Stephen Curry ‘wants to finish his career as a Warrior,’ says GM

The body of Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, who went missing following a deadly avalanche on Broad Peak, has been recovered by local volunteers and brought down to the mountain’s base camp, the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said on Thursday. The recovery brings some closure to the family and friends of Sakhi, who was among a 10-member international expedition caught in the avalanche on July 30. The expedition was led by renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who was accompanied by six elite Nepali guides and other international climbers. The group lost contact after the avalanche struck the mountain, one of the highest peaks in the world. Purja’s company later confirmed that there were no survivors from the expedition. Seven bodies had previously been recovered, while the search for Sakhi, American climber Sarah Mallory Geis, and Nepalese climber Nawang Thindu Sherpa was suspended last week because of the continuing danger of fresh avalanches. On Thursday, ACP member and Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani confirmed that Sakhi’s remains had been found by a group of local volunteers from Shigar. According to Kiani, Muhammad Nadeem, Muhammad Bashir and Abuzar were searching the area on their own initiative when they spotted the body. They immediately alerted other people in the area before working with fellow volunteers to bring the remains down from Camp 1. The body was located at an altitude of around 5,600 metres before being transported to Broad Peak Base Camp. ACP General Secretary Ayaz Shigri told Dawn that the body would be transported to Skardu by Pakistan Army helicopter, provided weather conditions allowed an air operation. The recovery operation remains challenging because of unstable conditions on the mountain. Shigri said the bodies of the two remaining missing climbers had not yet been found. He added that rescue teams would resume their search once weather conditions improve and authorities determine that the area is safe for rescuers. Broad Peak, located in the Karakoram range of Gilgit-Baltistan, is known for its extreme altitude, unpredictable weather and difficult climbing conditions. The latest tragedy once again highlights the risks faced by mountaineers attempting some of the world’s highest peaks. For Sakhi’s loved ones, however, the recovery of his body provides an important final step after weeks of uncertainty. The focus now shifts to bringing him home safely and continuing efforts to locate the two climbers who remain missing.

Slovenian cycling star Tadej Pogačar secured his fifth Tour de France title on Sunday, equalling one of the race’s greatest records after another dominant performance across the three-week competition. The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider successfully defended the famous yellow jersey, cementing his place among cycling’s all-time greats with yet another commanding victory. Pogačar entered the final stage with an unassailable overall lead, allowing him to celebrate his latest triumph after consistently outperforming his rivals throughout this year’s Tour. His victory places him alongside the legends of the sport who have won cycling’s most prestigious race five times, further strengthening his remarkable legacy at just 27 years of age. Although the general classification had already been decided, the final stage into Paris delivered plenty of excitement. Heavy rain forced organisers to modify the traditional finish, but the riders still produced an entertaining finale that thrilled spectators lining the streets of the French capital. The decisive action came on the final climb of Montmartre, where Mathieu van der Poel and Pogačar launched an attack with around 10 kilometres remaining. The pair broke clear of the peloton and worked together as a chasing group of sprinters attempted to close the gap before the finish. As the race entered its closing stages, Pogačar began to lose momentum. With less than 700 metres remaining and the chasing pack rapidly closing in, Van der Poel made his decisive move. The Dutch rider attacked alone, leaving Pogačar unable to respond as he surged towards the finish line. Van der Poel’s late acceleration proved just enough to secure the stage victory. In a dramatic sprint to the line, he held off Jasper Philipsen, his Alpecin-Deceuninck teammate, by just half a wheel length in a photo finish. Denmark’s Mads Pedersen completed the podium in third place after another impressive ride. While Van der Poel celebrated the prestigious stage win, the day ultimately belonged to Pogačar. The Slovenian’s overall victory capped another exceptional Tour de France campaign in which he displayed his superiority in the mountains, time trials and key stages. His consistency throughout the race ensured that none of his challengers were able to threaten his grip on the yellow jersey. Pogačar’s latest triumph further enhances his reputation as one of the defining cyclists of his generation. Matching the historic milestone of five Tour de France victories places him among the sport’s elite, and with several years of his career still ahead of him, many believe he has the potential to set a new all-time record. As celebrations began in Paris, cycling fans around the world praised both the thrilling final stage and Pogačar’s remarkable achievement. His fifth Tour de France title marks another landmark moment in an already extraordinary career, while Van der Poel’s spectacular late attack ensured the race concluded with a memorable finish worthy of cycling’s biggest event.

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has said he is ready to serve Pakistan cricket in any capacity, provided he is given the freedom to perform his responsibilities without unnecessary interference. Speaking to reporters in Karachi, the legendary batter said he has consistently conveyed the same message to successive Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairmen: if entrusted with a role, he should be allowed to carry it out independently. “I have always told PCB chairmen that if you give me a role, give me the complete opportunity to do the job. Don’t tie my hands,” Younis said. Addressing speculation that he seeks greater authority within the cricket setup, the former skipper dismissed the perception, insisting that his focus has always been on delivering results rather than acquiring power. “I often hear people saying Younis Khan wants power. What would I do with power?” he remarked, adding that he has never pursued positions for influence but has instead emphasized the importance of professional autonomy. Younis said that whenever he discussed working with the PCB, his only condition was to be allowed to build and develop the team according to the responsibilities assigned to him. He also downplayed the importance of financial incentives, saying that freedom to work effectively mattered more than salary or contractual packages. “For me, independence in my work and the ability to deliver are far more important than any package,” he said. “If I were ever to negotiate over financial matters, it would be for the player in the weakest position, not for myself.” Reflecting on Pakistan cricket’s future, Younis expressed confidence that the national team could regain its former strength if players accepted greater responsibility and adopted a long-term mindset. He recalled the period after the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, when the departure of senior players created challenges but also opened opportunities for younger cricketers to step up. “We accepted responsibility after the 2003 World Cup. If today’s players think bigger and take ownership, the results will also be bigger and more positive,” he said. Younis’ comments come amid ongoing discussions about Pakistan cricket’s direction and the role experienced former players can play in rebuilding the national team’s competitiveness.