world cup hero
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World Cup hero Vozinha joins Chilean giants Colo-Colo

ByJustpaste.in

SANTIAGO: Cape Verde’s inspirational goalkeeper Josimar Jose Evore Dias, widely known as Vozinha, has completed a remarkable transfer to Chilean football powerhouse Colo-Colo, capping off an extraordinary rise that began with his unforgettable performances at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Chilean Premier Division leaders confirmed the signing on Monday after the veteran goalkeeper successfully passed his medical examination. The 40-year-old has signed a six-month contract, with the club holding an option to extend his stay for another year if both parties agree.

Vozinha became one of the biggest surprise stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Cape Verde made history by reaching the knockout stage in their debut appearance at football’s biggest tournament. Although the African side eventually bowed out after a narrow Round of 32 defeat to eventual finalists Argentina, the team’s fearless performances won admiration across the globe.

At the heart of Cape Verde’s historic campaign was Vozinha, whose spectacular reflex saves and commanding presence between the posts frustrated some of the world’s strongest teams. He played a decisive role in helping his nation secure impressive draws against eventual champions Spain and two-time world champions Uruguay during the group stage, earning widespread praise from fans and football pundits alike.

His World Cup heroics also transformed him into a global social media phenomenon. Before the tournament, Vozinha had a modest online following of around 50,000 on Instagram. Within weeks of his standout performances, that number had skyrocketed to nearly 29.5 million followers, making him one of the fastest-rising football personalities of the year.

According to Chilean media, Vozinha could make his much-anticipated debut for Colo-Colo on August 16 against O’Higgins as the club looks to maintain its lead in the domestic league and strengthen its title challenge.

Adding another heartwarming chapter to his story, Chilean football authorities approved Colo-Colo’s request to allow the goalkeeper to wear his famous nickname, “Vozinha,” on the back of his jersey. Rival clubs reportedly supported the application, ensuring the fan-favourite identity remains part of his football journey.

Interestingly, the nickname means “little grandmother” in Portuguese. It originated during his childhood when older boys teasingly called him by the name because he would often run home to the grandparents who raised him after losing neighbourhood football matches.

Before arriving in Chile, Vozinha represented Portuguese second-division side Chaves and previously played club football in Angola, Cyprus, Moldova and Slovakia. His latest move marks another remarkable milestone in a career defined by perseverance, resilience and an unforgettable World Cup fairytale.

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    Swedish DJ Axwell to headline Karachi’s first electronic music event

    ByJustpaste.in

    Karachi is preparing to host its first-ever international electronic music event. Swedish DJ and producer Axwell will headline “First Light” on September 19 at Moin Khan Academy, DHA Sports Club, according to a statement from OP Productions. Axwell, whose real name is Axel Christofer Hedfors, is a member of the globally renowned group Swedish House Mafia. Organisers describe him as one of the most influential figures in modern electronic music. Conceived and creatively directed by OP Productions CEO Omer H Paracha, “First Light” draws its name from the symbolic moment of dawn breaking. According to the statement, the event has been designed as a cinematic, light-driven production, combining an international headliner with a custom-built stage, large-scale visuals, and a strong emphasis on audience safety and overall experience. Local acts Bilal Brohi and Hazey will open the night ahead of Axwell’s headline performance, organisers confirmed. OP Productions described Pakistan as one of the largest untapped markets in global live entertainment. The company pointed to the country’s population of more than 240 million and its notably young median age as key factors that make it an attractive destination for international touring artists. According to the organisers, “First Light” is intended to serve as a long-term platform for bringing global touring acts to Pakistan, positioning the country more firmly on the international live-entertainment map. Paracha said the event is meant to show the world what Pakistan is truly ready for. He added that Pakistanis deserve the chance to experience world-class live entertainment, and that the country has every right to claim its place on the global stage. He further stated that Pakistan already has the audience, energy and appetite for large-scale live events, and that “First Light” aims to prove the country is fully capable of hosting them. Tickets are being sold through Ticketwala, with Bronze, Silver, Gold, VIP and Platinum categories available. Limited early-bird pricing is currently on offer across select tiers. Organisers also confirmed a dedicated Pink section has been reserved exclusively for solo women, reflecting the event’s stated commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment for all attendees. OP Productions describes itself as a Karachi-based live-entertainment company specialising in international artist bookings, large-scale event production, and ticketing operations across Pakistan.

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    Two sewer workers die of suffocation while cleanin…

    ByJustpaste.in

    MULTAN: Two workers of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) lost their lives after suffocating while cleaning a sewer line near BCG Chowk in Multan, according to rescue officials. The incident occurred late at night when the two employees were carrying out cleaning work inside the sewer. Rescue sources said the workers became unconscious due to a lack of oxygen and were unable to escape. Local residents later retrieved the bodies from the sewer and handed them over to the families. Police said the workers had been performing the hazardous task without proper protective equipment, raising fresh concerns about the safety measures provided to sanitation workers engaged in sewer-cleaning operations. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine why the workers were allowed to enter the sewer without adequate safety gear.

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    Fatima Zahra secures Pakistan’s first Commonweal…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Pakistan received its first major success at the Commonwealth Games as national boxer Fatima Zahra secured a place in the women’s boxing semifinals, guaranteeing the country’s first medal of the tournament. Competing in the women’s 60kg weight category, Fatima Zahra delivered a dominant performance in the quarterfinals, defeating New Zealand’s Jordan Wilson by a unanimous 5-0 decision. With the victory, the Pakistani boxer advanced to the semifinals and ensured at least a bronze medal for her country under the competition’s boxing format. The quarterfinal bout took place at the SEC Hall Five in Glasgow, where Fatima Zahra displayed confidence, composure, and technical superiority throughout the contest. She controlled all three rounds with disciplined boxing, combining effective footwork, accurate punches, and strong defensive skills to keep her opponent under pressure from the opening bell until the final round. Her impressive display left no room for doubt among the judges. All five judges scored the contest in her favor, awarding her a comprehensive unanimous decision victory over Jordan Wilson. The result marked one of Pakistan’s most significant achievements at the ongoing Commonwealth Games and provided an early boost to the country’s medal hopes. According to the boxing competition rules, every athlete who reaches the semifinals is guaranteed at least a bronze medal, as there is no third-place playoff. By advancing to the last four, Fatima Zahra officially secured Pakistan’s first medal of the Games, regardless of the outcome of her semifinal contest. The achievement is another milestone in Fatima Zahra’s growing international career. She has consistently represented Pakistan on the global stage and has already established herself as one of the country’s leading female boxers. Her latest success reflects both her dedication and the steady progress she has made through years of hard work and international competition. This is not the first time Fatima Zahra has won a medal for Pakistan at a major sporting event. She previously claimed a bronze medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games, where her performances earned widespread praise and highlighted her potential to compete against some of the best boxers in the region. That experience has helped strengthen her confidence and prepared her for bigger challenges on the international stage. Following her convincing victory in the quarterfinals, Fatima Zahra has now set her sights on the semifinal, where she will aim to continue her winning run and secure a place in the gold medal match. A victory in the next round would guarantee Pakistan either a silver or gold medal, making it one of the country’s most notable boxing achievements in recent years. Her qualification for the semifinals has been welcomed as an encouraging moment for Pakistan’s sporting community, particularly for women’s boxing, which continues to grow despite facing limited resources and opportunities. Fatima Zahra’s success is expected to inspire aspiring female athletes across the country and demonstrate that Pakistani women can compete successfully at the highest levels of international sport. With a guaranteed bronze medal already secured, all eyes will now be on Fatima Zahra as she prepares for the semifinal showdown. Pakistani fans will be hoping she can maintain her outstanding form, overcome her next opponent, and move one step closer to winning the Commonwealth Games title, adding another memorable chapter to Pakistan’s sporting history.

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    372 honoured with Pakistan Civil Awards on Indepen…

    ByJustpaste.in

        ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has announced the Pakistan Civil Awards 2026 honouring 372 Pakistani citizens, overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals for their outstanding achievements, services and acts of courage in various fields. The awards were announced on August 14, 2026 on the occasion of Independence Day, by the President of Pakistan. According to an official press release issued by the Cabinet Division, the honours recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional performance, excellence, dedication and bravery. The awards will formally be conferred at an Investiture Ceremony on Pakistan Day, March 23, 2027. The recipients come from diverse fields, including science, engineering, education, medicine, literature, arts, sports, journalism, social welfare, philanthropy and public service. A significant number have also been recognised for gallantry and sacrifices made while performing their duties. Among scientists, Dr Shahid Mahmud has been selected for the Hilal-i-Imtiaz in Science (I.T.), while Prof Dr Syed Zafar Ilyas and Prof Dr Mudassir Asrar will receive the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. Several other scientists, including Dr Sajjad Hussain, Prof Dr Aneela Zameer Jaffery and Dr Urooj Saeed, have been selected for the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. Engineers Dr Muhammad Sadiq and Prof Dr Naeem-ul-Haq Tariq have also been named for the award. In education, Prof Sheikh Imtiaz Ali (late) has received the Nishan-i-Imtiaz posthumously. Lt Gen (retd) Moazzam Ejaz has been selected for the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, while other educators and researchers have been recognised with Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. The government has also honoured numerous doctors and health professionals. Prof Faisal Saud Dar has been selected for the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, while the late Prof Dr Tahir Shamsi has been awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz posthumously for his contributions to bone marrow transplantation. The arts category includes actors, singers, musicians, painters and theatre personalities. Sultana Siddiqi has been selected for the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, while Nisho Begum, Iftikhar Ahmed Thakur, Syed Fasih Uddin Soharwardhy, Shakir Hussain, Taranam Naz and Saira John Peter are among those receiving the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. Numerous performers and traditional artists have also been recognised through the Presidential Award for Pride of Performance and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. Literary figures have also featured prominently. Asad Muhammad Khan has been selected for the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for his contributions to fiction, drama and poetry, while Ejaz Rahim and Muhammad Khurshid Ul Hasan Rizvi will receive the Hilal-i-Imtiaz. Sports personalities, including wrestler Bashir Bhola, shooter Kishmala Talat, squash player Noor Zaman, boxer Muhammad Waseem and cricketer Sadiq Muhammad, have also been recognised. Journalists Muhammad Saleh Zaafir and Haji Nawaz Raza have been selected for the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, while several other media professionals will receive Pride of Performance and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz awards. Public service remains one of the largest categories, with Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Mohsin Naqvi, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema and Bilal Azhar Kayani selected for the Nishan-i-Imtiaz. The list also includes numerous military personnel, police officers and civilians recognised for bravery. Forty-three individuals have been named for the Sitara-i-Shuja’at, with many receiving the honour posthumously for sacrificing their lives in the line of duty. Several foreign nationals have also been honoured for their services to Pakistan. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has been selected for the Nishan-i-Pakistan, while other international figures have been chosen for various civil awards. The government has separately recognised overseas Pakistanis for their contributions, with recipients selected for honours including the Nishan-i-Imtiaz, Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. The official notification was issued by Cabinet Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal on August 14. The awards will be formally presented on March 23, 2027.

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    Two UAE-linked ships attacked in Strait of Hormuz,…

    ByJustpaste.in

    DUBAI: Two vessels belonging to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) were attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday evening, according to the UAE state news agency WAM and ADNOC. No injuries or deaths were reported. ADNOC said the situation had been brought under control and that authorities were managing the incident. The company did not immediately provide detailed information about the vessels, their cargoes or the extent of any damage. The United Arab Emirates has accused Iran of carrying out the attack, while Tehran has not immediately commented on the allegation. The UAE Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as a hostile Iranian attack and said targeting commercial shipping posed a threat to regional stability and global energy security. The incident is the latest in a series of attacks involving ADNOC-linked vessels in the strategic waterway. The company said earlier this month that 15 of its vessels had been attacked by missiles and drones since the conflict began, with one crew member killed and 20 injured in previous incidents. ADNOC said the safety and wellbeing of its crews, particularly maritime workers, remained its highest priority. It also stressed the importance of maintaining safe navigation and freedom of movement through the Strait of Hormuz. The latest attack comes as shipping traffic through the waterway remains well below normal levels amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States. Kpler data showed that only nine commodity vessels passed through the strait on Thursday, compared with an August daily average of about 12. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints. Before the current conflict, roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed through the narrow waterway. Repeated attacks and growing security concerns have forced shipping companies to reassess routes, while some vessels have delayed or avoided transit altogether. ADNOC urged the public to rely only on official and verified information about the latest incident and avoid spreading rumours or unconfirmed claims. With tensions still high around the waterway, the latest attack has renewed concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and the potential impact on global energy markets.

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    Ibrahim Zadran stars as Jaffna Kings beat Colombo …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Ibrahim Zadran’s brilliant 95 off 65 balls powered Jaffna Kings to a 19-run victory over Colombo Kaps in the 15th match of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Set a daunting target of 203, Colombo Kaps were restricted to 183-9 in their 20 overs. Rubin Hermann was cleaned up by Dilshan Madushanka in the second over before Sadeera Samarawickrama and Ashen Bandara steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership. Bandara made 15. The scorecard read 58-2 in seven overs when skipper Kamindu Mendis joined Samarawickrama. The duo stitched a 39-run partnership to take the total near the 100-run mark. Jaffna Kings struck back with back-to-back wickets to jolt Caps’ progress, leaving them at 97-3. The lower-order kept Caps in the hunt, but with the asking rate soaring, it was an up-and-down affair. For Jaffna Kings, Dilshan Madushanka scalped three wickets. Earlier, after losing Avishka Fernando in the second over, Kamil Mishara and Ibrahim Zadran raised a half-century stand to end the powerplay on a strong note. Mishara hit two sixes and five fours in his 44 from 19 balls. Kings’ scorecard read 68-2 in 7.1 overs when Dunith Wellalage joined Zadran at the crease. The pair added a 61-run partnership for the third wicket. Zadran scored the bulk of the runs while Wellalage contributed only 17. Ibrahim Zadran was run out in the penultimate over after scoring 95 from 65 deliveries, peppered with three sixes and 12 fours. Towhid Hridoy injected late momentum into the innings, scoring a quick-fire 31 not out off just nine balls, including 31 runs off Shahnawaz Dahani’s final over. The right-hander tonked the pacer for three consecutive sixes and another maximum on the final ball to take the total over the 200-run mark. For Colombo Kaps, James Neesham picked up two wickets while Dahani conceded 71 runs in his four overs. The victory strengthens Jaffna Kings’ position in the LPL standings as the tournament progresses.

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