Sports

CHITRAL — Upper Chitral, Pakistan, showcases breathtaking vistas with snow-capped peaks from the Himalayan range, making it one of northern Pakistan’s most picturesque regions. Throughout the day, drifting clouds enhance the valley’s natural beauty, offering a distinct mountainous landscape. Stunning Views from Shandur Road Shandur Road offers sweeping views with clouds rolling over the valley’s rugged terrain. In early June, this area remains snow-covered due to its unique high-altitude climate. This climate allows the snowpack to persist into summer, creating rare landscape conditions in Pakistan’s northern territories. Home to the Highest Polo Ground Located near the Afghanistan border, Upper Chitral features elevations over 3,000 meters. It serves as the gateway to Shandur Pass, a favorite destination for adventure seekers. The Shandur Pass is renowned for hosting the world’s highest polo ground at over 3,700 meters above sea level, attracting sports enthusiasts and polo lovers. Unique Features of Upper Chitral Direct border access to Afghanistan Elevations surpassing 3,000 meters Gateway route to Shandur Pass Home to the world’s highest polo ground Year-round snow coverage on peaks Rich Sports and Tourism Heritage The region draws visitors year-round for both mountain tourism and cultural experiences. Upper Chitral highlights Pakistan’s diverse natural landscapes and rich sports heritage. Accessible via Shandur Road, it is a popular spot for domestic and international tourists alike. The pristine mountain scenery and legendary Shandur polo ground make Upper Chitral an essential tourism and sports asset for Pakistan.

Residents and travelers eagerly embark on their journey to the Shandur Polo Festival, a renowned annual event in Upper Chitral. Jeeps, laden with supplies, traverse the challenging mountainous terrain, bringing excitement to the region for this premier sporting event in Pakistan. High-Altitude Polo Tournament at Shandur Pass Shandur Pass, positioned at about 3,700 meters above sea level, is the spectacular venue for Pakistan’s most famous traditional polo tournament. Often referred to as the Roof of the World, the location draws a diverse crowd from all over Pakistan and beyond. Enthusiastic spectators gather to witness this distinctive high-altitude event, which holds a significant place on Pakistan’s sporting calendar. Traditional Freestyle Polo Competition The festival showcases traditional freestyle polo, providing an exhilarating alternative to modern sport variations. Teams from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan participate in fiercely contested matches, captivating attendees. Intense regional rivalries highlight the players’ exceptional skill and horsemanship as they overcome high-altitude challenges, racing at high speeds and embodying the authentic spirit of polo. Journey to the Festival Grounds Local drivers skillfully navigate passengers and goods along the winding roads to the festival grounds. The journey through Upper Chitral’s rugged landscape offers opportunities to enjoy scenic roadside streams. Despite demanding mountain paths, drivers familiar with the terrain ensure safe passage. The allure of the polo tournament annually attracts crowds to this high-altitude venue. Festival Activities and Amenities Organizers provide extensive camping facilities and amenities for visitors at this high-altitude event. Over several days, the festival offers a variety of activities beyond polo matches. Festival Activities: Intense sporting competition between regional teams Cultural performances and exhibitions Traditional music and dance events Local crafts and food stalls The Shandur Polo Festival remains a highlight on Pakistan’s sporting and cultural landscape, inviting both domestic and international guests to experience traditional polo in a breathtaking setting.

ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), has launched a transformative Coaching Education Programme. This initiative aims to create a coaching framework that is internationally aligned and standardized across Pakistan. Programme Objectives and Scope The programme’s primary goal is to revamp the coaching infrastructure by implementing uniform training standards nationwide. It covers all levels from grassroots development to elite competitions, ensuring consistent technical and tactical instruction throughout Pakistan’s hockey ecosystem. The PHF and PSB are combining their expertise to develop a cohesive coaching structure. Core Features of the Coaching Framework The coaching education initiative includes essential elements designed to elevate hockey coaching standards in Pakistan: Standardized training modules aligned with international best practices Certification pathways for grassroots, intermediate, and elite coaching levels Modernized methods for technical and tactical instruction Continuous professional development for certified coaches Investing in Coaching Infrastructure The improved training infrastructure offers a systematic approach to coach development. By setting uniform standards, the PHF ensures coaching excellence is consistent across all competition levels. These certification pathways provide a structured progression for coaches, enabling professional advancement from grassroots to elite team management. Reviving Pakistan’s International Hockey Status This programme is a core part of PHF’s strategy to restore Pakistan’s status in international hockey. By adopting global best practices, the federation aims to regain the country’s competitive edge. Once a dominant force in hockey, Pakistan’s modernization of coaching is a strategic move towards reclaiming its legacy. Enhanced coaching standards are expected to boost athlete performance and achieve greater success internationally.

MALE — Pakistan’s national football team has advanced to the final of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives, decisively defeating Afghanistan 2-0 on Sunday. Strong Performance Secures Victory Goals from Umar Nawaz and Harun Hamid assured the Shaheens a spot in the final. This win placed Pakistan at the top of the standings in the round-robin stage of the four-nation tournament. Match Highlights and Goal Scorers Umar Nawaz opened the scoring, providing an early lead for Pakistan. His goal set the stage for the Shaheens’ dominant performance against Afghanistan. Later, Harun Hamid added a second goal, ensuring the team’s 2-0 victory. This commanding win highlighted Pakistan’s offensive prowess and strong defense throughout the 90-minute match. Shaheens Dominate Group Stage Under the guidance of head coach Nolberto Solano, the team excelled in the group phase, advancing as the top-ranked team. Unbeaten run in the round-robin format Strong defensive record against regional opponents Clinical finishing in crucial matches Building Momentum for the Final With momentum on their side, the Shaheens now focus on winning the Diamond Jubilee Cup title. Their impressive performances in the Maldives highlight the team’s growing strength in regional football. This achievement marks an important milestone for Pakistani football internationally, providing a boost for future tournaments.

LAHORE — Maaz Sadaqat, a prominent batter for Pakistan’s cricket team, is out for a minimum of two weeks following a successful appendix surgery. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed this update on Sunday. Surgery Details The skilled left-handed batsman underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy in Lahore. This procedure involves small incisions and is a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. Advantages for Athletes Laparoscopic surgeries offer significant benefits for athletes, including: Faster recovery times compared to open surgery Reduced post-operative pain Shorter hospital stays Minimal surgical scars These advantages are crucial for professional cricketers aiming for a swift return to competition. Recovery Process Maaz Sadaqat is projected to recover in two weeks, causing him to miss several cricket commitments. His return to the field hinges on his rehabilitation progress. Before resuming training, Sadaqat needs medical clearance from PCB doctors. The PCB medical team will closely monitor his recovery during this period. Impact on Team Pakistan The Pakistan Cricket Board has yet to announce a replacement for Maaz Sadaqat in the national squad. Specific matches he will miss remain unspecified. The PCB is expected to announce changes to the squad soon. Sadaqat’s recovery timeline will significantly influence his participation in upcoming matches and series.

LONDON — Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has praised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for its key role in promoting women’s cricket in Pakistan. Her comments come as the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is set to begin on 12 June in England. ICC’s Initiatives for Women’s Cricket Development Fatima Sana underscored the ICC’s contributions to elevating the profile of women’s cricket in Pakistan. She shared her views during the Captains’ Carnival held in London on Sunday. “The ICC takes significant initiatives for women’s cricket, which enhances its visibility in Pakistan,” Sana remarked. She also mentioned Pakistan hosting the future World Cup, stating, “We finally have the opportunity to host the World Cup in Pakistan, which is crucial. Much depends on this tournament.” Pakistan’s Challenging World Cup Group Pakistan faces a tough challenge in Group 1 of the tournament, competing against some of the world’s strongest women’s cricket teams. Group 1 includes: Six-time champions Australia India South Africa Bangladesh Netherlands Sana believes that strong performances in the tournament could boost support at home and elevate the status of women’s cricket in Pakistan. Growing Regional Interest in Women’s Cricket Bangladesh’s Accelerated Development Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty highlighted the rapid development of women’s cricket in Bangladesh. “Women’s cricket in Bangladesh is growing rapidly as we have been playing for several years. It has inspired many young players at home,” Joty observed. Netherlands’ Historic World Cup Debut Netherlands captain Babette De Leede expressed excitement about their first appearance in a World Cup. The team qualified by winning five consecutive matches in the Global Qualifiers. “We have never participated in a T20 World Cup, and we hope to inspire many girls back home,” De Leede said. The Netherlands team aims to make a significant impact in their debut tournament.

LAHORE — Abbottabad clinched their maiden ABS Developers National T20 Cup title with an impressive nine-wicket victory over Karachi Whites at Gaddafi Stadium. This marks a significant achievement for regional cricket and Pakistan’s domestic tournaments. Shahzaib Khan’s Key Performance Opening batter Shahzaib Khan showcased stellar performance with an unbeaten half-century. His calm and aggressive innings were crucial in Abbottabad’s success during the 2025-26 National T20 Cup. Khan, remaining not out, effortlessly steered the team to victory. Superb Bowling Effort The bowlers of Abbottabad had an outstanding day, setting the win’s foundation by restricting Karachi Whites to a modest total. They maintained precise line and length, applying continuous pressure throughout the innings. This discipline allowed the batsmen to chase the target with ease. A Landmark in Regional Cricket The emphatic nine-wicket triumph underscored Abbottabad’s dominance in the final. Reaching the target without losing a wicket showcased their excellence. This victory at Gaddafi Stadium is a landmark achievement in regional cricket. Such victories highlight the strength and potential of regional teams in Pakistan’s domestic cricket. They provide invaluable opportunities for emerging cricket talents from smaller regions, paving the way for future achievements.

Event Schedule and Venue The Chief Minister Punjab Table Tennis Championship 2026 is set to commence on June 9 at the Sports Gymnasium in Khanewal. Matches will begin promptly at 3:30 p.m. Teams comprising both boys and girls from four tehsils will compete in this prestigious championship. Victorious teams will earn a spot in the inter-district championship within the Multan Division. Athletics Competitions on June 10 Athletic events are scheduled for June 10, featuring participants from various Khanewal tehsils. These competitions hold a significant place in the annual sports calendar. The multi-sport approach encourages young athletes to engage in different sports disciplines, aiding their development and skill enhancement. Key Competition Details Table Tennis Championship: Scheduled for June 9, starting at 3:30 p.m. Athletics Events: Set for June 10 Participation: Includes teams from all four tehsils of Khanewal Advancement: Victors will progress to compete in the Multan Division championship Promoting Youth Sports in Khanewal The District Sports Department is devoted to advancing grassroots sports by increasing youth participation through these exciting events. This initiative offers young athletes a valuable platform to exhibit their talents and boosts their prospects of competing at elevated levels. The multi-sport strategy provides ample opportunities for talent development within the region.

The Pakistan Under-18 hockey team was warmly welcomed at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. The young athletes returned victorious after securing a bronze medal at the Men’s U18 Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan. Warm Reception at Karachi Airport Officials from the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) enthusiastically greeted the team. Among them was Hassan Sardar, the PHF Development Committee head and an Olympic legend. Customs authorities formally saluted the players, celebrating their international achievement. Decisive 3-0 Victory for Bronze In the bronze medal match, Pakistan’s U18 hockey team claimed third place with a 3-0 victory over Malaysia. This match highlighted their: Strong defensive organization Clinical offensive execution Mental resilience under tournament pressure The win secured their position on the podium, marking a successful Asia Cup campaign. Impacts on Youth Hockey Development The bronze medal is significant for developing youth hockey in Pakistan. Throughout the tournament in Japan, the team competed against top Asian countries, demonstrating their skill and commitment. This success is crucial for revitalizing Pakistan’s hockey legacy, indicating a promising future for the sport at the grassroots level. Praise from PHF President PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani commended the team, celebrating their dedication and resilience. He emphasized that the bronze medal win reflects Pakistan hockey’s traditional fighting spirit. Wani expressed confidence in these players as future stars of Pakistan hockey and pledged continued PHF support for their progression to senior levels.

ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and the Pakistan Arab Refinery Company (PARCO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance a national hockey coaching programme. This initiative plans to revitalize Pakistan’s hockey infrastructure through grassroots development. PHF-PARCO Partnership Overview Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, President of PHF, signed the agreement, marking a pivotal step in reviving Pakistan’s hockey foundation. The programme aims to strengthen the coaching pipeline from district to national levels. Pakistan’s Field Hockey Achievements Historically, Pakistan has dominated field hockey, winning three Olympic gold medals and many international titles. However, their international ranking has declined in recent decades, affecting their competitive status in global hockey. Role of Private Sector in Sports Development With limited government funding, sports federations are increasingly relying on private sector partnerships. PARCO’s involvement is a significant investment in Pakistan’s sports infrastructure, underlining the vital role of corporate partnerships. Strategy for Coaching Programme Implementation The coaching education programme focuses on training coaches at regional and district levels. It aims to discover and nurture hockey talent at the grassroots. This structured approach intends to build a sustainable network of skilled coaches, fostering future Pakistani hockey stars and enhancing the national team’s global standing.