Pakistan will travel to India later this year to compete in the FIH Junior World Cup, Hockey India secretary general Bholanath Singh confirmed on Saturday.
Pakistan opted out of the ongoing Asia Cup in Bihar following the military conflict between the two countries, citing security concerns.
It had raised doubts if the team from the neighbouring country will compete in the Junior World Cup to be held in Southern Indian cities of Chennai and Madurai in November-December.
“The Pakistan team is coming to India for the Junior World Cup. They confirmed to us last night. I asked them about their availability after they opted out of the ongoing Asia Cup,” Bholanath said.
He said the preparations for the tournament are at the “final stage”.
“Out of 24 countries, we have received the long list from 23 nations. Only Pakistan is left which are hoping to receive in a day or two.”
The Indian government recently formulated a policy that it would not have any bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan but won’t stop the Indian teams from competing against Pakistan in multinational events.
The policy was adopted in the wake of Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 civilians and the subsequent Operation Sindoor carried out by India.
“I am very clear that whatever Olympic Charter tells us, the government and Hockey India will abide by that and fulfil that. The Government of India is also clear that Pakistan can come and play against India in any international tournament,” Bholanath said.
“The government has even cleared their visas, but now why Pakistan didn’t come only they know.”
The top HI official also made it clear that FIH Pro League is an international tournament and India will play Pakistan if they are required to.
Pakistan have replaced New Zealand in the 2025-26 FIH Pro League.
“If they are in our pool in FIH Pro League, and if we have match against Pakistan, why won’t we play them? It is an international tournament,” Bholanath said.
“If Pakistan comes for Pro League, why won’t we play them. It is an international tournament.”
Samsonite, the iconic and trusted leader in travel gear headquartered in Luxembourg City, LU, and Massachusetts, USA, unveils the Paralux Collection, hardside luggage and bags thoughtfully engineered for travelers who value design, efficiency, and sustainability. Merging exceptional organization with sustainable innovation, the Paralux collection perfects the art of packing, redefining what it means to pack with purpose.
“Paralux is more than a collection—it’s a reflection of our global team’s shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of what travel gear can be. This launch represents the best of Samsonite: pioneering design, sustainable innovation, and a deep understanding of how people move through the world. We’re proud to deliver a system that not only meets today’s travel demands but also honors our responsibility to the planet we all share.” said Kyle Gendreau, CEO of Samsonite Group.
Building on Samsonite’s legacy of durability and innovation, Paralux products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest standards– so they’re built to last. The Paralux collection is crafted with more sustainable materials and designed to reduce the impact on the planet we all like to explore. The exterior shells are made with at least 50% post-consumer recycled polypropylene, trolley tubes with 100% recycled aluminum, and all fabrics, zipper tape, and linings across the collection feature 100% recycled PET plastic by weight. To further extend the product life, the wheels and pull-handle are designed for easy repairability by the user. These design innovations allow users to easily remove and replace the wheels themselves, instead of sending the product into a repair center. The features and construction of the collection resulted in the Paralux collection being bestowed the honor of two Red Dot awards, Sustainability Design and overall Design. The Red Dot is the distinction for high design and quality. Only products that demonstrate outstanding design are awarded the coveted seal of quality by the international jury. The Red Dot “Sustainability Design” award is for products being durable, adaptable, produced in a material- and energy-efficient manner, or made from renewable and recyclable resources.
At the heart of the Paralux collection is the Samsonite groundbreaking dual-access design, allowing travelers to open their suitcase from the traditional center split or via a sleek front door giving access to the entire interior, ideal when space is tight or time is short. Included removable packing cubes offering modularity for a more customized packing experience, while TSA-approved locks, double suspension wheels, and right-height adjustable handles ensure security and ease.
Whether navigating your daily commute with the Everyday Backpack, embarking on a weekend escape with the Duffel, or traveling internationally with the Hardside Large Spinner, the Paralux collection is designed to adapt to every journey. Thoughtfully engineered with modular compartments, discreet storage, and innovative features—such as the 2-in-1 Backpack that separates into a main travel bag and a compact Go Bag, the Paralux collection offers unparalleled versatility.
From impromptu getaways to business trips, the Paralux collection transcends traditional luggage, serving as a smart, stylish travel system built for modern mobility. Every piece is designed to work together—backpacks and duffels stack seamlessly on spinners for effortless travel, while modular compartments and coordinated dimensions offer a streamlined packing experience from door to destination. The collection features a full range of styles including Large, Medium, Global, and Domestic Carry-Ons, as well as travel backpacks and duffels, all available in a refined palette of Black, Stone Grey, Olive, and Midnight Navy. Prices range from $170 to $390 and are now available at www.samsonite.com and select retailers globally. The campaign will be launched worldwide with activation across out-of-home, paid social, influencers, owned retail, eCommerce, and wholesale. It’s not just a bag, it’s a Samsonite.
Pakistan will play all their matches, including their clash against India on October 5th, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
File Photo | AP
New Delhi: Pakistan will not participate in the ICC Women’s World Cup opening ceremony scheduled to be held in Guwahati on September 30. The grand event will precede the tournament opener between India and Sri Lanka, who are co-hosting the competition. Indian singer Shreya Ghoshal is set to perform at the ceremony.
According to sources cited by Geo News, neither Pakistan captain Fatima Sana nor any representatives from Pakistan will travel to India for the opening ceremony. Pakistan’s absence appears linked to a recently adopted policy by both India and Pakistan during the buildup to the Champions Trophy, wherein the two nations agreed not to cross borders to compete against each other at ICC tournaments for the next three years.
Due to ongoing strained political relations, India has not toured Pakistan since 2008. Earlier this year, Pakistan hosted the Champions Trophy, but India refused to cross the border to participate because of the geopolitical situation between the two neighbours.
Consequently, Pakistan will play all of its World Cup fixtures at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Their campaign will begin against Bangladesh on October 2, with India and Pakistan scheduled to face off on October 5. Should Pakistan advance, Colombo will also host the semifinals and final later in October and November.
Pakistan secured their berth in the tournament by remaining unbeaten in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers, winning all five matches hosted on home soil.
Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 includes captain Fatima Sana, vice-captain Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Sidra Nawaz, and others. Non-travelling reserves include Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, and Waheeda Akhtar.
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Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), led by GMR Aero, has partnered with global intercity operator FlixBus to launch India’s first luxury bus service linking Delhi Airport with Noida and Greater Noida. The service, starting in the coming days, marks a major step in boosting airport connectivity and offering a premium public transport option.
The service will be available 24×7 at an affordable fare of INR 199 per trip. It is designed to provide air travellers with a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to private transport, ensuring both comfort and affordability. The routes will cover key areas like Sector 16, Botanical Garden, Golf Course Road, Jaypee Wishtown, Gaur City, and Pari Chowk.
Travel time is expected to range between 130 and 180 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. With Noida and Greater Noida emerging as major hubs, this service aims to reduce travel hassle for passengers and ease congestion caused by private cabs and vehicles.
Each bus will be equipped with world-class amenities such as plush reclining seats, real-time tracking, CCTV surveillance, USB charging ports, and ample luggage space. FlixBus and DIAL emphasized that the initiative is not only about comfort but also about creating a safe, tech-enabled travel experience.
According to DIAL, nearly 20% of Delhi Airport’s passengers already use public transport. The addition of this luxury bus strengthens its transport network and aligns with its sustainability goals of lowering carbon emissions. CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar highlighted that this collaboration sets new benchmarks for eco-friendly airport mobility.
Tickets can be booked conveniently through the FlixBus app, website, or platforms like RedBus, MakeMyTrip, and Paytm. Offline counters will also be available at airport terminals. With this initiative, Delhi Airport joins leading global hubs offering integrated and world-class airport-to-city bus services.
