PNF Under Fire for Falsely Claiming Netball Championship Win; Pakistan Finished Sixth in Asia

As of now, the Pakistan Netball Federation has not issued an official correction or apology.

By DTD- On Jul 13, 2025

Islamabad — The Pakistan Netball Federation (PNF) is facing intense criticism after falsely announcing that the national youth women’s team had won the Asian Women’s Youth Netball Championship, held from June 27 to July 4, 2025, in South Korea.

Contrary to the PNF’s claim of a gold-medal win, official results released by the Asian Netball Federation confirm that Pakistan finished in sixth place, with Singapore clinching first, Malaysia second, and Sri Lanka third. No medals were awarded to Pakistan.

Prime Minister’s Office Shares Unverified Claim

The controversy escalated when the Prime Minister’s Office issued a congratulatory message on social media, lauding the team for a “historic gold-medal win.” The statement was widely circulated before being deleted, following confirmation of the actual standings.

What Really Happened in South Korea

The championship saw participation from top youth netball teams across Asia. Throughout the week-long event, Pakistan’s team showed competitive spirit but ultimately landed in sixth position, well outside the medal ranks. Despite the respectable effort, the PNF issued a misleading public statement, sparking widespread backlash.

Public and Media Outrage

The false announcement triggered a storm on social media, with sports journalists, former athletes, and fans expressing disbelief and frustration.

“You don’t build morale or athlete credibility through false wins,” said a former national player. “It damages trust and insults the players’ real performance.”

Many questioned how such a claim could be endorsed at the highest level without verification. The incident has prompted calls for greater accountability and transparency in national sports governance, as well as fact-checking mechanisms before public officials issue celebratory statements.

A Call for Integrity

Analysts warn that incidents like this not only harm public trust but also undermine the efforts of athletes who train rigorously to represent their country. Critics are demanding a formal clarification from the PNF, and some are calling for an inquiry into how the misinformation was circulated unchecked.

As of now, the Pakistan Netball Federation has not issued an official correction or apology.