Pattaya Holds Successful “King of Fight: Sand Fury by Pattaya” Beachside Muay Thai Event to Boost Soft Power and Tourism

Pakistan concluded its campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with just one medal, marking the country’s poorest performance at the event in more than three decades. Pakistan sent a contingent of 21 athletes to compete across various disciplines but returned with only a single medal. The country’s sole podium finish came in women’s boxing, where Fatima Zahra secured a medal for Pakistan. The result marks the first time since the 1998 Commonwealth Games that Pakistan has finished the event with only one medal. In 1998, the country won a lone silver medal. It was also Pakistan’s weakest Commonwealth Games performance in the last 36 years. The only poorer result came in 1990, when the national contingent failed to win any medal. Pakistan’s hopes of improving its medal tally on the final day were dashed when judoka Shah Hussain Shah was eliminated in his opening bout, ending the country’s campaign without any further success. Shah Hussain Shah and Olympic javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem had been widely regarded as Pakistan’s strongest medal prospects heading into the Games. However, both athletes fell short of expectations and were unable to secure podium finishes. The disappointing campaign stands in sharp contrast to Pakistan’s performance at the previous Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham four years ago, where the country won a total of seven medals, including two gold medals. The latest results have raised concerns over Pakistan’s overall performance in international multi-sport events, with the country finishing the Glasgow Games with only one medal despite sending athletes in several disciplines.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially confirmed the 12 venues that will host matches during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, taking a major step forward in preparations for the prestigious tournament. The host cities were unveiled during a launch event in Johannesburg, where tournament officials also introduced the event’s official branding, theme and slogan. South Africa will host the majority of the matches across eight venues, while Zimbabwe will stage fixtures at three venues. Namibia will make history by hosting Cricket World Cup matches for the first time, with games scheduled to be played in its capital, Windhoek. The launch ceremony featured several prominent cricket personalities, including former South Africa captain Graeme Smith, legendary fast bowler Makhaya Ntini, batting great Hashim Amla, current Proteas captain Temba Bavuma and fast bowler Kagiso Rabada. Former Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza and Namibia representative Rudolf Jansen van Vuuren also attended the event, highlighting the partnership between the three host nations. The 2027 edition will mark the return of the men’s 50-over Cricket World Cup to Africa for the first time since 2003, when South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya jointly hosted the tournament. A total of 14 teams will compete in the expanded competition, offering more matches and greater opportunities for emerging cricketing nations to participate on the global stage. Tournament organizers also revealed the official theme, “Three Nations, One Heartbeat,” representing the unity and shared vision of South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe as co-hosts. The tournament’s visual identity is inspired by the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasizes humanity, togetherness and collective strength. Often expressed through the phrase, “I am because we are,” Ubuntu reflects the spirit of unity the hosts hope to showcase throughout the event. Organizers also introduced the official slogan, “Make the Circle Bigger,” symbolizing inclusivity, community and the ambition to welcome more people into the global cricket family. With the venues confirmed and the tournament identity officially launched, preparations for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 are set to gather pace as the three host nations prepare to welcome teams and fans from around the world.

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.