Pattaya Hosts Charity Futsal Tournament and Youth Camp Drawing Over 10,000 Participants

Pakistan achieved a historic milestone at the 2026 World Ju-Jitsu Championship by winning two gold medals and one bronze medal, marking one of the country’s finest performances in the international competition. The championship, being held at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, has attracted more than 1,500 athletes from across the world. Competitors are taking part in Under-16, Under-18, Under-21, adult and Masters categories, with the event continuing until August 9. Pakistan’s biggest success came through former Asian champions Abu Huraira and Muhammad Ammar, who secured gold medals in both the Masters Duo and Duo Show events. Their victories created history as it was Pakistan’s first-ever participation in the Masters category at the World Ju-Jitsu Championship. The pair produced outstanding performances throughout the competition, demonstrating exceptional coordination, technical excellence and consistency to finish at the top of both events. Pakistan added another medal to its tally when young athletes Muhammad Yousaf and Muhammad Umar captured the bronze medal in the Under-21 Duo category. The duo impressed judges with their teamwork, precision and discipline during the competition. Yousaf and Umar are also scheduled to compete in the Under-21 Duo Show event, where they will look to add another medal for Pakistan before the championship concludes. Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation Chairman Khalil Ahmed Khan congratulated the athletes on their remarkable achievements and described the victories as a proud moment for the country. He said the success would inspire young athletes to pursue excellence in the sport. Secretary General Tariq Ali also praised the national team, saying the results reflected years of dedication, hard work and continuous improvement by Pakistan’s ju-jitsu athletes on the international stage. The federation congratulated Abu Huraira, Muhammad Ammar, Muhammad Yousaf and Muhammad Umar for their outstanding performances and expressed confidence that the national team would continue to achieve success in the remaining events of the championship.

LEEDS: Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s participation in the opening Test against England has become uncertain after the star batter suffered a blow to his hand during a practice match against the PCC Select XI. Babar was batting on five in the 39th over when a delivery from fast bowler Manny Lumsden struck his hand. The right-hander immediately appeared uncomfortable and received treatment from the team’s medical staff before retiring hurt. The Pakistan Cricket Board later advised Babar to rest as a precaution, but a final decision on his availability for the first Test has not yet been made. The development comes at a crucial moment for Pakistan, with the three-match Test series against England scheduled to begin on Wednesday at Headingley. Babar had returned as Pakistan’s Test captain earlier this year and was selected to lead the side throughout the England tour. Babar’s possible absence would be a significant concern for Pakistan, particularly given his importance in the middle order and his leadership role. The team management is expected to take no risks with the experienced batter and will assess his condition before confirming the playing XI. Babar briefly took part in a training session at Headingley on Monday, offering some encouragement to Pakistan. However, his availability is expected to be assessed again after Tuesday’s practice session, when the medical team should have a clearer picture of his recovery. Meanwhile, Shan Masood has also resumed training in Leeds and could feature in the opening Test. Shan had been sidelined after fracturing a finger while batting during the first Test against the West Indies in Tarouba. Despite the injury, he returned to the crease in the second innings but was unable to bat in his regular position. Subsequent scans confirmed the fracture, ruling him out of the second Test. Pakistan will hope both senior batters are fit as they prepare for a demanding series in England. The first Test is scheduled for August 19-23 at Headingley, followed by matches at Lord’s and Edgbaston. With the opener only days away, Babar’s fitness has emerged as one of the biggest talking points around Pakistan’s preparations. The team will await medical clearance before deciding whether its captain is ready to take the field. Pakistan squad Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Abdullah Shafique, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel* (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.

Pakistan’s star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem failed to secure a medal in the men’s javelin final at the Commonwealth Games, finishing ninth in a field of 12 athletes. Arshad entered the competition as one of Pakistan’s strongest medal contenders. However, he was unable to produce the long throws needed to challenge for a place on the podium. His opening attempt was declared a foul and did not count towards the final standings. In his second attempt, he registered a throw of 77.41 metres. His third and final throw measured 75.39 metres, leaving him in ninth position at the end of the event. Sri Lanka’s Romesh Tharanga delivered the best performance of the competition to win the gold medal with a throw of 89.75 metres. His effort secured the top spot after an impressive display throughout the final. India’s Neeraj Chopra claimed the silver medal with a best throw of 85.83 metres. Fellow Indian athlete Yashvir Singh completed the podium by winning the bronze medal after recording a throw of 85.41 metres. The men’s javelin final featured 12 athletes from different Commonwealth nations, with several competitors producing throws beyond the 85-metre mark. Arshad was unable to find his rhythm during the competition and remained well behind the leading performers. The result came as a disappointment for Pakistani fans, who had hoped Arshad would add another major international medal to his impressive career. Despite missing out on the podium, he remains one of Pakistan’s most successful athletes and has consistently represented the country with distinction at international events. Arshad has previously won medals at major competitions and is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading javelin throwers. His achievements have inspired a new generation of athletes in Pakistan and raised the profile of athletics in the country.

West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph has responded sharply to comments made by head coach Daren Sammy. The issue stems from his exclusion from the Test squad for the ongoing series against Pakistan. Joseph did not make the cut for the series. Cricket West Indies had initially explained his absence, citing personal reasons. Later, Sammy offered a different version. He said the pacer had declined the chance to play. Speaking to a Caribbean news outlet, Joseph addressed Sammy’s remarks directly. He said he had already spoken with both Sammy and Cricket West Indies about the matter. He pointed out that the official statement clearly mentioned personal reasons. Given Sammy’s long experience in the game, Joseph said the coach would have known exactly how his comments might land publicly. He added that he had nothing more to say on the issue. The 29-year-old then turned to his fitness struggles. He explained that he has been out of action for a full year. This followed a second stress fracture, which kept him away from international cricket at full intensity for a long stretch. Joseph called Sammy’s remarks controversial. He argued that his body simply was not ready for the physical demands of a Test series. He recalled recent conversations about his workload. This included playing two Test matches alongside five back-to-back ODIs against New Zealand earlier this month. He said he personally knew his body needed time before taking on another long format series. Without proper context, he felt the statement gave an incomplete picture of the situation. Despite the disagreement, Joseph made his priorities clear. He said his focus remains firmly on his job. He is representing the West Indies, not any individual, including the head coach. He added that he is not there to build friendships. His only goal, he said, is to work hard and represent the people of the West Indies. On the field, West Indies currently lead the two-match Test series 1-0. A win in the second Test would give them their first series victory over Pakistan since 2000. This adds even more weight to a contest that has already stirred plenty of conversation off the field. As the series heads toward its conclusion, all attention now shifts to how this selection controversy might shape team dynamics going forward, both on and off the pitch.