Sports Bulletin

Lahore (Sports News): The Pakistan Women's National Team is set to depart for Côte d’Ivoire on Monday to participate in the FIFA Series, marking one of the most significant milestones in the history of women's football in Pakistan. At a press conference held in Lahore on Sunday, the team's management, coaching staff, and captain spoke with clarity and conviction: this group is going there to win.Mejzgaan Orakzai, Director of the Pakistan Football Federation Women's Football Department, stated that the team’s participation in their first-ever FIFA event was made possible by efforts by PFF President Mohsen Gilani."I would like to thank PFF President Mohsen Gilani, whose personal efforts have resulted in Pakistan being able to participate in the FIFA Series," she said. "Without his personal involvement and the collaboration of PFF staff we wouldn't have been able to do this."It is a point worth underscoring. The FIFA Series places Pakistan in competition against sides from outside their usual confederation boundaries — Turks and Caicos Islands (CONCACAF), Mauritania, and Ivory Coast (both CAF) — an opportunity that required deliberate pursuit at the highest level of federation leadership."This is a unique opportunity to play outside of our confederation," she said. "We are exposed to different styles of playing, different tactical identities. Our global connections are fostered and developed. This is crucial for the team's growth."The PFF Women's Football Department, which operates as an all-women's unit, is also focused on building an ecosystem that extends well beyond the playing field — creating pathways for women coaches, referees, administrators, and managers at every level of the game.Head Coach Adeel Rizki was measured but unambiguous in his assessment of this squad. "The preparations have been quite strong. I believe this is one of the strongest squads we've had so far. We expect to go there and compete at the highest level and make Pakistan proud."When asked about selection decisions, Rizki outlined a philosophy built entirely on footballing merit — and one that explicitly rejects any division between diaspora and locally-based players."There is no diaspora versus local. We need to keep the balance correct and grow the entire ecosystem. We look at the characteristics and character of the player, their current form, the opponents we are facing, and which players best suit our game model. The question is always: which Pakistani player is best suited for which position. That is how we go about it."He also set out a clear roadmap for where this programme is headed. The short-term target is the SAFF Championship. Beyond that, a qualification spot in the Asian qualifiers. And on the longer horizon — Olympic qualifiers and the FIFA Women's World Cup."With such a strong team in place and strong women around us, these are not unachievable goals," he said.Maria Khan, captain of the Pakistan Women's National Team, carried that same competitive confidence into her remarks and was equally emphatic that the squad functions as a single, unified unit."We don't see diaspora versus local. We see Pakistani players ready to represent their country. We are one team — from the technical staff to the people behind the scenes, to the media, to the women's department. All of us, one team."On facing higher-ranked opposition, including Ivory Coast — a side with World Cup qualification experience — Khan did not flinch. "Playing higher-ranked opponents is nothing new to us. We played the Philippines before, which was also a World Cup team. Since then, the team has grown — not just in experience, but in character and playing ability. Anytime you get to play in these situations, it's an opportunity to do something great. The pressure is on Ivory Coast. It's not on us."She also spoke about what is perhaps the most telling indicator of how far this programme has come: several players in this squad are joining up directly from professional football clubs. "The best sign is the fact that we have players coming from fully professional leagues to represent the country during FIFA windows. That is one of the best signs for our national team."Asked about her favourite memory in a Pakistan shirt, Khan answered without hesitation. "It was back in 2022. Lining up to represent the country for the first time and hearing the national anthem. It just hits different."

Islamabad (Sports News): The Pakistan National Women’s team is set to make history when it participates in the FIFA Series in Cote d’Ivoire from April 9 to 16.In what marks the first appearance by the national team in a FIFA event, Pakistan open their campaign against the Turks & Caicos Islands on April 9 before facing Mauritania on April 12.Under head coach Adeel Rizki, Pakistan will end their campaign with a match against hosts Cote d’Ivoire on April 16. The team departs for Cote d’Ivoire on Monday with excitement building amongst the team ahead of the FIFA Series.“I want to say a big thank you from our team to PFF President Mohsen Gilani for organising the team’s participation at the FIFA Series,” said forward Nadia Khan. “It is one thing just saying different things but actually executing it and following through is something different and it's truly amazing that we can play at this level and get exposure like this.”Goalkeeper Zeeyana Jivraj was also looking forward to the FIFA Series with the team’s training camp culminating in Lahore on Sunday.“FIFA specifically picking us to compete in the FIFA series I think is really really big for us,” Zeeyana said. “With us it's always really difficult because we don't really get much time together as a team and so this time it's been really nice to be able to get a few weeks of training before we go and play in the Ivory Coast and hopefully that can allow us as a team to gel to be able to perform.”Midfielder Sanah Mehdi asked the fans to get behind the team and support them in their bid for glory.“We're all really looking forward to the support and please get behind us and watch our games,” Sanah said. “It means a lot to us and it's what drives us forward.”Squad: Goalkeepers: Zeeyana Jivraj, Nisha Ashraf, Arzoo Hazara; Defenders: Isra Khan, Anaya Ahmad, Anmol Hira, Kayla Siddiqui, Karissa Jivraj, Alia Sadiq, Maria Khan, Nizalia Siddiqi; Midfielders: Suha Hirani, Rameen Fareed, Layla Banaras, Sanah Mehdi, Zehmena Malik; Forwards: Mariam Mahmood, Aqsa Mushtaq, Aiman Altaf, Nadia Khan, Maryam Zehri, Azwa Chaudhry.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): The Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Album roll-out begins with the global release of Lighter by Jelly Roll and Carín León, produced by Cirkut, via Def Jam Recordings. Lighter marks the first chapter of a groundbreaking album created for the most inclusive FIFA World Cup™ in history and is now live across all major streaming services.A collaboration between three defining artists from the tournament’s host nations – Jelly Roll (United States), Carín León (Mexico) and Cirkut (Canada), the 2026 GRAMMY® Award Winner for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical – Lighter brings together the three host countries through one collaborative sound. Blending Jelly Roll’s country roots with Carín León’s regional Mexican influence, the track bridges genres, reflecting the shared cultural energy of North America and the global passion for the game.“The FIFA World Cup is one of the rare moments when the entire world moves to the same rhythm,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album is not simply a musical accompaniment to the tournament; it’s a statement about where the global game is going. By bringing together artists whose voices resonate across continents, we are creating something that mirrors the scale, ambition and cultural impact of this historic competition. Lighter marks the beginning of that journey. It is a powerful expression of resilience, energy and joy – a song that will connect with fans everywhere and become part of the atmosphere in stadiums, fan celebrations and communities around the world throughout the tournament.”Reflecting on the track and collaboration, Jelly Roll shares: “Music has a way of reaching people in places you’d never expect, and the way this song came together with Carín León and Cirkut is proof of that. I’ve had a whole lot of respect for both of them for a long time, so getting to come together on this record has been real special. Grateful to be able to share it with folks all over the world.”“Collaborating with an artist like Jelly Roll, and doing so for nothing less than the biggest sporting event in the world, is something that fills me with pride,” adds Carín León. “As a Mexican, I’m incredibly excited to be part of this project and to bring a piece of our music and culture to so many corners of the world. Very grateful for the opportunity and happy to share what we love most: music from the soul.”On shaping the record, Cirkut notes: “Working with Jelly Roll and Carín León on the first record of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Album was a real honor. We wanted to create something that carries the sound and soul of the host countries, and hits in a way that connects with fans around the world.”

Islamabad (Sports Desk): Following the proposal made by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) at the 74th FIFA Congress and the subsequent decision of the FIFA Council to mandate the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to investigate the alleged offence of discrimination raised by the PFA, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided that the Israel Football Association (IFA) has committed multiple breaches of its obligations as a FIFA Member Association.As a consequence, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed the following sanctions on the IFA for breaches of articles 13 (Offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play) and 15 (Discrimination and racist abuse) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC):a)  The IFA is ordered to pay a fine to the amount of CHF 150,000, subject to lit. c) below.b)  The IFA is issued with a warning regarding its conduct.c)  The IFA is ordered to implement a prevention plan in accordance with the following directives:The Israel Football Association is ordered to display in its next three (3) A-level FIFA competition matches at home a significant and highly visible banner with the words “Football Unites the World – No to Discrimination” alongside the Israel Football Association’s logo. The size, layout, and positioning of the banner in the stadium shall be submitted by the Israel Football Association to FIFA at the latest fifteen (15) days before each match for approval.The Israel Football Association shall, within sixty (60) days of the notification of the present decision, invest one third (1/3) of the fine due as per point a) above towards the implementation of a comprehensive plan to ensure action against discrimination and to prevent repeated incidents, in compliance with art. 15 par. 7 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The plan shall be approved by FIFA and shall focus on the following areas: reforms, protocols, monitoring, and educational campaigns in stadiums and on official channels for an entire season. The remainder of the fine is to be paid within 30 days of notification of the decision.The Committee reaffirms that while its mandate is confined to the application of FIFA’s internal regulatory framework, it cannot remain indifferent to the broader human context in which football operates. The sport must remain a platform for peace, dialogue, and mutual respect. Its global reach and unifying power carry with them a responsibility to uphold the values of dignity, equality, and humanity—especially in times of conflict and division.

Islamabad (fsisal): Pakistan Men’s Under-20 team head coach Shehzad Anwar has announced a 26-member preliminary squad for the upcoming SAFF Under-20 Championship.The tournament will be held in the Maldives from March 23 to April 3, with Pakistan drawn in Group ‘B’ alongside Bangladesh and India.Pakistan will play Bangladesh in their opening match on March 24, before facing India two days later. The top two teams will advance to the semi-finals.“We have tried our best in forming a competitive team that will hopefully deliver results at the SAFF Under-20 Championship,” coach Shehzad Anwar said.The players are currently training at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad, with the squad having been finalised after week-long trials.Preliminary squad:Goalkeepers: Zulqurnain (Landikotal), Adil Ali Khan (Islamabad), Kashif (South Waziristan), Ghulam Abbas (Sargodha).Defenders: Umar Javed (Swabi), Zarib Haider (Parachinar), Majid Ali (Faisalabad), Waseem Abdul Rasheed (Karachi), Ubaid Ullah (Bhakkar), Abdul Khaliq (Chaman), Abdur Rehman (Faisalabad), Aabis Raza (Layyah), Sheraz Khalid (Karachi).Midfielders: Ali Zafar (Quetta), Zain Imran (Melbourne), Shahab Ahmed (Chitral), Khubaib (Bannu), Owais Ilyas (Karachi), Junaid (D.I. Khan), Mansoor Khan (Islamabad).Forwards: Najeeb Ullah (Bhakkar), Abdul Samad (Swat), Sajjad Hussain (Quetta), Abdullah (Rawalpindi), Faham (Islamabad), Umar Nawaz (Peshawar/UK).

Islamabad (Sports Report):Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) and Wapda will clash in the National Challenge Cup final on Sunday after both registered 4-0 victories in their last-four clashes at the KPT Stadium on Friday.KRL cruised into the final in style with their thrashing of Army highlighted by sensational strikes from Ali Zafar and Zaid Umer.Ali Raza was involved in three goals as Wapda eased past SA Gardens in a repeat of the final of the last edition of the tournament.KRL 4-0 ArmyKRL dominated possession from the start and took the lead in the 26th thanks to a long-range stunner. Ali Zafar got the ball close to the right and then let fly with a rising shot that dipped just at the right time to leave Army goalkeeper Mohammad Faheem well beaten.Another stunning goal, this time by Zaid Umer, doubled KRL’s lead in the 47th. KRL won a free-kick on the right and Zaid found the sweetest of connections with his left-foot; the ball curling over the wall and into the bottom corner.Army were up against it and it soon got worse when Hazrat Abbas was sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity by pulling at the shirt of his opponent.The contest was good as over and KRL sent out a statement by scoring twice late on.Ali Agha tapped in a cross from the left to make it 3-0 in the 70th minute before Sameer Abbas pounced on a rebound off his own shot to complete the rout in the 83rd.“It’s a great win for us,” said Zaid. “We were facing a difficult opponent but we showed our strength today. We hope to do the same in the final.” Wapda 4-0 SA GardensAli Raza starred as Wapda followed KRL into the final with a commanding display against SA Gardens.The striker opened the scoring in the 30th minute when he ran on to a delightful reverse by Fareedullah and found the back of the net with the outside of his right foot.Wapda got their second in the 36th with Ali again involved. Drifting in from the right, he fired a low shot that was deflected in by Mohibullah.SA Gardens were up against it and the were 3-0 down in the 53rd when Ali scored from the penalty spot after a handball in the box. Wapda completed the scoring in the 90th, when Hammad Hassan tucked in a rebound.“Really delighted with the performance,” said Ali. “We imposed ourselves from the start and once we got the first goal, it got easier for us. We’re looking ahead to doing more of the same in the final.”

Islamabad (Sports Report)FIFA today announced record-breaking participation levels on the road to the FIFAe Finals 2026, with more than 120 nations set to compete across multiple qualification pathways. The milestone marks the largest and most inclusive FIFAe season to date, underlining FIFA’s continued commitment to growing football esports worldwide, with more than half of its Member Associations taking part.The national-team season will feature three core competitions across Rocket Qualification for the FIFAe Finals will run throughout the year, starting with the FIFAe Nations League as the foundation of national team competition. From there, teams advance to the continental qualifiers, where the best nations in each region earn qualification for the FIFAe Finals 2026.

Islamabad (Sports Report): The semi-final line-up at the National Challenge Cup was completed on Wednesday with Army and SA Gardens advancing in contrasting fashion. Mohammad Rafay bagged a brace as Army crushed Nimso 4-0 in their quarter-final while defender Umar Javed starred as SA Gardens overcame International Supply Company 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.Army 4-0 NimsoArmy were rampant from the start and took the lead in stunning fashion when Rafay struck a delightful first-time shot that curled into the far corner in the 13th minute.“I had my eyes on the goal when the ball was coming to me,” said Rafay. “Thankfully the execution was good.”Nimso were struggling to find space with Army’s press and they were 3-0 down by the 26th after Mansoor Ali and Rafay scored in the space of two minutes.First Mansoor latched onto a through ball and dinked it past the keeper before Rafay turned in a shot by Mohammad Afzal.Army continued in the same vein but had to wait till the 85th when Noor Saba netted and they advance to a semi-final against Khan Research Laboratories.SA Gardens 1-1 International Supply Company (SA Gardens won 4-2 on penalties)SA Gardens broke the deadlock in a closely-fought clash when they were awarded a penalty in the 35th minute with Umar Javed sending the keeper the wrong way from the spot.International Supply Company hit back in the 73rd when a breakaway saw Salman Umer slot from under the legs of a defender.After extra-time yielded no further goals, Umar stole the spotlight in the shootout; the defender taking the gloves to tip a penalty by Salman onto the bar and then scoring himself to help his side into a semi-final against Wapda in what is a repeat of the title match at the last edition of the tournament.“It was a tough game and we have another tough one comping up,” said Umar. “We will look to build on this.”

Islamabad (Sports Report): Khan Research Laboratories(KRL) and Pakistan Wapda reached the semi-finals of the National Challenge Cup with commanding victories at the KPT Stadium on Tuesday.Two superb strikes saw KRL down Mamsons 2-0 in a feisty last-eight clash where both teams went down to 10 men in the first half.Wapda, meanwhile, eased past Pakistan Air Force 3-0 with all their goals coming in the first half.KRL 2-0 MamsonsThe keenly-fought start led to flaring tempers with both sides reduced to 10 men in the 28th minute when Mamsons goalkeeper Usman Khan and KRL forward Mohammad Waheed being sent off for an altercation.KRL broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion in the 41st when Najeebullah received the ball on the left and then cut inside, past two Mamsons players before launching a right-foot rocket that went in off the crossbar.“After we went down to 10 men, the aim was to score as soon as possible,” said Najeebullah. “When I saw the space in front of me, I instinctively took a shot and thankfully it was a great goal.”Mamsons tried to level the match, creating a few chances, but it was KRL who scored with Moin Ahmed sealing the result in the 79th with another stunning goal from outside the box.Receiving the ball from the right and facing the goal, Moin took a touch and steadied himself before launching an unstoppable strike into the top corner.KRL will play the winner of Wednesday’s quarter-final between Pakistan Army and Nimso.Wapda 3-0 PAFPAF’s goal had lived a charmed life with Wapda pressing from the start and the opening goal in the fifth minute came after a shot and a header came off the bar with Mohammad Abdullah reacting quickest to nod the ball in from close range.Their second arrived in the 23rd minute when Adnan Saeed headed in from a corner and the contest was good as over in added time at the end of the first half when Ali Raza met a cross from the right with a first-time volley.PAF tried to hit back in the second half but their efforts weren’t enough.“The plan was to press from the start,” said Wapda’s Samnan Qaisar. “We were putting in a lot of crosses in the box and they brought us goals.”Wapda’s semi-final is against the winner of Wednesday’s last-eight clash between SA Gardens and International Supply Company.

Islamabad (Sports News): Nimso and International Supply Company shook up the National Challenge Cup by punching their way to the quarter-finals with contrasting victories on Friday.Khan Research Laboratories also advanced with a victory, while Hayyan Khattak struck twice in a superb show to help Mamsons open their campaign with a come-from-behind victory over PAF.Mamsons beat PAF 2-1 (KMC Stadium): Hayyan stole the show with a superb brace to help Mamsons clinch all three points against PAF. PAF, coming off a victory against Navy in their opener, started strongly against Mamsons and took the lead in the 18th minute when Abdul Samad cut in from the left and arrowed a shot high into the net.Mamsons were playing their first game at the tournament and PAF had chances to further extend their lead, one shot notably coming off the crossbar. But Hayyan turned it around, first scoring the leveller in first-half injury time after running onto a through ball and slotting it in. He completed the comeback in the 77th, volleying in a rebound after his shot came off the bar.“I’m buzzing,” said the Pakistan international midfielder. “It was a big game for us. I visualised these goals … I saw these coming.” Mamsons’ victory sets up an enticing group decider against Navy on Sunday with all three teams still in the running for the quarters.KRL beat Hazara Coal Company 3-0 (KPT Stadium): KRL had opened with a feisty draw against defending champions Wapda, but showed their superiority against Hazara Coal with a routine victory.Adeel opened the scoring in the 30th minute with Asad making it 2-0 10 minutes later. Skipper Waqar Ehtisham completed the scoring in the 48th. The result means Wapda need only a draw against Hazara Coal Company in their last group game on Sunday to join KRL in the quarter-finals.  International Supply Company beat Railway 1-0 (KMC Stadium): An evenly-contested match ended with the International Supply Company scoring from the spot five minutes from time to secure all three points and progress from the group. Railways were claiming a goal at the other end, which was ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper, but ended up conceding a penalty when Ali Imran felled Salman Umer in the box.Rizwan made no mistake from the spot to leave Railways, who drew their opener against Army, relying on the result on the final group match between International Supply Company and Army to see if they progress. “It was a tough game but we played well overall and are through,” player-of-the-match Owais said. “We would like to continue the same way in the next match.” Nimso beat PACA 2-0 (KPT Stadium): Nimso gained the upper hand against PACA with two goals in the space of five minutes in the first-half to push their opponents close to elimination. Nimso pressed PACA early on and got their reward in the 17th minute when Zulfiqar broke through to score.It was more misery for PACA five minutes later when Altaf Hussain curled in a free kick from the edge of the box. Mohammad Essa’s PACA, who drew with SA Gardens in the opener, tried to hit back in the second half but Nimso held on.It left the Chaman side needing a favourable result in the last group game between Nimso and SA Gardens on Sunday to stay alive. “It’s great to start of with a win and we will look to continue the same way in the next match and beyond,” player-of-the-match Zulfiqar said.