From Beda to UP: James Payosing brings premium spark to UAAP

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.

LOS ANGELES: Austin Reaves has just secured a massive new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, but his long-term future in Hollywood could still become a major talking point after the franchise made sweeping changes to its roster this summer. The Lakers have entered a new era with their focus increasingly centred on Luka Doncic, while the departure of LeBron James has changed the shape and direction of the team. Reaves, meanwhile, remains an important part of the Lakers’ plans. The 28-year-old guard re-signed with Los Angeles in late June on a four-year, $180 million contract, including a player option in the final season. The deal appeared to confirm that the Lakers viewed Reaves as a key piece alongside Doncic. His contract also reportedly gives Los Angeles greater financial flexibility moving forward, including the possibility of pursuing another player with the non-taxpayer mid-level exception next summer. But the Lakers’ subsequent move for centre Walker Kessler has complicated the picture. Los Angeles acquired Kessler from the Utah Jazz in July, reportedly committing significant draft capital in the process. The move reflects the Lakers’ desire to secure a long-term defensive presence in the frontcourt, but it also reduced the number of valuable assets available to the franchise. That situation has prompted NBA insider Zach Lowe to raise an intriguing possibility: Reaves could eventually become a trade candidate. Lowe argued that the Lakers paid heavily for Kessler and now have fewer tradeable assets with which to reshape the roster. “There’s no question that they overpaid for him,” Lowe said, suggesting the Lakers may eventually have to decide whether the current roster is good enough or whether they need to pivot by moving Reaves. The logic behind the speculation is straightforward. Doncic is now firmly positioned as the franchise cornerstone, making it highly unlikely that Los Angeles would consider moving him. Reaves, however, could command significant interest around the league if the Lakers eventually decide they need additional draft capital or another major piece. That does not mean a trade is imminent. In fact, Reaves could be more important to the Lakers than ever during the upcoming season. With James no longer in the picture, the team will need additional scoring, playmaking and leadership around Doncic. Reaves has already demonstrated that he can thrive in a high-pressure environment, evolving from an undrafted player into one of the Lakers’ most valuable contributors. His new contract suggests the organisation believes he can play an important role in its next chapter. Yet NBA roster building can change quickly. If the Lakers struggle to build a championship-calibre supporting cast around Doncic, Reaves’ value could become a tempting trade asset — particularly because the team has already sacrificed considerable draft capital to acquire Kessler. For now, Reaves remains a Laker and an important part of the franchise’s post-LeBron era. But with Doncic at the centre, Kessler anchoring the future frontcourt and the Lakers’ trade assets significantly reduced, one question is beginning to emerge: Could Austin Reaves ultimately become the price Los Angeles pays to build its next championship team?