It is very important to have domestic competitions so young talent can thrive,” Pakistan national men’s football team head coach Nolberto Solano said during a press briefing on Tuesday.The head coach added that he hopes to find local players for the upcoming SAFF Under-20 Championship next month.PFF vice-president Hafiz Zakaullah said that there was a continuous demand for local tournaments.“This is an initiative of the PFF president Syed Mohsen Gilani to boost local football,” he said.Sindh Football Association president Azam Khan said the provincial body was looking to hold the event in a grand manner.“For a long time, nothing was happening but here we are and we hope that the revival of the Challenge Cup is the first step towards more domestic competitions.”

Lahore (Sports News): The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the 16-member Pakistan Shaheens squad for the upcoming T20 and 50-over series against England Lions in Abu Dhabi. The three-match T20 series will begin on Friday, 20 February, while the five-match 50-over series will be played from 27 February to 9 March.All the matches are set to take place at the Stadium Oval in Abu Dhabi. The Pakistan Shaheens squad will take part in a seven-day training camp from 11-17 February in Karachi before departing for United Arab Emirates.Left-hand batter Shamyl Hussain is set to lead the Shaheens in both the T20 and 50-over series, while in the batting department he will be joined by Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, player of the tournament in ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars Maaz Sadaqat and left-hand batter Saad Khan.Pakistan U19 batter Sameer Minhas has also received the call-up for both the series along with his brother Arafat Minhas as the duo make strong strides following their appearances in the ICC U19 World Cup and ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars, respectively. Rohail Nazir and Saad Baig will take up the wicket-keeping duties, while Arafat, leg-spinner Saad Masood and left-arm wrist spinner Sufyan Moqim form the spin contingent for the Shaheens.Among the fast bowlers Pakistan U19 pacer Ali Raza will be joined by Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Mohammad Salman and Shahid Aziz.Sarfaraz Ahmed is set to be the mentor and team manager of the Pakistan Shaheens team for this tour. Former Test player Ijaz Ahmed Jnr will be the head coach and he will be supported by former Pakistan international Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach) and former Test fast bowler Aizaz Cheema (bowling coach).Pakistan Shaheens squad:Shamyl Hussain (captain), Abdul Samad, Arafat Minhas, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Salman, Rohail Nazir (wk), Saad Baig (wk), Saad Khan, Saad Masood, Sameer Minhas, Shahid Aziz, and Sufyan Moqim.Schedule:1st T20 - 20 February2nd T20 – 22 February 3rd T20 – 24 February1st 50-over – 27 February2nd 50-0ver – 1 March3rd 50-over – 4 March4th 50-over – 6 March 5th 50-over – 9 March.

The ICC notes the statement that the government of Pakistan has made regarding the decision to instruct its national team to selectively participate in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule.ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions.While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of.The ICC's priority remains the successful delivery of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup which should also be the responsibility of all its members including the PCB. It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders. (Media Release).

Bulawayo (Sports News):India U19 beat Pakistan U19 by 58 runs in their Super Six Group 2 fixture of the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday.Chasing a target of 253, Pakistan were bowled out for 194 in 46.2 overs despite fighting contributions from Usman Khan and Hamza Zahoor.Earlier, India were bowled out for 252 in 49.5 overs after being asked to bat first, with Vedant Trivedi top-scoring with 68. Pakistan bowlers kept things tight in the middle overs, as Abdul Subhan returned impressive figures of three for 33, while Mohammad Sayyam picked up two wickets.Pakistan’s reply began steadily as wicketkeeper-batter Hamza struck an aggressive 42 off 49 balls, including eight boundaries. After an early setback, Usman held the innings together with a composed 66 off 92 deliveries, sharing a crucial 63-run partnership for the third wicket with captain Farhan Yousaf, who scored 38 off 39 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes.However, regular wickets in the middle phase stalled Pakistan’s chase, as India’s spinners Ayush Mhatre and Khilan Patel took three wickets apiece.Following today’s defeat, Pakistan failed to qualify for the semi-final stage. During the 16-team tournament, Pakistan played five matches, winning three and losing two. Pakistan will return home from Harare via Dubai on Monday evening.Scores in brief:India U19 252 all out, 49.5 overs (Vedant Trivedi 68, Kanishk Chouhan 35; Abdul Subhan 3-33, Mohammad Sayyam 2-69)Pakistan 194 all out, 46.2 overs (Usman Khan 66, Hamza Zahoor 42, Farhan Yousaf 38; Ayush Mhatre 3-21, Khilan Patel 3-35)Player of the match - Kanishk Chouhan (India U19). 

Pakistani duo stars Noor Zaman and Hamza Khan among talents competing for a placeAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD:The Olympic Qualification System (OQS) for the squash competition at the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad, to be held July 15-24 2028, has been announced following approval by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board meeting at its meeting on 01 February in Milan, Italy.The OQS will consist of five possible routes to qualification, subject to conditions: Continental Games, Host Country Quota, World Rankings, Universality Places, and a Final World Qualifying Tournament.In its Olympic debut in Los Angeles, the squash competition will see 16-athlete draws for men’s singles and women’s singles, staged at the Comcast Squash Center at Universal Studios.The OQS was developed by World Squash and the Professional Squash Association (PSA) and aims to achieve an optimal balance between inclusion of the best athletes and representation of as many National Olympic Committees (NOCs) as possible across the 16 athletes in each competition. A minimum of two and a maximum of three NOCs will receive a quota of two athletes per gender, subject to meeting conditions, with all others receiving a quota of one.Five athletes per gender will qualify via their respective Continental Games: The Asian Games (Nagoya, Japan, September 19-04 October 2026); the African Games (Cairo, Egypt, January 20-07 February 2027); the European Games (Istanbul, Turkey, June 2027); the Pan-American Games (Lima, Peru, July 16-01 August 2027); and the Pacific Games (Pirae, Tahiti, July 24-08 August 2027).As host, the USA, via the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee, receives a quota of at least one athlete per gender, subject to conditions.A further eight athletes per gender will qualify based on their PSA World Ranking and one universality place per gender will be available to eligible NOCs.The remaining one quota place per gender will be decided via a 24-athlete final qualification tournament, to be held June 06-10 2028.World Squash President Zena Wooldridge said: “We are very conscious of the huge suspense and anticipation amongst athletes, coaches and federations regarding squash’s Olympic Qualification System, which reflects the excitement across the whole squash community for the sport’s Olympic debut.“For many, the Olympic dream will feel one step closer today, as squash stars around the world can begin plotting a course for a place in sporting history in Los Angeles."

Lahore (PT): BN Polo defeated Diamond Paints by 8–6½ in the final of the TCL Polo Cup 2026 (10 goals) at the Lahore Garrison Polo Grounds on Sunday.CEO Diamond Paints Mir Shoaib Ahmed and TCL Marketing Manager Mohammad Owais graced the concluding ceremony as distinguished guests and gave away prizes to the winners.BN Polo’s victory was built on a strong start and timely goals in the closing stages, allowing them to hold off a spirited comeback by Diamond Paints, who benefited from a half-goal handicap advantage.For the winning side, Saqib Khan Khakwani emerged as the standout performer with a superb four-goal haul, showcasing pace, control, and finishing precision. He was well supported by Hamza Mawaz Khan, who contributed three goals, while Ibrahim Khalil chipped in with one goal to complete BN Polo’s tally.On the Diamond Paints side, Raja Jalal Arslan led the scoring with three goals, displaying consistency across chukkas while Amirreza Behboudi contributed remaining three goals. Their half-goal handicap brought their final total to 6½ goals.BN Polo set the tone early in the first chukka, racing to a two-goal lead with both goals coming off the mallet of Saqib Khan Khakwani, who capitalised on quick transitions and open play. The second chukka saw BN Polo extend their advantage by firing in three goals, with Saqib Khan Khakwani, Hamza Mawaz Khan, and Ibrahim Khalil all finding the target. Diamond Paints responded with two goals, struck by Raja Jalal Arslan, keeping the contest alive.Diamond Paints mounted a strong comeback in the third chukka, dominating play and hammering in three goals against a solitary strike from BN Polo. Raja Jalal Arslan and Amirreza Behboudi led the charge as Diamond Paints narrowed the gap and shifted momentum.However, BN Polo regained control in the fourth and decisive chukka, adding two crucial goals through Hamza Mawaz Khan and Saqib Khan Khakwani, while Diamond Paints managed one goal in reply. BN Polo’s composure in the final minutes proved decisive as they sealed an 8–6½ victory. The match was officiated by Lt Col (R) Omer Minhas and Hamza Ijaz, who ensured smooth conduct throughout the encounter.