Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD: Rafay-e-Aslam Raja has won the title of the 63rd National Amateur Golf Championship with 286 scores after playing over the 72-hole game in a 4-day national championship that concluded here at Margalla Greens Golf Club, Islamabad on Sunday.
Former National Team Champions, Wing Commander Ishrat Nishat Khokhar (Retd) and Tahira Nazir, ceremoniously opened the championship by teeing off at Margalla Greens, setting the stage for an exhilarating competition. Approximately 225 players participated across three categories: Amateur Men, Amateur Ladies, and Amateur Seniors (Men), showcasing the diverse talent within Pakistan's golfing community.
In the competitive arena, Parkha Ijaz emerged as the National Champion in the Ladies Category, while Rizwan Rashid clinched the title of Senior National Champion. The main trophy was fiercely contested, culminating in a thrilling tie between Rafay e Aslam Raja and Shahzeb Jahan. Ultimately, Raja secured victory after a gripping sudden death playoff that lasted until the third hole.
Gracing the occasion as the chief guests were esteemed personalities Mohammad Shabbir Iqbal and Yasmeen Mubarik, who added to the prestige of the event with their presence. During the prize distribution ceremony, National Star Mohammad Shabbir Iqbal presented the National Trophy to Rafay e Aslam Raja, while Yasmeen Mubarik, Former National Lady Champion, awarded Parkha Ijaz with the Champion trophy. The distinguished presence of Admiral Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne, Former Chief of Joint Staff, Chief of Naval Staff of Sri Lanka, Major General Najam ul Hassan, Commodore Asif, President MGGC, and members of the Organizing Committee added grandeur to the event.
Final Results (Amateur Men’s):
Rafay-e-Aslam Raja (GCG) 286
Shahzeb Jahan (RGC) 286
Hussain Hamid (RPG) 289
M H Chalitha Pushpika (Sri Lanka) 289
Ahmad Zaffar Hayat (MGGC) 291
Raja Mohammad Israr (GCG) 291
Amateur Men’s Final (Gross):
Atif Freed (RGC) 234
Raja Rizwan Javed (MGGC) 235
Ehtisham ul Haq Abbasi (MGGC) 235
Mohammad Arsalan (GYM) 248