Sports Bulletin Report
ISLAMABAD: Defending Champion Pakistan Army have won the title of the Inter-Department National Basketball Championship after outplaying Pakistan Air Force (PAF) 76-52 here at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex on Tuesday.
Army men dominated throughout the final encounter and never allowed their opponent to settle their feet on the court, as the Red Shirts took a lead of 13 points till the half time of the final at 39-26 points.
Army ace players Mohammad Hamza and Ammar Tughlab played vital role for the champion team to retain their national basketball championship title. Mohammad Hamza scored 24 points, and Ammar Tughlab 20 for Army to win the championship with 76-52 points while from PAF side Ahmed Jan scored 21 and Umair Jan scored 12 points.
Earlier, in the third position play-off match, Wapda outclassed POF by 68-51 points. Wapda were leading 40-15 points at half time.
Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ehsan ur Rehman Mazari was the chief guest of closing ceremony, while Acting Director General, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Mohammad Ibrar, Secretary Army Sports Directorate Col. Sadaf Akram, Secretary Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) Khalid Bashir, Championship Organising Secretary Ouj E Zahoor and other dignities were also attending closing ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Ehsan Mazari encouraged the players participating in the championship and said that the government was trying to promote the sports activities in the country. The IPC Minister congratulated the officials of the basketball federation for conducting wonderful tournaments and showed his full support to the basketball federations for the improving basketball standard in the country.
