Sports Bulletin

ISLAMABAD: Renowned long-range sport shooter and sports psychologist Mohsin Nawaz has called for a dedicated Sports Mental Health Policy in Pakistan, urging policymakers and national sports federations to make psychological preparation an integral part of athlete development.Speaking on the sidelines of the Pakistan Global Mental Health Summit 2026, recently held at Serena Hotel, Islamabad, Nawaz welcomed the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination’s launch of the National Mental Health Policy. He stressed that its effective implementation across different sectors, including sports, would be essential to improving wellbeing and building a more resilient society.Held under the theme “Building Climate-Resilient and Future-Ready Mental Health Systems for Children, Young People and Communities,” the summit provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of mental health among young people and competitive athletes.Nawaz argued that physical ability alone cannot guarantee consistent performances at the highest level. Athletes must also develop concentration, emotional control, confidence and the ability to manage pressure during major competitions. He cited Pakistan’s international sporting challenges to emphasise the need for sustained psychological support alongside technical and physical training.“Pakistan possesses immense athletic talent and raw potential. However, consistent podium performances can only be sustained when physical training is complemented by systematic mental preparation, pressure management and emotional regulation,” Nawaz said.He noted that elite athletes regularly face intense expectations, selection uncertainty, performance anxiety and the psychological strain of injuries. Without appropriate support, these pressures can affect decision-making, coordination, recovery and long-term participation in sport.Nawaz also raised concerns about the lack of dedicated mental health professionals within Pakistan’s sports system. While teams commonly rely on physical trainers and physiotherapists, he said psychological support should receive comparable attention through qualified sports psychologists and structured mental conditioning programmes.He urged sports authorities to establish support systems that protect athletes’ wellbeing, particularly during selection processes, training camps, injury rehabilitation and major international events. In his view, mental preparation should be continuous rather than introduced only when a player experiences difficulties.Drawing on his experience as Pakistan’s first official sports psychologist at the 6th World Nomad Games 2026, Nawaz advocated a coordinated approach involving sports federations, coaches, medical teams and policymakers. He also highlighted the wider public impact of athletes discussing mental health openly, helping challenge stigma and encourage people to seek support.A recipient of the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and a Lifetime Achievement Award, Nawaz is also an accomplished F-Class long-range shooter. Through his association with HawkSmith Gun & Sporting Club and international sporting brands, he supports initiatives aimed at modernising shooting facilities and promoting structured sports participation among young Pakistanis.Nawaz called on relevant authorities to translate the momentum of the national summit into a practical sports mental health roadmap, ensuring that Pakistan’s athletes receive the psychological resources needed to compete confidently, protect their wellbeing and fulfil their potential on the international stage. (PR)

LAHORE: (PR): Punjab University Student Gonish Batool won the National Half Marathon Race and received a cash award of PKR 650,000. The 2nd and 3rd positions were won by Pakistan WAPDA athletes.According to a press release of Punjab University, the event was organized by Allied Bank Pakistan from Liberty Square to Liberty Square with the participation of athletes from around the country covering 18 points of the route. The route points were based on the route map for the Lahore Marathon 2026, here are the names of the mentioned places in sequential order from 1 to 18:Liberty Market Square, Hafeez Center, Zahoor Elahi Road, KFC, Galleria Mall, Canal Road Intersection, PIC, Shadman Intersection, Qartaba Chowk, Tollinton Market, Shama Intersection, Muslim town Morr, Garden Town Underpass, PU Underpass, Jinnah Hospital, Usmani Rd Intersection, Usmani Rd Signal, Barkat Market, Kalma Chowk, Liberty Market Square.Dr Mohammad Ali congratulated PU athletes Gonish Batool, Coach Nabeel Ahmad, Director Sports Dr Shabbir Sarwar and the entire university on this marvelous achievement. He said that the Directorate of Sports worked with full dedication and commitment during the last two years to bring great victories and achievements to Punjab University's credit. This included university’s overall top ranking in the HEC General Trophy with 18 point and 1.8 million cash award in men and women sports.Director Sports, Dr Shabbir Sarwar also congratulated the winner athlete Gonish. He said that PU was currently playing PCB Grade 2 Cricket President’s Trophy for the first time in the history of Pakistan Cricket.

Islamabad (Sports News): Pakistan’s decorated F-Class long-range shooter and sports psychologist Mohsin Nawaz has called for a fundamental shift in the way athletes prepare for international competition, stressing that mental strength must become as integral to sporting success as physical fitness and technical ability.Having served as Pakistan’s first official Sports Psychologist at the 6th World Nomad Games 2026, Mohsin has pledged to use his expertise to strengthen the psychological preparedness of Pakistani sportspersons and help build a more resilient, confident and performance-oriented sporting culture in the country.A recipient of the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and Lifetime Achievement Award, Mohsin believes Pakistan possesses considerable sporting potential but needs a more structured approach to transforming talent into consistent performances when athletes face the intensity and pressure of major international competitions.According to his vision, psychological preparation should begin well before athletes enter the competitive arena. It should encompass pressure management, stress and anxiety control, goal setting, visualisation, concentration-building exercises and simulated-pressure training designed to recreate competition conditions during practice.Such preparation, he believes, can help athletes develop the composure required to perform in unfamiliar surroundings and high-pressure situations, where a momentary loss of concentration can significantly affect the outcome.“Rather than attempting to eliminate competitive pressure, our goal must be to equip athletes with practical tools to manage it and remain focused on execution,” Mohsin said, drawing on his own experience in F-Class long-range shooting, a discipline in which concentration, patience and emotional control are crucial.His philosophy places mental conditioning within the broader framework of athlete development rather than treating sports psychology as an occasional intervention before a major event. He has urged sports federations and coaches to incorporate psychological assessments, athlete profiling and team-cohesion programmes into regular training structures, particularly well ahead of international assignments.For Mohsin, the objective is not merely to help athletes cope with pressure but to enable them to understand their own psychological responses and develop strategies that allow them to remain composed, focused and confident when circumstances become demanding.His experience and profile in the international sporting arena are further reflected in his association with global industry leaders Kahles Optics and Peregrine Bullets, where he serves as an official Brand Ambassador. He also maintains a key association with HawkSmith Gun & Sporting Club.In line with his broader vision for the development of sporting infrastructure, Mohsin has also highlighted a strategically important initiative being developed in collaboration with HawkSmith. The proposed project seeks to introduce premium shooting and sports facilities in Pakistan, with the aim of providing modern infrastructure and creating professional pathways for young athletes.The initiative is envisioned as more than an infrastructure project. It seeks to encourage a structured sporting lifestyle among Pakistan’s youth while providing emerging athletes with opportunities to develop their skills in a professional environment.Mohsin’s emphasis on mental preparedness comes at a time when sports increasingly demand more than physical strength and technical excellence. At the highest level, athletes must also be able to regulate emotions, maintain concentration, respond to setbacks and execute their plans under intense competitive pressure.His stated mission is therefore to help Pakistani athletes approach international arenas with greater psychological preparedness, resilience and confidence. By combining modern sports-psychology techniques with physical and technical training, he wants athletes to become better equipped to convert preparation into performance.The broader message from Mohsin is clear: mental conditioning should not be an afterthought in Pakistan’s sporting system. It should form a continuous part of an athlete’s journey—from grassroots development and domestic competition to the highest international stage.With his dual experience as an accomplished shooter and sports psychologist, Mohsin is now seeking to promote a culture in which mental strength, emotional control and disciplined preparation are regarded as essential components of sporting excellence.

Islamabad (Sports News): In a few days’ time, the flame for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) will be lit in the historic Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece, during a symbolic lighting ceremony. The Youth Olympic flame will begin its journey to the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games on 10 September 2026. The flame will be lit by the sun’s rays using a parabolic mirror, before being taken to Senegal and travelling to Dakar.The flame will arrive in Dakar on 12 September, where it will be welcomed during a ceremony celebrating Senegal, its youth, its culture and the Olympic values. This historic moment will launch the Dakar 2026 Flame Tour, which will travel across all 14 regions of Senegal and include 30 stops on the road to the YOG Opening Ceremony on 31 October.Under the tagline “Pass the Energy”, the Flame Tour will invite communities across Senegal to share in the excitement of the first Olympic sporting event to be held on African soil. It will also help build momentum towards Dakar 2026, which will bring together the world’s best young athletes from 31 October to 13 November 2026.The Flame Tour is designed as a collective journey, connecting sport, culture and youth participation. It will highlight Senegal’s spirit of teranga, the country’s tradition of hospitality and generosity, while promoting the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.The arrival ceremony in Dakar will feature the “March of the Linguères”, a symbolic procession of 100 Senegalese women, culminating in the lighting of a cauldron at Place du Souvenir. The ceremony is planned as a popular celebration bringing together cultural performances, official moments and public engagement around the arrival of the Youth Olympic flame in Africa.“As an Olympian, I know the feeling that the Olympic flame can create,” said International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry. “It brings excitement. It brings people together. And it reminds us that sport has the power to inspire us to dream bigger.”  Following the welcome ceremony, the Flame Tour will continue in several phases: first in Dakar from 14 to 27 September, then across the regions from 29 September to 26 October, before returning to Dakar from 28 to 30 October ahead of the Opening Ceremony.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Independence Day Open Road Cycle Race will take place on August 14, 2026 from Lahore to Sahiwal to celebrate the 79th Independence Day under the banner of Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF), as the race will start from Punjab Stadium Lahore at 6.00 am toward Sahiwal and will terminate at 11.00 am or before at Sahiwal.According to an official of PCF, the riders from all affiliated units of Pakistan Cycling Federation, including Pakistan Army, Pakistan Wapda, Pakistan Railways, Sui Southern Gas Co (SSGC), and Higher Education Commission (HEC), Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Punjab will participate in the mega Road Race. Apart from all the cycling units, the cyclists from all over Pakistan will also be eligible to show their muscles in the competition.The race will start at 06.00 am Sharp from Punjab Stadium Lahore and will move ahead via Thokar Naiz Baig, Chung, Rela Khurd, Patokki and Okara to reach Sahiwal on G.T Road. Likely, Faisal Ayub Khokhar Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of the Punjab, will be the chief guest at the opening ceremony and flag off the Independence Day Cycle Race.Captain Sami Ullah, Deputy Commissioner, Mian Nadeem, Assistant Commissioner Headquarters, Shahzada Alamghir President Sahiwal Cycling Association, Mian Mohammad Waheed Secretary Sahiwal Cycling Association will receive the cyclists at the finishing point in Sahiwal. Dr. Asif Tufail, Commissioner Sahiwal will give away the cash awards to the first ten position holders at the closing ceremony.

Lahore (PR):: Pakistan’s rising Mas-Wrestling athlete Usama Butt from Gujranwala has achieved another milestone for the country by winning the Bronze Medal in the Mas-Wrestling competition at the prestigious ARA Festival held in Mongolia.Usama competed against some of the world’s finest Mas-Wrestlers, including top-ranked athletes from Russia and Mongolia, displaying remarkable strength, technique, and determination throughout the competition. His outstanding performance earned Pakistan a place on the winners’ podium and further strengthened the country’s growing reputation in the international Mas-Wrestling community.In addition to the bronze medal, Usama Butt was awarded a cash prize of USD 2,000 in recognition of his exceptional performance.Congratulating the athlete on this remarkable achievement, Nawab Furqan Khan, Vice President, Asian Mas-Wrestling Federation and Presidium Member, International Mas-Wrestling Federation (IMWF), stated:“Usama Butt’s bronze medal at the prestigious ARA Festival is a proud moment for Pakistan. Competing against elite athletes from Russia and Mongolia and finishing on the podium demonstrates the immense talent and potential of Pakistani Mas-Wrestlers. This achievement reflects the hard work, commitment, and determination of our athletes, coaches, and officials who continue to promote Mas-Wrestling across the country. The Pakistan Mas-Wrestling Federation remains committed to providing international opportunities for our athletes and developing Pakistan into one of the leading Mas-Wrestling nations in Asia and the world.”He further added:“This success sends a strong message that Pakistani athletes have the ability to compete with the world’s best. I congratulate Usama Butt, his family, coaches, and everyone associated with this achievement. We hope this victory will inspire more young athletes to take up Mas-Wrestling and represent Pakistan with pride on the international stage.”The Pakistan Mas-Wrestling Federation (PMWF) also acknowledged the continuous support of the International Mas-Wrestling Federation (IMWF) and the Asian Mas-Wrestling Federation in promoting the sport globally and providing opportunities for athletes from emerging Mas-Wrestling nations.PMWF extends its heartfelt congratulations to Usama Butt and wishes him continued success in future international competitions as he continues to bring pride and honor to Pakistan.

Lahore (SBR): : Lahore Qalandars have unveiled their squad for the ExxonMobil Global Super League (GSL) 2026, with New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell set to captain the side in the prestigious tournament, which will be held in Guyana. The squad combines international experience with Pakistan's emerging talent as the franchise looks to make a strong impression on the global stage.The franchise has also confirmed the appointment of former Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait as Head Coach for the Global Super League campaign. One of the fastest bowlers of his generation, Tait brings extensive international experience and a proven understanding of elite fast bowling, adding significant strength to the Lahore Qalandars coaching setup.Welcoming Tait to the franchise, Atif Rana, Owner and CEO of Lahore Qalandars, said: "We are delighted to welcome Shaun Tait to the Lahore Qalandars family for the Global Super League. Shaun brings world-class experience and a winning mindset that will be invaluable for our players. His presence reflects our commitment to providing the best possible environment for our young talent to learn, compete and succeed on the international stage. We are confident his leadership and expertise will play a key role in our campaign in Guyana."Speaking on the squad announcement, Sameen Rana, Owner and Team Director of Lahore Qalandars, said: "Lahore Qalandars have assembled a squad built around talented young players who represent the future of Pakistan cricket. Competing in this international league gives them invaluable exposure to different conditions, quality opposition and the opportunity to grow on the global stage.“We have complete faith in this group and are confident they have what it takes to win the tournament. They possess the skill, temperament and hunger to compete with the best teams, and we believe they can rise to the occasion when it matters most. This is another step in our long-term commitment to developing future stars while striving for success on the international stage.”The tournament is scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 1, 2026, at the iconic Guyana National Stadium, bringing together leading franchise teams from across the world in a celebration of elite T20 cricket.Lahore Qalandars will begin their campaign against Perth Scorchers on July 23, followed by a clash with Desert Viperson July 24. The Qalandars will then face hosts Guyana Amazon Warriors on July 26 before taking on San Francisco Unicorns on July 29. The final of the tournament is scheduled to be played on August 1, 2026.Lahore Qalandars squad for GSL: Michael Bracewell (New Zealand), Parvez Hossain Emon (Bangladesh), Shayan Jahangir (USA), Delano Potgieter (South Africa), Abdullah Shafique, Usama Mir, Shamyl Hussain, Muhammad Naeem, Imran Randhawa, Mehran Mumtaz, Farhan Yousaf, Shahab Khan, Muhammad Basit, Ali Shabbir

Lahore (PR): Lahore Qalandars proudly hosted an exclusive art exhibition showcasing the remarkable work of Umer Jarral, a talented artist living with cerebral palsy. The event celebrated Umer’s exceptional artistic talent and reflected a shared commitment to building a more inclusive and compassionate society.The exhibition was held on Tuesday at Lahore Qalandars’ official partner, Burger O’Clock restaurant, and received an overwhelming response from cricketers, art enthusiasts, business leaders, celebrities, and distinguished guests. All 50 of Umer’s paintings were sold within just one hour, with total sales surpassing Rs. 2 million.The event was attended by Pakistan and Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, who led a distinguished list of guests. Other notable attendees included Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar, Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan and his wife Bushra Aitzaz, philanthropist Sabahat Rafiq, Shahid Ali, former adviser to the President of the United States, TV show host and comedian Tabish Hashmi, Air Sial vice chairman Umer Mir, Executive Director of Capital Smart Motors Imran Zahid and sports television anchor Sawera Pasha. Many of these distinguished guests were among the principal buyers of Umer’s artwork.Speaking on the occasion, Atif Rana, Owner & CEO of Lahore Qalandars, said: "At Lahore Qalandars, we believe every dream deserves a chance, and every talent deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Umer Jarral’s journey while living with cerebral palsy is deeply moving and truly inspiring. His courage, patience, and passion remind us that no challenge is greater than the power of determination."He added: "Through this exhibition, Lahore Qalandars wanted to stand beside Umer and his family, not only by giving his beautiful artwork a platform but also by helping raise funds for his welfare. Umer’s story is a reminder for all of us to build a kinder, more inclusive society where special children are supported, encouraged, and given the opportunity to shine. This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering extraordinary talent and turning hope into reality."In a heartfelt gesture of support, Burger O’Clock donated 15% of the day’s total sales to Umer, further contributing to the success of the initiative and reinforcing its commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities.Through this initiative, Lahore Qalandars once again demonstrated their commitment to supporting extraordinary individuals and promoting inclusivity beyond the boundaries of cricket.

Islamabad (PR): The Islamabad Olympic Association (IOA) celebrated Olympic Day 2026 at Rawal Lake, Islamabad, with great enthusiasm and active participation from the sports community. The event was organized to promote the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, respect, and a healthy lifestyle through sports and physical activity.More than 80 participants representing various affiliated sports associations of the Islamabad Olympic Association took part in the Olympic Day Walk and a range of recreational and fitness activities organized to mark the occasion.The celebrations commenced with the playing of the Olympic Anthem, reaffirming the participants’ commitment to the ideals and values of the Olympic Movement.On the occasion, Treasurer Islamabad Olympic Association, Mr. Ijaz-ul-Haq, highlighted the significance of Olympic Day and emphasized the importance of promoting sports, physical activity, and Olympic values within society.The celebrations were graced by the presence of Olympian Sadaf Siddiqui and Asian Gold Medalist in Rowing, Chaudhry Maqbool, who joined participants in commemorating the global Olympic Movement and encouraged young athletes to pursue sporting excellence.Secretary General Islamabad Olympic Association, Mr. Rizwan-ul-Haq Razi, along with members of the Executive Committee of the Islamabad Olympic Association, office bearers of affiliated associations, athletes, and sports officials, was also present and actively participated in the day’s activities.To commemorate Olympic Day and reinforce the Olympic Movement’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, a special tree plantation activity was conducted at the venue. Participants planted saplings as a symbol of their commitment to a greener and healthier future.Speaking at the conclusion of the event, Vice President Islamabad Olympic Association, Mr. Ouj E Zahoor, thanked all participants, affiliated associations, and officials for their valuable contribution in making the Olympic Day celebrations a success.The Islamabad Olympic Association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Olympic values, encouraging mass participation in sports, and supporting initiatives that contribute to the well-being of society and environmental conservation.

Islamabad (PR): Yawar Hussain, a BS-20 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), has formally assumed charge as Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), following his transfer and posting by the Establishment Division, Government of Pakistan.Yawar Hussain has been posted to the PSB under the Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Division on a deputation basis with immediate effect. Prior to his appointment, he was serving under the Government of Punjab and brings with him extensive administrative experience and a strong background in public service.Upon assuming office, Yawar Hussain expressed his commitment to promote sports development across the country and strengthen institutional support for athletes, coaches and sports federations. He emphasized the importance of grassroots sports development, talent identification, capacity building and the provision of modern facilities to help Pakistani athletes excel at regional and international levels.He also reaffirmed the PSB's dedication to work closely with national sports federations, provincial governments, educational institutions and other stakeholders to create greater opportunities for young athletes and foster a vibrant sporting culture in the country.