Sports Bulletin

Farrukh KamalGovernment support, revival of clubs and monthly stipends for talented players are urgently needed to restore the sport.There was a time when table tennis enjoyed immense popularity in Karachi. The sport was played with great enthusiasm at clubs, sports centres and educational institutions across the city. Tournaments were held regularly, young players showcased their talent, and people associated with the game worked tirelessly to promote its growth. Table tennis was not merely a sport in Karachi; it was an important part of the city's sporting culture and a valuable avenue for young people to develop their skills and pursue a brighter future.Several venues once served as active centres for table tennis, including Amroha Club in Gulberg, Markaz-e-Saqafat in Gulberg, Young Stars Club at Shadab Ground, Khan Liaquat Ali Khan Sports Complex in Federal B Area, Badr-ul-Hassan Sports Complex in Nazimabad, YMCA Club, Sharafabad Club, the table tennis hall at UBL Sports Complex, the table tennis hall at National College, Star Gate Airport Table Tennis Club, and Customs Table Tennis Club at NIPA. These clubs and facilities provided players with opportunities to practise, improve their techniques and participate in competitive events.Unfortunately, these activities gradually declined over the years. Table tennis programmes became limited at many clubs, while the sport nearly disappeared from some venues. The regular organisation of tournaments was also affected. Many talented players moved abroad in search of better opportunities, while others were forced to abandon the sport because of financial difficulties, employment commitments and family responsibilities.Lack of Government Support: A Major Cause of DeclineOne of the major concerns surrounding the current state of table tennis in Karachi is the lack of adequate government attention, institutional support and financial assistance. The development of any sport depends not only on the dedication and abilities of its players but also on the sustained cooperation of government departments, sports organisations, educational institutions and the private sector.In the past, institutions such as Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Karachi Development Authority (KDA), Sui Gas, Karachi Electric Corporation (KEC) and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) played important roles in supporting sports. Their sports departments provided athletes with opportunities to develop their abilities and advance their careers. However, the decline in institutional sponsorship and the absence of consistent support have affected table tennis and several other sports.The Government of Sindh and Karachi's municipal authorities must now take practical and effective measures to revive table tennis. Announcements alone are not enough. Existing clubs must be made functional, quality facilities must be provided, training centres must be maintained, and district-level, provincial and inter-club tournaments must be organised regularly.Monthly Stipends for Talented PlayersMany talented table tennis players continue to pursue their ambitions despite limited financial resources. Training expenses, travel costs, sports equipment and everyday financial pressures often become major obstacles to their progress. Under these circumstances, the Government of Sindh and the relevant sports authorities should introduce a regular monthly stipend programme for deserving and accomplished players on merit.These stipends should not be limited to one-time financial assistance. Instead, they should provide consistent support, enabling athletes to concentrate on their training and performance without being overwhelmed by financial concerns. Selection should be based on transparent criteria, including performance, achievements in provincial and national competitions, and demonstrated potential.Special assistance should also be provided to junior players so that the next generation can receive the support and opportunities it needs from an early stage. Investing in young athletes today will help establish a stronger foundation for the future of table tennis in Karachi.Restore Sports-Based Admissions and Scholarships at Universities and Medical CollegesEducational institutions can play a pivotal role in promoting table tennis and supporting talented athletes. In the past, sports-based admissions and other educational incentives provided players with an important pathway to academic and professional advancement.The relevant authorities should therefore take steps to restore or effectively implement sports-based admissions and reserved seats, where applicable, at institutions such as the University of Karachi, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Dawood University of Engineering and Technology and its associated educational institutions, Sindh Medical College, and Dow Medical College.Talented athletes in table tennis and other sports should be offered admission opportunities, scholarships and educational facilities through transparent, merit-based procedures. Such measures would reassure young people that sporting excellence is valued and can open doors to educational and professional success.Universities and colleges should also accommodate the academic needs of student-athletes by providing suitable facilities, training opportunities and reasonable support during examinations. Sports and education should complement each other rather than force young people to choose between the two.Revival of Clubs and Regular Tournaments Is EssentialThe revival of table tennis in Karachi requires the restoration of previously active clubs and the reinstatement of table tennis facilities wherever feasible. Sports centres should provide suitable tables, quality equipment, qualified coaches and designated practice hours. At the same time, a regular programme of competitions should be introduced at school, college, university and community levels.A comprehensive development system should ensure equal opportunities for junior, senior and women players. Promising athletes should be identified and prepared for provincial and national competitions through structured coaching and regular competitive exposure.The private sector and corporate organisations should also be encouraged to support table tennis clubs, sponsor tournaments and provide financial assistance to promising athletes. Public-private partnerships could help improve facilities, organise competitions and create sustainable development programmes.If these measures are implemented consistently, they could breathe new life into the sport, encourage young people to participate in healthy activities and help restore Karachi's sporting identity.An Appeal to the Government of Sindh and Karachi's Municipal AuthoritiesThe decline of table tennis is not merely the decline of a sport. It also concerns the future of young people, the promotion of healthy activities and the preservation of an important sporting tradition.The Government of Sindh, Karachi's municipal authorities, the provincial Sports Department and relevant educational institutions are urged to make the revival of table tennis a priority. Clubs should be reactivated, monthly stipends should be introduced for deserving players, sports-based educational opportunities should be restored, and dedicated funding should be allocated for regular tournaments.If serious steps are not taken now, Karachi risks losing even more of its historic identity in table tennis. However, coordinated efforts by the government, educational institutions, sports organisations and the private sector could help the sport regain its former momentum.Karachi's golden era of table tennis was once a source of pride for the city. This legacy must not be allowed to survive only in memories. It needs to be revived through concrete action. Clubs must once again become vibrant sporting centres, players must receive financial security, young people must have access to educational and professional opportunities, and table tennis halls must once again echo with the energy and enthusiasm of aspiring athletes.It is hoped that the Government of Sindh and Karachi's municipal authorities will respond to this appeal by taking immediate and long-term measures to revive table tennis, ensuring that this cherished sport can reclaim its rightful place in the city's sporting landscape.

Sports Reporter KARACHI: Arham Bin Farrukh emerged victorious in the Boys Singles Intermediate category at the 10th Student Olympic Games Karachi 2026, showcasing an impressive performance against strong competition.The table tennis event featured participation from 30 government and private colleges, with 48 students competing for the coveted title. After a competitive series of matches, Arham Bin Farrukh displayed excellent skill, determination and composure to secure the Intermediate Boys Singles championship.The tournament was held at the Sindh Youth Club, Nazimabad, Karachi, where young table tennis players from colleges across the city competed in a spirited and highly competitive atmosphere.Former table tennis player and Sindh champion Khwaja Kashif attended the event as the chief guest. He appreciated the participation and performances of the young players and encouraged them to continue their efforts to develop table tennis at the college level.The event was organized by Hussain Virani, whose efforts helped provide a competitive platform for emerging college-level table tennis talent.Arham Bin Farrukh’s title-winning performance brought pride to Commecs College and highlighted the growing talent emerging from Karachi’s educational institutions. The successful participation of 48 students also reflected the enthusiasm of the city’s youth for competitive table tennis.

Sports Bulletin Report Aichi-Nagoya (Japan): Pakistan’s national table tennis team made a determined and encouraging appearance at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, producing competitive performances against some of Asia’s stronger table tennis nations.The Pakistani players displayed fighting spirit, discipline and improving technical standards throughout their matches. Despite facing highly ranked and experienced opponents, the national team competed with confidence and gave a good account of itself on the Asian Games stage.The participation provided valuable international exposure and experience to Pakistan’s players, while also highlighting the progress and potential of table tennis in the country.President of the Pakistan Table Tennis Federation (PTTF) Ahmer Mallick and Secretary PTTF Ejaz Ali were present with the national team, extending their support and encouragement to the players and officials.The team’s competitive performances against stronger opponents have been welcomed as a positive sign for the future of Pakistan table tennis. With continued international exposure, training and institutional support, the players are expected to build on this experience and prepare strongly for upcoming international competitions.

Islamabad (Sports News): Table tennis has spent the last two years building towards a moment like this. The emotion of Paris 2024. The confirmation that doubles and mixed team will join the Olympic programme at LA28. A sport growing faster, and reaching further, than at almost any point in its history. As the ITTF marks its centenary year, it gave that momentum a calendar.In the south of France, the Sud de France Arena will spend 29 March to 4 April 2027 hosting the world's best players, as the ITTF Singles World Cup returns to French soil for the fourth time, and for the first time in Montpellier. It arrives at exactly the right moment: French table tennis has rarely felt this alive, carried by the afterglow of Paris 2024 and a new generation of players, Félix and Alexis Lebrun chief among them, capturing a nation's attention. It has been over three decades since Jean-Philippe Gatien became the only Frenchman to ever win a World Cup singles title. Montpellier 2027 gives home fans their first real chance since to dream of a new one. The event also opens the centenary year of the host, the French Federation of Table Tennis (FFTT), giving a century of French table tennis history its own homecoming.Macao, China, has spent the last three years proving it belongs on the World Cup calendar, hosting the ITTF Singles World Cup in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Those editions have delivered three different men's champions in three years, Ma Long, Hugo Calderano and Wang Chuqin, while Sun Yingsha has claimed all three women's titles in a row. In 2027, the city is handed something it has never had before: the first-ever ITTF Doubles World Cup, happening from 19 to 25 April 2027. The timing is no accident. With men's and women's doubles returning to the Olympic programme at LA28, the discipline needed a stage of its own, somewhere it could build its own champions and its own rivalries ahead of the Games. Macao, China a proven host with a track record to match, was the natural choice.Since its launch in 2023, the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup has belonged to one team. China has won every edition staged in Chengdu, and the city will continue to host the event for a fifth consecutive year in 2027. From 28 November to 5 December, the 2027 edition will carry a new weight: for the first time, results will count towards Olympic qualification for LA28, where mixed team makes its Games debut. What has been a China showcase for three years now becomes a genuine qualification battle, with every other team given fresh reason to chase the champions down.Together, the three events chart the shape of table tennis heading into the LA28 Olympic countdown."We are on track to deliver our goals for LA28, and this calendar shows exactly how. In Montpellier, we bring the World Cup to France once again, and to the city for the very first time, at a moment when the sport has never been more popular there. In Macao, China, Men's, Women's and Mixed Doubles will share a World Cup stage together for the first time, as the discipline returns to the Olympic programme. And in Chengdu, the Mixed Team World Cup carries genuine Olympic qualification ahead of its own debut at the Games. Table tennis will feature six medal events at LA28, more than any other racket sport on the programme, and each of these three World Cups plays its part in getting us there. As we build on the momentum of our centenary year, I look forward to what 2027 will bring for our sport," said ITTF President and IOC Member Petra Sörling.

Azhar Wins Men’s Singles Title, Farrukhl & Hameed Claim Doubles CrownKARACHI (PR): The Defense Day Veterans Table Tennis Tournament 2026 organized by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), was held with enthusiastic participation from veteran table tennis players.In the Men’s Singles event, Azhar Khursheed emerged as the champion after an impressive performance throughout the tournament. Abdul Hameed finished as the runner-up.The Men’s Doubles title was won by **Farrukh Kamal and Abdul Hameed, who displayed excellent coordination and determination to secure the championship.Faisal Saqib and Altaf Mughal finished runners-up after a competitive performance in the doubles event.Around 40 men participated in the tournament, making the event a competitive gathering of veteran table tennis players and providing an excellent platform for experienced players to remain active in the sport.Pakistan Sports Board Director Ali Raza graced the tournament as the Chief Guest and appreciated the efforts to promote table tennis among veteran players.The event was also attended by Sindh Table Tennis Association Secretary Mohsin Sarwar and Karachi Table Tennis Association Secretary Ubaid Hadi Khan, who encouraged the players and appreciated the organization of the tournament.

Arham Bin Farrukh Claims Double Crown, Wins Men’s Singles and Doubles TitlesSports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Arham Bin Farrukh produced an outstanding performance at the Defense Day Young Star Table Tennis Ranking Tournament, claiming a prestigious double crown by winning both the Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles titles.In the Men’s Singles final, Arham defeated Karachi champion Mohammad Abbas in a thrilling contest, winning 12-10, 13-11, 11-8 to lift the championship trophy. Arham also secured the Men’s Doubles title with Hussain Virani, completing an impressive double at the tournament.Arham Bin Farrukh booked his place in the Men’s Singles final after defeating Arslan Alvi in a closely fought five-game semifinal, 3-11, 11-6, 11-5, 5-11, 11-2. In the other semifinal, Mohammad Abbas overcame Salman Raza 11-1, 11-8, 11-4 to set up an exciting final against Arham. In the final, Arham beat Mohammad Abbas with a score-line of 12-10, 13-11, 11-8 to become the Men’s Singles champion.Meanwhile, in the Men’s Doubles final, Hussain Virani and Arham Bin Farrukh defeated Salman Lari and Rayan Abbas 11-7, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6 to claim the doubles crown. The champions had earlier defeated Arslan Alvi and Shahmeer in a five-game semifinal, winning 11-6, 8-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-8. In the second semifinal, Salman Lari and Rayan Abbas defeated Muhammad Abbas and Salman Zafar 12-10, 9-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-8 to reach the final.Sara Danish Wins Women’s Singles Championship:In the Women’s Singles event, Sara Danish emerged as champion after defeating Ayesha Arsalan 11-7, 11-3, 12-10 in the final. Sara had earlier defeated Anabia 11-8, 11-7, 11-6 in the semifinal to secure her place in the title clash. Ayesha Arsalan reached the final after a dramatic five-game victory over Hooria Yaseen, winning 11-4, 8-11, 15-13, 4-11, 11-7.In the second round, Ayesha Arsalan defeated Sara Merchant, Anabia overcame Eman Khalid, while Hooria Yaseen defeated Abrish Fatma to advance to the next stage. In the opening round, Abrish Fatma defeated Hadeeqa Nasir, Sameera beat Tooba, while Sara Merchant overcame Samreen Hassan.

Karachi (Sports Reprter): The Defense Day Table Tennis Ranking Tournament commenced in Karachi on Friday.Results (Day-1):1st RoundReyan Abbas beat S. Fakhir 11-8, 11-8, 11-7Dayan beat M. Rohil 11-0, 11-2, 11-3Musa Afridi beat Mohammad Ibad 11-2, 11-3, 11-6Taha Ali beat Mohammad Sameer 11-1, 11-2, 11-3Usman Habib beat Ejaz Walji 11-6, 11-3, 11-5Abdul Aziz beat Areeb Alvi 11-4, 11-5, 11-5Ahsan Raza beat Mustafa 11-4, 11-5, 11-5Faisal Saqib beat Abdullah Alvi 11-2, 12-10, 9-11, 11-2Khawar Mehmood beat Daniyal 11-5, 11-3, 11-7Ayan Ali beat Junaid Bughdadi 11-8, 11-4, 11-5Arsalan Alvi beat Hasan Mujtaba 11-3, 11-2, 9-11, 11-6Asim beat Zain Ahmed 11-3, 11-7, 17-15Salman Lari beat Shan-e-Ali 11-5, 13-11, 11-5Ubaid Hadi Khan beat Ahmed Naseeb 11-3, 16-14, 11-7Ayaz Khan beat Bilal 11-3, 11-5, 11-8Arfeen Ahmed beat M. Mohsin 11-3, 11-8, 11-6Hussain Virani beat Hasan 11-4, 11-3, 9-11, 11-32nd RoundUbaid Hadi Khan beat M. Hadi 11-2, 11-6, 11-5Ahsan Raza beat Mohammad Ramzan 11-7, 12-10, 9-11, 11-7Khawar Beat Kamil 11-3, 11-3, 11-5Arfeen Khan beat Arfeen Ahmed 11-6, 5-11, 12-10, 12-10Arsalan Alvi beat Ilyas Ali 11-5, 11-3, 11-4Arham Bin Farrukh beat Abu Bakar Alvi 11-4, 11-1, 11-7Salman Raza beat Asim 11-3, 11-6, 14-12Hamza Saleem beat Faisal Saqib 11-6, 6-11, 11-6, 11-3Hussain Virani beat S. Usman 11-4, 11-8, 11-4Ayaz Khan beat Abdul Aziz 11-3, 11-9, 13-11Reyan Abbas beat Dayan 9-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-9Taha Alvi beat Musa Afridi 7-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-2Mohammad Abbas beat M. Shahan Hassan 11-9, 12-10, 11-43rd RoundKhawar Mehmood beat Ahsan Raza 11-7, 11-7, 11-9Arsalan Alvi beat Ayan Ali 11-8. 13-11. 11-7Arham Bin Farrukh beat Arfeen Ahmed 11-6, 11-4, 11-9Hussain Virani beat Ayaz Khan 7-11, 13-11, 12-10, 12-14, 11-8Salman Raza beat Hamza Saleem 11-4, 13-11, 11-7Salman Lari beat Reyan Abbas 9-11, 11-9, 11-3, 14-16, 11-8Mohammad Abbas beat Taha Ali 11-6, 11-4, 11-4Ahil Shah beat Ubaid Hadi Khan 11-8, 11-7, 11-6Quarter FinalsMohammad Abbas beat Salman Lari 11-8, 10-12, 11-7, 11-7Salman Raza beat Hussain Virani 11-3, 11-7, 9-11, 11-4Arham Bin Farrukh beat Khawar Mehmood 11-5,11-7, 11-4Arsalan Alvi beat Ahil Shah 11-7, 11-8, 10-12, 11-5

Karachi (PR): The Islamia Club Independence Cup Table Tennis Tournament 2026 was successfully held with enthusiastic participation from players in the Men’s Open, Under-19 Boys and Women’s Singles categories.In the Under-19 Boys’ Singles final, Arham Bin Farrukh produced an impressive performance to defeat Muhammad Abbas 3-1 and claim the championship title.In the Men’s Open Singles final, Muhammad Abbas emerged victorious after a thrilling and closely contested encounter, defeating Arham Bin Farrukh 3-2 to win the prestigious Open Singles title.In the Women’s Singles final, Fatima Danish displayed an excellent performance to secure the championship, while Sara Danish finished as the runner-up.ResultsUnder-19 Boys’ Singles Champion: Arham Bin FarrukhUnder-19 Boys’ Singles Runner-up: Muhammad AbbasMen’s Open Singles Champion: Mohammad AbbasMen’s Open Singles Runner-up: Arham Bin FarrukhWomen’s Singles Champion: Fatima DanishWomen’s Singles Runner-up: Sara DanishA total of 48 players competed in the Men’s Singles, 32 players in the Under-19 Boys’ category, and 16 players in the Women’s Singles event. The strong participation resulted in highly competitive and exciting matches throughout the tournament.The successful organization of the tournament was made possible through the efforts of Faraz Sohail, Hussain Virani, Ali Sinan and Kiran, who played an important role as event organizers. The organizers were appreciated for providing players with an excellent platform to showcase their talent and for their continued efforts to promote and develop table tennis.

Sports ReportLONDON: It began in a hall in Farringdon in 1926, a modest gathering that few could have imagined would one day fill arenas and captivate hundreds of billions of people around the world. One hundred years later, in the same city where it all started, the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals London 2026 Presented by ACN came to a close at a sold-out OVO Arena Wembley, completing a centenary celebration that the sport will not forget in a hurry.China were crowned Men's Team and Women's Team champions, defeating Japan in both finals to lift the Swaythling Cup and Corbillon Cup for a record 24th time on each side of the draw. It was a conclusion worthy of the occasion, and one that underlined why China remain the benchmark in world table tennis. Japan claimed silver on both sides of the draw, their women's team pushing China to a deciding fifth match in a final that had OVO Arena Wembley on its feet.In the Men's event, France produced one of the performances of the tournament to reach the podium, sweeping aside Brazil in the quarterfinals before pushing China all the way in a gripping semifinal. Chinese Taipei were the other Men's Team semifinalists, their run to the last four including a stunning upset of top seeds Sweden that was one of the moments of the Championships.On the women's side, Germany claimed bronze after a campaign built on the brilliance of Sabine Winter, whose performances throughout the tournament underlined why she is the highest-ranked European woman in the world.Romania's run to the Women's Team podium was perhaps the most emotional story of London 2026, securing a medal in the Women's Team event for the first time in 26 years, with Bernadette Szocs leading from the front and her leap onto the table after sealing their semifinal win over France one of the defining images of the Championships.But the stories did not stop at the podium. A 127-point match between Denmark and Canada in the Round of 32, lasting over three hours, or Moldova surpassing their previous best finish in the Men's event, qualifying for the Main Draw and announcing themselves as a side with genuine ambitions for the future. Moments like these will be spoken about long after the trophies have been handed out. The final day brought its own special chapter. IOC President Kirsty Coventry visited OVO Arena Wembley, welcomed by ITTF President Petra Sörling. President Coventry exchanged rallies with Former Olympic champions Ma Long and Xu Xin and ITTF Athletes' Commission members Liu Shiwen, Elizabeta Samara and Paul Drinkhall before officially starting the final day's competition, pressing the button to get proceedings underway in front of a packed Wembley crowd. She later presented the Corbillon Cup to the Women's Team champions, a fitting role for the IOC President on a day that spoke to everything table tennis stands for.The Swaythling Cup, donated by Lady Swaythling for the very first World Championships in London in 1926 and lifted by every Men's Team champion since, was raised in this city once again. The Corbillon Cup, awarded to Women's Team champions since 1933, completed a centenary double for China. To lift both in London, in this year of all years, means something that goes beyond the scoreline.One hundred years since a small group of enthusiasts gathered in this city and set something in motion that would grow into a global sport, London 2026 brought that story full circle. The world came to London. Table tennis delivered. Here is to the next hundred years.

Karachi ( Sports News): Arham Bin Farukh won the Boys Under-19 title, while Sarah Danish secured the Girls Under-19 of the Karachi Table Tennis Championship by winning their respective finals on Friday. In the Veterans Men’s Singles category, Zafar Khan emerged victorious. The Mixed Doubles and Men’s Doubles events have now reached their final stage. The championship, organized by Ali Shan Table Tennis Club, is being held at the Sindh Sports Board Complex in Nazimabad. In the Boys U-19 final, Arham Bin Farukh defeated Mohammad Abbas in a thrilling 5-set match, winning 3–2. The set scores were 5–11, 6–11, 11–4, 11–5, and 11–8. In the Girls U-19 final, Sarah Danish overcame Anabia Siddiqui in another exciting contest, also winning 3–2. The scores were 10–12, 11–7, 11–8, 5–11, and 11–3.In the Veterans Singles final, Zafar Khan defeated Faisal Saqib 3–1, with scores of 11–5, 11–6, 10–12, and 11–3. In the Mixed Doubles semifinals, the pair of Hareem Anwar and Salman Raza beat Hoor Fawad and Arham Bin Farukh 3–2 to reach the final. In the other semifinal, Fatima and Mohammad Abbas defeated Hoor Yaseen and Aahil Virani 3–1 to secure their place in the final.