Punjab’s top tennis talent gathers for Ali Embroidery Mills High-Performance Training Camp

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.

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered another impressive performance as India defeated Zimbabwe by 35 runs in the third T20I at Harare Sports Club on Sunday. The victory helped India complete a 3-0 series sweep and bounce back strongly after disappointing T20I series defeats against Ireland and England. India were invited to bat first and posted 192-5 in their 20 overs. Sooryavanshi led the charge with a blistering 81 off 49 balls, smashing eight fours and four sixes. The 15-year-old immediately showed his attacking intent, hitting Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza for a boundary from the opening delivery. He reached his half-century from 31 balls before being dismissed in the 14th over. Sooryavanshi has enjoyed a remarkable series in Zimbabwe. He began with a stunning half-century from just 18 balls in the opening match and followed it with a quick 20 off nine deliveries in the second game. His latest innings further underlined his growing reputation as one of India’s most exciting young batting talents. Ishan Kishan also contributed with a brisk 29, hitting four boundaries before being dismissed by Raza. Zimbabwe struggled during the chase and slipped to 65-4, with opener Brian Bennett and captain Raza both departing without scoring. Ryan Burl provided some resistance with an unbeaten 54, while Wessly Madhevere added 28. The pair shared a 60-run partnership for the fifth wicket, but Zimbabwe could not maintain the required scoring rate. The hosts eventually finished at 157-7, falling 35 runs short of India’s target. The result gave India a much-needed boost after their recent struggles overseas. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, suffered their second consecutive T20I series defeat after losing 2-1 to Bangladesh.

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s hopes of returning to international cricket appear to have suffered a major setback after the government ruled out his comeback following his participation in a programme featuring former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. According to international media reports, Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque said there was little scope for the government to continue taking a lenient approach towards the veteran cricketer after he appeared alongside Hasina at a media event. Shakib, 39, joined the programme by telephone while Sheikh Hasina addressed journalists in New Delhi on Wednesday. The event was held nearly two years after Hasina was removed from power following mass student-led protests. Speaking about Shakib’s situation, Haque indicated that the government had previously been willing to consider the cricketer’s case with patience and flexibility. However, he suggested that the latest development had changed the situation significantly. “We had been looking at the matter with considerable tolerance and flexibility,” the minister said, according to reports. “But after this, I do not think there is any room to look at the matter in the same way.” The minister further questioned Shakib’s prospects of representing Bangladesh again after his public association with Hasina. Shakib was previously a member of parliament for Hasina’s Awami League and had been politically associated with the former ruling party. His involvement in the programme has therefore attracted renewed scrutiny at a time when his future with the national team remains uncertain. The former Bangladesh captain has also been linked to legal proceedings arising from the deadly crackdown on protesters that preceded Hasina’s departure from power. Shakib has previously said he would be willing to return to Bangladesh and face the cases against him if adequate security were guaranteed. His current circumstances have made a return to international cricket increasingly complicated. Shakib is currently in Sri Lanka and remains among a group of individuals facing investigations connected to the violence during the protests. The latest government stance could now effectively close the door on a comeback for one of Bangladesh’s most successful cricketers. Shakib has enjoyed an illustrious international career, establishing himself as one of the country’s leading all-rounders across Test, ODI and T20I cricket. His experience and record have made him a significant figure in Bangladesh cricket for more than a decade. However, his political links and the legal controversy surrounding the events that followed Hasina’s removal have increasingly overshadowed his cricketing legacy. With the government now taking a much firmer position, Shakib’s return to the Bangladesh national team appears more uncertain than ever. The development could mark a dramatic and potentially final chapter in the international career of one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated cricketers.

LONDON: Pakistan are considering changes to their playing XI for the second Test against England at Lord’s after a heavy defeat in Leeds exposed several weaknesses in the visitors’ lineup. The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin on August 27, with Pakistan’s team management expected to finalise the playing XI after assessing conditions in London. Pakistan suffered a disappointing start to the series, losing the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs. The result has prompted the management to consider adjustments as the team looks to bounce back at the home of cricket. One of the major possibilities is a rest for wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. His potential absence would open the door for another player to take responsibility behind the stumps while allowing the team management to refresh its batting combination. The biggest question, however, surrounds Babar Azam. The former Pakistan captain missed the first Test because of a finger injury, but team management remains hopeful that he will recover in time to return for the Lord’s match. If Babar is declared fit, Azan Awais is reportedly likely to make way. His return would provide Pakistan with considerable experience in the middle order at a crucial stage of the series. Bowling plans could also change according to the conditions at Lord’s. Sources indicate that Pakistan may consider playing two spinners if the pitch and weather point towards a slower, drier contest. The management is also reportedly considering young fast bowler Ubaid Shah because of his extra pace. His ability to generate speed could provide Pakistan with a different attacking option against England’s strong batting lineup. The conditions in London are expected to differ from those encountered in Leeds. Reports suggest a relatively dry and potentially flat surface could be prepared, increasing the possibility of a match in which batting becomes easier as the game progresses. For Pakistan, the Lord’s Test is more than another fixture in the series. After being comprehensively beaten in Leeds, they need a strong response to regain confidence and keep the series alive. England, meanwhile, will enter the match with momentum and will be confident of repeating their dominant performance. Pakistan’s final XI could therefore prove crucial as they attempt to turn the tide at one of cricket’s most historic venues.