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SPORTS NEWS - School News 21 Feb, 2026

Atif Rana, VC applaud IBIT students’ passion at Sports Festival 2026

Lahore (PR): The closing ceremony of the IBIT Sports Festival 2026 was held with great enthusiasm and splendour at University of the Punjab, bringing together senior academic leadership, distinguished guests, and an energetic gathering of students. The ceremony was attended by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ali, Dean Prof. Dr. Mohammad Mumtaz, Director IBIT Dr. Asim, and senior faculty member Prof. Shahid Zia. The esteemed guests distributed honorary shields among members of the IBIT society in recognition of their outstanding services and dedicated efforts. Among the recipients was Society President Hamza Wattoo, whose leadership and contributions were particularly appreciated. The occasion was further elevated by the presence of Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana, who graced the event as a special guest, along with President of Pakistan Martial Arts Association (PMAA) Anwar Mohiuddin and Senior Journalist Azhar Masood as guests of honour. Addressing the students, he praised their exceptional passion and enthusiasm. “I have attended many annual sports days at different institutions, but the passion and enthusiasm that I have seen and felt here at IBIT, Punjab University, I have seen nowhere else,” he remarked. “These students truly reflect the spirit of Qalandars. I hope this Qalandars spirit, combined with pure determination, dedication, and hard work, will help them excel in their future endeavours and succeed in every walk of life.” Atif Rana, along with Anwar Mohiuddin and Azhar Masood, distributed trophies and medals among the winning teams and outstanding performers. In a generous gesture that further energized the gathering, he announced the provision of Pakistan Super League (PSL) match tickets and sports kits for IBIT students, drawing loud applause from the audience. The festival featured a wide range of sporting competitions, including cricket, badminton, volleyball, football, and several other athletic contests. The event not only highlighted athletic excellence but also promoted teamwork, discipline, and leadership among participants. Speaking on the occasion, Anwar Mohiuddin emphasised the importance of self-defence training among youth. “Self-defence can be learned through passion, and the passion that IBIT students possess is the most essential ingredient to mastering these skills. With proper guidance and structured workshops, these students can emerge as some of the finest self-defence athletes.”

SPORTS NEWS - National 18 Jan, 2026

National Padel Championship: Sindh Clinches Both Men’s & Women’s Titles

Karachi (Sports News):National Padel Championship 2026 concluded on Sunday here at Neo Maidan, with Team Sindh delivering a dominant performance by winning both the Men’s and Women’s National Titles.Women’s Category ResultsThe women’s final was contested between Sindh (MUV) and the Punjab Team, where Sindh (MUV) secured a convincing 2–0 victory to claim the national title.1st Position: Sindh (MUV)Natalia Zaman & Mehak Tehrani2nd Position: Punjab TeamSaimra Umer & Hasnat3rd Position: Sindh (M&A)Alisha Elhai & Musfira ZahidMen’s Category ResultsThe men’s final featured an all-Sindh clash between Sindh Team and Sindh Padel-X. The Sindh Team emerged victorious with a 2–0 win, securing the national championship title.1st Position: Sindh TeamRehan Abdullah & Nafees Yaqoob2nd Position: Sindh Padel-XSheroz & Rahim Saeed3rd Position: Team Sindh KingRayyan Younas & Saad Noman.Mohammad Mateen, President, Pakistan Padel Federation, graced the occasion as chief guest and distributed trophies, certificates, and cash prizes totaling PKR 500,000 among the players.The ceremony was also attended by:Danish Ahmed, Vice President, PPFSyed Rehanuddin, Vice President, PPFSyed Nadeem Uddin, Secretary General, Sindh Padel AssociationKarima Khan, Treasurer PPF and Along with other distinguished guests and officials

SPORTS NEWS - Int News 16 Jan, 2026

Pakistan futsal teams maiden wins at SAFF Championship 2026

Lahore (PR): Pakistan men’s and women’s futsal teams etched their names into the country’s sporting history by securing their first-ever international victories at the SAFF Futsal Championship 2026, marking a significant milestone for a discipline still in its developmental phase in Pakistan.The Pakistan women’s futsal team registered a thrilling 3–2 victory over Sri Lanka, showcasing resilience, tactical discipline, and composure under pressure to seal a landmark win. The result not only boosted team morale but also underlined the growing potential of women’s futsal in the country.Meanwhile, the men’s futsal team produced an equally impressive comeback, overturning an early deficit to defeat Bhutan 4–2. The performance highlighted Pakistan’s attacking intent and adaptability, as the players responded strongly after falling behind to claim a memorable win.Reacting to the historic achievements, Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Mohsen Gilani praised the determination and commitment shown by the players and coaching staff. “Our players and coaches have made history. These victories are a proof of their resilience, belief, and hard work despite limited resources,” Gilani said. “We will build on this foundation to take futsal to greater heights and, God willing, make Pakistan a competitive force in futsal. "

SPORTS NEWS - National 15 Jan, 2026

National Padel Championship starts Karachi

Karachi (Sports News): The National Padel Championship 2026 commenced at Neo Maidan, KMC Karachi under the banner of Pakistan Padel Federation (PPF).The opening ceremony was graced by Ahmed Ali Rajput, General Secretary of the Sindh Olympic Association, along with Mohammad Mateen, President of the Pakistan Padel Federation, who were the chief guests.A total of 66 male and 26 female players from across the country are participating in the championship. The quarterfinals and semifinals will be played on Friday, while the finals will be played on Saturday.Athletes who perform outstandingly in the championship will be selected for the national padel team, which will represent Pakistan at the Asian Games 2026, to be held in Japan.Results (Day-1):Women’s MatchesSindh MUV Bay defeated Sindh MZ by 6–1Punjab team defeated Sindh Falcon by 6–0Sindh Fairless defeated Sindh S Factor by 6–3Men’s MatchesGilgit Boys defeated Sindh Success by 6–2Sindh DM defeated Sindh Mokal by 6–1Punjab Falcon defeated Sindh S Factor by 6–3

SPORTS NEWS - Int News 23 Dec, 2025

David Neres brace leads Napoli to EA SPORTS FC™ Italian Supercup glory

Riyadh (Sports News): A David Neres double ensured Napoli were crowned 2025-26 EA SPORTS FC™ Italian Supercup champions on Monday night, courtesy of a 2-0 win over Bologna at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh.Neres opened the scoring in spectacular fashion six minutes before half-time and added a second with a delicate chip shortly before the hour mark as Napoli brought the curtain down in style on the four-team tournament.By returning to Saudi Arabia for a sixth time, the 2025-26 Italian Supercup reaffirmed Saudi's position as a leading destination for world-class football and its continued commitment to welcoming the best clubs, competitions, and supporters to the country.Since 2015, the Kingdom has hosted more than 150 international sporting events, with football playing a central role in the country’s expanding sports ecosystem and both the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and FIFA World Cup 2034™ on the Saudi horizon.Speaking after lifting the trophy, Napoli coach Antonio Conte said: "This experience in Saudi was really good, and I enjoyed it a lot. Not only me but also the players - we worked very well here."We're happy to deliver this title to our fans because we know how happy and passionate they are about the team."Having lost the last Italian Supercup final with Napoli in 2024 at the same venue, centre-back Juan Jesus was pleased to get his hands on the trophy in Saudi Arabia this time around."It was a fantastic experience for me; this is the second time I've come here to Saudi. The first time wasn't great as we lost but now we've won," joked the Brazilian. "I'm happy with the organisation, the festival, and I'm happy with the title as it's a great achievement."Although disappointed with the result, Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano also reflected on a positive trip, one he believes will benefit his side in the long run."It's been a beautiful experience," said Italiano. "This should lead us to more growth and development, while preparing us for the other competitions. We're happy with this experience across these few days and we're sorry that we didn't make our fans happy."Defender Torbjørn Heggem echoed Italiano's sentiment, adding: "Personally, it was a new experience for me and a positive experience. We're travelling to Saudi and although it's a long travel we see a lot of Bologna fans. It's nice to see and hopefully we can come back next year and win the final."

SPORTS NEWS - National 22 Dec, 2025

Islamabad Tennis Association honors medal winners players

Islamabad (PR): The Islamabad Tennis Association (ITA) Monday (today) hosted a reception to honor the Islamabad women tennis team, which won the first Gold medal for Islamabad in the National Games held at Karachi. By winning this gold medal, Islamabad created history as it was the first time the city won a Gold medal, due to their outstanding performance, and this achievement is expected to promote tennis in the capital area.Chairman ITA, Tariq Mehmood Murtaza, and Majid Bashir, President ITA, praised the outstanding performance of the players, particularly Mahin Aftab and Shiza Sajid, and Shandana Rabbi who won the team event gold by beating top teams Wapda and Army. Mahin Aftab also secured a bronze medal in the individual event.Riawan ul Haq, Secretary Islamabad Olympic, was also present and praised the team's victory. Other notable figures, including Mohammad Arif Qureshi, Senior Executive Vice President ITA, Tufail Cheema, Secretary ITS, Hassan Baig, Sr. Executive Vice President, and Ahsen Zaidi, also lauded the team's performance. Hamid ul Haq, Pride of Performance, and Iman ul Haq, Davis Cup star, also praised the team's achievement.The ITA awarded the teams with medals, shields, and cash awards and hosted a lunch in their honor.

SPORTS NEWS - Int News 18 Dec, 2025

EA SPORTS FC™ Italian Supercup returns to Saudi Arabia

Riyadh (Sports News): The EA SPORTS FC™ Italian Supercup returns to Saudi Arabia (Thursday, 18 December) as Serie A champions Napoli take on AC Milan in the first semi-final of the competition at Riyadh's Alawwal Park.The opening fixture raises the curtain on the sixth Italian Supercup to be hosted in Saudi Arabia and sees two of Italy’s most storied clubs compete for a place in the final. Napoli currently sit third in Serie A as they aim to successfully defend last season's title, while AC Milan are second and return to Riyadh having won the previous Italian Supercup in the same stadium in January.Both clubs arrived in the Kingdom earlier this week and Napoli were given a warm welcome by local supporters at their first training session earlier on Wednesday. Speaking later the same day, Napoli head coach Antonio Conte welcomed the support his side had received in Riyadh.“It's a good sensation to find Napoli fans here in Riyadh," said Conte. "It is normal that the more matches the Club plays abroad, the more it becomes known and can attract more and more fans.“We know that fans are drawn to teams through victories, and we try to be attractive from this point of view as well, but we are already happy to have found fans with Napoli shirts here in Riyadh who asked us for autographs and photographs.”AC Milan captain Mike Maignan was the man who lifted the trophy at Alawwal Park in January, when thousands of Rossoneri supporters came together in support of their team.The France goalkeeper expects a stern test against the current Italian champions on Thursday but is excited to once again play in front of a passionate fanbase in Saudi. “We need to be focused on this game," said Maignan. "We need to think about how we play and what the coach wants from us. It will be a great game because the opponent is strong.“Our fans are very passionate here, so we will give 100 percent. It was great last year, but we need to give 100 percent now to repeat ourselves.”Following Napoli vs. Milan is the second semi-final, which takes place the next day (Friday, 19 December). That game pits 2024–25 Coppa Italia winners Bologna against last year's Serie A runners-up Inter Milan.The winners of both semi-finals will advance to the Italian Supercup final on 22 December, also to be played at Alawwal Park.

SPORTS NEWS - School News 25 Nov, 2025

AHC-JCA School Girls’ Cricket Cup: Ismail School players retain title

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Ismail Girls’ School players retained their title after winning the 5th Australian High Commission (AHC)-Jalaluddin Cricket Academy (JCA) Girls’ School Cricket Cup 2025, which was held at National Stadium Karachi.As many as 60 girls from four schools participated in the tournament. The tournament followed a two-week coaching clinic organised in collaboration with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA).Pakistan women’s team Player Kainat Imtiaz, and former captain national men’s team Javed Miandad, and Mushtaq Ahmed shared their experience and leadership skills with girls from the Ismail Academy, Nasra Public School, Greenland Schools, and Happy Home Orphanage.During the tournament members of Australia’s visiting Over-40s Cricket Team also worked with the girls to build confidence, foster teamwork, and develop leadership skills. “Australia’s continued support for girls’ cricket in Pakistan promotes gender equality, diversity and inclusion, and empowers girls through access to sport,” said Australian High Commission First Secretary Jordan Hartas. “We started in 2016 with an annual tournament in Islamabad and have since expanded to Lahore and Karachi. Australia and Pakistan share a passion for cricket, and the Australian High Commission is pleased to support initiatives that break barriers and create opportunities for girls to thrive across Pakistan, he concluded.”

SPORTS NEWS - University News 23 Nov, 2025

Punjab University win All Pakistan Body Building: VC congratulates players

LAHORE: (PR): Punjab University won first position in All Pakistan HEC Inter-University Bodybuilding Championship held at Education University Lahore with participation from universities of all provinces. PU grabbed first position with 92 points while University of Lahore got (UOL) 2nd position with 72 points and University of Central Punjab (UCP) was 3rd with 70 points. PU Director Sports Dr Shabbir Sarwar said this was a historical victory of Punjab University bodybuilding team as after 16 years Punjab University secured 1st position in HEC championship 2025-26. He said this was because of VC Dr Mohammad Ali’s sports friendly policies and untiring efforts of our team manager Nadeem Munir, team coaches and players. Last year PU was on 4th position. Vice Chancellor Dr Mohammad Ali met with the team players and officials who called on him to celebrate the victory with Drum beaters and pro PU slogans chanting. VC congratulated the team and officials on this historic victory.

SPORTS NEWS - Int News 20 Nov, 2025

Arshad Nadeem throws 80 meter to earn gold in Islamic Solidarity Games

RIYADH (Sports News): Pakistan's star athlete Arshad Nadeem added another feather to his cap by successfully defending his Islamic Solidarity Games' gold medal in men's Javelin here at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Stadium on Wednesday. His compatriot Mohammad Yasir clinched silver.Nadeem got off to a decent start in the final by registering a throw of 75.44m, which immediately put him at the top of the standings.The star athlete threw his farthest in the second attempt – an 83.05m effort, which consolidated his lead at the top, while he followed it up with 82.48m in the next attempt to assert his dominance.He threw at 77.06m in his fourth attempt, while his fifth was ruled out. He concluded his campaign with a 77.98m effort.Besides him, no other athlete could breach the 80-metre barrier in each of their six attempts, with compatriot Yasir registering the next-best throw of 76.04m in his final attempt, which earned him the silver medal.Nigeria's Samuel Adams Kure clinched the bronze medal with a throw of 76.01m, which came in the fifth attempt, and could not reclaim his second position in the standings as he managed 75.84m in his final effort.