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Pakistan’s trailblazing boxer Fatima Zehra believes she had the potential to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games if she had access to the same level of training facilities and international exposure as many of her competitors. The 22-year-old made history by becoming the first Pakistani woman to win a boxing medal at the Commonwealth Games after claiming bronze in the women’s 60kg category. Although she narrowly missed out on a place in the final, Fatima described the achievement as a proud moment for herself and for Pakistan. Reflecting on her campaign, Fatima said her main objective before the tournament was to secure a medal, while also hoping to progress to the final. She admitted that the competition was extremely challenging, with many of her opponents benefiting from extensive international training and experience. Her journey ended in the semi-finals, where she faced Canada’s Marie-Bathoul Al-Ahmadieh. Fatima acknowledged that her opponent’s speed and international experience proved decisive, making it difficult to overcome the challenge. Despite the defeat, she expressed satisfaction with her bronze medal, saying it was earned against some of the strongest boxers in the competition. She also noted that competing at such a high level allowed her to gain valuable experience by observing other elite athletes and learning from every bout. Fatima highlighted the gap between Pakistan’s sporting infrastructure and that of leading boxing nations. She pointed out that several countries, including regional rivals, organized overseas training camps in the United States before the Games, while Pakistan’s preparations took place entirely at home. According to Fatima, world-class coaching facilities, modern training environments, and regular international competition are essential if Pakistani athletes are to consistently challenge for top honors on the global stage. She believes greater government investment in sports development would significantly improve the country’s chances of success. The young boxer also acknowledged the role played by the Pakistan Army, the Pakistan Boxing Federation, and her coach, Raheel Adnan, crediting them for their guidance and support throughout her preparation. She said their encouragement was instrumental in helping her achieve the historic milestone. Looking ahead, Fatima has already shifted her focus to the upcoming Asian Games, which are scheduled to take place in Japan in September. She hopes the experience gained at the Commonwealth Games will strengthen her performances against Asia’s top competitors. Fatima previously won a bronze medal at the 2025 Islamic Games in Saudi Arabia, and she is determined to build on that success by aiming for an even stronger finish at the Asian Games. Her boxing journey has not been without challenges. She revealed that although boxing now runs in her family, her parents initially opposed her decision to pursue the sport. After competing at the Punjab level, she was forced to step away from boxing because of her family’s concerns. However, her coach Raheel Adnan convinced them to give her another opportunity, a decision that ultimately changed her career. Today, her family fully supports her ambitions, and her two sisters, Dua and Aiman, along with her younger brother Naday Ali, have also taken up boxing. Fatima secured her historic Commonwealth Games bronze after defeating New Zealand’s Jordan Wilson by a unanimous 5-0 decision in the quarter-finals. Under tournament rules, both losing semi-finalists were awarded bronze medals, marking a landmark achievement for women’s boxing in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s batting frailties remain a major concern after a disappointing display in the opening Test against the West Indies, where the visitors failed to chase a modest target and suffered a heavy defeat. Set 211 runs for victory, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure and was dismissed for just 120, raising fresh questions about the team’s ability to perform in challenging conditions. The collapse exposed familiar weaknesses against disciplined fast bowling, with only former captain Babar Azam showing resistance. Remaining unbeaten on 58, Babar stood firm while wickets continued to tumble around him, but his lone effort was not enough to keep Pakistan in the contest. The batting unit struggled to build partnerships from the outset as the West Indies bowlers exploited the conditions brilliantly. The pace attack maintained consistent line and length, making the most of the bowler-friendly surface to keep the Pakistani batters under constant pressure. Regular breakthroughs prevented Pakistan from gaining any momentum during the chase. Apart from Babar’s fighting knock, no batter managed to make a meaningful contribution. Several players got starts but failed to convert them into significant scores, allowing the West Indies to dominate throughout the innings. Poor shot selection and an inability to adapt to the conditions further compounded Pakistan’s problems. The defeat also highlighted the struggles of Pakistan’s middle order. Captain Salman Ali Agha endured a disappointing outing, failing to make an impact in either innings of the Test. His inability to anchor the innings or guide the lower order placed additional pressure on the rest of the batting lineup. Experienced wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan also had a forgettable match. Known for his resilience and ability to perform under pressure, Rizwan was unable to deliver in both innings, leaving Pakistan without the stability they often rely on in difficult situations. His lack of runs was a significant setback for the visitors. With the series now moving to Port of Spain, Pakistan will need a much-improved batting performance if they hope to level the contest. The top and middle order must take greater responsibility, particularly against a confident West Indies bowling attack that has already shown its ability to exploit weaknesses. Babar Azam’s unbeaten half-century remains one of the few positives from the defeat, demonstrating that success is possible even in demanding conditions with the right approach. However, Pakistan cannot depend on one batter alone. Greater contributions are needed from senior players, especially Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan, if the team is to bounce back. As the second Test approaches, Pakistan face a crucial opportunity to respond. A stronger batting display will be essential if they are to challenge the West Indies, keep the series alive, and restore confidence after a disappointing start.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing growing criticism after abandoning a controversial proposal to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup, a move that has raised questions about his leadership and decision-making within world football’s governing body. The proposal sparked strong opposition from several football organizations, particularly regional confederations and professional leagues, who argued that such a major commercial decision should not have been pursued without broader consultation. Critics believe the plan exposed concerns over transparency and governance at FIFA. Claudius Schaefer, the chairman of the organization representing 53 professional men’s and women’s football leagues across Europe and the chief executive of the Swiss Football League, said the handling of the proposal had seriously damaged confidence in FIFA’s leadership. According to Schaefer, the situation would have significant consequences in most organizations, especially when a senior executive advances a major business initiative without informing or involving key governing bodies. He suggested that the controversy has left Infantino’s position under increased scrutiny. The proposal was officially withdrawn after widespread resistance from football stakeholders. The decision came following criticism from various regional football confederations, with UEFA and CONCACAF publicly expressing that they had lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership after the episode. Schaefer argued that the failed proposal reflected a broader concern about FIFA’s priorities. He said the organization appeared increasingly focused on generating greater commercial revenue rather than protecting the long-term interests of football competitions, players, clubs, and domestic leagues. He also warned that expanding commercial opportunities could encourage FIFA to create even larger tournaments and increase the number of international matches. Such developments, he said, would place additional pressure on an already crowded football calendar. Professional leagues have repeatedly voiced concerns over fixture congestion, arguing that players are being asked to participate in too many matches throughout the season. Domestic competitions, they say, often bear the consequences when international tournaments continue to expand. Schaefer emphasized that national leagues remain the foundation of professional football and should not be weakened by decisions aimed primarily at increasing commercial returns. He argued that any future reforms to international competitions must balance financial objectives with the welfare of players and the health of domestic football. Another major point of criticism centered on FIFA’s decision-making process. Schaefer claimed that even members of the FIFA Council—the organization’s highest decision-making body—were reportedly unaware of the proposal before it became public. He described this lack of consultation as surprising and said it raised serious concerns about governance within FIFA. The controversy has intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability in football administration. Many stakeholders believe decisions involving the commercial future of the World Cup should involve extensive discussion with FIFA’s governing bodies, member associations, leagues, and other key partners before being considered. Although FIFA has now withdrawn the proposal, the fallout continues to fuel debate over leadership, governance, and the future direction of world football. With criticism coming from influential football organizations across different regions, pressure remains on Infantino to rebuild trust and demonstrate a more inclusive approach to decision-making on matters affecting the global game.