Better than before, Eala eyes redemption vs Pegula with Washington title at stake

The international recognition earned by Pakistan’s “Football for Mental Health Programme” at the United Nations has been hailed as a major milestone for Pakistan’s sporting diplomacy, reinforcing the country’s positive image while strengthening its standing within the global football community. Officials associated with the initiative believe the acknowledgement has gone beyond celebrating a successful social programme, instead highlighting Pakistan’s growing ability to contribute meaningfully to international discussions on youth development, mental well-being and community empowerment through sport. The recognition has also reinforced the Pakistan Football Federation’s (PFF) belief in the unity of the global football family, demonstrating that football continues to transcend geographical, cultural and political boundaries by bringing together nations in pursuit of common humanitarian goals. PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani described the achievement as a significant endorsement of Pakistan’s potential to transform football into an instrument of social progress. “It proved that Pakistani people have the will and ability to serve society, while the Pakistan Football Federation possesses the professional capacity to implement globally conceived ideas focusing on building a better society by using football as a vehicle,” he said. Gilani added that the international appreciation had projected Pakistan’s soft image before the world by showcasing the country’s commitment to innovation, social responsibility and community development through sport. According to the PFF president, one of the most significant outcomes of the initiative was its emphasis on mental health, an issue receiving increasing attention across the global sporting landscape. “Football has the power to improve the emotional and psychological well-being of players, coaches, volunteers, supporters and families, while creating healthier and more connected communities.” PFF Chief Operating Officer Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar said that the United Nations platform enabled Pakistan to engage with a diverse range of international stakeholders, including football administrators, policymakers, development organisations, athletes and youth leaders. “These interactions created valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, explore future collaborations and strengthen partnerships aimed at using sport to address global social challenges,” he remarked. “Football has increasingly become an effective platform for promoting inclusion, education, health awareness and youth empowerment, with governing bodies around the world encouraging federations to expand their role beyond competition and contribute to broader community development,” Khokhar added. The other delegation members said that Pakistan’s participation in the global dialogue reflects the PFF’s commitment to embracing this modern vision of football, where the game’s influence extends beyond the pitch to create lasting social impact. “The recognition is also expected to encourage greater international cooperation and support for similar initiatives in the future, while reinforcing Pakistan’s reputation as a responsible and constructive member of the global football community,” they added.

Pakistan women’s football team player Maryam Mahmood has become the first Pakistani female footballer to be included on the International Honours Board of Wrexham FC Women. The British football club has also recognised Pakistan men’s team player Umar Nawaz on its International Honours Board. Wrexham FC honoured Mahmood after she represented Pakistan at the international level. Speaking about the achievement, Mahmood said she was extremely happy and proud to see her name on the honours board. She described her journey of representing Pakistan internationally as “incredible” and said seeing her name alongside the club’s legends felt surreal. She added that she could not find enough words to express her emotions about representing Pakistan. Mahmood said making her international debut for Pakistan and receiving strong support from fans was an unforgettable experience. She added that inspiring the younger generation is one of her personal goals. The footballer also recalled her experience of playing three matches for Pakistan in Ivory Coast. She said scoring a goal for Pakistan against Turks and Caicos was particularly special for her. Mahmood further said that she did not have a female role model while growing up. She expressed happiness at having the opportunity to become a role model for young girls and inspire them to pursue football. Her recognition by Wrexham FC marks another significant achievement in her career and highlights the growing presence of Pakistani women in international football.

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan Test cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has expressed deep shock and grief over the deaths of 15 newborn babies in the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. In a statement shared on social media platform X, Akhtar described the incident as an extremely painful and heartbreaking tragedy. He said the loss of newborn children was devastating and called for a strict and transparent investigation into the incident. Akhtar stressed that those responsible for any negligence or failure should be identified through the investigation. He said accountability was necessary to ensure that such a tragic incident does not happen again. The former cricketer also expressed solidarity with the parents and families who lost their newborn children in the fire. “I share the grief of all the parents and families who have lost their newborn children in such a painful manner,” Akhtar said, while praying that Allah Almighty grant them patience and strength to endure the loss. The PIMS fire has sparked widespread grief and anger across Pakistan, with citizens, political figures and public personalities demanding a thorough investigation and accountability. The incident has also raised questions about safety arrangements, emergency response systems and the overall preparedness of major public hospitals to deal with emergencies.

TAROUBA: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has created a new national record in Test cricket. Abbas has surpassed legendary former captain Imran Khan to achieve Pakistan’s best bowling average among pacers with at least 100 Test wickets. The 36-year-old reached the milestone during Pakistan’s first Test against the West Indies at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. Abbas dismissed Brandon King and Kavem Hodge during the West Indies’ second innings. He had already taken three wickets in the first innings. The performance took Abbas to 115 Test wickets in 30 matches. His bowling average improved to 22.78. Imran Khan previously held the record with an average of 22.81. He took 362 wickets in 88 Tests during his career. Former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis is third on the list. He claimed 373 wickets in 87 Tests at an average of 23.56. Abbas made his Test debut against the West Indies in Kingston in 2017. He received his Test cap from then Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq. Despite his strong domestic record, Abbas spent more than three years away from Pakistan’s Test team. He returned to the side during the tour of South Africa in December 2025. Since his comeback, he has once again become an important part of Pakistan’s pace attack. In 2026, Abbas has taken 15 wickets in three Tests. His performances also include a five-wicket haul. Abbas has also built an impressive record in first-class cricket. He has taken 894 wickets in 220 matches at an average of 20.36. Among active first-class bowlers, Abbas ranks fourth for wickets. James Anderson leads the list with 1,181 wickets, followed by Simon Harmer with 1,054 and Malinda Pushpakumara with 1,010. Abbas’ latest achievement adds another milestone to his career. His accuracy and consistency have helped him become one of Pakistan’s most effective Test bowlers.