Sports
Pakistan men’s ice hockey team wins gold in Latam | The Express Tribune
Pakistan have etched its name in ice hockey history with a remarkable performance at the Amerigol Latam Cup 2025, showcasing the nation’s growing talent on an international stage.
The men’s national team clinched the Division III championship title after an unbeaten run, while the women’s team secured bronze in Division II during their debut appearance — a feat that has captured global attention.
The Latam Cup, hosted in Coral Springs, Florida, is designed to promote ice hockey in non-traditional markets. This year’s edition featured 62 teams and over 1,450 players representing 17 countries and territories, according to the National Hockey League (NHL), which supports the event to help break barriers and unite diverse regions through the sport.
Pakistan’s men’s team delivered a flawless campaign, highlighted by a 6-1 victory over Peru in the championship final. The triumph marked a dramatic turnaround from their 2024 debut, when they managed just a single win.
On social media, the team proudly declared: “Pakistan men’s Division III champions! Undefeated run capped off with gold. What a tournament!”
Donny Khan, NHL’s senior director of hockey development and strategic collaboration, who helped form Pakistan’s teams, admitted he was stunned by their rapid rise.
“I thought we’d be winning several years from now. I didn’t think we’d be doing this in year two,” he said.
A Bronze in first try
The women’s squad also made headlines, fighting bravely despite a roster of just 10–12 players. Their determination earned them a bronze medal in their first-ever international competition.
Coach Kameron Sabir called it “an amazing day for the country and ice hockey” and praised both squads for their achievements.
Mariya Rauf, who both coached the women’s team and plays for Yale University’s Division I program, spoke of the passion driving the sport forward in Pakistan.
“Cricket is our national sport, but after this, it shows hockey’s growing every single day. There’s talent, and we’re just going to keep getting better,” she said, holding a cricket bat gifted by her players.
Bright Future
The NHL noted that many participating countries, including Pakistan, lack internationally certified ice rinks. Tournaments like the Latam Cup not only provide valuable exposure but also highlight the need for greater investment in facilities and support from sports federations and Olympic committees.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s remarkable showing in Florida signals the dawn of a new chapter for ice hockey in the country — one driven by passion, perseverance, and undeniable potential.
The Copa Libertadores trophy won by Flamengo on Saturday was damaged during the team’s title celebrations.
Flamengo beat Palmeiras 1-0 in the final in Lima, Peru, to become the first Brazilian club to lift the prestigious cup four times.
Flamengo players and staff had a victory parade on the streets of Rio de Janeiro on Sunday afternoon, with an estimated 500,000 people joining in the celebrations.
Players and staff took turns to lift the cup during the parade and images showed that the top part of the trophy, which consists of a figurine of a footballer ready to kick a ball, was wrapped in what appeared to be masking tape.
– Flamengo lift Copa Libertadores, but Brazil’s players look exhausted
The figurine had earlier been broken.
Flamengo will be hoping to wrap up the Brazilian league title on Wednesday when they take on Ceara in front of their own fans in Rio’s Maracana stadium.
They are five points clear of Palmeiras at the top of the standings with two games remaining.
Former England cricketer Moeen Ali has announced his return to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), saying he was excited to be part of the league’s “new era”.
After the 10th edition of the PSL earlier this year, the league is set for an expansion to eight teams, with the addition of two new franchises.
Meanwhile, Moeen, who has previously featured in the marquee league when he represented former champions Multan Sultans in the 2020 and 2021 editions, expressed his eagerness to rejoin the league.
Moeen stated that the PSL, since its advent in 2016, has “earned a reputation for top-level T20 cricket”, featuring close competition and talented players.
“I’m really excited to be joining HBL PSL in its New Era. The league has earned a reputation for top-level T20 cricket, with high-quality competition and world-class talent across every team,” Moeen wrote on Instagram.
The 38-year-old, who represented England in 68 Tests, 138 ODIs and 92 T20Is during his illustrious career, was also a part of the Three Lions squad that made its historic tour of Pakistan in 2022 to play a three-match Test series. Besides that, Moeen has made several visits to the country.
Reflecting on his previous experiences in Pakistan, Moeen said that he enjoyed playing in the country and specifically praised the enthusiastic crowd, which he said pushes players to give their best on the field.
“Playing in Pakistan is always incredible; quality of cricket is outstanding and the passion and intensity from the crowd push you to bring your best,” he continued.
“I’m looking forward to being part of it all and creating some great memories along the way. Ready for another special experience Insha’Allah!”
His announcement comes just days after former South African captain Faf du Plessis pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to play in the upcoming PSL season.
In a post on Instagram on November 29, the renowned cricketer said that he would not put his name in the IPL auction this year.
“It’s a big decision, and one that comes with a lot of gratitude when I look back,” he wrote in his post.
The receiver has been plagued by injuries, but Sunday night against the Broncos, he gave Washington something to talk about other than a seventh straight loss.
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