Sports

ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced that the National Women’s Hockey Championship will take place in the second week of July 2026 in Islamabad. This pivotal event aims to promote women’s sports nationwide. Showcasing Top Talent The championship will bring together leading female hockey players from across Pakistan. It offers a crucial platform for these athletes to showcase their exceptional skills and contribute to the development of women’s hockey. PHF’s Commitment to Women’s Hockey The announcement by the PHF highlights its commitment to enhancing women’s participation in hockey. This dedication plays a significant role in expanding the sport among women in Pakistan. Upcoming Details A full event schedule and a list of participating teams will be released in the coming months. Stay tuned for more updates as the event draws closer.

ISLAMABAD — The federal government has allocated Rs1.851 billion for sports infrastructure development as part of the 2026-27 Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). This significant investment highlights the government’s commitment to advancing sports facilities nationwide. Major Projects and Objectives The Inter Provincial Coordination Division is overseeing these projects. The initiative focuses on upgrading existing sports facilities and constructing new ones. The aim is to elevate sports participation across all levels in Pakistan, fostering talent and providing enhanced platforms for athletes. Impact on National Development Goals Improving sports infrastructure plays a crucial role in fostering a healthier and more active society. This development aligns with Pakistan’s broader national development goals, emphasizing the importance of sports in societal growth and wellness. It represents the government’s dedication to integrating sports into national progress.

ABBOTTABAD — Commissioner of the Hazara Division, Fayyaz Ali Shah, headed a crucial meeting to evaluate proposed legal amendments designed to protect Galiyat’s environment, scenic beauty, and cultural heritage. Key Participants in the Meeting Key figures from various departments participated in the meeting. Contributions came from the Director General of the Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) and the Additional Secretary of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Department. Their insights were vital to the discussions. Legal Amendments for Preservation The primary focus of the meeting was identifying the necessary legal changes to better safeguard the region’s natural and cultural resources. The objective is to implement stronger measures for sustainable development in the Galiyat region. Broader Conservation Efforts The proposed legal amendments are part of a broader strategy to enhance protection for the Galiyat area. Known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural history, Galiyat remains committed to environmental conservation and sustainable growth.

ISLAMABAD — High Commissioner Rabia Shafiq attended the kickoff event for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Singapore. This significant occasion celebrated Pakistan’s role alongside representatives from Mexico and South Africa. Pakistan’s Key Contributions During the event, High Commissioner Shafiq presented the official match ball, Trionda. This ball, manufactured in Pakistan, underscores the nation’s vital support for international sporting events. Enhanced Global Presence The Pakistan High Commission in Singapore actively shared updates throughout the event. These updates highlighted the global recognition of Pakistani-made sports equipment at the FIFA World Cup.

NEW YORK — Pakistan is partnering with Columbia University’s WHO Center to create a national mental health data dashboard. This initiative uses FLII-11 technology to support evidence-based policymaking and improve mental health monitoring. Key Objectives of the Project The project aims to build a scalable and open platform critical for advancing global psychiatric epidemiology. This platform will also significantly enhance mental health research capabilities. Influence on Mental Health Policies By elevating data availability and analysis, the dashboard will facilitate the creation of effective mental health strategies and interventions. This will boost both policy development and research efforts. Enhancing Regional Infrastructure The partnership seeks to strengthen mental health infrastructure and research in the region. It will equip policymakers with essential tools to tackle mental health challenges effectively.

The Pakistan hockey team has landed in Brussels to participate in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Pro League. This prestigious tournament includes intensely competitive matches against top-ranked global teams. Warm Reception at Brussels Airport Upon arrival, the team was warmly welcomed at Brussels Airport. The delegation was led by Saifullah Mohsin, Head of Chancery, alongside Ch Pervez Sandhilaa from the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s governing body. Members of the local Pakistani community in Belgium also gathered to show their enthusiastic support. Support from the Pakistan Embassy The Pakistan Embassy in Belgium expressed full support for the hockey team through an official statement. They stated, “We wish our national heroes the very best of luck in the tournament.” Participation in the FIH Pro League is crucial for the Pakistan hockey team, offering them international exposure and the opportunity to compete against the world’s leading hockey nations. The Significance of FIH Pro League The FIH Pro League is a global platform for elite national teams to showcase their skills. For the Pakistan team, it is an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise on an international stage. The team’s matches against prominent hockey nations in Brussels will greatly enhance their competitive strength.

ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a stern warning against participating in a T20 cricket tournament planned for Rawalpindi, as it lacks official approval. Authorities are acting swiftly to deter player participation as the event approaches its player draft. Warning to Players and Officials The PCB has formally notified all registered players, coaches, and officials, urging them not to participate in or support this unauthorized event. Engaging with the tournament would breach PCB regulations, impacting everyone governed by its rules. PCB’s Strict Sanction Rules Under PCB guidelines, participation is restricted to cricket events that have received board approval. The PCB strictly oversees domestic cricket, allowing only officially sanctioned tournaments. Partaking in unsanctioned events constitutes a violation of the PCB’s code of conduct. Penalties for Unauthorized Participation Engaging in the unauthorised Rawalpindi tournament could lead to severe penalties from the PCB, including: Financial penalties and fines Temporary or permanent bans from sanctioned competitions Suspension from domestic and international cricket events Revocation of central contracts and board benefits Monitoring and Compliance The PCB is actively monitoring the situation. Officials stress adherence to official guidelines to uphold cricket standards. All cricket personnel are urged to steer clear of the Rawalpindi tournament, safeguarding Pakistani cricket’s integrity and ensuring compliance with set standards.

QUETTA — Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has congratulated the Pakistan football team on their outstanding victory in an international tournament. This success serves as a significant source of national pride. Historic Milestone for Pakistani Football Mir Sarfraz Bugti praised the team’s remarkable achievement on the global stage. He described this victory as a historic milestone for Pakistani football, emphasizing the dedication and perseverance that brought honor to the country. This win marks a pivotal moment for the development of football in Pakistan, showcasing the growing potential of Pakistani athletes in international sports. Sports Development and National Support The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of national support for sports as vital to such achievements. He believes that these triumphs encourage Pakistani youth to excel in athletics. Bugti remains optimistic that this success will pave the way for future victories. He mentioned that the team’s outstanding performance was made possible by months of rigorous training and preparation. Awaiting Tournament Details Details about the tournament and opponents remain unavailable. Official announcements regarding the event are expected soon. The Pakistan Football Federation will release comprehensive information about the tournament results shortly.

The Shandur Polo Festival 2026 was officially launched by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi at the esteemed Shandur Pass. Recognized as Pakistan’s premier cultural and sporting event, it is hosted at the world’s highest polo ground. Polo Championship Inauguration At the opening ceremony, Governor Kundi addressed both local and international players along with the audience. This festival uniquely blends cultural and sporting attractions, drawing polo enthusiasts and tourists worldwide. Perched at 12,200 feet between Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, Shandur Pass is home to this iconic polo tournament, showcasing a combination of sports and cultural celebrations. Historic Chitral vs Gilgit Rivalry The festival is renowned for the intense matches between Chitral and Gilgit teams. This fierce rivalry underscores decades of regional pride and sporting tradition. Being the highest polo ground globally, this tournament stands out among world championships. The matches follow traditional freestyle polo rules, preserving a unique sporting legacy. Festival Highlights and Attractions Besides thrilling polo matches, the festival offers a wide array of cultural experiences. Guests can enjoy local music, traditional culture, and handicrafts amidst breathtaking scenery. Traditional music and dance performances Local handicraft exhibitions Regional cuisine and cultural displays Adventure tourism opportunities Annually, thousands visit Shandur Pass, enhancing its status as a top cultural and sporting event in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The festival not only boosts tourism, but also supports traditional sports, providing economic benefits to local communities from the influx of domestic and international visitors during its three-day run.

Atta Ullah, a young and talented sprinter from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is making waves in athletics. He recently triumphed in the 100-meter event at the National Junior Championship with a remarkable time of 10.56 seconds. This achievement is significant for Pakistani athletics and has garnered attention from sports fans across the nation. National Championship Victory At Islamia College Peshawar, Atta Ullah captured the junior category title, excelling beyond competitors from all over Pakistan. His extraordinary speed and technique were highlights among participants. Spectators praised his form and competitive spirit during an event that attracted young talents nationwide. Aspiring for Asian Competition Having secured his national title, Atta Ullah now aims to represent Pakistan at the Asian level. This ambition is a pivotal step in his athletic career, preparing him to challenge regional opponents and display his skills internationally. Participation in the Asian athletics competition will significantly boost his exposure. Rising Talent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Atta Ullah’s success highlights the emergence of athletic talent from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His achievement enhances the pool of promising junior athletes in Pakistan and strengthens the nation’s presence in regional athletics. This young sprinter’s performance is a testament to the province’s dedication to sports development, inspiring hope for Pakistan’s future on the global athletics stage.