After weeks of uncertainty, Pakistan hockey has finally been handed a lifeline, with reports in local media suggesting that the men’s team will compete in the FIH Pro League 2025–26.
According to journalist Arfa Feroze Zaki, the breakthrough came after the Finance Ministry pledged Rs25 crore and sponsors chipped in an additional Rs10 crore, clearing the immediate financial roadblocks that had threatened to derail Pakistan’s participation.
Pakistan’s place in the Pro League had looked highly doubtful from the start. Despite being invited by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) after New Zealand withdrew, the cash-strapped Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) struggled to raise the funds needed for the campaign. The PHF had appealed for Rs70.30 crore from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), but the Board, already demanding clarity over the federation’s past spending, refused to release additional funds.
The impasse created fears of another embarrassment, similar to when Pakistan pulled out of the inaugural Pro League and ended up paying a fine of 170,000 euros to the FIH. After two extensions, the Finance Ministry’s intervention has reportedly ensured that the Green Shirts will not miss out this time.
The Pro League, which runs from November 2025 to June 2026, could now see Pakistan lock horns with the world’s elite sides, including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and even India. For a side that has missed the last three Olympics, the most recent World Cup, and boycotted the upcoming Asia Cup, this competition offers a direct route back into hockey’s mainstream.
The FIH and the PHF are yet to confirm this development.
Pakistan’s return to the Pro League is also steeped in history. The four-time world champions and three-time Olympic gold medalists were once the undisputed giants of the sport. They remain Asia’s most successful team with eight Asian Games gold medals and have also lifted the Champions Trophy three times. Yet, administrative turmoil and chronic financial instability have left the game on the margins in recent decades.
This reported rescue package not only guarantees participation but could also spark much-needed momentum in reviving Pakistan hockey. However, with questions still lingering over the PHF’s financial transparency, many believe structural reforms will be as crucial as the funds themselves if Pakistan is to reclaim its past glory.
Bold initiatives are born from dreams. And speed creates the momentum that launches these dreams on the path to excellence. At the Speed of Dreams is an LVMH original content that explores the power of dreams and imagination, and the irrepressible drive they inspire in people who always strive to go beyond their limits. The series will feature the faces and voices of exceptional achievers whose dreams have shaped their journeys.
This interview, shot in black and white in a minimalist studio setting, invites viewers and listeners on a journey to the very heart of imagination. Each episode will share intimate conversations with exceptional personalities for whom dreams are as much about discipline as destiny. Both their words and moments of palpable reflection express the unique tension between ambition and accomplishment, a place where speed becomes more than simply movement, embodying a state of mind and a quest for excellence.
At the Speed of Dreams by Léon Marchand
The series debuts with swimmer Léon Marchand, Olympic Gold medalist, multi-world champion, records-holder, star French athlete and LVMH ambassador. In a rare personal interview, he talks about the dreams that inspired him and how he feels once he has achieved them. When you live at the speed of dreams, he says, there is no finish line in the race for excellence.
National Medal Laureate Rory A. Cooper, PhD, PLY, the founding director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories – a joint Institute of the University of Pittsburgh and US Department of Veterans Affairs – has been announced as the second keynote speaker for December’s VISTA 2025 Conference in Cairo, Egypt.
This year’s VISTA 2025 conference theme is “Developing Para Sport: Inclusion, Transformation, Health and Performance,” and US Army veteran and Paralympic medallist Cooper’s keynote is titled: “Technological Advances Transforming Paralympic Sport: Insights and Innovations that will changes the Paralympic Games”.
To register for VISTA 2025 which takes place between 7-10 December 2025 and take advantage of the early bird registration offer, please click here.
“Engineering, design, and human performance research are converging to shape future generations of the Paralympic Games, and this keynote will look into several innovations which are expanding performance potential, accessibility, and participation,” said Cooper, who is a VA Senior Research Career Scientist and the FISA Foundation – Paralysed Veterans of America Distinguished Professor at Pitt.
“Technological advances and social change are fostering the growth of emerging adaptive sports, enabling equipment and classification systems to support fair and inclusive competition. This can only benefit the Paralympic Movement” he added.
During his keynote, Cooper – who was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by President Biden and was inducted into the 50th class of the National Inventors Hall of Fame – will explore how engineering science is advancing transformation through novel approaches in adaptive sports equipment, including Kirigami-inspired designs that lower costs and optimise strength, flexibility, and customisation.
Cooper’s keynote will also cover how artificial intelligence is being integrated into technology development to enhance performance analytics, personalised training, and rapid iterative design. The talk will look at how breakthroughs in osseointegration for prosthetic limbs are enabling more efficient power transfer, improved comfort, and expanded competitive capabilities. In wheelchair sports, engineering is driving advancements in powered platforms for soccer, field hockey, and tennis, creating new opportunities for athletes with a wider range of impairments.
During his career, Cooper has authored or co-authored over 400 peer-reviewed journal publications and has over 30 patents awarded or pending. He is the author of two books: “Rehabilitation Engineering Applied to Mobility and Manipulation” and “Wheelchair Selection and Configuration”, and co-editor of “An Introduction to Rehabilitation Engineering”, “Warrior Transition Leader: Medical Rehabilitation Handbook” and the award-winning book “Care of the Combat Amputee”. Cooper is an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering and Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, as well as RESNA, IEEE, AIMBE and BMES.
Cooper is the second keynote speaker to be confirmed for VISTA 2025, following the announcement in mid-August that Professor Wayne Derman, one of the world’s leading medical specialists in sport and exercise medicine, would also be delivering a keynote. Professor Derman’s keynote will be on “Safeguarding the health of Paralympic Athletes: Insights and Innovations from Injury and Illness Surveillance over seven Paralympic Games”.
VISTA 2025 is the eleventh edition of the IPC’s scientific conference and serves as a unique platform for the exchange of cutting-edge research, cross-disciplinary dialogue, and strategic collaboration. It will feature keynote presentations, symposia, oral and poster sessions, and will host the prestigious IPC Scientific Award ceremony, an accolade Cooper received in 2013. The conference brings together experts from diverse fields—including sports science, medicine, technology, sociology, policy, education, and ethics and integrity—to collectively shape the future of Para sport.
Registration for VISTA 2025 is now open, and until 30 September attendees can benefit from an early-bird registration offer priced EUR 375, and EUR 180 for students. Register now.
MUNICH (Germany) – Besides the thrilling on-court battles between Europe’s best national teams, every EuroBasket edition offers a glimpse into the future, with young players stepping into the spotlight and delivering breakout performances.
This year, we’ve selected a group of players who could emerge as rising stars, following a couple of (self-imposed) rules: (1) all players must have been born in 2004 or later, and (2) they must have either appeared in at least one preparation game for FIBA EuroBasket or be strongly rumored to make the final rosters.
Without further ado, here are the young players who are ready to step into the spotlight during this year’s EuroBasket.
Bilal Coulibaly – France
Shooting Guard
Birth Date: July 26, 2004 (21 years old) Height: 1.99m (6ft 6in) Club: Washington Wizards (USA – NBA)
Coulibaly is returning after a hamstring injury kept him sidelined for the final month of the NBA season. His sophomore year with the Wizards had its ups and downs, with the Frenchman being thrust into a larger on-ball role, which saw him creating more shots for himself and acting as a secondary playmaker for others, but in turn made him struggle in efficiency terms.
Still, he will be extremely important to this young French squad with his ability to handle the ball, pass it and defend multiple positions.
Sergio De Larrea – Spain
Point Guard
Birth Date: December 4, 2005 (19 years old) Height: 1.97m (6ft 6in) Club: Valencia Basket (ESP)
De Larrea made his national team debut during the qualifiers, following a standout season for Valencia in which the 19-year-old wing proved to be one of the most efficient three-point shooters in the Spanish ACB. He should add tremendous value for Spain with his ability to space the floor and make plays for others on a secondary level.
Miro Little – Finland
Guard
Birth Date: May 30, 2004 (21 years old) Height: 1.93m (6ft 4in) Club: UC Santa Barbara (USA – NCAA)
Lauri Markkanen is poised for an explosive FIBA EuroBasket after dominating the preparation games for the tournament, averaging 40.3 points per contest. Finland will need to surround Markkanen with off-ball scoring, athleticism, and versatile perimeter defense. Enter Miro Little, who, despite not having had the smoothest adaptation to the college game, could play a huge role for Finland this EuroBasket with his defensive impact and ability to contribute on offense without the ball seemingly a perfect complement to Markkanen’s all-around offensive game.
Miikka Muurinen – Finland
Forward
Birth Date: March 4, 2007 (18 years old) Height: 2.08m (6ft 10in) Club: AZ Compass Prep (USA – High School)
Muurinen is one of the most hyped prospects coming into the tournament. Considered as one of the top players in the high school class of 2026 and receiving multiple offers from top NCAA programs, the Finnish forward has been making waves on both sides of the Atlantic with his combination of elite 2.08m size, ball-handling ability, versatile shooting flashes, and defensive productivity.
Muurinen, who already made his senior national team debut during the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024, is projected as a future standout for Finland and the upcoming FIBA EuroBasket could be his national team breakthrough.
Saliou Niang – Italy
Forward
Birth Date: May 14, 2004 (21 years old) Height: 1.99m (6ft 6in) Club: Virtus Segafredo Bologna (ITA)
Niang had a breakthrough 2024-25 season for Trento in the Italian league, where he showed a combination of size, athleticism, ability to attack the basket, and a much-improved three-point jump shot. His development not only drew attention from NBA teams, leading to his selection in the second round of this year’s draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, but also earned him a call-up to the Italian national team, where he made his debut in the EuroBasket Qualifiers.
His profile as an athletic wing who can make plays on both ends of the floor could be an X-factor for Italy in this EuroBasket.
Giorgi Ochkhikidze – Georgia
Point Guard
Birth Date: June 5, 2004 (21 years old) Height: 1.92m (6ft 4in) Club: BC Kutaisi 2010 (GEO)
Giorgi Ochkhikidze
At 21 years old, Ochkhikidze has developed into an impact player for Kutaisi in Georgia, winning the league’s Young Player of the Year award in back-to-back years. He has also stood out for the Georgian national team during the qualifiers with his ability to attack the rim, convert off-the-dribble jumpers, and make plays for others on a secondary level.
Ochkhikidze has been one of the best players to emerge from Georgia in recent years and could make a huge impact for the team during EuroBasket.
Mark Padjen – Slovenia
Shooting Guard
Birth Date: January 25, 2006 (19 years old) Height: 1.98m (6ft 6in) Club: KK Ilirija (SLO)
Padjen was an integral part of Slovenia’s bronze-medal run at this year’s FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup. The 1.98m guard stood out with his three-point shooting and with his playmaking for others, ranking in the top five in assists per game during the tournament.
His versatility, being efficient as an off-ball scorer while also being impactful as playmaker for others when he has the ball in his hands, could be his calling card and what ultimately secures him a spot on Slovenia’s EuroBasket roster.
Zaccharie Risacher – France
Small Forward
Birth Date: April 8, 2005 (20 years old) Height: 2.03m (6ft 8in) Club: Atlanta Hawks (USA – NBA)
Risacher is coming off an impressive rookie season in the NBA, where he finished second in Rookie of the Year voting and was named to the All-Rookie First Team. He made an impact for the Hawks with his ability to defend multiple positions and his off-ball scoring, which improved throughout the season, as he shot 40.7 percent from three-point range after the All-Star break.
His profile as a versatile defender who doesn’t need the ball to be effective on offense should be key for France at FIBA EuroBasket.
Mario Saint-Supery – Spain
Guard
Birth Date: April 14, 2006 (19 years old) Height: 1.90m (6ft 3in) Club: Gonzaga University (USA – NCAA)
Saint-Supery has been a well-known name in scouting circles over the past few years. He made an impact for the Spanish youth national teams, being named MVP at the 2022 FIBA U16 EuroBasket, and last season he had a breakthrough campaign for BAXI Manresa in the Spanish ACB, standing out with his combination of smooth-ball handling, shot-making, and secondary playmaking.
Saint-Supery was included in the 12-man Spanish roster for EuroBasket, despite suffering an injury in a recent preparation game against France. If healthy, he could give Spain an extra punch with his versatile offensive game.
Alexandros Samodurov – Greece
Power Forward
Birth Date: April 20, 2005 (20 years old) Height: 2.11m (6ft 11in) Club: Panathinaikos BC OPAP (GRE)
Samodurov is coming off a strong performance at the FIBA U20 EuroBasket, where he was named to the All-Star Five, and he has been a regular fixture in Greece’s preparation games for FIBA EuroBasket, playing in all four contests and starting in three of them.
The 20-year-old could be a key factor for Greece thanks to his unique profile as a wing with elite size who can make an impact on multiple levels of the floor with his interior finishing, rim protection, and ability to create offense from the perimeter.
Alex Sarr – France
Power Forward
Birth Date: April 26, 2005 (20 years old) Height: 2.13m (7ft 0in) Club: Washington Wizards (USA – NBA)
Sarr made an impact as an interior defender during his first NBA season, finishing in the top 10 in blocks per game. His defensive contributions earned him fourth place in Rookie of the Year voting and a spot on the All-Rookie First Team.
While his offensive game is still a work in progress, his defense will be vital for a French team that, with Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama out of the picture, will certainly turn to Sarr for rim protection.
What is the format for the 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League?
The new format for the upcoming campaign will see clubs participate in a 18-team league phase containing all qualified sides, as opposed to split into groups.
Under the new format, teams will now play six different teams, with half at home and half away.
The sides who finish in the top four will automatically qualify for the knockout rounds, which begins with the quarter-finals, while the following eight teams will compete in a two-legged play-off to progress to the next stage.
Places 13 to 18 will be eliminated.
From the last eight onwards, it will continue in its existing format of two-legged ties up until the final.
Nine teams have already been confirmed for the league phase, which are:
Arsenal
Lyon
Paris Saint-Germain
Bayern Munich
Wolfsburg
Barcelona
Chelsea
Benfica
Juventus
The nine other spots will be taken up by those who are successful in the third qualifying rounds. Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris FC, Eintracht Frankfurt are all in the mix to book their spot in the league.
Lausanne, Switzerland – 25 August 2025 — The International World Games Association (IWGA) is pleased to announce the seven athletes who have been elected to serve on the IWGA Athletes Committee for the 2025–2029 term.
Following the voting period held during The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China, from 3–16 August, accredited athletes from across the Games cast their votes online to select their representatives.
This election reinforces the IWGA’s ongoing commitment to athlete inclusion and participation in the governance of The World Games.
The seven elected members of the Athletes Committee are:
Xaioxaio (Sunny) Lai (CHN) – Wushu
Sandra Sánchez (ESP) – Karate
Petra Senánszky (HUN) – Underwater Sports
Catherine Phillips (AUS) – Flying Disc
Andrea Busa (HUN) – Kickboxing
Yves Martial Tadissi (HUN) – Karate
Max Poschart (GER) – Underwater Sports
These athletes were chosen from a pool of 20 candidates representing a wide range of sports and countries, all nominated by their respective International Federations. Their election ensures a diverse and experienced Committee that can effectively represent athlete interests across the IWGA Family.
In line with the IWGA Constitution, up to two additional members may be appointed by the IWGA President by October 2025 to ensure balanced representation in terms of gender, sport, and geographical diversity.
Once the final composition of the Athlete Committee is confirmed, the first meeting of the new Athletes Committee will be held, during which the members will elect their Chair. The elected Chair will also serve as a member of the IWGA Executive Committee for the duration of the term, from 2025 to 2029.
José Perurena, IWGA President and Chair of the Electoral Committee, commented on the outcome:
“I extend my congratulations to the seven elected athletes and thank all the candidates who stood for election. The strong engagement of athletes during the voting period shows how important this Committee is for the future of The World Games. We look forward to working closely with the newly elected members.”
Jan Fransoo and John Liljelund, members of both the IWGA Executive Committee and the Electoral Committee, added:
“This election has once again underlined the importance of athlete input in shaping the direction of our organisation. The Athletes Committee serves as a vital bridge between the IWGA and the competitors who bring the Games to life. We’re excited to collaborate with this new group over the coming years.”
The IWGA thanks all 20 candidates for their dedication and willingness to serve, and applauds all participating athletes who exercised their right to vote.
Marczyk, who is co-driven by Szymon Gospodarczyk, completed Barum Czech Rally Zlín in an event personal-best seventh place and with his points advantage still intact.
However, having been 22 points ahead starting the sealed-surface contest, the Michelin-equipped star leads Andrea Mabellini by a reduced 11-point margin with two rounds remaining.
But when dropped scores are factored in, Marczyk actually trails Mabellini by two points based on the Pole having to discount 13 points from his current total and Mabellini having zero points to drop following his non-finish on ERC Staff House Rally Hungary in May.
Marczyk reckoned he could have gone faster on Czech ERC round
Speaking following Barum Czech Rally Zlín, which Pirelli-supplied Mabellini finished in third place, 29-year-old Marczyk said: “Four or five stages were good but it was necessary to be consistent all the time with this pace to fight for the podium places, like Andrea has done. We had four or five stages where we lost too much, especially on Bunč and [the final] morning loop. For sure it was the best Barum Rally in my life because we lost around 3/10ths per kilometre to Jan [Kopecký, the event winner], which is overall good driving, but to fight [for the title] it’s necessary to fight for the win in each race and this is why I am not fully happy. But I am open for good competition and I would really like to show the potential of our driving in Wales. I am motivated, it’s the moment of the season where it will be necessary to take more risk.I will fight to the end.”
Italian Mabellini, 26, said: “This [result] was really important, we gained some good points and it’s been great. It could be better with the Hungarian result but, as I said many times, we can be proud of the result we have done because we catch our possibilities but there are still two rallies to go.”
Mabellini is two points ahead of Marczyk on dropped scores
The Indian badminton players had a smooth passage through the earlier rounds.
They opened with a 21-12, 21-6 win over Cameroon’s Michel Henri Assembe and Félix Michel Kemene Atangana, before brushing aside the UAE’s Dev Ayyappan and Dhiren Ayyappan 21-15, 21-10 in the quarter-finals.
In the semis, they beat fellow Indians Hari Bharathi Baskaran P and Bharathsanjai S 21-14, 21-15.
The Cameroon International is a BWF International Series event – grade 3, level 2 – part of the Continental Circuit of badminton tournaments.
Among other Indian results at the Cameroon International, Anmol Kharb finished runner-up in women’s singles after losing 21-11, 21-19 to Indonesia’s Thalita Ramadhani Wiryawan in the final.
Aakarshi Kashyap was ousted in the semis by Wiryawan while Tanvi Sharma’s run ended in the quarters.
In men’s singles, India’s Alap Mishra and Laskhay Sharma both made the top four but neither managed to progress to the final.
Dhruv Rawat, with Maneesha K, bowed out in the mixed doubles semis and so did Sathwik Reddy Kanapuram and Radhika Sharma.
TALLINN (Estonia) – Estonia revealed their final 12-man roster for FIBA EuroBasket 2025 with Kristian Kullamae and Henri Drell as the biggest names.
Head coach Heiko Rannula’s plans took a major blow as star starting center Maik-Kalev Kotsar could not be included due to a shoulder injury.
ESTONIA’S ROSTER FOR FIBA EUROBASKET 2025
Henri Drell, Kregor Hermet, Janari Joesaar, Mikk Jurkatamm, Artur Konontsuk, Kristian Kullamae, Sander Raieste, Joonas Riismaa, Mart Rosenthal, Matthias Tass, Kaspar Treier, Siim-Sander Vene
Estonia had a mixed bag of results in the preparations, going 3-2 including a final loss at home in Tallinn against Great Britain. They did beat Israel, Georgia and Sweden after an opening defeat in Lithuania.
The absence of Kotsar, who led Estonia in scoring and rebounds in the Qualifiers, leaves Matthias Tass as the only real big man on Rannula’s team.
Who is playing at FIBA EuroBasket 2025?
Roster tracker: Who is playing at FIBA EuroBasket 2025?
Tracker: Preparation games for FIBA EuroBasket 2025
Kullamae and Drell will be needed even more to pick up the scoring responsibility while captain Siim-Sander Vene, Artur Konontsuk and Kaspar Treier are also key players who will need to step up their game.
Estonia start Group A play campaign against Serbia on Wednesday, August 27, at 20:15 CET, followed by games against hosts Latvia, Czechia, Türkiye and Portugal.
George Russell has given an insight into how a conversation with tennis star Novak Djokovic inspired him, as he looks to continue racing into his 30s and 40s and be ready to fight for a World Championship whenever the time comes.
Djokovic remains one of tennis’ most successful and decorated players at 38 years old, with the Serbian having taken 100 singles titles as well as holding the record for the most weeks (428) spent as world No. 1 in the Association of Tennis Professionals’ (ATP) rankings.
While Russell is still in the relatively early days of his own career at the age of 27, the Briton spoke during an appearance on the UNTAPPED podcast about the importance of looking after himself now in order to preserve his performance level in the years ahead.
“I had a really good conversation with Novak Djokovic about human performance and what he’s doing currently, but [also] what he was doing in his 20s,” Russell explained.
“He said to me, when he was in his 20s, he felt that he could comfortably miss a day in the gym or a day here or a day there, and it wouldn’t affect him. But he didn’t, and he’s so grateful for that now because he thinks the work he put in during those years is allowing him to continue to play at such a high level into his late 30s.
“Formula 1 isn’t as brutal on the body as let’s say tennis – it’s different, because you don’t have that constant impact on your legs – but I want to be here well into my 40s and when I see what [Fernando] Alonso’s doing, that gives me inspiration that I can do that.”
Russell admitted that he felt even more inspired to focus on this goal when he learned that Michael Schumacher was 31 years old when he won his first World Championship as a Ferrari driver in 2000, a feat that led to a run of consecutive titles through to the end of 2004.
“You think of Schumacher and Ferrari as just domination, but his first championship with Ferrari was in his 30s, so it’s quite interesting,” the Mercedes driver said. “That’s what I’ve got to tell myself to stay motivated! And telling myself it will come at some point.
“We don’t have the fastest car today, but it might be next year, it might be in five years’ time, it might be in four years’ time, it might be in 10 years’ time.
“But my dream is to be a World Champion, and I’m working every day to make sure I’m ready, because I just don’t know when that time will come.”
Russell currently sits in fourth place of the Drivers’ Standings ahead of the second half of the season getting underway, while Mercedes are holding P3 in the Teams’ Championship.
