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  • Pakistan Embassy in Belgium Hosts Reception for National Hockey Team

    Pakistan Embassy in Belgium Hosts Reception for National Hockey Team

    The Pakistan Embassy in Belgium hosted a reception in honour of Pakistan’s national hockey team, bringing together players, officials, members of the Pakistani community and diplomatic representatives.

    Pakistan’s Ambassador to Belgium, Rahim Hayat Qureshi, welcomed the national hockey team and its officials at the event. The reception came as Pakistan continued its campaign in the Pro Hockey League after recent matches against Belgium and Spain.

    The ceremony was attended by members of the Pakistani community, representatives from different professional sectors, embassy officials and players of the national squad.

    Pakistan Hockey Federation Board of Governors member Chaudhry Pervaiz Ali Sandheela and coordinator Tahir Ali Shah also attended the event.

    Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Qureshi said hockey had played an important role in giving Pakistan recognition around the world. He said the national team could regain its past standing through continued hard work and commitment.

    Pakistan hockey team chief coach Manzoor-ul-Hassan thanked the Pakistan Embassy and the ambassador for hosting the team. He said the embassy staff had received the squad with warmth, professionalism and support since its arrival in Belgium.

    Team captain Ammad Butt also appreciated the efforts of embassy officials and said the players were determined to deliver improved performances in their upcoming matches.

    Pakistan have suffered defeats against Belgium and Spain in the Pro Hockey League. The team is scheduled to face Belgium again on June 19 and Spain on June 20.

    Also Read : FIFA Clears VAR Official Shaun Evans Over Controversial Hand Gesture

  • Several Cyclists Fall After Elderly Woman Enters Race Route on Mobility Scooter

    Several Cyclists Fall After Elderly Woman Enters Race Route on Mobility Scooter

    Several young cyclists crashed during the Saarland Trofeo Juniors race in Germany after an elderly woman on a mobility scooter unexpectedly entered the race route.

    The incident took place during Sunday’s cycling event, which featured more than 100 junior riders from across Europe. The crash disrupted the race and quickly drew attention after video footage circulated on social media.

    In the video, the woman can be seen slowly moving her mobility scooter from the spectator area toward the road as riders approached at speed.

    One cyclist managed to avoid the scooter, but another rider behind him collided with it and fell onto the road along with his bicycle.

    The sudden crash caused additional riders following closely behind to fall, creating a chaotic scene during the race.

    The incident highlighted the importance of route safety and crowd control at cycling events, where riders often travel at high speed and have limited time to react to obstacles.

    Also Read : FIFA Clears VAR Official Shaun Evans Over Controversial Hand Gesture

  • FIFA Clears VAR Official Shaun Evans Over Controversial Hand Gesture

    FIFA Clears VAR Official Shaun Evans Over Controversial Hand Gesture

    FIFA has cleared video assistant referee Shaun Evans after reviewing a controversial hand gesture that appeared during a broadcast before the Germany-Curaçao FIFA World Cup match.

    The decision came after images from the VAR hub in Dallas showed the Australian official making an inverted “OK”-style hand gesture, which drew attention on social media and led to debate over its possible meaning.

    According to a report by a British broadcaster, FIFA reviewed the matter and found no basis for disciplinary action against Evans.

    The incident occurred when global broadcast footage showed the VAR operations centre before the match. Evans was seen on camera with his hand in a position that some social media users interpreted as a symbol linked to white supremacy.

    Evans later explained that he was unaware of the gesture at the time and said it was an unintentional and unconscious movement.

    FIFA accepted the explanation after its review and cleared the official of wrongdoing.

    The case gained attention because match officials and broadcast visuals are closely scrutinized during major tournaments, especially when incidents are widely discussed online.

    Also  Read : Iran, New Zealand Play Out 2-2 Draw in FIFA World Cup Opener

  • Uruguay Team Reaches Florida After Flight Clearance Delay Before World Cup Match

    Uruguay Team Reaches Florida After Flight Clearance Delay Before World Cup Match

    Uruguay’s national football team faced a travel delay before its FIFA World Cup match against Saudi Arabia after the aircraft assigned to the squad was not cleared to enter the United States due to incomplete documentation.

    The Uruguay flight clearance delay disrupted the team’s journey from Cancun, Mexico, where the squad had been training, to Miami for its scheduled World Cup fixture. The matter drew attention because Uruguay, a two-time World Cup winner, was preparing for its opening match of the tournament.

    According to media reports, the aircraft arranged for the team could not enter the United States because the required paperwork had not been completed. The delay forced officials to arrange an alternative flight for the squad.

    The Uruguay Football Association said the delay was caused by circumstances beyond its control. A spokesperson for the association blamed FIFA for the disruption.

    FIFA, however, said the issue was linked to an airline permit error in Mexico. The world football governing body said it remained in contact with the relevant authorities to help resolve the matter.

    Uruguay’s squad later reached Florida on an alternative flight.

    Head coach Marcelo Bielsa and captain José María Giménez downplayed the impact of the delay, saying the incident did not significantly affect the team’s preparations.

    Uruguay later played Saudi Arabia in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw.

    The incident came as several teams, officials and supporters reportedly faced visa and travel-related hurdles after the start of the World Cup, raising concerns about possible logistical challenges during the tournament.
    Also Read :Iran, New Zealand Play Out 2-2 Draw in FIFA World Cup Opener

  • Iran, New Zealand Play Out 2-2 Draw in FIFA World Cup Opener

    Iran, New Zealand Play Out 2-2 Draw in FIFA World Cup Opener

    Iran and New Zealand played out a 2-2 draw in their opening FIFA World Cup match, with both teams recovering from setbacks during a competitive contest watched by a large number of Iranian supporters.

    The Iran New Zealand 2-2 draw came after a difficult buildup for the Iranian squad, which faced uncertainty over its participation due to security concerns, travel complications and visa-related restrictions affecting members of its support staff.

    According to the report, Iran had been under pressure since a bombing campaign launched by the United States and Israel in February, raising questions over whether the team would be able to take part in the tournament.

    Iran also had to shift its preparations from the United States to Mexico because of visa issues. Eleven members of the team’s support staff were reportedly denied entry into the United States.

    Despite those challenges, Iran produced a resilient performance against New Zealand and twice came from behind to secure a point.

    New Zealand took the lead in the seventh minute after a combined attacking move involving Chris Wood and Elijah Just. Iran responded in the 32nd minute when Reza Rezaeian scored to level the match.

    In the second half, Just restored New Zealand’s advantage, but Iran fought back again through a header from Mohammad Mohebi.

    Both teams pushed for a winning goal in the closing stages, but neither side could find a breakthrough as the match ended 2-2.

    A large crowd of Iranian fans attended the match and strongly backed their team throughout the game.

    Also Read : Iran Football Team Arrives in U.S. for World Cup Opener Against New Zealand

  • T20 Blind Cricket Super League Begins in Abbottabad

    T20 Blind Cricket Super League Begins in Abbottabad

    The T20 Blind Cricket Super League featuring teams from all four provinces has started in Abbottabad to help select Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming second Blind Cricket Asia Cup.

    The T20 Blind Cricket Super League is being organised by the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council at Abbottabad Public School Ground, where selected players from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan are competing in the six-day tournament.

    Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Captain (retd) Sarmad Saleem Akram was the chief guest at the opening ceremony. Pakistan Blind Cricket Council Chairman Syed Sultan Shah, Director Finance Prof. Dr. Anwar Ali Sial, Abbottabad Public School Principal Prof. Akhtar Qureshi, Abbottabad Blind Cricket Club President Tajammul Hussain Danish, Secretary Finance Muhammad Bilal, the District Sports Officer and players from all four provincial teams also attended the event.

    The deputy commissioner formally inaugurated the tournament and met players from the participating teams. Speaking to the media, he said Abbottabad was honoured to host a national-level blind cricket event and added that the competition would play an important role in selecting players for the second Asia Cup.

    He said Abbottabad has encouraged cricketers who have performed at national and international levels and assured the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council that the district administration would provide support and facilities to the visiting players.

    Addressing the players, he urged them to perform with commitment so that the best possible squad could be selected for national duty.

    Pakistan Blind Cricket Council Chairman Syed Sultan Shah said the country’s best 56 blind cricketers had been included in the Super League. He said the tournament was part of preparations for the second Blind Cricket Asia Cup, scheduled to be played in Dhaka from November 14 to November 20.

    Syed Sultan Shah said Pakistan reached the final of the previous edition but was unable to win the title. He expressed hope that the national team would perform strongly in the upcoming Asia Cup.

    Abbottabad Public School Principal Prof. Akhtar Qureshi also addressed the ceremony and assured the organisers of full cooperation.

    At the event, commemorative shields were presented to Deputy Commissioner Sarmad Saleem Akram and Principal Prof. Akhtar Qureshi.

    On the opening day, Sindh faced Punjab, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa played Balochistan. The final of the tournament will be held on Sunday, June 21.

    Also Read: PESCO Declares Nine More Feeders Load-Shedding Free

  • Nitish Kumar Reddy Pauses Live Press Conference to Answer Mother’s Call

    Nitish Kumar Reddy Pauses Live Press Conference to Answer Mother’s Call

    Indian cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy briefly paused a live post-match press conference after receiving a phone call from his mother following India’s win over Afghanistan.

    The Nitish Kumar Reddy mother call moment drew attention because it happened during a live media interaction, adding a light and personal moment to India’s post-match coverage.

    The incident took place while the young all-rounder was speaking to reporters after the match. His phone, which was placed near the microphone, began ringing during the press conference.

    Reddy immediately apologised to the journalists present before answering the call.

    Speaking briefly in Telugu, he told his mother that he would call her back after five minutes. The exchange drew smiles from those present in the room.

    The moment quickly gained attention among cricket fans, who described it as a warm and relatable scene during an otherwise routine post-match media session.

    Reddy has been part of India’s recent cricket setup and has attracted attention for his performances as a young all-rounder.

    Also Read : Visa Issue Forces Cambodia Out of ACC Men’s Challenger Cup

  • Visa Issue Forces Cambodia Out of ACC Men’s Challenger Cup

    Visa Issue Forces Cambodia Out of ACC Men’s Challenger Cup

    Cambodia have withdrawn from the ACC Men’s Challenger Cup in Singapore after visa issues and an injury left the team unable to field a full playing squad, tournament officials said.

    The Cambodia visa issue changed the tournament’s group-stage outcome, allowing Indonesia and Uzbekistan to qualify for the quarter-finals without playing their scheduled matches against Cambodia.

    According to tournament officials, three Cambodian players were unable to secure visas after arriving in Singapore. Another player was ruled out because of injury, leaving Cambodia without the required number of available players.

    Following Cambodia’s withdrawal, their remaining group fixtures were cancelled. Indonesia and Uzbekistan advanced from the group and moved directly into the knockout stage.

    Officials have not yet clarified why the visas of the Cambodian players were rejected.

    Cambodia became an ICC Associate Member in 2022, marking its formal entry into international cricket’s associate structure.

    The country also hosted cricket during the 2023 Southeast Asian Games. Its squad at the event included several naturalised players of Indian and Pakistani origin, who were granted Cambodian citizenship shortly before the tournament.

    Malaysia had raised objections at the time over the inclusion of those naturalised players.

    The latest development has brought renewed attention to travel documentation, squad eligibility and logistical challenges faced by emerging cricket teams in regional tournaments.

    Also Read : Ollie Robinson Ruled Out of Second Test Against New Zealand With Knee Injury

  • Ollie Robinson Ruled Out of Second Test Against New Zealand With Knee Injury

    Ollie Robinson Ruled Out of Second Test Against New Zealand With Knee Injury

    England fast bowler Ollie Robinson has been ruled out of the second Test against New Zealand after developing soreness in his right knee, adding to England’s selection concerns ahead of the match at The Oval.

    The Ollie Robinson injury is a setback for England after the 32-year-old played a key role in their 115-run win in the first Test at Lord’s. Robinson took seven wickets in the match and was named player of the match on his return to Test cricket.

    According to the England and Wales Cricket Board, Robinson felt discomfort in his right knee during training. A subsequent scan confirmed the issue, and the team management decided to rule him out of the second Test as a precaution.

    Robinson is expected to remain with the squad for rehabilitation as England assess his availability for the third Test, scheduled to begin on June 25 at Trent Bridge.

    England have called up uncapped bowler Henry Crocombe as cover. The absence of Robinson comes at a difficult time for the side, with Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson also unavailable for the second Test.

    The second Test between England and New Zealand is scheduled to begin on Wednesday at The Oval. England will be looking to protect their series lead after winning the opening match by 115 runs.

    Also Read : Two Men Charged After England World Cup Gear Worth $18,000 Is Stolen

  • Two Men Charged After England World Cup Gear Worth $18,000 Is Stolen

    Two Men Charged After England World Cup Gear Worth $18,000 Is Stolen

    Two men have been charged in the United States after equipment belonging to England’s FIFA World Cup 2026 squad was stolen while being transported from Florida to the team’s base in Kansas City, authorities said.

    The England World Cup gear theft involved items estimated to be worth about $18,000, including football boots, training equipment, goalkeeper gloves, a football and signed England jerseys. Officials said most of the stolen property was later recovered.

    According to the Jackson County prosecutor’s office in Missouri, Mustafa Salik and Erfan Kamal each face one count of receiving stolen property. The charge is a felony under Missouri law.

    Authorities said the equipment was taken while England’s team gear was being moved from a pre-tournament camp in Florida to Kansas City, where the squad is based during the World Cup.

    Court documents cited by media reports said around 32 items were involved in the case. The list included four pairs of football boots, a football, goalkeeper gloves, training kit and three signed jerseys.

    The three signed jerseys were valued at about $15,000, making them the most expensive items listed among the stolen property. Some items did not have a publicly stated value.

    The Football Association said the incident would not affect England’s preparations or their opening World Cup match against Croatia. Reports said the stolen items did not include equipment considered essential for the team’s match plans.

    Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson said her office would not tolerate criminal activity targeting World Cup visitors, including international teams competing in the tournament.

    Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas also praised police and prosecutors for their response, saying the investigation helped recover goods stolen during transport across several states.

    England are preparing for their Group L opener against Croatia, followed by further group-stage matches against Ghana and Panama.

    Also Read :Iran Football Team Arrives in U.S. for World Cup Opener Against New Zealand