Arslan Ash withdraws from Riyadh Clash, Evo Japan events due to visa issues
Arslan Ash, the globally renowned Tekken 8 champion from Pakistan, confirmed on Wednesday that he will miss two major esports tournaments in 2025—Riyadh's Gamers8 and Evo Japan—citing ongoing visa complications.
Considered one of the best Tekken players in the world, Arslan Ash has been a dominant figure in the competitive fighting game scene.
His withdrawal from both the Riyadh Clash and Evo Japan tournaments comes as a significant blow to fans and organisers alike, particularly after his commanding performance earlier this year on the global stage.
In a statement released via X (formerly Twitter), Arslan Ash said, 'I will not be able to attend Riyadh Clash and Evo JP this year."
I will not be able to attend Riyadh Clash and Evo JP this year. I made every effort to go, but unfortunately, I encountered visa problems again.
It's fine, I've learned to live with passport limitations; maybe one day, things will change
I hope to see you all at LevelUpExpo… — Arslan Ash (@ArslanAsh95) April 17, 2025
The 2025 editions of both Evo Japan and the Riyadh showdown were expected to be crucial fixtures in the Tekken World Tour circuit. Arslan's absence will not only impact tournament dynamics but may also open the door for new champions to emerge.
Visa hurdles have been a recurring challenge for players from South Asia, limiting their access to international events despite their high skill level. Arslan's announcement has once again highlighted the broader issue of travel restrictions that affect esports athletes from developing nations.
The Evo Japan tournament is scheduled for April, while the Riyadh event is expected to take place mid-year as part of Saudi Arabia's growing investment in global esports through its Gamers8 initiative.
Despite the setback, Arslan Ash remains optimistic and has assured fans of his continued commitment to Tekken 8.
He plans to focus on training and domestic tournaments while exploring alternative international events later in the season.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Sabrina Carpenter drops new single ‘Manchild' and fans call it the summer anthem
Sabrina Carpenter's latest single, 'Manchild,' has officially dropped, and it's already stirring major excitement online. Released in early June 2025, the upbeat track is quickly gaining momentum across social media and streaming platforms, with fans calling it the next big summer anthem. Known for blending pop flair with relatable lyrics, Carpenter co-wrote and produced the song, which she describes as capturing 'the loving eye roll of a summer road trip.' 'Manchild' features a catchy hook, sleek production, and Carpenter's signature playful yet pointed tone. Early listener reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising both the infectious melody and the subtle sass layered into the lyrics. The track is being streamed widely on Spotify and Apple Music and has been added to major summer-themed playlists, further boosting its visibility. Though lighthearted on the surface, many listeners are also speculating whether 'Manchild' contains a veiled message or is aimed at someone specific in Carpenter's past. The lyrics strike a balance between humor and subtle shade, which has become a hallmark of the singer's evolving pop persona. As the song trends across TikTok and Twitter, music outlets and pop culture blogs are already positioning 'Manchild' as a defining track for the summer of 2025. Carpenter, who has had a breakout year with multiple chart-topping hits and a sold-out tour, continues to solidify her spot as a major voice in pop music. Whether you see it as a feel-good anthem or a clever lyrical dig, 'Manchild' is undeniably a standout release that's fueling the summer soundtrack for fans worldwide.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Mohammad Shehzad, 64-year old Pakistani, wins Gold at Asian Indoor Rowing Championship
Mohammad Shehzad, a 64-year-old rower from Pakistan, delivered an outstanding performance at the Asian Indoor Rowing Championship in Thailand, clinching the gold medal in the 60+ singles category. Shehzad, facing a younger Indian opponent, James Joseph, secured first place, making history with his victory and setting an Asian record of 1:32.30. His daughter Mahoor Shahzad, an Olympian who represented Pakistan in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, celebrated her father's achievement on X (formerly Twitter). Alhamdulillah! My father, Muhammad Shahzad, won a gold medal at the 2025 Asian Indoor Rowing Championship, defeating his Indian rival — at the age of 64! Watching him achieve this has completely transformed the way I view determination, discipline, and strength. — Mahoor Shahzad (@OfficialMahoor) June 5, 2025 Shehzad's victory added to Pakistan's impressive overall performance at the championship, where the nation secured 14 medals, including 10 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze. The championship, held from May 26 to 31 in Pattaya, Thailand, saw athletes competing on indoor rowing machines, such as the Concept2 ergometer, simulating the rowing experience in a controlled environment. This remarkable achievement capped off a series of successes by Pakistani rowers, with Abdul Jabbar and Tayyab Iftikhar also contributing to the medal tally. Shehzad's win, however, stood out as a personal triumph, and he dedicated the victory to the Pakistan Armed Forces and the nation's martyrs, further adding emotional depth to his achievement.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
Offset deactivates social media after Cardi B and Stefon Diggs go public
Atlanta rapper Offset has deactivated both his X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts following a public meltdown linked to his ongoing divorce from Cardi B and her newly surfaced relationship with NFL player Stefon Diggs. Over the weekend, Cardi B and New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs were seen partying on a yacht, prompting viral speculation about their romantic involvement. Diggs' absence from the team's organized activities — though not mandatory — reportedly raised concerns within the Patriots camp. Offset appeared to take issue with the attention the couple received, posting 'Good roll out n PR' on X before deleting his account. He also posted a series of now-deleted tweets, including one that read, 'Now when somebody die for playing with my son then call me the crash out.' The post referenced a photo showing Offset and Cardi's son Wave sporting a hairstyle similar to Diggs', sparking online trolling. The way Offset is deactivating all his social media and sliding down the wall is so satisfying 😂😂 he got ya bm he won 🙂↔️ — CARDIA (@CCardib2) June 3, 2025 Offset and Cardi B are currently entangled in a contentious divorce. Offset has requested spousal support, which Cardi responded to harshly during a live X Spaces session, saying she hoped he would 'die slow.' She further claimed his cheating and gaslighting during her pregnancy had a severe emotional toll, leading to health concerns for their third child. The former couple were married for six years and share three children. Their split continues to dominate headlines, fueled by both personal and public fallout.
