Redemption as John Cabang Tolentino hurdles to Asian Games bronze

LAHORE: Pakistan’s national hockey team has left Lahore for the Netherlands and Belgium, where the Green Shirts will begin their long-awaited campaign at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. The team departed from Allama Iqbal International Airport on Sunday, August 9, with players and coaching staff heading to Europe with hopes of making a strong impression on the world stage. The World Cup is scheduled to take place from August 15 to 30, with matches being played across venues in the Netherlands and Belgium. Pakistan are returning to the tournament after an eight-year absence, adding extra significance to their campaign. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has also released Rs200 million in foreign daily allowances for the players ahead of the competition. The amount has been transferred to the accounts of the team members. According to the PHF, all major logistical arrangements for the squad have been completed. Travel, accommodation and food arrangements for players and coaching staff have also been finalised, allowing the team to focus fully on preparations for the tournament. PHF President Mohyuddin Wani said the welfare of players and coaches remained a top priority. He added that financial and administrative matters had been addressed before the team’s departure. Pakistan secured their place in the World Cup after producing a dramatic comeback against Japan in the qualifying tournament earlier this year. The victory ended an eight-year wait for the former world champions to return to hockey’s biggest stage. The Green Shirts have been placed in Pool D alongside England, India and Wales, setting up a demanding group-stage campaign. Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign against England on August 15, followed by Wales on August 17 and arch-rivals India on August 19. With the team now on its way, attention will turn to whether Pakistan can turn its return to the global stage into a memorable tournament.

Pakistan suffered a heavy eight-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in the second women’s ODI despite a brilliant unbeaten century from opener Sidra Amin. After being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted 273 for five in their 50 overs. Sidra led the innings with a composed 100 not out from 120 balls, striking 13 boundaries. It was her seventh century in women’s ODIs. Ayesha Zafar added 49 from 45 deliveries, while Muneeba Ali scored 45. Captain Fatima Sana contributed a quick 25 from 18 balls to help Pakistan reach a competitive total. Sri Lanka, however, produced a dominant response and chased down the target in just 46.5 overs, winning by eight wickets and drawing the three-match series level at 1-1. The hosts’ chase was built around a record partnership between Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama. The pair put together 203 runs, the highest partnership for any wicket in Sri Lanka’s women’s ODI history and the team’s first 200-plus stand in the format. Gunaratne played an aggressive innings, scoring 123 from 123 balls with 11 fours and a six. Samarawickrama remained unbeaten after reaching her century, while Kavisha Dilhari provided the finishing push with an unbeaten 40 from 33 balls. Pakistan made an early breakthrough when Fatima Sana dismissed Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu for just one run. However, Gunaratne and Samarawickrama quickly took control and kept Pakistan’s bowlers under pressure. Sidra said Pakistan had adapted well to the conditions but needed to improve their approach against Sri Lanka’s slower bowling. She also acknowledged that the bowling attack needed to be more disciplined in the decisive match. She said Pakistan would look to bowl straighter and target the stumps to restrict Sri Lanka’s batters from opening up and scoring freely. With the series tied 1-1, both teams will now compete in the final ODI with the series trophy at stake.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has withdrawn its previous support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, adding to growing pressure on the football governing body’s leadership. The FAI confirmed the decision after a board meeting and said it had formally written to FIFA to explain why it was rescinding a letter of support issued earlier this year. The association cited concerns over governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation. The decision comes amid a widening dispute over FIFA’s leadership and a controversial proposal involving the commercial rights of the World Cup. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have criticised Infantino’s handling of the issue, accusing FIFA of a serious breakdown in trust. Ireland’s move represents another setback for Infantino as he seeks another term in office at the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027. New Zealand has also withdrawn its backing, while several European associations have publicly opposed Infantino’s leadership. Northern Ireland’s football association, meanwhile, has backed UEFA’s position and said it would continue engaging on issues related to football governance. The contrasting positions on the island underline the wider divisions emerging within international football. Despite the growing opposition, Infantino retains support from several influential football bodies, including the African confederation and a number of Arab football associations. The FIFA presidency therefore remains a closely contested political battle rather than a settled outcome. With more national associations reassessing their positions, the dispute is expected to remain a major issue ahead of the 2027 FIFA election. Ireland’s decision further highlights the mounting calls for greater transparency, consultation and accountability in the governance of world football.