Alex Eala’s finest US Open run ends as skid vs friend Iva Jovic continues

LONDON: Pakistan’s national shooting team delivered an impressive performance at the F-Class British Open 2026, winning 13 medals, including seven gold medals. The team was led by Lieutenant General Ahsan Gulrez. Pakistan competed with a relatively small contingent compared with several other participating countries but still produced strong results. The F-Class British Open was held from August 3 to 8 in Bisley, United Kingdom. Around 185 elite shooters from 24 countries took part in the prestigious international competition. Pakistan participated with a 12-member shooting team. Despite the limited size of the contingent, Pakistani shooters produced notable results in both individual and aggregate events. The team secured a total of 13 medals. These included seven gold, two silver and four bronze medals. The performance highlighted the consistency and competitive ability of Pakistani shooters against some of the world’s experienced F-Class rifle competitors. The British Open was also considered an important preparation event for the 7th F-Class World Championship. The world championship is being held in Bisley from August 10 to 16. Following their strong showing at the British Open, Pakistani shooters are now competing at the world championship. They are facing some of the leading teams and top shooters from around the world. Officials associated with the team said the results at the British Open demonstrated Pakistan’s growing strength in long-range competitive rifle shooting. They said Pakistani shooters have shown that they can compete successfully at the highest international level. The national team, under the leadership of Lieutenant General Ahsan Gulrez, will now aim to build on its medal-winning performance at the F-Class World Championship.

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has withdrawn its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, adding to the growing pressure on the football governing body’s chief ahead of next year’s presidential election. The decision follows Infantino’s controversial proposal involving private investment and the potential sale of stakes linked to the World Cup. The plan has faced strong opposition from several European football associations, raising fresh questions over FIFA’s governance and transparency. SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell confirmed on Monday that Scotland would not vote for Infantino at the next FIFA Congress. “The Scottish FA will not be voting for Gianni Infantino. That’s in line with the UEFA position, and we’ve maintained that stance throughout,” Maxwell said. Scotland has joined England, Ireland and Wales among European federations that have withdrawn their backing for the FIFA president. Infantino is facing mounting criticism after three football confederations accused him of “deception” over his private-investor World Cup proposal in an open letter published last week. The controversy has also placed greater attention on FIFA’s internal governance. SFA president Mike Mulraney currently serves as chair of FIFA’s finance committee. Maxwell said football administrators should focus on their responsibilities rather than remaining constantly in the public spotlight. He argued that FIFA needs stronger transparency, better governance and improved communication with its member associations. “There’s obviously been a fall-down in governance,” Maxwell said, adding that changes to FIFA’s structure and approach would need to be discussed. With opposition growing across Europe, Infantino faces an increasingly difficult challenge as he seeks to retain his position and secure another term at next year’s FIFA Congress.

Several Pakistan cricketers have improved their positions in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings, with former captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi making notable gains following recent international matches. Babar Azam climbed one place in the ODI batting rankings and is now sixth with 689 rating points. The experienced batter continues to be Pakistan’s highest-ranked player among ODI batters and remains among the world’s leading performers in the format. Pakistan’s ODI captain Salman Ali Agha also registered progress in the latest rankings. He moved up two places to 16th after consistent performances, taking his rating to 630 points and strengthening his position among the world’s top batters. Former captain and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan retained his 31st position with 560 rating points, while opening batter Fakhar Zaman slipped one place to 37th. Young opener Saim Ayub remained unchanged in 44th position. New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell continues to lead the ICC ODI batting rankings. India captain Shubman Gill occupies second place, while veteran batter Virat Kohli remains third. In the bowling rankings, Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi climbed two places to seventh with 604 rating points after his recent performances. Fast bowler Haris Rauf also improved his standing, moving up two positions to 20th with 556 points. On the other hand, pacer Naseem Shah dropped two places and is now ranked 49th with 477 points. Mohammad Wasim Jr gained one position to move up to 70th, while spinner Mohammad Nawaz retained his place in the rankings. Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan continues to hold the number one position in the ICC ODI bowling rankings. Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed remains second, maintaining pressure on the Afghan star. England fast bowler Jofra Archer moved into third place after improving his ranking.