Pakistan sports review 2025:
A year of lessons, grit and gradual progress
Special Correspondent
The year 2025 did not deliver overnight revolutions for Pakistan sport, but it offered something just as important — clarity. Across disciplines, the year unfolded as a period of learning, steady rebuilding and moments of belief, reminding stakeholders that sustainable progress is rarely dramatic, but always deliberate.
From hockey’s cautious revival to snooker’s continued dominance, and from Arshad Nadeem’s resilience to historic feats in mountaineering, Pakistan’s sporting journey in 2025 reflected both promise and persistent challenges.
Hockey: Small steps back toward belief
Hockey, once Pakistan’s proudest sporting identity, continued its long road back in 2025. After decades of decline, the year offered guarded optimism rather than bold claims.
The arrival of Germany — reigning world champions — for a historic tour marked a symbolic turning point. It was the first time in 21 years that an international hockey side visited Pakistan, restoring some confidence in the country’s ability to host top-level competition. Although Pakistan lost the series 3-1, the real value lay in exposure and experience against elite opposition.
That exposure paid dividends at the FIH Nations Cup, where Pakistan exceeded expectations. After a draw against Malaysia and an emphatic win over Japan, the team advanced to the knockout stage on goal difference, despite a group-stage loss to New Zealand. Reaching the final not only lifted morale but also opened doors to the FIH Pro League — a significant step in Pakistan’s re-entry into elite global hockey.
Financial constraints initially threatened Pakistan’s participation, but clearance was eventually granted, allowing the team to compete. While heavy defeats later in the Pro League against Argentina and the Netherlands exposed the gap at the highest level, they also underlined the value of sustained international exposure.
Political tensions with India briefly overshadowed the sport, impacting tournament participation and qualification routes. However, a clean-sweep series win over Bangladesh restored momentum and secured Pakistan’s place in the World Cup qualifiers.
Encouragingly, the junior teams continued to offer hope. Pakistan’s U17 side impressed at the Junior Asia Cup, reaching the final before falling to Japan. While silver medals may feel bittersweet, the performances reinforced the belief that Pakistan’s hockey pipeline is slowly strengthening.
Football: Struggling for stability
Football’s story in 2025 was one of frustration, marked by administrative turbulence and limited progress on the pitch.
The year began with another FIFA suspension of the Pakistan Football Federation, halting international participation and stalling development. A coaching change saw Nolberto Solano replace Stephen Constantine, but the shift failed to bring immediate improvement in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Yet, amid the disappointment, one positive stood out — fan support. Strong turnouts at home fixtures in Islamabad highlighted football’s enduring popularity, even during difficult times.
The women’s game provided a rare bright note, with Pakistan’s women’s team earning a historic call-up to the FIFA Series scheduled for early 2026. The opportunity promises valuable exposure and could mark a meaningful step forward for women’s football in the country.
Snooker: A model of consistency
If any sport offered reliability in 2025, it was snooker. Veteran cueist Muhammad Asif once again led Pakistan’s charge, producing a string of commanding performances throughout the year.
From winning the SAARC Snooker Championship to claiming the World Masters title, Asif remained a pillar of consistency. The IBSF World Snooker Championship further underlined Pakistan’s depth, with young Hasnain Akhtar capturing the U17 world crown.
Asif’s semi-final finish at the World Games in China narrowly missed a podium place, but the year ended in celebration as Pakistan clinched the IBSF World Cup Team Championship. The comeback victory by Asif and Asjad Iqbal against Hong Kong capped off a highly successful year.
Arshad Nadeem and Pakistan’s javelin growth
Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem continued to carry Pakistan’s athletics hopes in 2025. He opened the year with gold at the Asian Athletics Championship, reaffirming his elite status.
However, injury interrupted his momentum. A recurring calf issue required surgery, ruling him out of the Diamond League and limiting his impact at the World Athletics Championship, where he finished 10th.
Arshad’s response defined his year. He returned strongly at the Islamic Solidarity Games, claiming gold and reminding the world of his class. Yasir Sultan’s silver medal in the same event further signalled improving depth in Pakistan’s javelin programme.
The year concluded with Arshad receiving the Global Athlete Award at the World Sports Summit, a fitting recognition of his impact beyond medals.
E-Sports: Arslan Ash’s era continues
E-sports continued to grow quietly but steadily in Pakistan, led by the unmatched success of Arslan Ash.
The Tekken legend claimed his sixth Evo title in an all-Pakistan final against Atif, once again defeating the world’s best from Asia, Europe and the Americas. Arslan’s sustained dominance reinforced Pakistan’s presence on the global e-sports stage and inspired a new generation of competitive gamers, despite limited institutional backing.
Mountaineering: Reaching new heights
Adventure sports delivered some of Pakistan’s most historic moments in 2025.
Samina Baig etched her name in history by becoming the first Pakistani to reach the South Pole. Meanwhile, Sirbaz Khan achieved a monumental feat by summiting Kangchenjunga without supplemental oxygen, completing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks — a first for Pakistan.
Saad Munawar’s successful ascent of Mount Everest and Sajid Ali Sadpara’s oxygen-free climb of Dhaulagiri further showcased Pakistan’s growing stature in global mountaineering.
National Games: A long-awaited return
The return of the National Games in Karachi after a three-year gap was a much-needed boost for domestic sport. Athletes from across the country competed in multiple disciplines, highlighting both talent and resilience.
However, the Games also exposed ongoing challenges, particularly in infrastructure, athlete welfare and preparation standards — areas that require sustained attention beyond ceremonial success.
The bigger picture
Overall, 2025 was not a year of sweeping change for Pakistan sport. Instead, it offered something more valuable — direction. Progress appeared uneven, but genuine. Moments of excellence coexisted with structural shortcomings, reinforcing the need for consistency, governance reforms and long-term planning.
As Pakistan steps into 2026, the lessons of 2025 remain clear: talent is not the issue. The challenge lies in nurturing it with patience, stability and vision.
