Category: 6. Sports

Pakistan on Tuesday advanced to the semifinals of the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025 with a hard-fought 49-39 victory over Maldives in their final group fixture at the Jeonju Hwasan Gymnasium in Jeonju-si, South Korea.

In a closely contested match, Pakistan led 14-12 after the first quarter but fell behind 24-26 at halftime. They bounced back to regain the lead at 35-32 by the end of the third quarter and finished strong to close out the win.

Players including Leya Raza Shah, Alisha Naveed, Sumayya Kouser, Haleema, Jasmine Farooq and Farah Rasheed delivered outstanding performances and were instrumental in the team’s success.

Chairman of the Pakistan Netball Federation Mudassar Arian, President Sameen Malik, and Secretary General Muhammad Riaz congratulated the team on their impressive performance and progression to the next stage.

With this victory, Pakistan topped Group B and will face Japan in the semifinal on Thursday, July 3.

As per the Asian Netball Federation’s new format, the semifinals will be contested between the top four teams from both divisions—Group A (Gold Cup Division) and Group B (Plate Cup Division)—with the top-ranked team facing the fourth, and the second playing against the third.

The championship, featuring eleven nations, is being held from June 27 to July 4, 2025, under the auspices of the Asian Netball Federation.

Group A includes Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and India, while Group B comprises Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Maldives, and Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan began their campaign in dominant fashion, outclassing Saudi Arabia with a 71-15 victory. In their second match, the Green Shirts continued their impressive run by securing a 56-32 win over Chinese Taipei.

In the third group-stage match, Pakistan overwhelmed South Korea with a commanding 91-6 scoreline. They followed it up with a dominant 79-39 victory over Japan in the fourth match.

Arıcan inspires Turkey’s next gymnastics stars

It’s the kind of accomplishments he wouldn’t have believed before he and teammates like Adel Asım and İbrahim Çolak achieved them.

“We are a really good generation,” he said. “Before, if you ask me about a Turkish Olympic medallist or World Champion, I’d say it was really hard. But now dreams come true.”

It’s been a team effort, literally, he says, as he credits the federation, coaches, physiotherapists and others for the continued growth and sustained success of the programme.

He hopes he’ll be part of that team effort in a different way, too. Arıcan is now the president of the Göztepe Gymnastics Club where more than 1,000 young gymnasts train.

“When I won the Olympic medal, I went to the academy and all the children came to touch it,” he said. “They’re really lucky. They think, ‘OK, if Coach Ferhat can do it, I can do it.’”

That connection to the next generation drives him as much as anything.

“One kid starting gymnastics because of me – that’s more important than any medal,” he said. “My next goal is Göztepe Gymnastics Club will be Olympic champion. Why not?”

For now, Arıcan is focused on the 2025 Worlds. But he’s not ruling out a fourth appearance at the Olympic Games when they head to LA in 2028.

“I didn’t decide yet,” he says of LA. “When I take the World Championship medal, I will decide… but why not continue to LA? Why not a fourth Olympic Games in Turkish history?”

• The Newcastle United 2025-26 third jersey introduces the trefoil adidas logo for a contemporary take on a classic

• Blending colours from the iconic 97/98 away kit, the jersey embraces the future of football fashion whilst paying homage to its heritage

• The third kit is available from 1st July via Newcastle United stores, selected adidas retail stores, and online at the official Newcastle United website and https://www.adidas.co.uk/football-jerseys

• Kit to be worn for the first time against Celtic on the 19th July (the first ever adidas Trophy)

A modern tribute to the iconic 97/98 third kit, the jersey features a striking combination of burnt orange and deep green set against a navy backdrop, for a stylish take on a renowned classic and a must-have for fans and collectors.

Welcoming the embroidered trefoil adidas logo, the shirt features a stitched club crest and adidas EQT flat knit collar and cuffs. The kit is completed with navy shorts and socks, accented with signature three-stripe detailing and a clean orange trefoil sign-off for a visual statement.

The 2025/26 Newcastle United third kit will be available for purchase from 9am (BST) on Tuesday 1 July. Fans can shop online at shop.newcastleunited.com and www.adidas.co.uk/football-jerseys, or visit official club stores at St. James’ Park, the Metro Centre, Fenwick Newcastle as well as selected adidas retail locations.

To support the club’s ongoing community efforts, Newcastle United will donate £5 from every adult home, away, third, and goalkeeper shirt sold via the official club website or official NUFC stores before 31 August 2025 to the Newcastle United Foundation.

The initiative will help fund grassroots programmes and social impact projects across the North East.

Peter Silverstone, Chief Commercial Officer, at Newcastle United said: “This third kit is a powerful blend of past and present – a bold design that reflects both our proud history and the exciting journey ahead. Working closely with adidas, we’ve created something that we hope will resonate deeply with our global supporters, bringing back an iconic look with a modern twist.

There’s a real pride in wearing the trefoil – a symbol that connects generations of fans and players. Our passionate global fanbase will see this and wear it with pride, especially as we return to the UEFA Champions League for the second time in three years.

Just as importantly, every adult shirt sold direct from the club contributes directly to our Foundation’s work across the North East, reinforcing our commitment to community impact on and off the pitch.”

adidas said: “For this season’s third kit, we wanted to bring the fans an added level of connection by combining our favourite elements of the iconic 97/98 kit, told through a modern and stylish lens. The intersection between football and fashion is continuously evolving, and this kit celebrates the colliding of these two worlds in a way that honours the club’s identity and togetherness, both in the past and for years to come.”

The on-pitch version of the jersey is constructed using advanced materials including AEROREADY to maximize air flow to keep players feeling cool, while the fan version uses sweat-wicking and absorbent materials to keep the body feeling dry, for lasting comfort on matchdays and beyond.

The 2025/26 third kit will make its debut when Newcastle United take to the pitch during their pre-season fixture against Celtic in the first ever adidas Trophy.

BBC

Reigning F1 Academy champion Pulling impressed by finishing top of the timesheets at the all-women’s session in Jarama last November. This will be her first on-track appearance with the Japanese outfit in her new role as Nissan’s Rookie and Simulator Driver.

The British racer is currently competing in GB3 Championship, where she scored a strong fifth on debut at Silverstone.

“I’m really excited to get out on track and to work with the team again,” said Pulling. “I’ve driven street circuits before but never in such a high-powered car, so it will be an amazing opportunity.

“Berlin looks like a fun track – Gabriele has been there with the team before, so it will be interesting to work with him and get up to speed from his previous experience.

“I’ll be there for the race weekend prior to the test as well, so my goal is mainly to pick up as much information as possible, improve my understanding of the car, and make the most of the experience for both the team and myself.” 

In addition, Minì returns to the squad for a third time thanks to Nissan Formula E Team’s collaboration with Alpine Racing.

The Italian driver will be looking to develop the skills he learned in his previous two outings in a Formula E car, having taken a top-10 finish in last year’s Berlin Rookie Test, before securing an impressive second in FP0 in Jeddah.

Minì has enjoyed a solid debut FIA Formula 2 campaign so far, earning a podium finish in the Monaco Sprint Race. The pair will take on two sessions at the 2.343-kilometre circuit, which features 15 corners and runs anti-clockwise.

“It’s great to be back, I’ve enjoyed my two previous outings with the team, so I’m delighted to work with them again,” says Mini. “It’s a track I know well, having driven there in the Rookie Test last year. I also had the chance to drive the GEN3 Evo in the FP0 session in Jeddah, with the 350kW power mode, new tires, and all-wheel drive, so I will be aiming to put these two experiences together.

“My main goal is to keep learning and to help the team complete its program for the day, like we did in Jeddah, while also showing my pace.”

Tommaso Volpe, Managing Director and Team Principal, Nissan said: “We’re very happy to have Abbi and Gabriele with us for the Berlin rookie test this year.

“It will be Abbi’s first on-track action since joining us as our rookie and simulator driver, and we’re happy to welcome Gabriele again thanks to our close collaboration with Alpine Racing. We’ve worked with them separately in the past with a lot of success, so it will be great to see them teaming up for this test.

“They’re both very talented drivers and for us it is great to have continuity with our rookies, so they can keep developing at the same time as doing a better job for the team every time.”

Find out more

CALENDAR: Sync the dates and don’t miss a lap of Season 11

WATCH: Find out where to watch every Formula E race via stream or on TV in your country

TICKETS: Secure your grandstand seats and buy Formula E race tickets

SCHEDULE: Here’s every race of the 2024/25 Formula E season

HIGHLIGHTS: Catch up with every race from all 10 seasons of Formula E IN FULL

PREDICTOR: Get involved, predict race results and win exclusive prizes

HOSPITALITY: Experience Formula E and world class motorsport as a VIP

FOLLOW: Download the Formula E App on iOS or Android

 

Bedrin is multiple winner in international karting competition, having made headlines by dominating the 2020 WSK Super Master Series (OK), where he won heats, qualifying sessions, prefinals, and finals over the final two rounds.

More recently, he captured his first FIA Formula 3 Sprint Race victory in 2024, confirming his potential at the highest levels of junior single-seater racing.

As part of the Penske Driver Development Program, Bedrin will work closely with the DS PENSKE engineering team, contributing to simulator development and gaining valuable insight into the technical and strategic demands of electric racing at the elite level.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Nikita into our development structure,” said Deputy Team Principal Phil Charles. “His talent is undeniable, and we believe he has the mindset and dedication to thrive within the DS PENSKE environment.”

Kvyat tests Formula E machinery once more

The former Formula 1 driver has taken part in rookie sessions before, at the Rookie Test in Berlin with then-NIO 333. The Russian also took the wheel of the DS E-TENSE FE25 during the FP0 session at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit earlier this season.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the Rookie Free Practice session in Jeddah

Kvyat, 30, is an accomplished driver with extensive experience in top-tier motorsport. Having competed in multiple Formula 1 seasons with teams such as Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso, Kvyat has demonstrated skill and adaptability at the top level.

“With podium finishes and years of experience in high-pressure race environments, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the DS PENSKE squad,” say the team.

Find out more

CALENDAR: Sync the dates and don’t miss a lap of Season 11

WATCH: Find out where to watch every Formula E race via stream or on TV in your country

TICKETS: Secure your grandstand seats and buy Formula E race tickets

SCHEDULE: Here’s every race of the 2024/25 Formula E season

HIGHLIGHTS: Catch up with every race from all 10 seasons of Formula E IN FULL

PREDICTOR: Get involved, predict race results and win exclusive prizes

HOSPITALITY: Experience Formula E and world class motorsport as a VIP

FOLLOW: Download the Formula E App on iOS or Android

 

It also sees Mandhana reach a new career-best rating of 771 points and close to within 23 points of No.1 ranked player Beth Mooney at the top of the charts for T20I batters.

Fellow Indian opener Shafali Verma gains one place to move to 13th on the same rankings list following her innings of 20 in the same match against England, while teammate Harleen Deol re-enters the batter rankings in equal 86th after a quickfire knock of 43.

Pakistan’s white-ball vice-captain Shadab Khan is facing a three-month layoff because of a recurring shoulder injury that will require a surgery.

A source in the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Tuesday that the PCB’s medical panel has advised the leg-spin all-rounder to undergo a surgery for the chronic shoulder problem.

“He is likely to fly to London for the surgery very soon and he will require at least three months rehabilitation,” the source added.

Shadab, one of Pakistan’s most experienced white-ball players, was appointed vice-captain earlier this year and played in the recent home series against Bangladesh which Pakistan won 3-0.

ALSO READ | Nathan Lyon yearns for Test series win in India before retirement

The source said that because of the shoulder problem, Shadab was now certain to miss out on the coming white-ball series in Bangladesh and West Indies and also a home assignment against Afghanistan.

“If the Asia Cup is held in September, Shadab will also miss that event,” the source said.

The 26-year-old has appeared in six Tests, 70 ODIs and 112 T20 internationals and was recently also drafted in to play in the Big Bash this season.

Kinghorn’s fantastic versatility is part of why he’s here. Full-back is, in his own words, his favourite position, and it’s where he plays his Test rugby. He’s played five of his last six games for Toulouse on the left wing and he’s also played right wing. He scored a try for Scotland against the Wallabies while playing 10.

“I’ve played the majority of my rugby at full-back, so I still say that’s probably my best position,” the 28-year-old says. “At club level, it’s different. We have positions, but we don’t really have positions. Everything’s interchangeable, it’s not structured, so you’re floating around. Winger’s the same as a full-back in most instances.”

On the night the Lions were playing the Pumas in Dublin, Kinghorn was playing Bayonne in the Top 14 semi-final in Lyon. When the Lions were going up against Western Force in Perth, Kinghorn was running out in front of French president Emmanuel Macron and 80,000 others in Paris for the domestic final against European champions Bordeaux. It turned out to be an all-time classic.

He continues: “I was so focused on finishing the season well with Toulouse that I hadn’t many thoughts about [the Lions]. I tried to keep them at the back of my head just because I wanted to stay in the moment. Now I can turn my full attention to this and it’s really exciting.

Did Andy Farrell or any of the Lions coaches keep him up to speed with what was going on in their camp? “No, I think all the coaches understand how intense it is to be in the knockout stages of your league competition. They all know that overloading information is not going to help anyone.

“The next couple of days will be head-in-the-book days for me, I just need to learn everything and catch up with where the boys are at. Hopefully I’ll catch on pretty quickly. All I can do is learn as fast as I can and show what I can do if I get the chance to play.”

He’s got some ground to make up, for sure. Elliot Daly is the early Lions pace-setter at full-back and Hugo Keenan has a big opportunity against the Queensland Reds on Wednesday. Best-case scenario is that Kinghorn starts against the Waratahs on Saturday. That’s game three in Australia. There are only two more after that before we get to the Test series.

Toulouse has been the most extraordinary move for him. Everything is different there, he says. “The squad is so deep and so talented that you’ve got to be on top of your game. You’ve got to come into training every day and work hard. Coaches are on your back the whole time, which is great. It’s high pressure, but it makes you thrive.

“Having great players and great coaches around you does make you a better player. The way that Toulouse see the game is similar to the way I like to play, so it’s matched up nicely there. Competition for places, consistency of training, high pressure.”

Back in April, Kinghorn picked up a knee injury and missed two months of the season, a blessing in disguise in a sense. “I was injured for eight weeks. It’s never fun, but it freshened the brain up a little bit.”

He’s about to bring that energy to the camp now, a late arrival, but quite possibly a very key man in the weeks ahead.