Sports

ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation (PTBF) has unveiled its comprehensive sports calendar for the 2026-27 season, featuring both national and international events. International Championships PTBF President Ijaz-ur-Rehman announced crucial dates, including the 25th Asian Junior Tenpin Bowling Championship scheduled for August 21-30 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The IBA World Cup is set for October 1-12 in Germany. Major National Events The sports calendar details several key national competitions: Azadi Cup Tenpin Bowling Championship from August 8-14, 2026, in Islamabad. Pakistan Open Tenpin Bowling Championship from November 25-30 in Karachi. 19th National Tenpin Bowling Championship from February 9-14, 2027, in Islamabad. Specialized One-Day Tournaments Various one-day tournaments are also scheduled throughout the year: Defense Day Tenpin Bowling Championship on September 6. Quaid-e-Azam Tenpin Bowling Cup on December 25. Inter-School Tenpin Bowling Championship on January 10, 2027. Additional notable events include the Kashmir Solidarity Day Championship on February 5, 2027, Ramadan-ul-Mubarak Championship on February 28, Women’s Day Championship on March 8, and the Inter-University Championship on March 30, 2027.

ATLANTA — FIFA, the global governing body for football, has made significant strides in combating hate speech online. The organization removed 388,000 hate comments from social media platforms. This decisive action began with the World Cup events in the United States, Mexico, and Canada on June 11. FIFA is resolute in addressing hate during major football events. Massive Review and Removal Initiative Since the tournament’s inception, FIFA has reviewed 3.8 million social media posts. Of these, over 30 million were flagged as harmful, illustrating a strong stance against online abuse. This mirrors the prior removal of 287,000 posts during the 2022 World Cup. Collaborative Efforts to Tackle Hate Speech A significant announcement was made at a panel discussion in Atlanta. Co-hosted by FIFA, TikTok, and the City of Atlanta, the event took place at the National Centre for Civil and Human Rights. It brought together players, policymakers, and technology experts focused on solutions for combating hate speech. Commitment to Unity in Football The panel aligned with the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. Participants committed to local actions aimed at protecting the integrity of the game and fostering unity through football initiatives.

KAYSERI — Muzammil Murtaza, a talented tennis player from Pakistan, secured a commanding victory against India’s Aditya Kothari in the ITF M15 Future Tournament. The match unfolded in Kayseri, Turkey, where Murtaza won with an impressive score of 6-0, 6-1 in the main draw’s opening round. Exceptional Performance The opening match highlighted Murtaza’s exceptional skills on the court. His victory over Kothari sets a promising tone for his advancement in the tournament. About the ITF M15 Future Tournament The ITF M15 is a prestigious event that gathers emerging tennis talents from across the globe. It provides a vital platform for players like Murtaza to showcase their skills and advance in their professional careers.

ISLAMABAD — The PTF Summer Camp 2026 is actively engaging many young participants at the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Tennis Complex. Children from Islamabad and Rawalpindi have joined the camp with great enthusiasm. Camp Objectives Beginning on Wednesday, the camp aims to enhance participants’ tennis skills and improve their physical fitness. It significantly supports their overall development during the summer holidays. Activities and Training The initiative targets children, allowing young tennis enthusiasts to partake in structured activities. These activities are crafted to foster both sporting skills and personal growth. The camp’s comprehensive program combines skill-building exercises with physical training, creating an enriching experience for all attendees. Nurturing Future Tennis Stars This effort by the PTF is a positive move toward nurturing the future generation of tennis players in Pakistan. Children find a productive way to spend their summer break while developing a passion for tennis.

ISLAMABAD — Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema reviewed the AI-powered Prime Minister Office System (PMOS) on Wednesday, highlighting its role in enhancing governance through digital oversight. Advancing Ministry Coordination The PMOS is designed to improve coordination among ministries and facilitate the implementation of the National Digital Masterplan. It aims to efficiently integrate digital processes across various government bodies. Enhancing Transparency and Accountability Through advanced technology, the PMOS provides a comprehensive view of government operations. This system enhances oversight and decision-making, promoting transparency and accountability in governmental affairs. Modernizing Administration with Global Standards This initiative forms part of substantial efforts to modernize administration in accordance with global digital standards. The PMOS launch represents a significant step forward in achieving modernization goals through innovative digital solutions.

NOWSHERA VIRKAN — A man allegedly killed his wife in Ismail Town along the Nowshera Virkan-Tatlay Aali Road on Wednesday before surrendering to police, according to police sources. The victim, identified as 45-year-old Nighat Bibi, wife of Amjad Hussain, suffered multiple wounds from a sharp-edged weapon and succumbed to her injuries, officials stated. The husband reportedly attacked his wife due to a domestic issue. Authorities reported that the victim had deep wounds on her left eyebrow, left cheek, and neck. After the incident, the suspect voluntarily went to a local police station and turned himself in. The Rescue 1122 team transported the body to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Nowshera Virkan for medico-legal procedures. Police have launched an investigation into the case.

BHAKKAR — On Wednesday, police conducted a citywide flag march in Bhakkar to ensure a peaceful Muharram observance. The initiative aimed to maintain law and order while boosting public confidence in security measures. Leadership and Participants The District Police Officer of Bhakkar led the organization of the march. SP Investigation Shaukat Ali supervised the event, which included participation from key figures like SDPO Sadar Mansoor Ahmad Khan, SDPO Darya Khan Muhammad Azam Khan, DSP Organized Crime Malik Mazhar Noon, in addition to station house officers and other law enforcement personnel. Route and Notable Locations The procession began at Police Lines Bhakkar. It proceeded through important areas such as Khansar Chowk, Jhang Mor, and Main Bazaar, before returning to the starting point. This extensive route was meant to reassure the community and provide a visible security presence at crucial locations. Security Strategy and Objectives Officials highlighted that the march aimed to secure peace during the holy month, build public trust, and deter any miscreants. SP Shaukat Ali detailed a robust security strategy, including plans for adding personnel and increasing monitoring at sensitive sites throughout the city.

ABBOTTABAD — On Wednesday, the District Administration of Abbottabad organized a ceremony at Jalal Baba Auditorium to distribute essential items to disabled and deserving citizens. The items included wheelchairs, white canes, and sewing machines. Event Aims and Objectives The event aimed to provide vital assistance and equipment to individuals with disabilities and those who are visually impaired. The primary goal was to help these individuals lead more independent and self-sufficient lives. Supporting the Underserved This initiative is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to support underserved communities in the region. By empowering individuals with disabilities, officials aspire to enable them to contribute more effectively to their communities. Community Impact and Official Remarks Officials highlighted the importance of targeted support in empowering disabled individuals. The initiative received positive feedback from attendees and is part of a larger strategy to improve inclusivity and accessibility in Abbottabad.

ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced trials for the national junior hockey team, scheduled for June 18 and 19. These trials will be held at the Naseer Banda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad and are essential preparations for the upcoming Junior Asia Cup tournament. Selection Committee’s Role A specially appointed selection committee will oversee the trials, under the leadership of Chief Selector Olympian Samiullah Khan. The committee includes Olympians Nasir Ali and Naeem Akhtar. Their primary role is to evaluate the players’ performance and fitness, with the goal of selecting the most promising talents for the junior national squad. Technical Support and Process Approval Technical support during the trials will be provided by Head Coach Olympian Ayaz Mahmood, Coach Olympian Syed Samir Hussain, and Coach International Azfar Yaqoob. Their involvement is essential to ensure a merit-based selection process. Additionally, the PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani has given his final approval to the trials, endorsing both the process and the selection committee.

ISLAMABAD — Pakistani boxing is gaining new momentum with a groundbreaking partnership launched with Kazakhstan. Officially commencing in Islamabad, this collaboration welcomed two distinguished Kazakh boxing coaches. Coaching and Development Clinic The Kazakh coaches are leading an extensive coaching and athlete development clinic. This clinic is hosted at the Dosty Sports Centre, part of the renowned Pakistan Sports Complex. Objectives of the Partnership The partnership aims to significantly enhance Pakistani boxers’ skills and competitive abilities. Key focuses include: Talent development Boxing techniques expertise sharing Advanced training methodologies Athlete management improvement Future Impact This comprehensive training program is set to transform the Pakistan Sports Complex into a central hub for boxing training. The overarching goal is to elevate Pakistani athletes’ performance on the international stage.