Sports Bulletin

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: Sri Lankan duo of golf players, Uchitha Akash Ranasinohi, and M H Chalipha Pushpika have won the International Team Match of the 63rd National Amateur Golf Championship 2024 after exhibiting excellent skills of the game here at the Margallah Green Golf Club (MGGC) on Friday.Uchitha Akash Ranasinohi and M H Chalipha Pushpika were a joint score of 293 while runner-up Pakistan A team that was consisted of Arsalan Shikoh Khan and Nouman Ilyas managed 313 at the end of the day. Pakistan B team remained third represented by Qasim Ali Khan, and Salman Jehangir.Federal Golf Association (PGA) A team, Ralfee Aslam Raja, Mohammad Israr, Mohammad Imran Rana, Omer Ijaz, have won the Inter Association’s Amateure Men’s Match final while the Punjab Golf Association A team got second position.  Inter Association’s Senior Amateure Men’s title was lifted by Punjab Golf Association, as the winning team was comprised of Saradar Murad Khan, Mohammad Asim Tiwina, Tariq Mehmood, Mohammad Nasir Irshad.  

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 ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s golfer Ahmad Baig cuddled to his first international title on the Asian Development Tour, carding a 65 and finishing -7 overall to claim victory in the Lexus Invitational at The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram, Vietnam.He started the day three flights and three shots behind the leaders, reeled off a sizzling string of five birdies to stamp his authority on the round, making the turn in 30. Two more birdies followed and despite a bogey on the last hole, he had done enough to wait in the clubhouse and watch his challengers fade away.This was Ahmed's third consecutive win in a row starting with the Rumanza Open in Multan and the JA Zaman Memorial in Lahore. Despite the wind, which has been a constant factor on all three days of this USD 85,000 ADT tournament, Baig was able to overcome the weather which caused the overnight leaders to struggle.

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. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Rana Matloob Ahmad emerged triumphant at the 42nd Punjab Open Golf Championship, hosted by the Punjab Golf Association. Matloob claimed the coveted Champions Title with a stellar performance, finishing with an impressive score of 208, eight under par after a challenging 54-hole stroke play competition.In the Amateur category, Salman showcased remarkable prowess, securing the Amateur Trophy with a score of 6 over par. The competition was intense, with Nouman Ilyas initially leading after the first two rounds, underscoring the high level of talent and competitive spirit in the tournament.The ladies' division saw Humna Amjad emerge as the Punjab Ladies Champion, adding another feather to her cap and contributing to the growing list of accomplishments in her promising golfing career.In addition to the main events, the 42nd Punjab Open Golf Championship featured a 36-hole competition for Senior Amateur Men and Amateur Ladies Cat II. Umair Butt and Minaa Zainab stood out as the gross winners in their respective categories, showcasing exceptional golfing abilities and sportsmanship.The Lahore Garrison Greens Golf Club, with its pristine greens and top-notch facilities, provided the perfect backdrop for this highly anticipated championship. The tournament served as a platform for golf enthusiasts to come together and celebrate the spirit of the sport, highlighting the thriving golfing community in Lahore and Punjab.The organizers extend their heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding performances. The success of the championship is a testament to the Punjab Golf Association's commitment to promoting and nurturing golf talent in the Province. 

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: A stylish player from Lahore, Ahmed Baig has won the title of the 13th Rashid D. Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament 2024 that concluded here at the Karachi Golf Club (KGC) on Sunday.Ahmed Baig, who led the tournament from day one, demonstrated exceptional skill, firing a gross score of 275, finishing under 13, and securing the coveted trophy. Mohammad Zubair from KGC claimed the runner-up position with an impressive six under par.In the seniors’ professionals’ category, Nisar Hussain claimed the trophy, with Mohammad Siddique and Mohammad Tariq securing the second positions jointly. Mohammad Sahil and Umar Shahzad clinched the first and second positions, respectively, in the junior professional category. A highlight of the tournament was Zubair Hussain from PAF achieving a remarkable Hole-In-One on the second day. Using a 5 Iron on the Red Course's 7th Hole, a Par 3 at KGC with a distance of 210 Yards, Zubair's skillful shot earned him acclaim and a brand-new Toyota Corolla car. Another car for the hole-in-one winner in the Local KGC Category remained unclaimed. The 13rd edition of Rashid D. Habib Memorial Golf Tournament featured a two-day match for local KGC Professionals, Senior Professionals, and KGC Caddies, held on January 16th and 17th, 2024. In the Caddies category, Shahid Malik scored 154, 10 over par, to claim the trophy for 2024. Mohammad Javed and Kamran Zahoor were the runner-ups with 157, 13 over par. Ashiq Naz led the KGC Senior Professional Category with six over par, and M. Iqbal secured the second position. In the KGC Professionals category, M. Nawaz grabbed the trophy with Ali Sher as the runner-up. Top professionals, including Mohammad Shabbir, Ahmed Baig, Mohammad Munir, and Minhaj Maqsood Waraich, received an appearance fee of PKR 100,000 each. Additionally, PKR 150,000 was equally distributed among the top senior professionals, including Mohammad Tariq, Nisar Hussain, and Mohammad Akram. Chief Guest, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf NI (M), T BT, and Bank AL Habib’s Chairman, Abbas D Habib, distributed prizes amongst the winners. Admiral Naveed Ashraf commended the efforts of Bank AL Habib and KGC in hosting this popular golf event, expressing appreciation for the delightful weather in Karachi for golf.  

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: National golfer, Ahmed Baig retained his lead on the 3rd day of the 13th Rashid D. Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament 2024, which is going on here at Karachi Golf Club (KGC).Ahmed Baig from Lahore and Mohammad Zubair from KGC both carded an impressive 67, finishing five under par. Ahmed Baig, maintaining his lead since the beginning of the tournament, boasts a gross of 204, standing at 12 under par, securing his top position on the leaderboard. Mohammad Zubair trails by two strokes, recording a total of 206 at 10 under par. Dilshad Ali of KGC holds the third spot with a score of 212, four under par. Mohammad Alam and Mohammad Munir share a similar gross of 213, three under par. Defending Champion Waheed Baloch from KGC is in the sixth position with a score of 215, one under par. Pakistan's prominent golfer, Mohammad Shabbir Iqbal, is making steady progress, reaching the 7th position with a gross of 216, at par. Shabbir has one more day left to come up with a surprise and impress his fans. Matloob from LGG carded a 72 on the third day, securing a gross of 216, at par. On Saturday, the KGC greens also hosted the first round of the Senior and Junior Professionals. In the Senior Professional category, Nisar Hussain and Abdul Hameed jointly lead the first day with a score of 69, three under par. Following closely are Mohammad Siddique and Aurangzaib Khan with a score of 71, one under par. Zulfiquar Ali, Mohammad Akram, and Mohammad Javed all carded a par score of 72 in the same category. Moving to the Junior Professionals category, Mohammad Sahil, Rehan Babar, and Umar Shahzad recorded scores of 75 (3 over par), 78 (6 over par), and 79 (7 over par) respectively.