Category: 6. Sports

Bangladesh is likely to replace Pakistan in the men’s Asia Cup hockey tournament to be held in Rajgir, Bihar from August 29 if the latter fails to confirm participation in the next couple of days, a top Hockey India official told PTI on Monday.

The Indian government had already said that it will provide visas to the Pakistani players for Asia Cup, but the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has refused to travel citing security concerns.

The organisers have already approached Bangladesh to fill up Pakistan’s place in the eight-team tournament, but Hockey India said the exact scenario will be clear in the next 48 hours.

“The Indian government has already said that it is will willing to provide visas to Pakistani players but if they don’t want to come to India, it’s not our problem. Bangladesh has already been invited to participate in case Pakistan doesn’t come but we will have to wait for two more days to get the confirmation,” the HI official said when quizzed about the situation.

“Neither Pakistan or Bangladesh have confirmed anything to us till now. But Bangladesh are likely replacement for Pakistan,” he added.

Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup — a qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup — was uncertain after the military confrontation with India following the Pahalgam terror attack.

India had launched Operation Sindoor to destroy terror infrastructure in Pakistan after the terror attack that killed 26 people. PHF had suggested that the tournament be moved out of India to another venue.

Besides hosts India, the other participating teams in the Asia Cup are China, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Oman and Chinese Taipei.

Pakistani squash player Ashab Irfan claimed victory at the Johns Creek Open in the United States on Monday, capping off a strong run by defeating Malaysia’s Nathan in the final.

After dropping the first game, Ashab made an impressive comeback to win three consecutive games in just 40 minutes. The final scoreline read 8-11, 11-2, 11-2, 11-6 in favor of the Pakistani star.

The tournament, which boasted a prize purse of $12,000, saw Irfan deliver a stellar performance.

This victory marked Ashab’s third PSA (Professional Squash Association) title of the year.

It is pertinent to mention that Ashab had advanced to the final of the Johns Creek Open on Sunday, while compatriot Asim Khan was ousted in the semi-finals.

In the semi-final, Irfan defeated Brazil’s Diogo Gobbi 3-1 in a 53-minute encounter, with game scores of 11-7, 14-12, 4-11, and 11-5.

Meanwhile, top-seed Asim suffered a surprise defeat against Malaysia’s Nathan Chua, losing 3-1 with scores of 11-9, 4-11, 11-7, and 11-9.

Earlier on Saturday, both Pakistani players had delivered impressive performances to reach the semi-finals.

Asim overcame Egypt’s Omar El Kattan 3-1 in a 46-minute quarterfinal, with game scores of 10-12, 11-3, 11-3, 13-11. Ashab dominated Mexico’s Cesar Segundo 3-0 in his quarterfinal, winning 11-3, 11-8, 11-3.

Both players had also secured their quarterfinal berths with strong second-round performances on Thursday.

Top-seed Asim defeated Egypt’s Kareem Badawi 3-1 in 45 minutes (11-3, 11-6, 5-11, 11-8), while second-seed Ashab Irfan dismantled the United States’ Christopher Gordon in just 20 minutes (11-2, 11-4, 11-4), showcasing aggressive shot-making and high-paced play.

However, Pakistan’s Ahsan Ayaz and Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim were eliminated earlier. Seventh-seed Ayaz lost a five-game thriller against Omar El Kattan, falling 11-4, 10-12, 9-11, 11-8, 8-11 in 58 minutes.

Huzaifa Ibrahim bowed out in the round of 16, defeated by Brazil’s third-seed Diego Gobbi 9-11, 11-3, 11-4, 11-6 in 47 minutes, despite winning the opening game.

LUANDA (Angola) – The 2025 AfroBasket is approaching its final stages.

On Monday, fans can look forward to two thrilling elimination games at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Kilamba, with Guinea facing Mali and South Sudan competing against Senegal.

The winners of the two highly-anticipated games will book their quarterfinals spots.

FIBA.bsketball takes a look at the two upcoming games.

Guinea vs. Mali, 18 August 2025, 16:00 Local Time (GMT+1)

The two countries, Guinea and Mali, have only ever faced each other once in an AfroBasket, which was in 2005, with Mali emerging as the winners.

In this year’s tournament, Guinea have had a different look about them.

They shocked South Sudan 88-80 in Group C. The win surely made eyeballs pop.

Despite losing to Angola (84-68), they ended their group stage campaign on a high with a win over Libya (83-54).

Alpha Diallo (21.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and three assists) and Mamadi Diakite (14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists) have been the key figures in Guinea’s amazing group stage run.

Guinea will look to them to go further in the competition.

Mali ended Group D disappointingly.

A 1-2 record will not encourage many that the Sahel nation is a contender. Losses to Egypt (74-59) and Senegal (80-70) raise questions about Mali’s ability to compete against strong nations. A win against Uganda (85-72) in between the losses helped Mali progress to the elimination round.

Two-time Basketball Africa League (BAL) Defensive Player of the Year Aliou Diarra (11.7 points and 9.3 rebounds) and Siriman Kanoute (14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and eight assists) have raised their game for Mali and the Eagles will depend on them to spread their wings.

South Sudan vs. Senegal, 18 August 2025, 19:00 Local Time (GMT+1)

Monday sees South Sudan and Senegal locking horns for the second time in an AfroBasket. The spoils of victory to went to Senegal in the 2021 AfroBasket.

The AfroBasket has been a reality check for South Sudan, a team expected to be dominant after rising to the No.1 ranking on the continent.

Group (C) game losses to Guinea (88-80) and Angola (66-64), and in between the two losses, a win over Libya (115-52), means Luol Deng’s team has to settle for the playoff route to the quarterfinals.

Deng will look to his two BAL MVPs, Nuni Omot (18.3 points, five rebounds and 2.3 assists) and Jo Lual-Acuil (13.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists) to lead South Sudan to a first AfroBasket win over Senegal.

Senegal, on the other hand, has had contrasting fortunes at the tournament. They left Group D with a 2-1 record. A win against Uganda (88-53) and a loss to Egypt (91-77). In their last game, the Lions of Teranga got an inspiring win against Mali (80-70).

Moustapha Diop (10.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) raised his game against Mali, dropping 16 points and crashing 10 boards, and coach DeSagana Diop will expect him to maintain the same level against Sudan.

Senegal can also turn to team captain Brancou Badio (14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists) and 2025 BAL MVP Jean Jacques Boissy (14.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists) to trouble South Sudan at the offensive end.

FIBA

Rugby Australia is proud to announce the expansion of its partnership with Nemiroff, the award-winning Ukrainian vodka brand, as the official vodka partner of the Wallabies.

The multi-year partnership unlocks a wide array of premium rights and activations, designed to offer high-impact brand visibility and deepen the connection between Nemiroff and Australia’s passionate rugby supporters.

From digital channels to stadium experiences, the collaboration is built to resonate strongly with consumers and bring the bold Ukrainian spirit to life on and off the field.

The landmark agreement follows Nemiroff’s recent partnership with the Wallaroos, marking a bold step forward in the brand’s expansion into the Australian market.

Known for its heritage dating back over 150 years and its uncompromising commitment to quality, Nemiroff was recently named Vodka Brand Champion 2025 and Supreme Brand Champion 2025 — the first vodka brand in history to earn the top distinction across all spirits categories.

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said: “We’re excited to extend our relationship with Nemiroff as they join the Wallabies family.

“Their global standing, commitment to the highest standards, and passion for performance align seemlessly with the Wallabies’ values.

“With a golden decade here for Australian rugby, we look forward to delivering unforgettable experiences for our supporters through this unique partnership.”

Nemiroff CEO Yuriy Sorochynskiy said: “Joining forces with the Wallabies is a powerful next step in our journey with Australian rugby.

“This team reflects the values we hold close: strength, pride, and an unwavering will to win.

“For us, this partnership is about building meaningful fan experiences and celebrating the spirit of sport together with a nation that knows how to rise to the challenge.”

2025 Wallabies Tests (all dates and times are AEST)

Wallabies 21 defeated Fiji 18 on Sunday July 6 at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour

Wallabies 19 defeated by the British & Irish Lions 27 on Saturday July 19 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Wallabies 26 defeated by the British & Irish Lions 29 on Saturday July 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

Wallabies 22 defeated the British & Irish Lions 12 on Saturday August 2 at Accor Stadium, Sydney

The Flight Centre Rugby Championship/Bledisloe Cup

Wallabies 38 defeated South Africa 22 on Saturday August 16 at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg

Wallabies v South Africa at 1:10am AEST on Sunday August 24 at DHL Stadium, Cape Town

Wallabies v Argentina at 2:30pm AEST on Saturday September 6 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Wallabies v Argentina at 2:00pm AEST on Saturday September 13 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies v New Zealand at 3:05pm AEST on Saturday September 27, Eden Park, Auckland

Wallabies v New Zealand at 5:45pm AWST on Saturday October 4 at Optus Stadium, Perth

Spring Tour

Wallabies v Japan at TBC on Saturday October 25 at National Stadium, Tokyo

Wallabies v England, at 2:10am AEDT on Sunday November 2 at Allianz Stadium, London

Wallabies v Italy at 4:40am AEDT on Sunday November 9 at Bluenergy Stadium, Udine

Wallabies v Ireland at 7:10am AEDT on Sunday November 16 at Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Wallabies v France at 7:10am on Sunday November 23 at Stade de France, Paris

“The game has changed – it’s faster, more skilled, and more intense,” Stratton started. “The players have changed – they are stronger and faster. And so, our officials have also changed – they have adapted to the game in their standard of work (the way they call and interpret the game), their own physicality, their strength, and, most importantly, their mental resilience for the intensity and expectations at the highest level.”
 
“This doesn’t happen over night. They all have put in the work. On ice is one thing, but off ice is another – bettering themselves in the gym, from a physical standard. But off the ice and continuing to push themselves to self-assess and make adaptations. They have such a high level of emotional intelligence. Think about it – they are able to read, react and make decisions in split seconds in an incredibly high-stakes game and timeframe. People often don’t recognize or understand that.”
 
For Stratton, too, her group has also had to adjust and improve. “How we coach our officials is also different,” she concurred. “It has gone from a directive philosophy to a more collaborative and dialogue-focused approach. We have found way more productivity in that lane with our officials, which is leading to generally higher success and engagement within our group. We look for officials who are not only good on ice but good people off ice, people who give back to the game at home and help develop younger officials. Most of them have full-time jobs, balancing families and other priorities. Having these multi-faceted experiences means they are able to draw boundaries to achieve their goals. It is quite amazing when you think of it!”
 
Milano Cortina also represents a full-circle moment for Stratton herself. Her dad was an official at the pro and top junior level, and after playing in university she became a linesperson. She worked the 2013 and 2015 WW18 and the 2016 Women’s Worlds, earning a bronze-medal assignment at all three events. But she was one of the last cuts for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, and it hurt. She took time away but several years later was asked to return, as a coach. She couldn’t be happier.
 
“I think I have really found my niche,” she enthused. “I love coaching officials and working with them in this capacity. Being able to guide them through various situations and build some great relationships is where I was meant to thrive. So, it’s a bit of redemption to go to the Olympics now, in a different capacity. It’s a nice feeling. We have such a special group. I can’t wait for February!”
  
IIHF Women Officials nominated for Milano Cortina 2026
 
Referees

• Kelly Cooke, USA
• Melissa Doyle, USA
• Ida Henriksson, SWE
• Samatha Hiller, USA
• Julia Kainberger, AUT
• Cianna Lieffers, CAN
• Elizabeth Mantha, CAN
• Michelle McKenna, CAN
• Shauna Neary, CAN
• Annina Nurmi, FIN
• Zuzana Svoboda, CZE
• Amanada Tassoni, USA

 
Linespersons

• Sarah Buckner, USA
• Jennifer Cameron, USA
• Alexandra Clarke, CAN
• Laura Gutauskas, CAN
• Kristyna Hajkova, CZE
• Jessica Lundgren, SWE
• Tiina Saarimaki, FIN
• Justine Todd, CAN
• Kirsten Welsh, USA
• Erin Zach, CAN

Bryson DeChambeau, Russell Henley and Harris English have secured the final three automatic qualifying places on the US Ryder Cup team.

They join world number one Scottie Scheffler, US Open champion JJ Spaun and Xander Schauffele on captain Keegan Bradley’s team for next month’s contest against Europe at Bethpage, New York.

The six American qualifiers were confirmed following the conclusion of the last qualifying event, the BMW Championship, which was won by reigning US PGA Championship and Open champion Scheffler.

DeChambeau, who plays on the LIV Golf circuit, qualified thanks to three top-10 finishes in the majors this year.

Bradley will announce his six captain’s picks to complete the 12-man team on 27 August.

There is a chance that Bradley, 39, could pick himself to play after he finished in a tie for 17th at the BMW Championship, to cement 10th place in the US Ryder Cup standings.

Arnold Palmer was the Ryder Cup’s last playing captain, when he led the US team, aged 34, in 1963.

Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa were among those to miss out on automatic qualification for the US team.

Ben Griffin, Maverick McNealy and Andrew Novak are the other three Americans in the top-12, but none have appeared at a Ryder Cup before and Bradley may opt for the experience of Patrick Cantlay, who is 15th on the list but has picked up 5½ points in two previous appearances.

Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre finished second to Scheffler in Maryland despite leading by four shots going into the final day.

But that was enough to see him join Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood in qualifying for the European team.

The other three automatic slots are currently filled by Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton and Shane Lowry with the standings finalised after this week’s British Masters at the Belfry.

Captain Luke Donald will make his picks for the six other places on 1 September.

One player who maybe in contention is former Masters champion Jon Rahm, who was crowned LIV Golf individual champion for the second consecutive year despite not winning an event.

LIV golfers can only qualify through ranking points earned through the four majors and Rahm is currently 23rd in the European rankings.

Europe will be aiming to defend their title when at the event from 26-28 September.

South Africa prop Ox Nche said that the Springboks ‘went off script’ in the second half of Springboks’ 22-38 Rugby Championship defeat to Australia on Saturday, while coach Rassie Erasmus was less diplomatic.

The defending champions were expected to secure the win against the Wallabies at home at Ellis Park, but the latter were somewhat surprising victors as the Boks ran out of defensive steam after captain Siya Kolisi went off injured.

Nche, who was visibly annoyed by the defeat, said afterwards: “At halftime, the chat was simply to stick to the plan and execute things, as it was working. But we just went off the script in the second half.

“They scored three easy tries early on, and it wasn’t from a good set piece. They were just more active and ready, and they pounced ahead.

“They just seemed more prepared than we were, and they used every opportunity they got, whereas we didn’t. Everyone just started going off on their own plan instead of sticking to the plan we had as a team.”

Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus was typically blunt in his assessment of the match, saying: “This is probably one of the most embarrassing press conferences I’ve done in a while.

“We gave them one or two soft tries – an intercept here from a Manie Libbok pass, a pass from André Esterhuizen that went to them, and that let them back into the game.

“It wasn’t just tactical – they also physically dominated us. The longer the game went on, the stronger they got. At altitude, that’s supposed to be us. It shows what (Wallabies coach) Joe Schmidt is building there.”

He then added: “The saddest thing is five log points for them, and we didn’t even fight back to take the bonus point away. So we’re on zero, they’re on five. I can butter this up to sound cool and respectful, but we were really dog s**t on the day.”

Looking ahead to the second clash against the Aussies next weekend, Nche said there would be no time to relax: “We want to win the Rugby Championship. This coming weekend is a must-win Test and we have to get as many points as we can.

“For me personally, it means more hard work, more preparation, and to be better prepared. To do whatever you did last week, and do more of it. The only thing we can do is to execute better.”

Again, Erasmus was more direct, but adding that the coaching staff had a role to play too: “We have to look first at ourselves before we point fingers at the players.

“From now until next Saturday, we’ll take a lot of flak, but, to be fair, we take the credit when we’re doing well, so we must take the flak when we’re doing badly. We’re very disappointed, feeling bad for our supporters and our players.

“A player doesn’t just do what he wants out there; we guide them and we pick the combinations. If it doesn’t work, maybe the combinations were wrong, maybe the plans were wrong, maybe the half-time talk was terrible.”