Category: 6. Sports

Pakistan clinched a resounding 79-39 victory over Japan on Monday to secure a place in the semi-finals of the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship held in Jeonju Hwasan Gymnasium in South Korea.

From the very beginning, Pakistan took control of the game, maintaining a steady lead through all four quarters.

The first quarter ended with Pakistan ahead 16-9 and by halftime, they had extended their lead to 39-17.

The momentum continued as Pakistan further widened the gap to 60-26 in the third quarter, eventually sealing the match with a commanding 79-39 victory.

Standout performances came from Leya Raza Shah, Alisha Naveed, Haleema, Sarina Hussain, Jasmine Farooq, Farah Rasheed, Amani, Parisa, Sumayya Ahmed and Alina, all of whom played exceptionally well and contributed to the team’s emphatic win.

Officials from the Pakistan Netball Federation, including Chairman Mudassar Arian, President Sameen Malik, and Secretary General Muhammad Riaz, congratulated the team on their remarkable victory against Japan, praising the players for their skill and teamwork in securing such a convincing result.

Pakistan are placed in Pool B of the championship and now sit at the top of the group with eight points.

Their next match is scheduled against the Maldives on Tuesday. The team is set to play five league matches in the group stage.

The Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025 features a total of 11 participating teams and is being played from June 27 to July 4 under the supervision of the Asian Netball Federation.

The teams are divided into two groups. Group A includes Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and India.

While Group B consists of Pakistan, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Japan, Maldives and Saudi Arabia.

Brentford are in “constant dialogue” with forward Bryan Mbeumo and it is “not impossible” he will stay, says director of football Phil Giles.

Cameroon international Mbeumo is the subject of serious interest from Manchester United, who have had two offers for the striker rejected – the second of which was worth up to £62.5m.

Mbeumo, 25, wants to join United and is understood to have told the west London club that.

Speaking on Monday, Giles told BBC Sport there had been “not so much” progress regarding a potential deal.

“He had a fantastic season,” he said. “We expected big interest in him, we have had big interest in him.

“He has his ideas about where he wants to take his career. He is well within his rights to do that.

“It is not impossible he is still a Brentford player next season if we agree he is going to stay.”

Giles said Mbeumo would only be sold if it was “the right deal” for Brentford.

“Any club will tell you that,” he added. “If it’s not right deal, why would we do it?

“He is certainly one of our best players, if not our best player, and we need our best players. There’s no harm in keeping your best players.”

Meanwhile, Giles also confirmed captain Christian Norgaard was close to joining Arsenal.

BBC Sport revealed last week the two Premier League clubs had agreed a fee – believed to be up to £15m inclusive of add-ons – for the Denmark midfielder.

“We have been in conversations with Arsenal for the last week to 10 days,” said Giles. “As it stands it hasn’t been completed yet but it is heading in that direction.

“If that happens for him then fantastic, he’s earned it. He’s been a brilliant captain for us.

“Let’s see how that story ends but we are pretty open about that interest there.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the appointment of Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach for the Men’s cricket team.

The former assistant coach will hold the position until the end of his current contract, according to a statement issued by the PCB on Monday.

Azhar Mahmood, a seasoned cricket professional, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Having served as the assistant head coach of the national team, he is well-versed in the team’s strategies and operations, the statement added.

The PCB also stated that his experience extends beyond coaching, with a distinguished career in international cricket and a successful stint in the English county circuit.

“Mahmood’s red-ball credentials are highlighted by two County Championship titles, showcasing his leadership skills, tactical insight, and dedication to the sport,” it said.

The PCB is confident that his expertise will contribute significantly to the team’s continued growth, performance, and discipline on the international stage.

JEONJU: Pakistan defeated Japan with a 79-39 score in the fourth match of the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025 held at the Jeonju Hwasan Gymnasium in Jeonju-si, South Korea on Monday.

From the very beginning, Pakistan took control of the game, maintaining a steady lead through all four quarters.

The first quarter ended with Pakistan ahead 16-9 and by halftime, they had extended their lead to 39-17.

The momentum continued as Pakistan further widened the gap to 60-26 in the third quarter, eventually sealing the match with a commanding 79-39 victory.

Standout performances came from Leya Raza Shah, Alisha Naveed, Haleema, Sarina Hussain, Jasmine Farooq, Farah Rasheed, Amani, Parisa, Sumayya Ahmed and Alina, all of whom played exceptionally well and contributed to the team’s emphatic win.

Officials from the Pakistan Netball Federation, including Chairman Mudassar Arian, President Sameen Malik, and Secretary General Muhammad Riaz, congratulated the team on their remarkable victory against Japan, praising the players for their skill and teamwork in securing such a convincing result.

Pakistan are placed in Pool B of the championship and now sit at the top of the group with eight points.

Their next match is scheduled against the Maldives on Tuesday. The team is set to play five league matches in the group stage.

The Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025 features a total of 11 participating teams and is being played from June 27 to July four under the supervision of the Asian Netball Federation.

The teams are divided into two groups. Group A includes Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and India.

While Group B consists of Pakistan, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Japan, Maldives and Saudi Arabia.