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FOOTBALL - FIFA News 20 Oct, 2025
Islamabad (Sports Desk): With 28 teams having already secured a spot at the FIFA World Cup 26™ and the whole world gearing up for what promises to be a watershed edition of FIFA’s flagship tournament, fans from 212 countries and territories of residence have already purchased over one million tickets following the closure of the Visa Presale Draw sales phase, which was launched in mid-September.Residents of the three host countries – the United States, Canada and Mexico, in that order – have been at the front of the queue, snapping up more tickets than anyone else. England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina and France – in order of demand – round out the top ten countries in terms of ticket sales.“What an exciting step on our journey toward 2026! As national teams across the globe compete for a place at the historic FIFA World Cup 26, I am thrilled so many football-loving fans also want to be part of this watershed event in North America,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.“Today, we celebrate the sale of more than 1 million FIFA World Cup tickets following the Visa Presale Draw. It’s an incredible response, and a wonderful sign that the biggest, most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history is capturing the imagination of supporters everywhere. Already, tickets have been purchased by fans in over 200 countries and territories, led by our enthusiastic hosts in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.”Fans, including those who were unsuccessful in the presale phase, can look forward to the next ticket sales window, which will begin later this month. Specifically, on Monday, 27 October, the entry period will open for the Early Ticket Draw, in which single-match tickets to all 104 games, along with venue- and team-specific tickets, will be released.
Mohammad Ashab wins Richardson Wealth Men's Open Squash Tournament
Islamabad (Sports Desk); Pakistan squash player Mohammad Ashab Irfan clinched the title of the Richardson Wealth Men's Open 2025 Squash Tournament٫ which took place from October 15 to 19 in Canada. Tournament was pursuing a prize money of $31,250.Mohammad Ashab Irfan has emerged as the champion, winning the tournament by beating Sam Todd in the final match.Result (Final): [4] Mohammad Ashab Irfan (PAK) beat [6] Sam Todd (ENG) 3-0: 11-9, 11-1, 11-5 (43m)
VOLLEYBALL - Int News 19 Oct, 2025
ISLAMABAD (PR): The Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) announced that the Pakistan Youth Volleyball Team has started its campaign at the 3rd Asian Youth Games 2025, currently being held in Bahrain, with an impressive 3-0 victory against Mongolia in their opening match.The match, played at the Isa Bin Rashid Sports City, saw the young Pakistani side display excellent teamwork, energy, and skill throughout all three sets. Pakistan dominated the game with set scores of 25-22, 25-13, and 25-15, showcasing their strength and preparation for this prestigious continental event.The players demonstrated exceptional control and coordination on the court, with Mohammad Yahya and Mohammad Saud delivering standout performances, leading the team with powerful attacks and strong defensive play. The victory marks a confident start for Pakistan in the tournament and boosts morale as the team looks forward to tougher challenges ahead.With this victory, Pakistan has taken a strong position in Group A, where they are placed alongside host nation Bahrain and Mongolia.Pakistan’s next match is scheduled against Bahrain on 20 October 2025 at 9:00 PM (Pakistan Standard Time) at the Isa Bin Rashid Sports City – Hall C.The Pakistan Volleyball Federation extends its congratulations to the players, coaches, and management for their outstanding start and wishes them continued success as they strive to bring pride to the nation at the 3rd Asian Youth Games 2025.
SPORTS NEWS - Int News 19 Oct, 2025
ISLAMABAD (PR): Asian giants Iran and China continued their commanding run as the group stage of the IBSA Asia-Pacific Goalball Championship 2025 concluded at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, on Sunday, paving the way for an exciting knockout phase.In the men’s competition, Iran dominated Pool A with 12 points, remaining unbeaten throughout the group stage. Australia finished second with 9 points, followed by Thailand (9), Saudi Arabia (3), and Iraq (0). From Pool B, defending champions China topped the standings with 12 points, while South Korea followed with 9. Kazakhstan took third place with 6 points, Uzbekistan earned 3, and Pakistan finished winless at the bottom of the table.In the women’s category, China emerged as the undisputed leader of Pool X, registering four straight wins to secure 12 points. Japan claimed second position with 9 points, while South Korea (6), Thailand (3), and Pakistan (0) completed the group standings.Earlier on day 4, the championship witnessed thrilling action as Asian powerhouses China, Japan, and South Korea reaffirmed their dominance. In the women’s fixtures, Thailand overwhelmed Pakistan 10–0 in the opening game, Japan blanked South Korea 6–0, China outclassed Thailand 11–7 in a high-scoring encounter, and South Korea handed Pakistan another 10–0 defeat.In the men’s matches, Australia overcame Saudi Arabia 6–2, while Kazakhstan thrashed Uzbekistan 15–5 to consolidate their position ahead of the knockout round.The championship, organized under the auspices of Pakistan Blind Sports Federation, features teams from China, Iran, Japan, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Iraq, Uzbekistan, and South Korea. Pakistan is hosting the prestigious Asia-Pacific Goalball Championship for the first time.The event also serves as a qualifier for the IBSA World Championships.
POLO - Local News 19 Oct, 2025
LAHORE (SBR): The Lahore Polo Club is set to gallop into action with the first major tournament of the year, ‘the Lahore Smart City Polo in Pink Cup 2025’, kicking off on Monday (Oct 20, 2025) at the historic Lahore Polo Club.The tournament was officially announced during a press conference attended by Malik Azam Hayat Noon, President of Lahore Polo Club; Omer Aftab, representative of Pink Ribbon Pakistan; Imran Zahid, CEO of Lahore Smart City; Zeeshan Qureshi from HRL; Farrukh Qureshi, Director Marketing of Capital Smart Motors; executive committee members Raja Amir Khan and Ahmed Nawaz Tiwana; Club Secretary Maj (R) Amjad; and sixteen participating female players from Pakistan and abroad.Speaking on the occasion, Malik Azam Hayat Noon said the event is not only a celebration of polo but also a vital initiative for breast cancer awareness among women, organised in collaboration with Pink Ribbon Pakistan.He announced that sixteen teams will compete in the week-long tournament, divided into two groups, with the grand final scheduled for Sunday.“Each team features one female player,” Noon highlighted. “We are proud to have international participation this year, with players from Pakistan, Lebanon, England, the United States, and Mexico showcasing their talent.”Imran Zahid, CEO of Lahore Smart City, emphasised the company’s commitment to promoting sports and social causes.“Our organisation proudly sponsors this tournament every year,” he said. “It is one of the most anticipated polo events in Pakistan, attracting top players and generating great excitement among fans.”Farrukh Qureshi, Director Marketing at Capital Smart Motors, remarked that their company has introduced premium vehicles to the Pakistani market, aligning with the sophistication and elegance of polo.Meanwhile, Zeeshan Qureshi noted, “Lahore’s passionate crowd will once again witness world-class polo and vibrant competition at its best.”The Pool A lineup features:Zacky Farms: Pakistan’s Sofia Deana Ali KhanRijas/Din: USA’s Elizay GirtySQ Seagold: Lebanon’s Nada GharibGuard Group: Pakistan’s Daria Daula Ali KhanChakor Ventures: England’s Sarah GroverBlack Horse Paints: England’s Olivia LampheeSamba Bank: Holland’s Mendoza HoubenPool B includes:Nurpur Bandobast: England’s Kristina Nikolay, KarailievaThe Townhouse: Mexico’s Paula GaribayLahore Smart City: Pakistan’s Zara ShahAOS: Pakistan’s Fatima MazharPlatinum Homes: England’s Jade WheelerDiamond Paints: Pakistan’s Rabeel HussainMaster Paints: Mexico’s Emilia GaribayHaroon Sharif Jewellers: Pakistan’s Mahnum FaisalThree matches will be played on the opening day, followed by four matches daily throughout the week as teams vie for a place in Sunday’s final. The Lahore Smart City Polo in Pink Cup 2025 promises a thrilling blend of top-tier polo and a powerful message of women’s health awareness, reinforcing Lahore Polo Club’s enduring commitment to both sport and society.
SPORTS NEWS - Int News 18 Oct, 2025
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: China and Iran maintained their winning streaks, while Pakistan’s losing run continued on the third day of the Asia-Pacific Goalball Championship 2025 here at the Liaquat Gymnasium of Pakistan Sports Complex, on Saturday.In the men’s fixtures, Saudi Arabia beat Iraq 7–5, Australia edged Thailand 4–3, Uzbekistan thrashed Pakistan 11–1, and China overpowered Kazakhstan 12–4. Iran later defeated Iraq 8–3.In the women’s games, South Korea blanked Thailand 7–0, and China beat Japan 3–1.Organized by the Pakistan Blind Sports Federation, the championship features teams from China, Iran, Japan, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Iraq and Uzbekistan. The tournament is being hosted by Pakistan for the first time.
Zimbabwe to feature in T20I tri-series in Pakistan
Lahore (SBR): Zimbabwe Cricket has accepted the Pakistan Cricket Board’s invitation to participate in a T20I tri-series also featuring Sri Lanka, to be staged in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 17 to 29 November.The maiden tri-series on Pakistan soil has been scheduled to provide all three sides with preparation ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.The tri-series will commence on 17 November, with hosts Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second fixture will also be played at the same venue on 19 November, when Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe.Following the two matches in Rawalpindi, the action will shift to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will stage the remaining five matches, including the final on 29 November.Earlier today, Afghanistan expressed their inability to participate in the tournament.T20I Tri-Series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)17 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi19 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
FOOTBALL - FIFA News 17 Oct, 2025
Islamabad (Sports Desk): Spain (1st) have strengthened their grip on top spot thanks to back-to-back victories, shoring up the position they ended Argentina’s reign that stretched back to April 2023.World champions Argentina (2nd, up 1), are hot on their heels, however.Germany (10th, up 2) have reclaimed their place in the top 10 after a brief absence. Their resurgence comes at the expense of Croatia (11th, down 2), who dropped two points in a qualifier for next year's global showpiece in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Elsewhere near the top of the ranking, the Netherlands (6th, up 1) edged ahead of Brazil (7th, down 1), capitalising on the Seleção’s stumble in a friendly against Japan.Amongst the rest of the top 50, Hungary (37th, up 4), Scotland (38th, up 5), Nigeria (41st, up 4) and Romania (47th, up 4) have all reaped the rewards of recent purple patches.Yet the biggest gains come further down the standings. Niger (108th), Lesotho (144th) and the Faroe Islands (127th) have all climbed nine places. The latter’s impressive run, including a shock victory over Czechia (44th, down 5), has earned them a significant points haul.Also making headway in this latest update are Kosovo (84th, up 7), who have reached a historic high, as well as Syria (86th) and Liberia (138th), who have both climbed six places. At the other end, Greece (48th) and Sweden (40th) have both fallen eight places after losing their most recent qualifying matches.Leaders Spain (unchanged)Moves into top 10 Germany (10th, up 2)Moves out of top 10 Croatia (11th, down 2)Matches played in total 173Most matches played 168 teams (3 matches each)Biggest move by points Faroe Islands (up 37.95 points)Biggest move by ranks Faroe Islands, Lesotho and Niger (up 9 ranks each)Biggest drop by points Sweden (down 27.63 points)Biggest drop by ranks Greece and Sweden (down 8 ranks each)Newly ranked teams NoneTeams that are no longer ranked NoneInactive teams, not ranked Eritrea
UAE secure ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 spot
Dubai (SBR): The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have claimed their place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after an emphatic, eight-wicket victory over Japan in their Super Six clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Asia/East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier in Oman on Thursday.Mohammad Waseem and his charges join Nepal and Oman as the three qualifiers of the regional qualification competition with guaranteed top three finishes before the tournament’s scheduled conclusion on Friday.The 20 teams for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 are now finalized and they are as follows: India (tournament host), Sri Lanka (tournament host), Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, England, Ireland, Italy, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, South Africa, UAE, USA, West Indies and Zimbabwe.The UAE eliminated hopefuls, Japan, Samoa and Qatar from contention, who were still in with a mathematical chance.In the match, Japan were restricted to 116/9 after being put into bat by the UAE. Only Wataru Miyauchi – at number nine – made a significant contribution to the scoreboard, returning unbeaten for 45 off 32 deliveries. Other scores in the double figures came from Esam Rahman (23) and Abhishek Anand (10) at the top of the order and Abdul Samad (11 not out) at number 11.The UAE’s Haider Ali (three for 20) and Mohammad Arfan (two for 24) did the most damage with the ball in hand, setting up a simple chase for their batters.Openers, Alishan Sharafu and Mohammad Waseem did not disappoint, they shared a 70-run stand before it was broken by Declan Suzuki (one for 14) who removed the skipper, Waseem for 42 at the start of the eighth over.Sharafu departed for 46 at the hands of Ibrahim Takahashi (one for 16) in the 11th over, but the foundation was firmly laid, giving Mayank Kumar (13 not out) and Rahul Chopra (14 not out) a smooth pathway to batting their team victory with 47 balls to spare.
Afghanistan U19 team to visit Bangladesh for a Five-Match Youth ODI Series
Kabul (SBR): The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirms that the Afghanistan National U19 Cricket Team will visit Bangladesh for a five-match Youth ODI series, scheduled from October 28 to November 9, 2025, in Bogura, Bangladesh.The team will leave Kabul for Bangladesh on October 20 and will engage in a week-long conditioning camp before meeting the home U19 side in the opening match of the series on October 28.The first two matches are set to be played in Bogura, while the last three will take place at the RDS Cricket Ground in Rajshahi. The matches are scheduled for October 28, 31, and November 3, 6, and 9 respectively.This series marks a crucial phase in Afghanistan’s youth cricket development, providing valuable international exposure and competitive experience ahead of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.Naseeb Khan, CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, stated: “We are committed to ensuring that our Future Stars remain consistently engaged alongside the National and A teams. This series will play a crucial role in preparing our U19 squad for the upcoming World Cup and could well unearth promising talents who may later advance to higher levels, including the A team and the senior national side.”Afghanistan Future Stars have recently completed a series of intensive preparatory camps held across Nangarhar and Khost provinces over the past three months, where players focused heavily on physical conditioning, skill development, and participated in several intra-squad practice matches designed to strengthen team cohesion and match readiness.
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