Pakistan wrestlers gear up to shine in beach wrestling at Asian Youth Games

MANAMA: Pakistan wrestlers Hasan Ali and Abdul Rehman are set to compete in the beach wrestling event at the 3rd edition of the Asian Youth Games currently underway in Bahrain’s capital, Manama.

Hasan will feature in the 70kg category, while Rehman will take part in the 80kg event.

In preparation for the Games, the Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) conducted a two-month national training camp in Gujranwala, focusing on technique, endurance, and mental conditioning under the supervision of coach and secretary general Inam Butt.

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Speaking ahead of the opening bout, Inam Butt expressed confidence in his young squad’s preparation.

“Our wrestlers are fully prepared to give their best today. Insha’Allah, they will win medals and raise the green crescent flag high for Pakistan,” he said.

For the unversed, Pakistan has sent a 53-member contingent to the Asian Youth Games 2025, which are being held in Bahrain from October 22 to 31.

The country has already secured a bronze and silver medal in Kabaddi and Volleyball, respectively.

Notably, the Asian Youth Games 2025 mark the third edition of the multi-sport event, featuring young athletes from across the continent competing in a wide range of disciplines.

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Pakistan wrestler Hasan Ali advances to Asian Youth Games Quarter-finals

MANAMA: Pakistan’s young wrestler, Hasan Ali, started his Asian Youth Games 2025 campaign strong by defeating Marafi Abdul Rahman of Jordan 6-4 in his opening bout, qualifying for the quarter-finals of the 71kg category.

Hasan will now face Bazaarzada of Tajikistan in his quarterfinal clash, scheduled to take place within the next 30 minutes.

The promising wrestler is part of a two-member Pakistani wrestling squad competing at the continental event, alongside Muhammad Abdullah (65kg), who will take the mat on October 29 against S. Aliyev of Azerbaijan.

All mat wrestling bouts are being held at 12:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time, while beach wrestling events are set for October 30, featuring additional Pakistani participants.

In preparation for the Games, the Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) organized a two-month national training camp in Gujranwala, where the wrestlers trained under the supervision of coach and secretary general Inam Butt.

Inam Butt earlier expressed full faith in his young wrestlers.

“Our young wrestlers are fully prepared to give their best today. Insha’Allah, they will win medals and raise the green crescent flag high for Pakistan,” he stated.

Pakistan has sent a 53-member contingent to the ongoing Asian Youth Games 2025, being held in Bahrain from October 22 to 31.

The country has already opened its medal tally with a bronze in the boys’ kabaddi event.

The tournament marks the third edition of the Asian Youth Games, bringing together young athletes from across the continent to compete in a wide range of disciplines.

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Pakistan wrestlers to begin Asian Youth Games campaign today

The talented wrestlers from Pakistan are set to launch their campaign today at the Asian Youth Games 2025, taking place in Manama, Bahrain.

The national team features Hassan Ali (71kg) and Muhammad Abdullah (65kg), both determined to make an impression against Asia’s finest young grapplers.

Hassan will compete in his pre-quarterfinal bout today (October 27) against Marafi Abdul Rahman of Jordan, while Abdullah will take the mat on October 29 to face S. Aliyev of Azerbaijan.

According to the event schedule, all mat wrestling bouts will begin at 12:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST), while beach wrestling competitions are slated for October 30, where Pakistani wrestlers will also be seen in action.

In preparation for the Games, the Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) conducted a two-month national training camp in Gujranwala, focusing on technique, endurance, and mental conditioning under the supervision of coach and secretary general Inam Butt.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Speaking ahead of the opening bout, Inam Butt expressed confidence in his young squad’s preparation.

“Our wrestlers are fully prepared to give their best today. Insha’Allah, they will win medals and raise the green crescent flag high for Pakistan,” he said.

The PWF has called on the nation to extend prayers and support for its athletes as they aim to bring home laurels from Bahrain.

Pakistan has sent a 53-member contingent to the Asian Youth Games 2025, which are being held in Bahrain from October 22 to 31.

The country has already opened its account at the event, claiming a bronze medal in the boys’ kabaddi competition.

The Asian Youth Games 2025 mark the third edition of the multi-sport event, featuring young athletes from across the continent competing in a wide range of disciplines

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Muhammad Asif, Asjad Iqbal set to compete at IBSF World Snooker Championship

KARACHI: Pakistan’s seasoned cueists Muhammad Asif and Asjad Iqbal are set to participate in the IBSF World Snooker Championship 2025, which will be held in Doha, Qatar, from November 3rd.

The Pakistan Billiards & Snooker Association (PBSA) announced the participation of the national snooker team comprising five players.

Besides Asif and Asjad, the players featuring in the tournament are Shahid Aftab, Muhammad Sajjad, and Muhammad Hasnain Akhtar.

 

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The three-time World Champion Asif directly qualified for the last 48 as the defending Champion.

On the contrary, Asjad Iqbal qualified on the last basis of the 16 knockout round last year, while Muhammad Hasnain Akhtar is directly qualified for the last 48 by virtue of being the Current World U-17 Champion 2025.

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Ahead of the tournament, a training camp of the participating players will be organized at Jahanger Khan Sports Complex, Karachi.

The camp will allow players to hone their skills in preparation for the mega event, with the PBSF expressing confidence that they will shine at the Championship.

For context, the Men’s Championship will be played in two stages, with all players, except those directly placed into Stage 2 by the IBSF Technical Committee, having to advance through Stage 1.

According to the rules mentioned on the IBSF official site, two qualifying events will be held, each allowing a maximum of 64 players. The events will be conducted on a knock-out basis, completed over two days each, with matches to be Best of 7 frames.

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Pakistan wrestling team departs for 3rd Asian Youth Games

LAHORE: The Pakistan wrestling team is set to participate in the Asian Youth Games 2025, currently underway in Bahrain from October 22 to 31, 2025

The team left from Allama Iqbal International Airport via a connecting flight through Dubai, accompanied by coach Inam Butt. The players include Abdul Rehman and Hasan Ali.

During the 3rd edition of the games, Pakistan wrestlers will compete in both Mat and Beach Wrestling on 28, 29, and 30 October.

Before the team’s departure, the Secretary General of Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) extended his best wishes and expressed confidence in their success.

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Ahead of the event, PWF organized a two-month preparatory camp, during which elite wrestlers from across the country participated.

For the unversed, the 2025 Asian Youth Games are underway in Bahrain from October 22 to 31, 2025. It is the third edition of the event, and this is the first time Bahrain has hosted.

The event hosts various medal sports, including athletics, badminton, and boxing.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has already secured a bronze in the boys’ kabaddi event after beating Bangladesh in their fixture.

Besides, Kabaddi, the boys’ volleyball has started strong and continued their winning run with a 3-1 victory over Saudi Arabia in their second match in Group ‘E’ of the 1-8 Classification Round.

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Sindh to host over 22 mega sports events till June 2026

KARACHI: In a bid to bolster sports activities, the Sindh government has decided to host more than 22 mega sports events across the province from the last week of October till June 2026.

The decision was taken during a key meeting chaired by Sindh Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs,  Sardar Muhammad Bux Mahar, which was also attended by Sports Secretary Munawar Ali Mahesar, Chief Engineer Aslam Mahar, Sindh Olympic Association officials Ahmed Ali Rajput, Asghar Baloch, Ali Dino Gopang, and others.

The meeting reviewed preparations for the 35th National Games and the upcoming Sindh Games 2026, along with other major events such as the ‘Thar Jeep Rally’.

Following the meeting, Sardar Mahar shed light on the planning of the forthcoming events.

“For the first time, the Sindh government will organize the Sindh E-Sports Championship in Karachi next month, featuring young gamers from across the country,” he said.

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He further said that under the theme “Hoslay Kamal Ke” (Spirit of Excellence), the Sindh Special Games will be held in November, featuring athletes with disabilities from all over the province.

“Sindh will also host the Youth Science and Technology Expo 2025 in Karachi during the last week of November, while a Taekwondo, Karate, and Table Tennis Tournament is set to take place in Karachi’s South district later this month.”

Meanwhile, Thatta will host a two-day Kohistan Bull Cart Race in November, and a major Futsal Championship titled “Jazba Junoon” will kick off in early November in Karachi.

Sardar Mahar added that the 19th Sindh Games 2026 and Thar Jeep Rally will be held in Ghotki in January.

He said the “Youth Science and Technology Festival” will bring together students from public and private universities, industry experts, and innovators from across Karachi, allowing young scientists to showcase their projects and connect with the country’s industrial sector.

“Providing opportunities for youth engagement in positive activities is a top priority of the Sindh government,” he concluded.

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US chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky dies at 29

The chess world has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of prominent US grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, aged 29.

The governing body, the International Chess Federation (FIDE), remembered Naroditsky, who was also a chess commentator and streamer, as someone “whose influence extended far beyond the chessboard”.

Fellow grandmaster and world number two Hikaru Nakamura wrote on social media: “I’m devastated. This is a massive loss for the world of chess.”

The news of his death was announced by his club, Charlotte Chess Centre, on Monday.

“It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky,” they stated. “Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator and educator, and a cherished member of the chess community.”

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It said he was “admired and respected by fans and players around the world”. However, it did not say how he died.

FIDE said that Naroditsky “played a pivotal role in popularizing chess content online, bridging the gap between professional and amateur chess”.

“There are not many people in the world who manage to achieve so much before turning 30.”

Naroditsky was ranked number one in his native United States when he was just nine years old, The New York Times said.

He went on to became a grandmaster, the highest title in chess aside from World Chess Champion, at the age of 18.

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Max Verstappen makes clear he is gunning for a fifth world title

Max Verstappen made it clear that he is chasing a spectacular fifth world title after reeling off his third win in four races with a masterclass in Sunday’s sizzling United States Grand Prix.

After avoiding direct comment on the championship for several weeks, Red Bull’s four-time champion said he felt sure he now has a real chance of snatching the title from the grasp of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

Boosted by cutting Piastri’s advantage to 40 points with five Grands Prix remaining, including two more sprint races, a buoyant Verstappen called for Red Bull to maintain their momentum.

“Yeah, for sure, the chance is there,” he said. “We just need to try and deliver these weekends until the end. We will try whatever we can.”

After winning both Saturday’s sprint and Sunday’s Grand Prix race, Verstappen has 306 points in the title race, in third place, leaving Piastri on top with 346 points and Norris on 332.

McLaren have already won the constructors’ title for the second consecutive year, but have focused on preparing for 2026 and stopped introducing updates to their car for this year, leaving their drivers nervously scrambling to keep their title bids on track.

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The 28-year-old Dutchman has now collected 119 points from a possible 135 over the last five Grand Prix weekends, a run that has also coincided with improvements in form from both Mercedes and Ferrari.

Verstappen added: “It was an unbelievable weekend for us. I knew that the race was not going to be super straightforward, and I think, if you look at the whole race, the pace between me and Lando was really close.

“I think the first stint is where we made the difference. I could eek out a little bit of a gap, and that is basically what we kept until the end.”

He added, “I am incredibly proud of everyone for delivering a weekend like this, and now we just have to keep the momentum.”

Verstappen’s late-season charge has prompted memories of the 2007 season when Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari went into the final race in Brazil trailing both McLaren drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, but emerged as champion.

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John Cena quashes WWE retirement U-turn, confirms retirement date

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star John Cena has quashed the speculation surrounding his retirement, reiterating that he will make his final appearance in the ring at the end of this year.

WWE has confirmed that Cena’s final match will take place in Washington DC on Saturday, December 13.

Earlier, the veteran player had announced during the last summer that 2025 would be his final year in the ring.

However, in September, WWE Hall of Fame Bubba Ray Dudley remarked that John Cena should extend his retirement tour to WrestleMania 42.

With speculations growing about his retirement, Cena took to social media and confirmed his final appearance date, dashing the hopes of extending his WWE career.

“Despite any speculation or rumors, on July 6, 2024, I announced I would retire from WWE in-ring participation,” he wrote.

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“I am far from perfect but strive to be a person whose word has value. 12/13/25 will be my final match. I am beyond grateful for every moment WWE has given me. I am excited for 12/13 & look forward to seeing all of you one last time,” he said.

Meanwhile, WWE has not confirmed the 17-time champion opponent in the final match; however, reports suggest he could potentially face two-time world champion Gunther.

For the unversed, John Cena has four dates remaining before he calls time on his in-ring career.

The 48-year-old’s next appearance will be on the November 10 episode of Raw in Boston, followed by a match on the November 17 edition of Raw, and again at Survivor Series: WarGames on November 29.

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Ahmedabad set to host 2030 Commonwealth Games

The Indian city of Ahmedabad is in a prime position to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, the Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport announced on Wednesday.

The choice of Ahmedabad, also known as Amdavad, will be put forward to the full Commonwealth Sport membership, with a final decision to be taken at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26.

“The Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport has today confirmed that it will recommend Amdavad, India, as the proposed host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games,” the Executive Board said in a statement.

Ahmedabad is the key city in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat, home to a 130,000-seater arena which is the world’s biggest cricket stadium. The venue is named after the premier.

India has its eyes on a bigger prize, having submitted a formal letter of intent last year to the International Olympic Committee to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.

Ahmedabad got the nod over the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

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India’s Home Minister Amit Shah described the announcement as “a day of immense joy and pride for India”.

“Heartiest congratulations to every citizen of India on Commonwealth Association’s approval of India’s bid to host the Commonwealth Games 2030 in Ahmedabad.”

The future existence of the Commonwealth Games was in doubt last year when the movement struggled to find a replacement host for 2026 after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew for cost reasons.

The Scottish city of Glasgow stepped in and will stage a slimmed-down version of the multi-sport format, meaning Britain will have hosted two editions in a row, after Birmingham in 2022.

The 2030 Games will mark the centenary of the inaugural event held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.

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