Category: Sports

Pakistan’s top martial artist Shahzaib Rind has accused the country’s political leadership of dishonesty and neglect for allegedly failing to fulfil financial promises made after his international victories.

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), the three-time national Wushu champion said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced a reward of PKR 5 million in cash and PKR 80 million to support his training and upcoming fights. However, the promises were never fulfilled.

“Our politicians are corrupt. Last time I won, Prime Minister announced 5 million cash for me and 80 million to support my training camp and upcoming fights. It was all a lie. I never got a penny from them. They just take pictures, make fake promises, and forget. Shame,” Rind wrote, tagging the ISPR in his post.

“I don’t know why I haven’t received what I was promised almost 1.5 years ago. I tried to contact the Prime Minister’s team. I haven’t received any response from them,” he said.

Rind, who hails from Quetta and holds a combined Wushu and Kickboxing record of 75 wins and just 4 defeats, added that he has made repeated attempts to contact the Prime Minister’s team but received no response.

Currently the Lightweight World Champion in Karate Combat, Rind’s criticism highlights a recurring issue in Pakistan where athletes are praised after major wins but often left without institutional support.

Last week, Shahzaib clinched the KC Lightweight World Championship at KC 56 with a dominant performance against Brazil’s Luis Rocha. The victory extended his undefeated professional record to 8-0. He dictated the pace of the fight and outclassed Rocha in key exchanges to secure a decisive win in front of a packed crowd.

Rind had already made history in 2024 by becoming Pakistan’s first-ever world champion in Karate Combat after defeating Brazil’s Bruno Roberto De Assis in the KC-49 final in Singapore. He is also a six-time national Wushu champion and previously secured the Combat League title in the United States.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has agreed to attend the upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting, ending weeks of speculation and tension over its participation.

According to Indian media reports, BCCI, which had earlier refused to attend the meeting, has now confirmed that its Secretary-General Rajeev Shukla will participate virtually. The ACC meeting is scheduled to be chaired by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday.

Earlier, several reports had suggested that BCCI was unhappy with the decision to hold the meeting in Dhaka, Bangladesh, amid ongoing political tensions between India and Bangladesh. The Indian board had reportedly informed PCB, BCB, and ACC President Mohsin Naqvi that it would boycott the meeting unless the venue was changed.

Tensions between cricket boards of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan have in the past threatened the stability of regional tournaments like the Asia Cup.

While the BCCI’s influence in global cricket remains strong, this latest development signals a potential softening of its stance amid firm resistance from the ACC leadership. Naqvi’s decision to hold the meeting in Dhaka despite India’s initial objections appears to have prevailed.

This meeting is expected to finalize key arrangements for the 2025 Asia Cup, which is scheduled to take place in September. With the BCCI now on board, albeit virtually, the path seems clearer for progress but underlying tensions still loom over the tournament’s future.

Pakistan has officially been invited to participate in the 2025–26 International Hockey Federation (FIH) Pro League after New Zealand withdrew due to financial constraints.

According to a statement by the FIH, Hockey New Zealand informed the federation of its decision to withdraw from the upcoming season, despite having won the FIH Nations Cup last month. The withdrawal stems from budget cuts in New Zealand’s Olympic cycle, which have created financial constraints.

As per FIH regulations, the invitation was passed on to Pakistan, the runners-up of the Nations Cup. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has until August 12 to confirm whether it will accept the invitation.

Reports indicate that FIH had set a deadline of July 21 for New Zealand to make its decision. With both the men’s and women’s teams previously opting out, New Zealand has made it clear that participating in the Pro League is currently not financially viable.

PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid said the federation had not been directly informed by Hockey New Zealand. He stated,  “Once FIH contacts us officially, we will respond. Pro League participation involves significant expenses, and we have already informed the Government of Pakistan about it.”

If Pakistan declines the offer, FIH may consider France as an alternative for the upcoming season.

The 2024–25 Pro League concluded recently, with both Dutch men’s and women’s teams crowned champions. The 2025–26 edition will mark the seventh season of the elite global hockey competition.

The BJP-led Indian government has taken a major step by deciding to bring the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under the proposed National Sports Governance Bill.

According to media reports, the bill is scheduled to be presented in Parliament today (Wednesday).

The move aims to officially bring the BCCI under the Ministry of Sports’ jurisdiction for the first time. It also seeks to align India’s sports governance framework with the Olympic and Paralympic charters.

While the BCCI has traditionally operated independently without relying on government funding, the proposed bill could bring structural changes to the Board. According to media reports, the bill is likely to increase the maximum age limit for office-bearers from 70 to 75 years.

However, BCCI President Roger Binny may still have vacate his post due to age concerns. Vice President Rajeev Shukla’s tenure is also reportedly nearing its end.

The BCCI has long functioned autonomously, but the BJP government’s decision to include it under the National Sports Governance Bill signals a significant shift in how top sports bodies may be regulated moving forward.

Qatar has officially submitted its bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, marking a significant step in the Gulf state’s ongoing push to establish itself as a global sports hub.

The energy-rich nation previously hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and, according to media reports, aims to diversify its economy by hosting major international sporting events.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said, “If awarded, Qatar would become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa region to host the Olympic Games.” In a statement released by the Qatar News Agency, he added, “The bid for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games marks a new milestone in our nation’s journey.”

He emphasised, “This bid builds on Qatar’s strong track record of successfully hosting major international sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup 2022.”

During the football World Cup, Qatar faced international criticism, particularly from human rights groups like Amnesty International, over the treatment of migrant workers. Reports claimed that thousands died during World Cup projects. However, Qatari authorities denied these allegations, stating that only 37 workers died, with just three deaths linked to work-related incidents.

President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, stated, “Doha has made sport a central pillar of its national strategy.” He added, “Ninety-five percent of the infrastructure needed to host the Games is already complete, and we have a comprehensive plan to finish the rest.”

Notably, countries are no longer required to publicly disclose their bids for hosting the Olympics. The Olympic Games are traditionally rotated across continents. With Paris, Los Angeles, and Brisbane set to host the 2024, 2028, and 2032 editions respectively in Europe, North America, and Oceania, the chances of the 2036 Games taking place in Asia or Africa are considered higher.

The final decision will be a major responsibility for the newly appointed President of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry, the first woman to hold the role. Selecting the host for 2036 will be a key part of her legacy and could mark a new chapter in Olympic history.

Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Dhaka ahead of the council’s annual general meeting, scheduled to take place tomorrow, July 24.

He was warmly received at the airport by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hassan Aminul Islam.

The ACC’s annual general meeting, to be chaired by Naqvi, is expected to finalize several important matters, including the upcoming Asia Cup scheduled for September. However, tensions have arisen as pressure mounts on BCB President Aminul Islam to withdraw from hosting the meeting.

According to media reports, BCB board directors have advised Aminul Islam to avoid upsetting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which has objected to the meeting being held in Dhaka. The BCCI cited political tensions with Bangladesh as the reason it cannot send its officials to attend the meeting in person. The Indian board has also expressed unwillingness to participate virtually.

Reports suggested that BCCI’s stance has been backed by Sri Lanka and Oman, who have aligned themselves with India on the issue.

Despite the opposition, Mohsin Naqvi remains firm on holding the meeting in Dhaka. However, pressure continues to mount on the BCB to step back. Reports say that BCB directors advised their president not to risk India’s displeasure, but Aminul Islam reportedly responded, “I have given my word for this meeting, and I cannot go back on it now.”

Meanwhile, at the ICC annual meetings in Singapore, PCB Chief Executive Sameer Ahmed has been trying to convince ACC members to support holding the meeting in Dhaka. India, however, remains adamant about not participating and is still being persuaded to attend the meeting virtually.

Bangladesh on Tuesday defeated Pakistan by eight runs in the second T20I in Mirpur, sealing a win for the three-match series with a 2-0 lead.

After being invited to bat, Bangladesh scored 133 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Jaker Ali was the top scorer with a solid knock of 55 runs, Mehidy Hasan added 33 whereas Parvez Hossain Emon scored 13.

Rishad Hossain and captain Litton Das scored eight runs each, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 7, Mohammad Naim 3, and both Sharif Islam and Shamim Hossain returned to the pavilion for one run each. Towhid Hridoy was dismissed for duck.

From Pakistan’s side, Salman Mirza, debutant Ahmed Daniyal, and Abbas Afridi took two wickets each. Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf claimed one wicket apiece.

Chasing 134, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed and was bowled out for 125 in the final over.

Faheem Ashraf stood out with a fighting 51 runs, Abbas Afridi contributed 19, Ahmed Daniyal 17 and Khushdil Shah 13. The rest of the batters failed to deliver with Agha Salman scoring just nine runs, Fakhar Zaman 8 and Saim Ayub only 1. Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz and Hasan Nawaz were all dismissed without scoring.

Sharif Islam took three wickets for Bangladesh, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mehidy Hasan bagged two each while Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain picked one wicket each.

The last T20 is scheduled for July 24 in Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium.

Brock Lesnar, one of the most popular wrestlers and  UFC fighters, has been added to a “banned list”, former UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier has claimed. 

A possible inclusion could mean the end of Lesnar’s wrestling career.

In an interview, Daniel Cormier dismissed the idea that he might face Brock Lesnar in WWE. Instead, he revealed that Lesnar is currently on a banned list. However, Cormier did not explain whether this ban was from WWE, UFC, or their parent company, TKO Group.

For context, UFC and WWE are now under one parent company called TKO, which was formed after UFC’s merger with WWE.

Cormier added, “Brock is on the banned list right now. He’s in serious trouble. I can’t say exactly what he did, but it’s bad.”

Lesnar’s return to WWE looks difficult. Whether the ban came from WWE or TKO, it’s likely to affect his future in wrestling.

Brock Lesnar was last seen in a WWE ring in August 2023, when he faced Cody Rhodes at the SummerSlam event.

Many fans expected him to return in January 2024 during the Royal Rumble. However, that didn’t happen. Around that time, Janel Grant, a former WWE employee, filed a lawsuit against former WWE chairman Vince McMahon.

At first, Lesnar’s name wasn’t mentioned in the case. But it was widely believed that he was involved. In February 2025, his name was officially included in the lawsuit.

Since then, WWE and TKO reportedly dropped plans for Brock Lesnar’s return.

The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 has been plunged into deeper controversy after the Pakistan Champions rejected the decision to share points with the India Champions following the abandonment of their highly anticipated clash on Sunday.

The match between Pakistan and India was called off before the toss could take place, after Indian players reportedly withdrew from the fixture, objecting to the inclusion of Shahid Afridi in Pakistan’s playing XI. 

According to media reports, players like Shikhar Dhawan and Harbhajan Singh refused to participate in the game unless Afridi was dropped. The demand was not accepted, and with tensions rising, tournament organisers ultimately decided to cancel the fixture.

The organisers released an official statement expressing regret over the cancellation and assured full ticket refunds for fans. However, the decision to award one point each to both teams has not gone down well with the Pakistan Champions.

According to journalist Saj Sadiq, the Pakistan camp is strongly opposing the points-sharing arrangement. They argue that since India failed to take the field, they should forfeit the match, and Pakistan should be awarded full points.

In most competitive formats, when a team refuses to play, the match is awarded to the opposing side. The Pakistan Champions are demanding the same treatment, and their stance has placed WCL’s rules and credibility under intense scrutiny.

Pakistan currently top the group with three points from two games, having already secured a win against England. If awarded full points for the abandoned match, their path to the final would be further strengthened.

The tournament organisers have yet to issue a final decision on the points dispute, but pressure continues to mount from fans and officials alike. With more fixtures on the way, clarity is urgently needed to restore confidence in the competition.

The Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), in collaboration with the Pakistan Olympic Association, the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, and the Pakistan Sports Board, has launched a nationwide logo design contest for the upcoming National Youth Games 2025.

The competition invites young creatives from across Pakistan to design the official logo for the Games. A cash prize of Rs. 100,000 will be awarded to the winning entry. Submissions must be made by July 30, 2025, through the Digital Youth Hub platform.

According to the organisers, the contest is aimed at involving the country’s youth in national initiatives and giving them a chance to shape the identity of a major sporting event. The winning design will become the official visual symbol of the Games, which are set to promote unity and healthy competition among the youth through sports.

Participants can find more details and submit their designs at: https://pmyp.gov.pk/engagement/88999

Under the campaign slogan “Make your design the symbol of a generation,” the initiative encourages creativity, innovation, and national pride.