AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup: Vietnam opened its title defense with a straight-sets 25-3, 25-15, 25-14 win over Lebanon, while Kazakhstan rallied past Hong Kong 20-25, 25-17, 25-16, 25-13 at Candon City Arena; Uzbekistan’s women were set to face Alas Pilipinas as the Philippines kicked off its campaign. Uzbekistan in the spotlight at World Cup 2026: With Uzbekistan debuting against Colombia on June 17, coverage highlights the “White Wolves” rise in football popularity and the leadership of Fabio Cannavaro, plus Group K context featuring Portugal and Ronaldo. World Cup build-up, Canada vs Ireland: Canada held by Ireland 1-1 in a final warm-up in Montreal, with Alphonso Davies sidelined and Stephen Eustaquio leading; earlier, Canada beat Uzbekistan 2-0. Culture & cooperation: Tashkent hosted C5+1 culture ministers talks with the U.S., focusing on heritage preservation, museum partnerships, digitization, and creative-industry exchanges. Fashion in the region: A Turkmentextile Expo 2026 fashion show featured Uzbekistan designers and international guests, spotlighting national heritage reworked for modern runways. Sports beyond football: India dominated the inaugural World Yogasana Championships in Ahmedabad, winning five gold medals on opening day, including medals for Uzbekistan’s Alan (bronze) in Traditional Yogasana.