Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Federal Golf Association (FGA) Juniors Golf Coaching Program 2024 has ended here at Margalla Green Golf Club (MGGC), as 50 young golfers participated in two weeks of training camps under the banner of FGA.According to an official of FGA, The Federal Golf Association (FGA) continues its commitment to promoting golf with professionalism. Special thanks were extended to Zahid Arbab, President of FGA, for his extensive support, and to Wing Commander (Retd) I N Khokhar (Former Pakistan National Golf Player), Secretary of FGA, for his invaluable contributions. Recognition was also given to the hard work and dedication of Tehmina Ahmed, Director of the Training Program, whose efforts were instrumental in the program's success.The FGA Juniors Coaching Program aims to teach the basics of golf while also focusing on character development, patience, and sportsmanship. The program also benefits parents by engaging their children in a positive, active sport that fosters citizenship and responsibility. Certificates and medals were distributed to the junior participants, celebrating their achievements and dedication. 

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) revealed that PGF would stage as many as 22 national golf events during the next five months in different cities of the country, said an official of PFG in a press release here on Monday.According to an official of PFG, the federation has finalized the calendar for the second half of 2024, showcasing an exciting lineup of 22 national golf events. This ambitious schedule is set to bring together golfers from across the country, highlighting Pakistan’s growing stature in the golfing world and the federation’s commitment to the sport’s development.Top-ranking professional, and amateur events including the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Open Golf Championship, Independence Day Cup Open, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Open Golf Championship, Punjab Open Golf Championship, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Open Golf Championship, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Open Golf Championship, and Sindh Open Golf Championship will be played during five months.President PGF Qazi Mohammad Ikram Ahmed said: “This calendar reflects our dedication to promoting golf at all levels in Pakistan. We aim to provide ample opportunities for our golfers to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience.”Event Schedule:August 8, 2024: CNS Open, KarachiAugust 15, 2024: Sindh Jinnah Tour, KarachiAugust 22, 2024: Independent Day Cup KarachiSeptember 5, 2024: Sindh Ladies Amateur, KarachiSeptember 19, 2024: COAS Open, RawalpindiSeptember 26, 2024: Nur Khan Memorial Open, PeshawarOctober 3, 2024: CNS Amateur, LahoreOctober 3, 2024: FGA Ladies Amateur, IslamabadOctober 17, 2024: Corps Comd Open, GujranwalaOctober 24, 2024: KPK Amateur Championship, PeshawarOctober 31, 2024: Garrison Open, LahoreOctober 31, 2024: CNS Amateur Margalla, IslamabadNovember 7, 2024: Royal Palm Team Trophy, LahoreNovember 7, 2024: Major General Shahid Hamid Open, MultanNovember 14, 2024: Punjab Open, LahoreNovember 21, 2024: Chairman WAPDA AmateurNovember 28, 2024: CAS Open, KarachiDecember 4, 2024: CJCSC Open, KarachiDecember 5, 2024: KPGA Ladies Amateur Soni Wali Cup, PeshawarDecember 5, 2024: Governor Cup Amateur, LahoreDecember 12, 2024: Sindh Open, KarachiDecember 26, 2024: Quaid-e-Azam Amateur, Lahore.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) started the 3rd PGF Juniors Golf Coaching and Talent Hunt Program in collaboration with Islamabad Police, aiming to dig out young golfing talent across the region.According to an official of PGF, this year's program has attracted approximately 450 juniors aged between 4 and 12 years, marking a significant increase from the previous camp which hosted 238 juniors. The participants have been divided into six main groups namely Tiger, Shaheen, Angel, Shahbaz, Commando, and Eagle, with each group tailored to accommodate 35-40 juniors based on their age and gender.Led by a team of seasoned professionals including Karam Hussain, Senior Professional of PGF, Malik Pervaiz, Ex-PAF, and Zubair Hussain, Professional PGF, under the directorship of Malik Mohammad Kamran, who currently serves as the Manager of Pakistan Golf Federation, the program aims not only to hone golfing skills but also to introduce the sport to families who are new to golf. This initiative is part of PGF's broader mission to make golf accessible and appealing to a wider audience.Malik Mohammad Kamran said: "This summer school is the largest event ever held in the history of Pakistan, underscoring our commitment to developing golf at the grassroots level. We are excited to witness the enthusiasm and talent of these young golfers and are grateful for the support from Islamabad Police in making this program a success."The PGF Juniors Golf Coaching & Talent Hunt Program represents a pivotal opportunity for young golf enthusiasts to learn and grow in the sport, fostering a new generation of skilled players who may one day represent Pakistan on the international stage.

Sports Bulletin ReportMULTAN: Usama Nadeem' of Ibex Golf Club has won the title of the Match Play Championship Trophy in the Men's Amateur Category that concluded here at Rumanza Golf & Country Club on Sunday, as the event took place under the banner of the Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF).The championship, which featured top amateurs, senior pro amateurs, and amateur ladies, showcased the finest talent from the National Amateur Golf Championship. Following intense competition through the rounds of 32 and 16, the top four emerged, including semifinalists, runner-ups, and finalists, each vying for victory.In the ladies' category, Tahmina Ahmad of Gymkhana Golf Club displayed exceptional skill and determination, securing the Match Play Golf Championship trophy. Meanwhile, Colonel Faisal Rashid from Gujranwala Golf Club claimed victory in the senior amateur category. The pinnacle of achievement came with Usama Nadeem of Ibex Golf Club, who earned the coveted Match Play Championship trophy in the Men's Amateur Category.

Report: Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Federal Golf Association’s players have stolen the whole show of the 63rd National Amateur Golf Championship by producing a sparking performance, which took place at Margalla Green Golf Club (MGGC) Islamabad. The prestigious golf championship played from April 18 to 21, 2024.Inter-Association (Amateurs): Champion Team FGANames of team members: Wing Commander I N Khokhar (Non-Playing Captain), Ralfe A Raja, Raja Mohammad Israr, Cdre. Imran Rana, Brig Omer EjazInter-Association (Senior Amateurs): Runner-up Team FGANames of team members: Wing Commander I N Khokhar (Non-Playing Captain), Cdr. Rizwan Rashid, Brig. Masood Qureshi, Cdre. Khalid M Amin, Brig Mohammad AslamIndividual Achievements: National Champion (Ralfe A Raja FGA)National Senior Champion Cdr. Rizwan Rashid FGA ( MGGC)

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: 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) 286Shahzeb Jahan (RGC) 286Hussain Hamid (RPG) 289M H Chalitha Pushpika (Sri Lanka) 289Ahmad Zaffar Hayat (MGGC) 291Raja Mohammad Israr (GCG) 291Amateur Men’s Final (Gross):Atif Freed (RGC) 234Raja Rizwan Javed (MGGC) 235Ehtisham ul Haq Abbasi (MGGC) 235Mohammad Arsalan (GYM) 248

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Secretary, Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF), Sajid Akram on Wednesday formally announced that the 63rd National Amateur Golf Championship would be teed off on Thursday here at Margallah Green Golf Club (MGGC), as 197 male and female players would show their golf skills during the 4-day championship.While unfolding the details of the championship ex-army man, Sajid Akram further divulged to a handful sports journalists from twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad in a press conference at the venue that the competitions would be held in five different categories including Stoke Play Amateur (Seniors & Ladies), Inter Associations (Men’s & Seniors), International Team Match (Men’s), International Team Match (Women’s), and J R Jayewardene Trophy.Sajid further said, “Capital Smart City group is sponsoring this prestigious gold event in Pakistan. A three-man Sri Lanka team will participate in the Jayewardene Trophy, as all members of the team have arrived here. Afghanistan team did not arrive due to domestic issues, “he concluded. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Parkha Ijaz of Defence Raya Golf Club emerged as the title winner in the 3rd Ghazala Ansari Julke Challenge Cup that culminated at Lahore Gymkhana Golf Course on Thursday.  The tournament concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony graced by Chairperson Finance of Lahore Gymkhana Sarmad Nadeem as chief guest, who represented Chairman of Lahore Gymkhana Salman Siddique in his absence. Other notable attendees were Captain Golf Club Raza Saeed, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee Dr. Asma Afzal Shami, Ladies Golf In-charge Ayesha Hamid, Tournament Director Mrs. Bela Azam, also representing sponsors Julke, Chief Referee Munazza Shaheen, prize winners, players and their families.  Parkha Ijaz outperformed her competitors in the WAGR Open Category A, registering a remarkable aggregate gross score of 234, securing her the prestigious trophy. Following her was Humna Amjad, with an aggregate gross score of 243, while Dr. Aania Farooq clinched the third spot with a score of 251. The net category saw Bushra Fatima, hailed as a future star of Pakistan's golf circuit, winning with an impressive net score of 152. Amna Amjad and Ana James Gill rounded out the second and third places, respectively. In Category B, Uzma Khursheed took the top spot with a gross score of 199, closely followed by Shabana Waheed and Gulnaz Mehboob. The net category was dominated by Saqiba Batool, with Rabia Tiwana taking second place. The Category C saw Sadia Asim leading with a gross score of 198, with Mina Zainab and Rabia Rashid completing the top three. Arooj Kanwal won the net category, with Sobia Waseem and Babara Amin in pursuit. The seniors category celebrated Ayesha Hamid and Shehnaz Moin as the net and gross winners, respectively. Special accolades for nearest to the pin and longest drive were awarded to Parkha Ijaz and Bushra Fatima, respectively. Addressing the gathering, chief guest Sarmad Nadeem said, "This women's exclusive tournament consistently surpasses milestones with each passing year. The level of organization, particularly evident in the prize distribution ceremony, is truly exemplary and deserving of high praise. It is my sincere hope that we witness the gradual evolution of this tournament into a renowned international event." In her eloquent address, Dr. Asma Afzal Shami said, "History has shown us that nations which flourish and progress are those that honor their past heroes. To commemorate the accomplishments of our esteemed women golfers from the past, we have organized a series of women's golf championships. These remarkable women serve as our inspirations and role models. "The highlight of the 3rd Ghazala Ansari Julke Challenge Cup was the unprecedented participation of 13 Category A girls in the WAGR Open category, setting a new benchmark for the tournament. Equally noteworthy was the inclusion of young talents from the ACE Junior Golf League. Their remarkable skills and performances significantly contributed to the event's prestige and demonstrated the bright future of golf," she emphasized. Expressing his sentiments, Asad Malik, the son of legendary golfer Ghazala Ansari, said, “Dedicating this golf tournament in the name of Ghazala Ansari holds a special place in our hearts, and we are committed to organizing it annually.  “The impeccable organization, management, and the prize distribution ceremony set a new standard, establishing it as one of the country's most professionally managed golf tournaments. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to Dr. Asma Afzal Shami and her team for orchestrating this event in such an exemplary and pioneering fashion,” he asserted. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The thrill of competition intensifies at the 3rd Ghazala Ansari Julke Challenge Cup, with Bushra Fatima and Parkha Ijaz locked in a fervent duel, a mere two strokes apart after an electrifying second day at Lahore Gymkhana Golf Course.Fatima, who began her round on Wednesday with a promising birdie on the second hole, completed the front nine just one over par. However, the back nine presented tougher challenges, leading her to finish seven over, tallying a total gross score of 80. Parkha Ijaz, despite a rocky start with a double bogey on the first par 4 and finishing the front nine seven over par, made a remarkable recovery on the back nine, closing just one over par and matching Fatima's score of 80. Bushr’s initial two-stroke lead holds, setting the stage for a captivating final round that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.The competition also saw action in categories B and C for handicaps between 13 to 36, alongside the vibrant participation of junior girls from the Ace Junior Golf League. The young athletes were divided into age groups of 6 to 10 years and 10 to 14 years, competing over 9 and 18 holes respectively.In the 9-hole division, Maria Waqar clinched the first gross with an impressive 51 strokes. Hajra Mohammad Khan followed with 60 strokes for the second gross, and Zaynab Akram secured third with 62 strokes. The event was a showcase of budding talent, with participants eager to follow in the footsteps of Ghazala Ansari, a revered figure in the sport with a handicap of 1.The 18-hole category witnessed a remarkable victory by a 7-year-old golf prodigy, Ayra Ather Yaseen of Ace Junior Golf League, who outperformed competitors significantly older. Starting golf at the tender age of 4, she demonstrated skills well beyond her years, securing the first gross title of the GA Challenge Cup. Mahnoor Syed, with 106 strokes, claimed the second gross, showing great potential for future success. Fariah Amin and Nabiha Nafees rounded out the top spots with 118 and 120 strokes, respectively.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The 10th JA Zaman Memorial Open Golf Championship 2024 will tee off on Friday (March 23) at Lahore Gymkhana Golf Club, Hamid Zaman, Head of the Zaman Family, during a press conference flanked by Shaukat Javed, Convenor Golf of Lahore Gymkhana, Ahyan Mumtaz, Bilal Zaman, Asim Zafar, Ayesha Hamid and Bela Azam announced on Tuesday.While unfolding the details of the championship, Hamid Zaman said that JA Zaman Memorial Championship, a PGA and PGF-sanctioned tournament, evolved to become one of the biggest golf tournaments nationwide with a total prize money of Rs. 7.5 million. “The tournament is being professionally organized by Ahyan Mumtaz, who himself is a golfer. It attracts the top golfing talent from across the country and is one of the most anticipated matchups of the golfing calendar in Pakistan, “he added.Shaukat Javed said that the top 100 ranked golf professionals of Pakistan would compete in the main draw from February 29 to March 3, making it one of the most competitive fields in golf across the country. “The championship also includes nationally recognized golf amateur players who compete for glory and honors in victory. Total prize money of Rs 7.5 million and a chance to win a HAVAL on a Hole-in-One makes the Championship one of the top purses in Pakistan golf. Eight categories of players including juniors, ladies, professionals, senior professionals, junior professionals, amateurs, veteran golfers, and ladies will compete in the tournament. Competing golf players add up to 500 plus, “he further disclosed.“The championship is held in the memory of JA Zaman, an iconic symbol who was a man of infinite decorum and grace. He left behind an indelible impact on his entrepreneurial abilities and his passion for golf in particular. JA Zaman’s family, which is the principal sponsor of this championship, is pleased to make possible, with the gracious cooperation of the Lahore Gymkhana Golf Committee, such a prestigious event where, no doubt, only the best of the sport will be showcased”. “Notable champions participating in the Championship are Professionals Ahmed Baig, Mohammed Matloob, Mohammed Shahzad, Hamza Amin, Mohammed Alam, Minhaj Maqsood, and prominent amateurs Qasim Ali Khan, Salman Jehangir and Mohammed Shoaib. As for ladies, Parkha Ijaz and Rimsha Ijaz, who enjoy a standing in World Golf Rankings will also be showing their skills in the ladies section”, he concluded.