Islamabad : Yawar Hussain, a BS-20 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), has formally assumed charge as Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), following his transfer and posting by the Establishment Division, Government of Pakistan.

Yawar Hussain has been posted to the PSB under the Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Division on a deputation basis with immediate effect. Prior to his appointment, he was serving under the Government of Punjab and brings with him extensive administrative experience and a strong background in public service.

Upon assuming office, Yawar Hussain expressed his commitment to promote sports development across the country and strengthen institutional support for athletes, coaches and sports federations.

He emphasized the importance of grassroots sports development, talent identification, capacity building and the provision of modern facilities to help Pakistani athletes excel at regional and international levels.

He also reaffirmed the PSB’s dedication to work closely with national sports federations, provincial governments, educational institutions and other stakeholders to create greater opportunities for young athletes and foster a vibrant sporting culture in the country.

The officials and staff of the PSB welcomed Yawar Hussain and expressed confidence that his leadership and administrative expertise would contribute significantly to the advancement of sports in Pakistan.

By Nawaz Gohar ; The newly elected officials of the Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) have officially taken their oath of office during a formal ceremony held at the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) committee room.

Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, administered the oath to the incoming cabinet members.

Under the newly elected setup, Zeeshan Naqvi has assumed the office of President of the Chess Federation of Pakistan. Joining the leadership leadership tier, Anwar Saleem took the oath as Senior Vice President, followed by Agha Waseem as Vice President I, and Muhammad Waseem as Vice President II.

Furthermore, Inamullah was sworn in as Vice President III, Gohar Iqbal as Secretary General, and Musawwir Khan as Finance Secretary. The administrative lineup is completed by Wasif Nisar, who took charge as Joint Secretary, and Shahid Khan, who assumed the role of Press Secretary.

Speaking on the occasion, IPC Secretary Mohyuddin Wani assured the federation of the ministry’s unwavering cooperation.

“We will extend every possible support to promote chess across the country,” Wani stated. He directed the federation to organize an upcoming chess event at the Pakistan Sports Board in the near future, emphasizing that “Pakistan possesses immense, untapped talent in the game of chess.”

KP Advisor for Sports and Youth Affairs, Taj Muhammad Khan Tarand, Inaugurates the Event

Peshawar ; The International Mixed Martial Arts Championship commenced in spectacular fashion at the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Hall, Peshawar Sports Complex, featuring high-intensity bouts between athletes from Pakistan and Afghanistan. The championship has attracted a strong lineup of national and international-level fighters from both countries, marking a significant moment for combat sports in the region.

The event is being organized under the auspices of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mixed Martial Arts Association in collaboration with the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation.

The Directorate General Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with the Pakistan Sports Board (Peshawar Center), is extending full administrative and logistical support. This coordinated partnership has ensured the successful execution of the championship in a professional and well-structured manner.

The championship was formally inaugurated by the Advisor to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sports and Youth Affairs, Taj Muhammad Khan Tarand, who was the chief guest on the occasion. He warmly welcomed the Afghan contingent and presented traditional Chitrali caps as a gesture of hospitality and cultural respect.

The opening ceremony was attended by prominent sports officials and dignitaries, including Director General Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Tashfeen Haider; Secretary KP Olympic Association, Zulfiqar Butt; Assistant Director Accounts Shah Faisal; President KP Jiu-Jitsu Association, Tahseenullah; President KP Mixed Martial Arts Association, Salahuddin Kamal; General Secretary Aali Gul Afridi; Organizing Secretary Nauman; Humayun Khan; Deputy Director Shakir Khan; Administrator Yousaf Afridi; and other distinguished guests.

Speaking at the inauguration, Advisor Sports Taj Muhammad Khan Tarand lauded the participation of Afghan athletes and termed the event a positive step toward strengthening sports diplomacy between the two brotherly Islamic countries. He stated that such exchanges not only enhance bilateral relations but also provide valuable international exposure to emerging athletes.

He further highlighted that the participation of both male and female athletes reflects the progressive development of sports culture in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to the promotion of sports and continuous support for athletes across all disciplines.

President KP Mixed Martial Arts Association Salahuddin Kamal and General Secretary Aali Gul Afridi, while speaking to the media, stated that the primary objective of the championship is to prepare athletes for upcoming international events, particularly the Asian Championships. They emphasized that Pakistan possesses exceptional talent, and exposure to international-level competition plays a vital role in enhancing technical skills and competitive performance.

They further announced that the KP Mixed Martial Arts Championship and the National Mixed Martial Arts Championship will soon be organized. These events are expected to serve as talent identification platforms, producing athletes capable of representing Pakistan at the GAMMA Asian Championship and other international competitions.

All bouts are being supervised by internationally licensed referees, Delor Khan Sinan and Abu Huraira, ensuring that the competitions are conducted in accordance with global standards and fair-play regulations.

The KP Mixed Martial Arts Association leadership extended special gratitude to the Advisor to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sports, the Director General Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the President of the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation, Zulfiqar Ali, for their invaluable support in the successful organization of the event.

They also appreciated the efforts of all technical officials, referees, and organizing committee members for ensuring a smooth, transparent, and high-quality championship environment.

Afghan athletes Najibullah, Khabib Delor, and Zakir Khan expressed their appreciation for the excellent arrangements and warm hospitality extended by the organizers. They noted that the championship promises highly competitive and exciting bouts throughout its duration.

The event is being widely recognized as a major milestone in the promotion and development of Mixed Martial Arts in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and is expected to further strengthen the region’s presence on the international MMA stage.

Decorated marksman credits institutional support, govt recognition and structured development pathways for the growing success of shooting in Pakistan

LAHORE: Renowned Pakistani shooter and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz recipient Mohsin Nawaz has dedicated his prestigious national honour to the Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Long Range Rifle Association (PLRA), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, while emphasising the critical role institutions play in the development and success of sports and athletes.

Speaking about the progress of shooting sports in Pakistan, Mohsin Nawaz highlighted the importance of institutional support in creating a structured environment that enables athletes to thrive and compete at the highest levels. He acknowledged the collective efforts of state institutions and the government of Pakistan in promoting shooting sports and providing athletes with opportunities to represent the country on the international stage.

Nawaz specifically appreciated the contributions of the Cabinet Division and the Pakistan Sports Board for helping bring shooting sports into the mainstream sporting framework of the country.

He also paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, recognising his role in facilitating the development of infrastructure and support systems essential for the growth of the sport. “Field Marshal Asim Munir provided much-needed facilitation for the development of shooting sports facilities,” Nawaz said. “With the official recognition of the Pakistan Sports Board and the government’s support, Pakistani shooters now have an internationally recognised structure through which they can compete globally under Pakistan’s flag.”

The establishment of the Pakistan Long Range Rifle Association under this broader framework of institutional support has proven to be a significant milestone for the sport. The PLRA successfully secured affiliation with the International Confederation of Fullbore Rifle Associations (ICFRA), giving Pakistan formal representation in long-range rifle shooting at the international level for the first time.

According to Nawaz, this achievement has opened a clear pathway for Pakistani shooters to participate in global competitions under an organised national structure, something that was previously unavailable to many talented athletes.

Nawaz has won 10 individual international medals and represented Pakistan in prestigious competitions across the United Kingdom, the United States and South Africa. Drawing upon more than two decades of competitive experience, he believes Pakistan possesses immense untapped potential in shooting sports.

“The sport is progressing under a more structured system, and I can clearly see the difference,” he said. “We are still in the early stages of development, but our ambition is to compete with world champions. The world has advanced significantly in this discipline, yet Pakistan has the talent and capability to compete at the highest level. We simply need to continue moving in the right direction.”

Globally, long-range precision shooting has evolved into a highly specialised and professional discipline supported by dedicated academies, advanced training facilities and athlete development programmes. Nawaz believes Pakistan can follow a similar trajectory through sustained institutional investment and long-term planning.

Having trained under the 2023 World Champion, Nawaz stressed the demanding nature of the sport, highlighting the mental strength, concentration and discipline required to succeed. “It requires immense mental resilience, focus and countless hours of dedicated training,” he explained. “The potential for shooting sports in Pakistan is enormous. What we need is continued institutional support and confidence in the country’s ability to develop excellence in this discipline.”

He further underscored the importance of collaboration with established institutions such as the Pakistan Army, whose culture of discipline, professionalism and precision can contribute significantly to producing elite international shooters.

Beyond his own competitive ambitions, Nawaz expressed a strong desire to help nurture the next generation of talent. He said he is committed to sharing the knowledge and experience he has gained throughout his career with aspiring young shooters across the country.

“I want to pass on what I have learned over the years,” he said. “There are many talented young Pakistanis who are passionate about this sport and possess the potential to excel internationally. I want to contribute to building a pathway that helps them achieve their goals through guidance and mentorship.”

Reflecting on the significance of receiving the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Nawaz described the honour not merely as a personal achievement but as a symbol of responsibility and service. “The Tamgha-e-Imtiaz carries a message of responsibility, dedication and giving back to the community,” he remarked. “The future of shooting sports in Pakistan is extremely bright, but sustained progress will require the continued support of institutions and stakeholders. The government, the Pakistan Sports Board and Field Marshal Asim Munir have helped nurture this sapling and bring it above the ground. The real question now is how high we can help it grow.”

Nawaz expressed confidence that with continued institutional backing, strategic planning and investment in athlete development, Pakistan can emerge as a competitive force in international shooting sports in the years ahead.

LAHORE: Pakistan’s premier golfing sensation, Ahmed Baig, concluded a highly productive week at the 2026 am green IGPL Morocco Rising Stars with an authoritative final-round performance.

Carding a two-under-par 68 at the picturesque Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, Baig locked in a commendable tied-7th finish, generating significant momentum for the massive half-million-dollar Asian Tour event coming up on the exact same coastal layout.

Baig’s final round was a showcase of his aggressive scoring potential, as he mixed six brilliant birdies with just two bogeys. Delighted with his clinical iron-play and steady temperament, the Lahore native proved he could handle the pressure of elite international fields. His tournament progression highlighted a textbook masterclass in resilience.

After stumbling into a difficult one-over-par 73 on the opening day, Baig staged a breathtaking recovery. He responded with a blistering six-under 66 on Day 2, followed by a disciplined 70, and closed out his campaign with 68. Showing phenomenal composure across all four rounds, his only minor blemish was letting a few preventable bogeys slip away, a tactical adjustment that will surely place him directly in the winner’s circle in the near future.

It was a proud week overall for Pakistan golf in North Africa. Baig’s countryman, Aadam Syed, also put together an exceptionally strong performance. Showing great consistency, Syed carded rounds of 71, 69, 70, and 70 to finish in a highly respectable 20th position, proving that Pakistani golfers are becoming a force to be reckoned with internationally.

Thailand’s Tanapat Pichaikool ultimately captured the tournament title at 17-under par, but the week served as the ultimate practice match for the Pakistani contingent. Up next is the prestigious am green IGPL Bharath Classic, running from June 4 to 7. Boasting a massive $500,000 prize purse, the Asian Tour main event will be held at the Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort.

As Baig looks ahead to Thursday’s tee-off, the blueprint for a historic victory is clear: if he can tighten his short game and save just a few more bogeys over the weekend, his explosive scoring power will undoubtedly place him among the leading contenders for the half-million-dollar crown.

Ahmed Baig’s journey stands as an inspiration for aspiring young golfers across Pakistan. Despite limited institutional support and financial constraints, he has emerged as one of the country’s most remarkable self-made sporting talents.

His rise has been shaped in no small measure by the guidance of Brigadier (Retd) Riaz Bajwa. Recognising Baig’s potential early, Bajwa provided the guidance, structure and support needed to transform a gifted, self-taught talent into an international professional.

To practice golf, one needs a golf course; it cannot be played in the streets like cricket. Credit is also due to Lahore Garrison Greens Golf Club, which facilitated Baig by making the course available to him without restrictions on practice time. Together, these influences have helped produce one of Pakistan’s finest golfing ambassadors, with hopes high that his greatest achievements are still to come.

By Nawaz Gohar ;  The Federal Government has formulated the draft of the new National Sports Policy 2026, marking the first major policy overhaul in two decades. Under the proposed framework, the government has decided to grant complete administrative autonomy to national sports federations and the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA).

According to the draft policy, federations will now operate independently in accordance with the constitutions of their respective international governing bodies. To align with the constitutional shifts of the 18th Amendment, the draft proposes the establishment of a “National Sports Coordination Council” to oversee administrative governance across the country.

Furthermore, the policy recommends the creation of a dedicated “Sports Development Fund” and proposes that provincial governments allocate a minimum of 2% of their Annual Development Programme (ADP) specifically to sports development.

The policy strongly emphasizes encouraging private sector investment in sports leagues, high-performance academies, and infrastructure development, while driving the growth of professional leagues and sports broadcasting. Additionally, it mandates compulsory sports competitions at the school and college levels, alongside the creation of a national talent hunt system and a centralized athlete database.

In a landmark move for player welfare, the policy proposes formal central contracts, comprehensive medical insurance, and a pension scheme for athletes. It also envisions the establishment of specialized institutes for sports sciences, sports medicine, and data analytics.

To ensure accountability, the performance of national sports federations will undergo a rigorous review every three months. The ultimate objective of the National Sports Policy 2026 is to transition the country’s sporting ecosystem from bureaucratic control to autonomous governance.

Vows to win more global honours for Pakistan after receiving civil award recognition

LAHORE: Pakistan’s celebrated Paralympic athlete Haider Ali has dedicated his Sitara-e-Imtiaz award to his parents, saying their sacrifices, encouragement, and prayers played a decisive role in his journey to becoming one of the country’s most successful para-athletes.

Haider Ali, who recently received one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honours from the government, described the award as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream to serve the country and bring international recognition to Pakistan through sports.

“It was always my dream to represent Pakistan and win international accolades for my country,” Haider Ali said in a statement.

“Receiving the Sitara-e-Imtiaz is a proud moment for me, and I thank Almighty Allah, my parents, and everyone who supported me throughout this journey.”

The Paralympic star paid special tribute to his parents, saying their unwavering support, motivation, and prayers helped him overcome challenges and achieve success at the highest level.

He also expressed gratitude to the National Paralympic Committee of Pakistan for continuously supporting him throughout his sporting career.

“I am highly grateful to NPC Pakistan for standing by me throughout my journey. Their support and encouragement helped me win international honours for Pakistan,” he said.

He further acknowledged the role of Pakistan WAPDA in his achievements, saying the institution provided him with strong backing and opportunities that contributed significantly to his international success.

The decorated athlete also credited Rd. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed, CEO of ACTIVIT and Director at National Hospital DHA Lahore, for playing a vital role in his training and preparations for international competitions.

“The support ensured that I received proper medical care, nutritional guidance, and financial assistance, allowing me to focus entirely on my performances and winning medals for Pakistan,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, Haider Ali said his focus is now firmly set on upcoming international events, including the Asian Para Games in October, the World Championship in Tashkent next year, and the 2028 Summer Paralympics.

“My biggest target is the LA Paralympics 2028,” he said. “I am working hard to continue winning medals for Pakistan and raising the national flag at the highest level of international sport.”

Pakistani fighter Shahzaib Khan has qualified for the final of the AMM Asian Mixed Martial Arts Championship at Tashkent after an impressive winning streak against strong opponents from the Philippines, China, and Kazakhstan.

The event also serves as an important qualifying round for major multi sports events the Asian Games, Japan and Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games 2026, Saudia making Shahzaib Khan’s achievement highly significant for Pakistan’s future representation at elite global competitions.

Shahzaib Khan, already an Asian Champion and MMA World Championship Bronze Medalist, is now aiming to win the gold medal in this event, further strengthening his international career and bringing pride to Pakistan.

On this occasion, Zulfiqar Ali, President of the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation, praised Shahzaib Khan’s performance, stating that his success reflects hard work, discipline, and excellent training. He also appreciated the coaches and support staff for their continuous efforts in preparing the athlete at the highest level.

He further expressed confidence that Shahzaib Khan, based on his experience and current form, will continue his winning momentum and secure the gold medal for Pakistan. The federation has also urged the nation to pray for his success in the final bout.

By Nawaz Gohar ;  In a monumental shift for the global sports ecosystem, a historic cohort of 19 retiring Paralympians has officially transitioned from elite competitors to corporate and social change-makers.

On May 22, 2026, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) celebrated its inaugural graduation class for the groundbreaking Para Athlete Professionals leadership course—a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to reshape executive spaces within the Paralympic Movement and far beyond.

Bridging the Vulnerable Gap of Retirement
The end of a high-performance sporting career is famously daunting, often leaving athletes facing identity crises and professional uncertainty.

To counter this, the IPC’s Sport for Mobility Programme—backed by a strategic grant agreement with the Toyota Mobility Foundation—launched a grueling, seven-month curriculum specifically engineered to weaponize an athlete’s unique traits for the professional corporate sector.

LAHORE: The first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq was commemorated through a major women’s martial arts and self-defence event in Lahore, where hundreds of young participants received intensive combat and personal safety training during the “Marka-e-Haq Women’s Self-Defence Workshop” organized by the Pakistan Martial Arts Association (PMAA).

Held under the slogan “Honor Our Heroes, Empower Yourself,” the workshop highlighted the growing role of martial arts in women’s empowerment, fitness, discipline, and self-protection. The event was organised in collaboration with IFMSA-Pakistan,

The Trust Schools, and Shinkyokushinkai Pakistan. The workshop was inaugurated by renowned karate figures Shihan M. Arshad Jan and Shihan Shakil Ahmed, who emphasised the importance of martial arts training for women in today’s environment.

Addressing the participants, PMAA Chief Trainer Sensei Anwar Mohiuddin said self-defence has become an essential skill for adolescent girls and women, adding that martial arts not only build physical strength but also confidence, mental resilience, and discipline.

The workshop focused heavily on practical self-defence techniques and real-life safety situations. Participants were trained in situational awareness, escape strategies, defensive striking techniques, and methods to counter harassment and physical threats.

Trainers also stressed the importance of quick decision-making and psychological preparedness during dangerous encounters. A dedicated team of instructors, including Sumaiyya, Abdullah Munir, Aliza, Hanzla Chaudhry, and Meerab, assisted in conducting the hands-on martial arts sessions, which remained the central attraction of the event.

Speaking on the occasion, educationist Asim Ishaq praised PMAA’s efforts to promote combat sports among young women. He noted that martial arts training is increasingly playing a vital role in educational institutions by helping students develop discipline, confidence, and protection skills against abuse and harassment.

Meanwhile, Jannat Fatima highlighted the success of the collaboration between IFMSA-Pakistan and PMAA, saying that hundreds of female medical students and healthcare professionals across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have already received self-defense training through the initiative.

She also announced plans for a Mega Self-Defence Workshop in Lahore later this summer, expected to bring together medical students from multiple cities for advanced martial arts and personal safety training.

The event concluded with medal and certificate distribution ceremonies, where participants and institutions were recognised for their performances.

The Trust Schools secured four gold medals to emerge as the top-performing institution, while Fatima Jinnah Medical University claimed second place honors. Lahore Medical and Dental College also received a special award for active participation and outstanding engagement.

The Marka-e-Haq Women’s Self-Defence Workshop concluded with participants expressing renewed confidence and enthusiasm, reflecting the growing momentum of women’s martial arts and self-defense programs in Pakistan.