LAHORE(PR): Rising star Hadi Hussain captured the spotlight by clinching the Men’s Singles title at the prestigious DHA Lahore Punjab Juniors and Seniors Tennis Championship 2025, held at the state-of-the-art DHA Sports Complex, Sector 5, DHA Lahore.In a commanding performance, Hadi defeated Musa Haroon 6-1, 6-2 in the final to claim top honours in the premier men’s category.In the Men’s Doubles final, the duo of Musa Haroon and Talha Saleem emerged victorious after a thrilling contest, edging past Ahsan Javeed and Taha Saleem 9-8 in a closely fought match. The Seniors Doubles 60+ title was secured by seasoned campaigner Rashid Malik, who teamed up with Brig. Ghazanfar to defeat Saleem Khan and Dr. Mushtaq Haroon 8-2 in a dominant display.The junior categories saw an impressive array of talent on display. In the Boys U-18 final, Asad Zaman showcased his class by beating Ohad-e-Mustafa 6-2. The Girls U-18 and U-14 titles were both claimed by the talented Bismal Zia, who continued her remarkable run by defeating Romisa Malik 6-1 in the U-18 final and Khadija Khalil 6-4 in the U-14 final.In the Boys U-14 final, Mohammad Ayan secured a hard-fought 7-5 victory over Ohad-e-Mustafa. However, Ayan was later edged out in the Boys U-12 final, where Muhammad Muaz triumphed with a 7-5 scoreline. In the Girls U-12 category, Aiman Rehan overcame Khadija Khalil 6-4 to lift the title, while in the Boys/Girls U-10 final, Daniyal Abdullah displayed exceptional skill to defeat Mustafa Zia 6-0.The concluding ceremony was graced by PLTA Senior Vice President and tournament organiser Rashid Malik, who attended as the chief guest and distributed prizes among the winners. He was joined by Brig. Mir Mohammad Siddique SI(M), Director Sports DHA Lahore; Lt. Col. Mohammad Shahbaz (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz), Additional Director Sports DHA Lahore; Naseem Ahmed; Col. (R) Asif Dar; tennis players and their families; and a large gathering of tennis enthusiasts. The event not only highlighted top-tier competition but also served as a celebration of tennis development in Punjab, fostering both emerging and seasoned talent.

Dubai(UAE) Fourth edition of the second-most watched T20 league in the world to be played from Tuesday, 2 December 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2025• “We are delighted to confirm that the DP World International League T20 Season 4 will commence on the UAE National Day – Eid-Al-Etihad – which is one of the most important days on the UAE calendar,” says Chairman ILT20 and Vice-Chairman Emirates Cricket Board Khalid Al Zarooni• “Following extensive discussions with all our stakeholders, we believe the 2 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 tournament window is ideal for the DP World International League T20 Season 4. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins in early February hence it was important for us to start and finish Season 4 well before the tournament as it will allow the players playing both the DP World ILT20 and the T20 World Cup to prepare for national duty. In addition, we feel that the December-January window will provide the teams’ the best opportunity to access a bigger pool of players,” says CEO DP World ILT20 David WhiteDubai, 14 May 2025: The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with the six-team, 34-match tournament set to conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026.The biggest T20 league in the Gulf region has moved out of its traditional January-February window as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to be played in February-March 2026.*Chairman ILT20 and Vice-Chairman Emirates Cricket Board Khalid Al Zarooni:* “We are delighted to confirm that the DP World International League T20 Season 4 will commence on the UAE National Day – Eid-Al-Etihad – which is one of the most important days on the UAE calendar.“The UAE National Day is the day where we celebrate the United Arab Emirates which is home to people from around the world including millions of diehard cricket fans. It is a real honour for us to join the nation in the UAE National Day 2025 celebrations with the launch of the region’s biggest T20 league – the DP World ILT20 Season 4, on the same day.”*CEO DP World ILT20 David White:* “Following extensive discussions with all our stakeholders, we believe the 2 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 tournament window is ideal for the DP World International League T20 Season 4. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins in early February hence it was important for us to start and finish Season 4 well before the tournament as it will allow the players playing both the DP World ILT20 and the T20 World Cup to prepare for national duty. In addition, we feel that the December-January window will provide the teams’ the best opportunity to access a bigger pool of players.“Season 3 was a big success with outstanding broadcast and digital numbers as the fans enjoyed a step-up in the quality of cricket. The teams gave their absolute all across the hugely competitive 34-tournament matches which concluded with a nail-biting final won by the Dubai Capitals in the last over of the match in front of a packed Dubai International Stadium. We are now fully focused on making an even bigger impact as we turn our attention to Season 4.”*DP World ILT20’s Season 3 featured some of the biggest T20 stars including; Nicholas Pooran, Sam Curran (player of the tournament – red belt winner), Shai Hope (most runs in the tournament – green belt winner), Fazalhaq Farooqi (highest wicket-taker – white belt winner), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Jason Holder, Alex Hales, Fakhar Zaman, Lockie Ferguson, David Warner, Rovman Powell, Dasun Shanaka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, James Vince, Shimron Hetmyer, Tom Banton, Romario Shepherd, Tim Southee, Tim Seifert, Matthew Wade, Jason Roy, Adil Rashid and Adam Zampa.The Dubai Capitals won the glittering trophy, edging out the Desert Vipers in a thrilling final which was played in front of a full house at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, 9 February 2025. 

LAHORE: The DHA Lahore Punjab Juniors/Seniors Tennis Championship 2025 witnessed an action-packed day as the finalists across multiple categories were confirmed ahead of Tuesday’s prize distribution ceremony. In the men’s singles semifinals, Hadi Hussain booked his place in the final after Taha Saleem was forced to retire at 4-1 due to injury. He will face the formidable Musa Haroon, who battled past Ashar Khan in a thrilling 8-6 encounter. In the quarterfinal stage, Hadi had earlier edged out Mohid Saddan 6-4, while Taha overpowered Sherhan Salim 6-2, and Ashar Khan got the better of Ahmad Bin Amir with a convincing 6-2 win. In the men’s doubles semifinal, the duo of Ahsan Javeed and Taha Saleem emerged victorious over Haroon Zahid and Sherhan Salim, clinching a tight 6-4 win. The seniors 45+ doubles semifinal saw Hadi Hussain pairing up with Ashar Khan to defeat Saleem Khan and Ch Ameer Siddiqui 8-3, while Waheed Ahmad and Kamran Qureshi overcame Imran Tahir and Fayyaz Akram 8-1. In the seniors 60+ doubles quarterfinal, tournament director Rashid Malik partnered with Brig Ghazanfar to outplay Kamran Qureshi and Dr Arif 8-2 in a dominant performance.  Ohad-e-Mustafa continued his impressive run, storming into the boys’ U-18 final with a commanding 6-0 win over Mohammad Ayan (DHA). He also reached the boys’ U-14 final by beating Aaliyan Ali 6-1, where he will meet Mohammad Ayan who edged past Mohammad Muaz in a tense 7-6 tiebreak. In the girls’ U-14 quarterfinals, Khadija Khalil brushed aside Shahreen Umer 6-0, while Esha Rabi defeated Wajeeha Fatima 6-2.  The boys’ u-12 semifinals saw Mohammad Muaz overpower Mohammad Ehsan Bari 6-0, with Mohammad Ayan dispatching Mustafa Uzair Rana 6-1. In the girls’ U-12 semifinals, Khadija Khalil cruised past Erina Zaighum 6-0 and Aimen Rehan overcame Shahnoor Umer 6-1. In the boys/girls U-10 semifinals, Dainyal Abdullah beat Mohammad Ehsan Bari 6-2 and Mustafa Zia eased past Dainyal Afzal Malik 6-1. The championship will culminate with a grand prize distribution ceremony scheduled for Tuesday (May 13, 2025) at 5 pm at DHA Sports Complex, Sector G, Phase 5, Lahore. (PR)

Abbottabad (Sports Reporter) Another honor for Abbottabad: Pakistan’s rising squash star Mohammad Shamlan Gul has been selected for the World Junior Under-19 World Squash Championship.Pakistan’s young and talented squash player Mohammad Shamlan Gul has made a name for himself across the country through his consistent hard work, skill and exceptional performance. He showed excellent play in the recent national trials and was included in the national team for the World Junior Squash Championship. This global competition is being held in Egypt where Shamlan will represent Pakistan.Earlier, Shamlan Gul represented Pakistan in the Australian Junior Open Squash Championship, where he put up an excellent performance in the Under-19 category and secured fifth position — a proud achievement at the international level.His journey of success continued at the national level as well. He won a gold medal in the Inter-Provincial Games in the Under-22 category, while he proved his mettle by winning a silver medal in the Quaid-e-Azam Games.

Karachi(SBR)Conquerors skipper Fatima Sana struck a masterful 88 off 49 balls against Challengers to help her team register second win of the National Women’s T20 tournament 2024-25 at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi on Saturday evening. Challengers were restricted to 137-7 in their pursuit of the 166-run target.Fatima, who walked in to bat at no.5 with 45 runs on the board, struck 14 fours and three sixes in her commanding knock, while also partnering for a mammoth 111-run stand with Najiha Alvi (25 not out, 25b, 2x4s).For Challengers, Rameen Shamim returned figures of 4-0-19-2, while Zaib-un-Nisa and Quratulain dimissed one batter each.In turn, Challengers’ Aliya Riaz, who turned up at no.3, top-scored with 36 off 34 balls hitting three fours and two sixes, while also stitching a 29-run stand with opening batter Sadaf Shamas (30, 30b, 5x4s, 1x6).With Challengers slipping to 80-5 after being 72-2, skipper Rameen (27 n0t out, 15b, 3x4s, 1x6) and Gull Rukh (17, 12b, 1x6) waged a fightback but in vain as they fell 28 runs short. For Conquerors Mahnoor Aftab picked up two wickets.At the Oval Academy Ground, Stars’ skipper Sidra Amin continued her brilliant form with the bat as she struck a 44-ball 59 inclusive of seven fours and one six in her team’s 69-run win over Invincibles.After the departure of opening batter Samiya Afsar (18, 12b, 4x4s) with 28 runs on the board, no.3 batter Sidra partnered with Sana Urooj (45, 41b, 4x4s, 2x6s) for a 75-run stand. Huraina Sajjad (18, 10b, 3x4s) and Tuba Hassan (17, 14b, 1x6) also chipped in with valuable contributions with the bat as Stars posted 172-5 in their 20 overs.For Invincibles, Omaima Sohail dismissed two batters for 27 runs in her four overs.With the ball, Stars’ Waheeda Akhtar ran riot with figures of 4-1-16-4, while Anosha Nasir and Tuba Hassan dismissed two batters each as Invincibles folded for a mere 103-9 in 20 overs. No batters except Muneeba Ali (40, 28b, 7x4s) and Omaima (30, 29b, 4x4s) entered the double figures for Invincibles, who have now lost three matches on the trot.Scores in brief:Match 5: Conquerors beat Challengers by 28 runs at the National Bank StadiumConquerors 165-5, 20 overs (Fatima Sana 88, Najiha Alvi 25 not out; Rameen Shamim 2-19)Challengers 137-7, 20 overs (Aliya Riaz 36, Sadaf Shamas 30, Rameen Shamim 27 not out; Mahnoor Aftab 2-9)Player of the match – Fatima Sana (Challengers)Match 6: Stars beat Invincibles by 69 runs at the Oval Academy GroundStars 172-5, 20 overs (Sidra Amin 59, Sana Urooj 45; Omaima Sohail 2-27)Invincibles 103-9, 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 40, Omaima Sohail 30; Waheeda Akhtar 4-16, Tuba Hassan 2-14, Anosha Nasir 2-38)Player of the match – Sidra Amin (Stars)

LAHORE(PR): New Zealand cricketer Daryl Mitchell, currently en route to New Zealand and mid-flight between the UAE and his home country, has shared a heartfelt message as tensions rise between India and Pakistan — two nations he says remain close to his heart."It's been tough to watch two countries that are so close to my heart in conflict over the past few days. My thoughts are with those affected on both sides," Mitchell said during his journey home.Having participated in both the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL), Mitchell reflected on the impact both tournaments have had on his cricketing career:"Both the PSL and IPL have played major roles in my career, and I’ve always cherished my time in both tournaments. I hope peace prevails and we can get back to playing the game we love and continue giving back to the amazing people who support us."While currently on his way home to be with his family, Mitchell expressed hope and optimism for the future."It feels good to be heading home to my family, but I’m also looking forward to returning to both countries in the future — places I truly love spending time in."

KARACHI(SBR)The Sindh Mixed Martial Arts Association, in collaboration with the Sports Department, Government of Sindh, and Abdullah Mall, is pleased to announce the Sindh MMA Referee and Coaches Seminar 2025, scheduled for Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Abdullah Mall, Qasimabad, Hyderabad.This seminar aims to strengthen the technical capacity of referees and coaches from across Sindh by providing structured training aligned with national standards in Mixed Martial Arts. Participants will benefit from expert instruction and may be considered for official roles in the upcoming Sindh and National MMA Championships.The event will conclude with a special closing ceremony, where Mr. Abdul Aleem Lashari, Secretary, Sports Department, Government of Sindh, will be in attendance as Chief Guest. His presence underscores the Government’s commitment to developing combat sports and supporting grassroots-level talent in the province.The Sindh MMA Referee and Coaches Seminar 2025 represents a vital step forward in the professionalization and institutional growth of MMA in the region.

Lahore (SBR):Rilee Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz struck magnificent centuries in Quetta Gladiators’ 109-run triumph over Islamabad United here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in 26th match of the HBL PSL X on Wednesday night.Quetta Gladiators were propelled to 263-3 in 20 overs - the highest ever team total in HBL PSL history, bettering Multan Sultans 262-3 at the same venue in March 2023. Rossouw and Hasan also became the first pair of batters to score centuries in the same innings in HBL PSL.The destructive Gladiators duo walked in to bat at 60-2 in the sixth over after opening batter Saud Shakeel (23) and Finn Allen (5) had departed. Rossouw, who brought up his third HBL PSL century, struck 14 fours and six sixes in his 104 off 46 balls, while also stitching a 134-run stand with Hasan in 10.1 overs. His half-century came off 26 balls.Hasan (100 not out, 45b, 4x4s, 9x6s) on the other hand brought up his second T20 century in dramatic style as he struck Ben Dwarshuis for a boundary on the last ball of Quetta’s innings.The 22-year-old, who earlier brought up his half-century from 29 balls, clubbed Naseem Shah for three sixes and a four in the penultimate over consigning him for 28 runs. While Rossouw departed in the 16th over, Hasan went onto stitch an unbeaten 69-run stand off 26 balls with Mark Chapman (13, 8b, 2x4s).Quetta ransacked 160 runs off the last 10 overs, including hitting Mohammad Nawaz for 21 in 12th over and Jason Holder for 20 in the next over. In turn, Islamabad United were dismissed for 154 all out in 19.3 overs as no.9 batter Imad Wasim (56, 41b, 5x4s, 2x6s) and no.10 Ben Dwarshuis (31, 24b, 1x4, 2x6s) helped their team avoid the biggest loss margin (120 runs) in HBL PSL history.Islamabad United, who now have five wins from nine matches and face a prospect of must-win last league game against Karachi Kings on Saturday, slipped to 68-8 in nine overs with Mohammad Amir eking out the first three scalps with 19 runs on the board.Mohammad Wasim Jnr (2-28), Abrar Ahmed (2-17), Faheem Ashraf (1-40) and Khurram Shahzad (1-41) struck in the middle overs to keep United batters in check before Imad and Dwarshuis stitched a 47-ball 55-run stand for the ninth wicket breaching the 150-run mark.Scores in brief;Quetta Gladiators 263-3. 20 overs (Rilee Rossouw 104, Hasan Nawaz 100 not out, Saud Shakeel 23)Islamabad United 154 all out, 19.3 overs (Imad Wasim 56, Ben Dwarshuis 31, Muhammad Shahzad 24; Mohammad Amir 3-6, Abrar Ahmed 2-17, Mohammad Wasim 2-28)Player of the match – Rilee Rossouw (Quetta Gladiators)Thursday’s fixture: Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium; 8pm PKT   

 Karachi (SBR):Conquerors and Stars won their opening round matches of the National Women’s T20 Tournament 2024-25, which began at the two venues of Karachi on Wednesday afternoon.At the National Bank Stadium, after opting to bat first, Stars on the back of an unbeaten 89 from skipper Sidra Amin, scored 148 for four in their allotted 20 overs against Strikers. No.3 batter, Sidra’s innings included 14 fours and a six, which came off 57 balls.Huraina Sajjad returned undefeated on 25 off 30 balls, which included one boundary. The pair of Sidra and Huraina knitted an unbroken 81-run partnership for the fifth wicket.In turn, despite an unbeaten half-century by Eyman Fatima (52 not out, 34b, 9x4s, 1x6), who walked in to bat at 46-2, Strikers fell 17 runs short of the target and managed to score 131 for six in 20 overs.Neelam Mushtaq and Tuba Hassan bagged two wickets apiece for the winning side.At the Oval Academy Ground, Conquerors scored 145 for nine in 20 overs after batting first against Invincibles. Captain Fatima Sana was the top run-getter, returning undefeated on 85 off 48 balls, which included 12 fours and three sixes.For Invincibles, left-arm spinner Saima Malik was the most successful bowler, claiming four wickets for 13 runs in four overs.In reply, Invincibles were restricted to 115 for six in their 20 overs, falling 30 runs short of the target. Muneeba Ali top-scored with a 48-ball 50, which included five fours and a six. No.7 batter Fatima Khan struck five fours in her 33-ball 31 but in vain.For the winning side, left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu grabbed two wickets for 20 in four overs.On 8 May, Strikers will face Invincibles at the National Bank Stadium, while Challengers will take on Stars at the Oval Academy Ground. Both matches will begin at 3pm.Scores in brief:Match 1: Stars beat Strikers by 17 runs at the National Bank StadiumStars 148-4, 20 overs (Sidra Amin 89 not out, Huraina Sajjad 25 not out)Strikers 131-6, 20 overs (Eyman Fatima 52 not out, Aleena Masood 23, Zoofishan Ayyaz 21; Neelam Mushtaq 2-27, Tuba Hassan 2-27)Player of the match – Sidra Amin (Stars)Match 2: Conquerors beat Invincibles by 30 runs at the Oval Academy GroundConquerors 145-9, 20 overs (Fatima Sana 85 not out, Farzana Farooq 21; Saima Malik 4-13)Invincibles 115-6, 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 50, Fatima Khan 31 not out; Nashra Sundhu 2-20)Player of the match – Fatima Sana (Conquerors)

PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s martial arts community continues to shine as Ubaidullah Khan, a dedicated and talented athlete from Peshawar, prepares to represent the nation at the prestigious International Kyokushin Kai Karate Championship scheduled for May in Morocco. Known for his discipline and fighting spirit, Ubaidullah has emerged as a promising name in multiple martial arts disciplines, including karate, French kickboxing, and wushu.His recent success at an international championship held in Lahore caught the attention of martial arts enthusiasts across the country. There, he secured a gold medal in French kickboxing (Savate) after defeating a tough Sri Lankan opponent in the final round. Additionally, he bagged a bronze medal in the national Wushu championship, demonstrating his technical versatility and competitive edge.Speaking to the media, Ubaidullah Khan said: “Representing Pakistan on an international stage is a dream come true. I’ve trained tirelessly for this moment. I believe that with the support of my coaches, family, and well-wishers, I can bring home a medal from Morocco, Insha’Allah. My ultimate goal is to raise the green flag high and inspire the next generation of athletes.”He added that his training regimen has been intense and focused, involving a combination of sparring, endurance drills, strength-building exercises, and mental conditioning.“I have left no stone unturned in my preparation. The level of competition at international events is extremely high, but I am ready to face any challenge,” he stated.Ubaidullah’s journey is not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of the growing talent emerging from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in combat sports. Despite limited resources, he has continued to excel due to sheer determination, consistent effort, and the guidance of experienced mentors.His participation in the Morocco championship is expected to boost the morale of many young fighters across Pakistan who look up to athletes like him as role models. The national martial arts fraternity and fans are hopeful that Ubaidullah will make the country proud on the global stage. (PR)