PSB disputes Netball federation's 'first position' claim, demands explanation
Listen to article
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has taken strong exception to what it termed a 'misleading' claim by the Pakistan Netball Federation (PNF) that the national youth girls' team secured first position at the Asian Youth Netball Championship 2025 in South Korea, seeking a written explanation within three days and warning that failure to respond could lead to further action.
In an official letter issued on Sunday, the PSB referred to a communication from the PNF dated July 9, 2025, in which the federation claimed a first-place finish. The PSB stated that the wording of the letter appeared to imply a gold medal victory, potentially creating a misleading impression of the team's performance.
The Board further noted that PNF Chairman Mudassar Razzaq Arain reinforced this narrative in televised interviews, explicitly referring to a 'gold medal' win and thanking senior government officials for their recognition. A viral clip of one such interview was also cited in the notice.
Read More: Pakistan wins Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship by beating Maldives
According to the PSB, the claim was subsequently used by the federation to apply for cash rewards under the 2024 Cash Award Policy, prompting official commendation and recognition at government level.
The PSB has instructed the Netball Federation to submit a detailed written explanation within three days. It warned that failure to comply would result in the matter being escalated to the relevant authorities for further action.
Copies of the notice have been dispatched to the federal ministers concerned, the Chairman of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme, the Secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, and the President of the Pakistan Olympic Association.
In response to the controversy, PNF Chairman Mudassar Razzaq Arain released a video statement in which he said the Sports Board may have misunderstood the situation.
He maintained that the President of Asian Netball personally awarded medals to the Pakistani team for securing first position in their respective category, and clarified that the PSB had not extended any financial support for the team's participation in the event.
Also Read: Netball victory
Arain suggested that the Board may have been offended by one of his earlier remarks, using it as a pretext to issue the explanatory notice. 'We will soon hold a press conference to present all the facts,' he said.
Pakistan capped an unbeaten run last week to win the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship, defeating the Maldives 60-35 in the Plate Group final.
Shabash 👏🏻
Pakistan 🇵🇰 wins the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025.
A proud moment for the entire nation and yet another great milestone for 🇵🇰women in sports!
Special appreciation for staying undefeated throughout the tournament!
Very well played! — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 4, 2025
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the team on their victory, terming it a proud moment for the nation and a significant milestone for women in sports.
It must be mentioned here that the PSB had disbursed sizeable grants to 22 sports federation earlier this month but chose to snub the PNF for reasons best known to it.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
4 hours ago
- Business Recorder
AJK PM pays tribute to Kashmiri martyrs for their role in freedom
ISLAMABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister (PM) Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq on Sunday recognised the courage of the Kashmiri martyrs of 13 July, emphasizing that their sacrifice formed the bedrock of the Kashmiri freedom movement, a fight that will endure. In an exclusive conversation with a local news channel, he emphasised that the spirit of resistance shown by the martyrs continues to inspire generations of Kashmiris. He urged the international community to acknowledge the Kashmiris' legitimate right to self-determination and called for renewed efforts to resolve the longstanding conflict through peaceful dialogue. Anwar ul Haq further reaffirmed that the struggle for Kashmir's freedom is a collective responsibility that will carry on until justice is achieved. Responding a query, he also warned that India's brutality shows no signs of abating, despite the courageous response from our Shaheen brave Pakistani armed forces. He stressed that if such aggression is not stopped, it will only lead to further escalation and intensified resistance from the Kashmiri people. He warned that if such aggression persists, it will only harden the resolve of Kashmiris, escalate their struggle for freedom and provoke a fierce and uncompromising response from Pakistan's armed forces. He also held India responsible for the ongoing bloodshed and violence in Balochistan, accusing it of fueling unrest and destabilizing the region through covert operations. He warned that such interference not only threatens regional peace but also undermines the sovereignty and security of neighboring countries, calling on the international community to take notice and hold India accountable for its actions.
Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Goethe-Institut, MatrixFit host ‘StrongHer' symposium
KARACHI: The Goethe-Institut Pakistan, in collaboration with MatrixFit Pakistan hosted 'StrongHer' — an 'active symposium' celebrating women's strength, wellbeing, and community — at a local hotel here. The event drew together a diverse crowd of working professionals, students, parents, fitness enthusiasts, and athletes for an experience that was as energising as it was inspiring. The event comprised of three keynote addresses, a panel discussion, and concluded with a community workout session. The evening opened with keynote addresses from three remarkable women. Christina Hering, a two-time Olympian and 15-time German champion, urged the majority-female audience to 'dream big, and work hard'. She reflected on discipline, performance, and identity in elite sport. Yasmin Hyder, CEO of New World Concepts and pioneer in women's entrepreneurship, spoke about inclusive leadership and her 'journey from sports to the boardroom'. Mintra Tilly, Director of Sport at HYROX – described as the 'World Series of Fitness Racing' – pointed out that respect is not given but negotiated, in the fitness world which is often a male dominated space. 'Sport allows women to reclaim autonomy over their bodies,' she added. The panel which delved into the complex relationships women sometimes have with strength, health and self-worth was moderated by Sarah Munir, CEO, journalist, and entrepreneur. The conversation explored healing, body image, community-care, and competence through mental and physical resilience. Panellists included pioneering Pakistani mountaineer Samina Baig, trauma-informed life coach Saman Ghani Khan, human resources and mentoring export Beenish Kajani, wellness expert and yoga instructor Amafah Mubashir, and visionary leader from the Pakistani fashion industry Parishae Adnan. The event closed with an invigorating community workout session, reinforcing StrongHer's core message: that strength is not just physical, but also emotional, social, and collective. Upto fifty participants from amongst the speakers and guests assembled into teams of four, taking laps around the hall, followed by performing exercises in a circuit format with the non-participating audience heartily cheering them on. Participants left feeling recharged and connected a reminder that empowerment begins in the body but resonates far beyond it. Also in attendance were Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Rüdiger Lotz, Director of Goeth-Institute Pakistan, Andreas Schiekofer, Bilal Tariq, founder of MatrixFit Pakistan and the first Pakistani man to have competed in the international CrossFit Games. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Express Tribune
UK-Pakistani leaders urged to counter stereotypes
The British elected councillors and mayors across the party line have appreciated the Pakistan High Commission (PHC) for gathering community leadership, enabling them to connect with their colleagues and peers from across the UK. The PHC in London hosted a convention of Pakistani-origin British Councilors, which was attended by delegates from across the UK, representing all the political parties in the United Kingdom, said a message received here on Sunday. More than 200 councilors, mayors, deputy mayors and leaders of the councils from Greater London to Midlands, Manchester, Bradford, Birmingham and Glasgow, participated in the event. Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan High Commissioner Dr Mohammad Faisal praised British-Pakistani leaders for their vital role in strengthening democracy, fostering multiculturalism, and serving as a bridge between the UK and Pakistan. The high commissioner emphasised on projecting the achievements of British-Pakistani women. "The strength of our nation abroad is reflected in the dignity, unity, and contributions of our diaspora," he stated. "When you rise, Pakistan rises with you." Faisal condemned attempts to stigmatise the Pakistani community based on isolated incidents, urging leaders to actively counter negative stereotypes by amplifying success stories in education, business, healthcare, and public service. He called on the community to empower women and youth, preserve cultural heritage, and explore opportunities in Pakistan's growing economy.
