LAHORE: All-round Pakistan defeated Australia by four wickets in the third and final ODI on Thursday night at packed Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, clinching the three-match series 2-1 and registering their third consecutive ODI series victory over the world champions.

Chasing a modest target of 158, Pakistan appeared firmly in control before a sudden collapse left them struggling at 112-6. With Australia sensing an opportunity to force their way back into the contest, Shadab and Samad rose to the occasion.

Their unbeaten 49-run partnership not only rescued Pakistan from a difficult situation but also ensured a memorable series triumph. Shadab remained unbeaten on 29 off 42 balls, while Samad contributed an unbeaten 18 off 30 balls.

Earlier, Pakistan’s chase got off to a shaky start with Sahibzada Farhan departing cheaply. Maaz Sadaqat played a positive knock of 27, while former captain Babar Azam anchored the innings with a cautious 40. However, regular wickets prevented Pakistan from establishing complete control, setting the stage for the match-winning partnership between Shadab and Samad.

Australia’s innings never truly gained momentum after captain Josh Inglis elected to bat first. Shaheen Afridi struck with the second ball of the match, dismissing Matthew Short for a duck and immediately placing the visitors on the back foot.

Inglis fought bravely with a well-crafted 65 off 71 deliveries and shared useful partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey, but Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack consistently applied pressure.

Haris Rauf removed Carey before Shaheen returned to dismiss both Inglis and Cameron Green in the same spell. Abrar Ahmed then tightened Pakistan’s grip on the match with successive strikes, removing Matt Renshaw and Cooper Connolly, while Shadab Khan capped off an impressive all-round display by claiming two late wickets. Australia were eventually bundled out for 157 in 42 overs.

Shaheen was Pakistan’s standout bowler with outstanding figures of 3-30, while Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan claimed two wickets apiece and Haris Rauf chipped in with one wicket.

Decorated marksman credits institutional support, govt recognition and structured development pathways for the growing success of shooting in Pakistan

LAHORE: Renowned Pakistani shooter and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz recipient Mohsin Nawaz has dedicated his prestigious national honour to the Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Long Range Rifle Association (PLRA), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, while emphasising the critical role institutions play in the development and success of sports and athletes.

Speaking about the progress of shooting sports in Pakistan, Mohsin Nawaz highlighted the importance of institutional support in creating a structured environment that enables athletes to thrive and compete at the highest levels. He acknowledged the collective efforts of state institutions and the government of Pakistan in promoting shooting sports and providing athletes with opportunities to represent the country on the international stage.

Nawaz specifically appreciated the contributions of the Cabinet Division and the Pakistan Sports Board for helping bring shooting sports into the mainstream sporting framework of the country.

He also paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, recognising his role in facilitating the development of infrastructure and support systems essential for the growth of the sport. “Field Marshal Asim Munir provided much-needed facilitation for the development of shooting sports facilities,” Nawaz said. “With the official recognition of the Pakistan Sports Board and the government’s support, Pakistani shooters now have an internationally recognised structure through which they can compete globally under Pakistan’s flag.”

The establishment of the Pakistan Long Range Rifle Association under this broader framework of institutional support has proven to be a significant milestone for the sport. The PLRA successfully secured affiliation with the International Confederation of Fullbore Rifle Associations (ICFRA), giving Pakistan formal representation in long-range rifle shooting at the international level for the first time.

According to Nawaz, this achievement has opened a clear pathway for Pakistani shooters to participate in global competitions under an organised national structure, something that was previously unavailable to many talented athletes.

Nawaz has won 10 individual international medals and represented Pakistan in prestigious competitions across the United Kingdom, the United States and South Africa. Drawing upon more than two decades of competitive experience, he believes Pakistan possesses immense untapped potential in shooting sports.

“The sport is progressing under a more structured system, and I can clearly see the difference,” he said. “We are still in the early stages of development, but our ambition is to compete with world champions. The world has advanced significantly in this discipline, yet Pakistan has the talent and capability to compete at the highest level. We simply need to continue moving in the right direction.”

Globally, long-range precision shooting has evolved into a highly specialised and professional discipline supported by dedicated academies, advanced training facilities and athlete development programmes. Nawaz believes Pakistan can follow a similar trajectory through sustained institutional investment and long-term planning.

Having trained under the 2023 World Champion, Nawaz stressed the demanding nature of the sport, highlighting the mental strength, concentration and discipline required to succeed. “It requires immense mental resilience, focus and countless hours of dedicated training,” he explained. “The potential for shooting sports in Pakistan is enormous. What we need is continued institutional support and confidence in the country’s ability to develop excellence in this discipline.”

He further underscored the importance of collaboration with established institutions such as the Pakistan Army, whose culture of discipline, professionalism and precision can contribute significantly to producing elite international shooters.

Beyond his own competitive ambitions, Nawaz expressed a strong desire to help nurture the next generation of talent. He said he is committed to sharing the knowledge and experience he has gained throughout his career with aspiring young shooters across the country.

“I want to pass on what I have learned over the years,” he said. “There are many talented young Pakistanis who are passionate about this sport and possess the potential to excel internationally. I want to contribute to building a pathway that helps them achieve their goals through guidance and mentorship.”

Reflecting on the significance of receiving the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Nawaz described the honour not merely as a personal achievement but as a symbol of responsibility and service. “The Tamgha-e-Imtiaz carries a message of responsibility, dedication and giving back to the community,” he remarked. “The future of shooting sports in Pakistan is extremely bright, but sustained progress will require the continued support of institutions and stakeholders. The government, the Pakistan Sports Board and Field Marshal Asim Munir have helped nurture this sapling and bring it above the ground. The real question now is how high we can help it grow.”

Nawaz expressed confidence that with continued institutional backing, strategic planning and investment in athlete development, Pakistan can emerge as a competitive force in international shooting sports in the years ahead.

LAHORE: The All Pakistan Juniors/Seniors National Ranking Tennis Championship 2026 continued in full swing at Sahiwal Club, with players producing impressive performances across various categories, including men’s singles, doubles, senior events, and junior age-group competitions on Thursday.

In the men’s singles pre-quarterfinals, top contenders advanced comfortably as Hassaan Shaukat defeated Atta Rabi 6-1, 6-1, while Ahtesham Humayun overcame Zakir Ullah 6-2, 6-2. Suleman Junaid outclassed Waqar Ahmad 6-0, 6-1, and Imran Bhatti registered a dominant 6-0, 6-1 victory against Dr. Ali Nawaz. Asad Zaman beat M. Zubair 6-2, 6-3, while M. Yahya cruised past M. Subhan 6-1, 6-1. In the most closely contested encounter of the round, Mazhar edged Abdul Basit 6-3, 4-6, 10-8.

The men’s doubles pre-quarterfinals also witnessed convincing wins. Abu Bakar Talha and Talha Waheed blanked Anas Khan and Ilyas Khan 6-0, 6-0. Hamza Naeem and Imran Bhatti staged a comeback to defeat Haroon Masood and Huzaifa Asif 5-7, 6-4, 10-7. Abdul Basit and Waqar Ahmad defeated M. Subhan and M. Swati 6-2, 6-3, while Ahtesham Humayun and Asad Zaman outplayed Rizwan and Husnain 6-1, 6-1.

In the seniors 45+ doubles pre-quarterfinals, Yousaf Khan and Nazir Ahmad defeated Muneer and Wajahat 6-1, 6-2. Bilal Ahmad Kahloo and Moeed Zafar Dogar beat Sajid Bukhari and Ch. Khalil 6-3, 6-2, while Rashid and Rizwan overcame Khurram Imtiaz and Fayyaz Nazir in a hard-fought match, winning 4-6, 7-6, 10-5.

The seniors 55+ doubles quarterfinals saw Rashid Malik and Arif Feroze dominate Asif Masud and Rana Rauf 6-1, 6-1. Mian Naveed and Tanveer Haral defeated Syed Azhar and Muzamil Sattar 6-3, 6-2, while Khurram Imtiaz and Fayyaz Nazir outclassed Sheikh Naveed and Dr. Michael Ansari 6-4, 6-0.

In the boys U-18 quarterfinals, Ahtesham Humayun defeated Aliyan Ali 6-2, 6-2, M. Yahya overcame M. Muaz 6-2, 6-0, and Abdul Basit blanked Haseeb Mustafa 6-0, 6-0. The boys U-14 quarterfinals produced several one-sided contests. M. Muaz defeated Hasham Sher Chadhar 4-0, 4-0, while M. Ibrahim Hussain Gill beat Aliyan Ali 4-1, 5-3. M. Ayan outplayed Behroze Memon 4-0, 4-0, and Shayan Afridi rallied from a set down to defeat Rashid Ali Bachani 2-4, 4-1, 4-0.

In the boys U-12 pre-quarterfinals, M. Aayan defeated Ishfan Memon 4-0, 4-0, Majid Ali Bachani beat Mustafa Zia 4-0, 4-1, and Ashtar Alam overcame Ruhan Dogar 4-0, 4-0. Behroze Memon defeated Riyan Omer Khalil 4-2, 4-2, while M. Faizan edged Salman Pirzada 4-2, 1-4, 5-3. M. Daniyal beat Wali M. Hassaan 4-1, 4-1, Mustafa Uzair Rana defeated Musa Khan 4-0, 4-0, and M. Ibrahim Hussain Gill rallied to beat Salaar Khan 2-4, 4-1, 4-0.

The Boys/Girls Under-10 first round featured encouraging performances from the youngest competitors. Ishfan Memon defeated Faiz Pirzada 6-1, Hashir Mustafa beat Musa Khan 6-3, Eman Shahbaz routed Hunain Bhatti 6-0, and Musa Pirzada overcame Ali Asghar Leghari 6-0.

In the girls U-12 quarterfinals, Shahreen Umer defeated Wajeeha Fatima 4-2, 4-2, while Fatima Naqvi beat Anabya Ahmad 4-1, 4-2.

The girls U-14 quarterfinals saw Aleezay Maryam edge Shahnoor Umer 4-0, 5-4. Anaya Khan defeated Shahreen Umer 4-5, 4-1, 4-1, while Eman Shahbaz beat Wajeeha Fatima 4-1, 4-2. In the girls U-18 quarterfinals, Aleezay Maryam continued her impressive run with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Shahnoor Umer, while Khadija Khalil comfortably defeated Maryam Naqvi 6-1, 6-1.

By Nawaz Gohar ; The stage is set for an epic domestic showdown as powerhouse units Pakistan Army and Pakistan WAPDA dismantled their respective opponents in the semifinals to book their berths in the grand finale of the Inter-Departmental National Asian Style Kabaddi Championship 2026.

The highly anticipated title match is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM, where both undefeated giants will put everything on the line for the coveted national silverware.

Aside from the blockbusting final, a series of classification matches will take place earlier in the day to determine the final tournament rankings. Heavyweight departmental sides will clash in a packed afternoon schedule:

5th & 6th Position Match (4:00 PM): Airports Security Force (ASF) vs. Pakistan Police
3rd & 4th Position Match (5:00 PM): Pakistan Navy vs. Pakistan Air Force (PAF)
The Grand Finale (6:00 PM): Pakistan Army vs. Pakistan WAPDA

To mark the conclusion of this prestigious tournament, the Federal Secretary for the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) will attend the closing ceremony as the chief guest. The Federal Secretary will officially present the championship silverware, runner-up accolades, and individual performance awards to the tournament’s top raiders and defenders.

For kabaddi enthusiasts across the country, Thursday promises a masterclass in elite athletic grit. With the nation’s premier institutional athletes sharing the clay, expect a high-octane tactical war of attrition between Army’s disciplined defensive walls and WAPDA’s explosive raiding contingent.

By Nawaz Gohar ; The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), in strategic collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), has officially rolled out a groundbreaking grassroots initiative titled the “School Hockey Uplift Plan.”

The multi-phase, year-long emergency project is fully backed by the Government of Pakistan alongside critical corporate sector sponsors, aiming to systematically inject new life into the sport from its foundational roots.

According to an official PHF spokesperson, the immediate focus of the project is infrastructure and resource provision. In its opening phase, 1,000 selected schools across the country will be completely equipped with modern, premium hockey gear free of cost, removing financial barriers for aspiring young athletes.

The ultimate blueprint of the uplift plan extends far beyond equipment distribution. Over the next twelve months, the PHF will organize a network of inter-school tournaments and elite, specialized coaching camps.

Through this rigorous scouting network, thousands of talented young boys and girls will be evaluated, culminates in the selection of a highly competitive “National Under-15 Talent Pool.” These players will form the bedrock of Pakistan’s future international contingents.

Addressing potential concerns regarding fund management, the PHF spokesperson vehemently emphasized that the financial capital provided by the federal government and corporate sponsors will be subject to strict oversight. The federation has committed to absolute transparency to ensure that every rupee directly benefits grassroots development in all corners of the country.

For over two decades, critics have screamed that Pakistan hockey’s decline stems from the death of school sports. This historic, structured alignment between the state, the federation, and corporate Pakistan is the precise antidote the doctor ordered. If executed with the promised transparency, this marks the first real milestone toward putting Pakistan back on the Olympic podium.

By Nawaz Gohar ; The Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP) XI clinched a thrilling 4-wicket victory over the Celebrities XI in the highly anticipated “Maarka-e-Haq” T20 cricket match.

The special exhibition match was organized as a grand tribute to the Armed Forces of Pakistan, drawing an illustrious crowd of prominent figures from politics, sports, and the entertainment industry.

Among the high-profile attendees were Prime Minister’s Youth Program Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, legendary former cricket captain Shahid Afridi, and Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, who graced the event as the chief guest.

Batting first, the Celebrities XI put up a formidable total on the scoreboard, posting 185 runs in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of some aggressive strokeplay that thoroughly entertained the packed stadium.

However, the PM Youth Program XI showcased clinical composure during the chase. Pacing their innings flawlessly, they hunted down the challenging 186-run target with four wickets to spare, sealing a memorable victory in the final overs.

Addressing the post-match presentation ceremony, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar lauded the exceptional sportsmanship displayed by both sides. He emphasized that events like these transcend the boundaries of sport, acting as a powerful medium for national cohesion.

“The true winner tonight was the unmistakable sportsman spirit,” Minister Tarar stated. “Both teams delivered an exhilarating brand of cricket, providing top-tier entertainment for the fans, while beautifully reflecting our nation’s unwavering solidarity with the Armed Forces of Pakistan.”

The event concluded with a grand presentation ceremony where Minister Tarar, alongside Rana Mashhood and Shahid Afridi, handed over the winner’s silverware to the PM Youth Program XI and the runners-up trophy to the Celebrities XI. Attendees and organizers alike praised the initiative for successfully channeling the public’s passion for cricket into a profound statement of national unity.

By Nawaz Gohar ; Pakistan Under-18 Hockey Team stormed into the semifinals of the U-18 Asia Cup 2026, dismantling a resilient Bangladesh side 5-2 in a high-octane encounter at Kakamigahara.

The emphatic victory sets up a mouth-watering, high-stakes semifinal clash against arch-rivals India on June 5, a match that promises to capture the attention of the global hockey fraternity. The prestigious tournament, orchestrated by the Asian Hockey Federation, is currently underway in Japan and will conclude on June 6.

The Green Shirts signaled their intent from the opening whistle, piercing the Bangladeshi defense as early as the 3rd minute. The dynamic Abdullah spearheaded the onslaught by netting a brilliant brace, setting a relentless tempo for the match.

The frontline firepower was further bolstered by superb individual field goals from Adeel, Asam, and Yahya. Bangladesh attempted a mid-game fightback via consolation goals from Tarikul Islam and Manna Islam, but they were ultimately suffocated by Pakistan’s impenetrable midfield block and rigid defensive structures.

Pakistan’s midfield maestro, Muhammad Yahya, was deservingly crowned Player of the Match for his exceptional orchestrating of play and pivotal goal-scoring contribution.

Reacting to the stellar triumph, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani extended his warmest congratulations to the young squad and the team management. Wani lauded the team’s elite discipline, tactical execution, and unbreakable determination.

“This victory is not an accident; it is the direct dividend of tireless, systematic efforts by our players, coaches, and support staff who are working around the clock to restore Pakistan hockey to its rightful throne on the global stage,” PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani stated.

Wani further emphasized that the junior team’s deep run into the knockout stages is a monumental milestone that will supercharge grassroots development back home. The national heroes enter the semifinal with massive momentum, fueled by the unwavering corporate sponsorship of Alaska Batteries and PTCL.

By Nawaz Gohar ; The Punjab Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA) has officially lauded the management of the historic Sahiwal Club for its flawless execution of the All Pakistan Juniors/Seniors National Ranking Tennis Championship.

The governing body hailed the tournament as a monumental milestone that will supercharge the sport’s development across the region. The week-long national fixture marked the triumphant return of top-flight tennis to Sahiwal after a painstaking hiatus of nearly three decades.

Drawing a stellar lineup of both seasoned veterans and the country’s most promising prodigies, the championship received widespread acclaim for its elite infrastructure, competitive integrity, and immaculate hospitality.

The PLTA leadership extended its highest commendations to Sahiwal Club General Secretary Sheikh Azmat Saleem and Tennis Coordinator Mian Naveed Malik.

The duo’s meticulous planning, tireless operational oversight, and unwavering dedication were cited as the driving forces behind the event’s grand success.

Expressing immense satisfaction, PLTA officials voiced strong optimism that this championship will now transition into a permanent annual fixture on Pakistan’s national tennis calendar, serving as a vital crucible for nurturing emerging grassroots talent.

On the clay, the championship witnessed a flurry of clinical, high-octane performances across multiple age brackets as the tournament moved into its crucial knockout stages.

In the Men’s Singles second-round action, the powerhouse Ahtesham Humayun sent shockwaves through the draw, delivering a flawless double-bagel performance to dismiss Ahmad Hameed 6-0, 6-0. Not far behind,

Imran Bhatti showcased premium form by dismantling M. Ahmad Afzal 6-0, 6-1. Other heavyweights marching into the next round included: Abdul Basit, M. Zubair, and Subhan Sheikh Zeeshan, Atta Rabbi, and Suleman Junaid.

Junior Draw: Next-Gen Stars Take Center Stage

The youth circuits mirrored the intensity of the senior matches, punctuated by deep runs from the country’s elite junior prospects:

Boys Under-18 (Pre-Quarterfinals): Ahtesham Humayun pull double-duty dominance, routing Rehman Bilal 6-0, 6-1 to secure his quarterfinal berth alongside title contenders Aliyan Ali, Huzaifa Asif, Abdul Basit, and M. Yahya.

Boys Under-14: A highly competitive division saw clinical wins from Muhammad Muaz, Hasham Sher Chadar, Muhammad Ibraheem Hussain Gill, Aliyan Ali, Behroze Memon, Muhammad Ayan, Shayan Afridi, and Rashid Ali Bachani.

Boys Under-12: The opening round of the foundational tier saw rising starlets Ishfan Memon, Mustafa Zia, Majid Ali Bachani, Riyan Omer Khalil, Behroze Memon, Muhammad Faizan, Salman Pirzada, Mustafa Uzair Rana, and Salaar Khan all advance cleanly.

By Nawaz Gohar ; Pakistan’s premier wicketkeeper-batsman, Muhammad Rizwan, has announced a financial gift of PKR 1,000,000 (10 Lakh) for the country’s most iconic cricket superfan, Sufi Jalil, affectionately known worldwide as “Chacha Cricket.”

Paying tribute to the legendary fan’s lifelong dedication, Rizwan emphasized that Chacha Cricket has spent his entire life championing the cause of Pakistani cricket, hoisting the national flag across the globe, and serving as an unwavering source of morale for the national team.

Speaking about the gesture, Rizwan maintained a humble tone, acknowledging that no monetary value could truly compensate for decades of unconditional loyalty to the sport. “Compared to Chacha’s lifelong service to Pakistan cricket, this amount is incredibly modest,” Rizwan stated. “However, please accept this as a small token of my deepest appreciation and respect.”

This gesture underscores exactly why Rizwan occupies such a special place in the hearts of cricket fans globally. His impact is not merely defined by his spectacular glovework or batting masterclasses on the field, but by his profound empathy off it.

By recognizing and honoring a man who has selflessly poured his life into supporting the green shirts, Rizwan has proven once again that he deeply values anyone who possesses an authentic love and passion for Pakistan.

By Nawaz Gohar ; Following Pakistan’s disappointing defeat against Australia, the finger-pointing has officially begun. While fans and casual observers are quick to blame a collapsing batting order, a deeper look reveals a more systemic issue. The ultimate responsibility for this loss lies squarely on the shoulders of the team management: the head coach and the captain.

The most baffling aspect of this series has been the team management’s utter failure to read their own home conditions, a tactical deficiency that the visiting Australian side exposed and exploited in just their second match.

Australia demonstrated superior cricket intelligence by accurately assessing the pitch conditions. They boldly entered the match with only one frontline fast bowler, opting instead for three specialist spinners. Furthermore, they utilized the spin options of Matthew Short, who effectively dismantled the Pakistani batting lineup.

In stark contrast, Pakistan’s bowling strategy looked entirely out of depth. Aside from Abrar Ahmed and Arafat Minhas, not a single bowler on the roster looked capable of exploiting the surface.

The team management seemed paralyzed when it came to making tough selection calls. There was a glaring inability to bench struggling players like Haris Rauf or Shadab Khan. Had the management opted for Sufiyan Muqeem in place of either player, Australia likely would have struggled to cross the 150 or 160-run mark.

Instead, the team selection appeared to be governed by personal preferences and favoritism rather than merit and match conditions. The Bottom Line: This current squad does not feel like it represents the collective spirit of Pakistan. Instead, it mirrors the rigid preferences of a powerful few who hold the reins of Pakistan cricket.