Jalaluddin, Qadir Qureshi hail Toyota Highway Motors’ Go Green Mission

Prominent members of cricketing community have come out to make Karachi green and joined hands with Toyota Highway Motors in planting trees in a bid to check growing environmental pollution to some extent.

Noted cricketers like Pakistan's most successful outgoing captain Misbah-ul-Haq, spin magician of his time, Iqbal Qasim, former Test opener, Sadiq Mohammed, former Test all-rounder Ejaz Faqih, hockey Olympian and 1984 Los Angeles gold medalist, Hasan Sardar, and ex-Junior and a member of 1979 Junior World Cup winning team in France Jan Mohammed, are among the figures who have planted trees to go all out with the slogan one tree each to make Karachi green.

The latest in series of the prominent sportsmen was Jalaluddin, the man who who had the distinction of accomplishing the first hat-trick in One-Day International against Australia at Niaz Stadiim Hyderabad 32 years ago.

The former Test fast bowler and now a highly quailed coach was the guest of honour to plant a tree on May 13. Among other dignitaries to grace the occasion was the veteran journalist Abdul Qadir Qureshi, the Chief Editor of Jumbo Karachi Guide, who had been promoting Go Green cause through his reporting since he was a junior reporter.


Lack of greenery in this part of the country has been portrayed as a big problem as the governments
of today and yesterday showed least interest in developing greenery in the wake of all time high environmental pollution, more specially in Karachi, the world's seventh populous city which is the business hub of the country but far behind in greenery concept.

While other organizations have had limited success to meet national expectations in this regard, Toyota Highway Motors, just a few kilometers from Sohrab Goth (Zero Point) on Super Highway, has come out with the daunting task to share the mission to make Karachi Green and to slightly remove the stigma on this once city of lights.

Having set a target of planting 5,000 trees as initial count for their mission, the company’s CEO Shujaat Sherwani announced that they provide one plant free of cost to each of their car buyer.

As part of the mission they introduced a unique concept of inviting Pakistan's sports legends to promote the slogan of Green Karachi.

This slogan started with Pakistan's most successful test captain Misbah-ul-Huq who was visibly moved by the idea and highly appreciative of the same while planting a tree along Super Highway, followed by other legends.

With carrying out the mission of this Green Slogan, Shujaat Sherwani extended warm reception to the eminent visitors, also awarding them attractive shields besides paying them tributes for their services and bringing fame and name to Pakistan.

"It has always been my passion to honour sporting legends and be a humble promoter of Go Green and this has doubled my enthusiasm,” he observed in a brief speech on the occasion. Maintaing their tradition officials of the Toyota Highway Motors led by its CEO Shujaat Sherwani, General Manager Sales and Marketing, Shad Ali Khan, Ahsan Sherwani, Manager Sales, Irfan Zaidi, gave a standing ovation to both Jalaluddin and Abdul Qadir Qureshi.

Giving his reaction, Jalaluddin said initially he was reluctant to come for a visit here because of lack of information, but now he was highly impressed with the missionary zeal being exhibited by Shujaat and his team for a noble cause besides extending a true respect to country's legendary figures.


"Go Green is a great concept and our country badly needs to overcome the serious problem of
environmental changes which is risking the lives of millions of Karachiites. I am highly impressed to see lots of trees having been planted already,” he complimented.

He described it a great mission and said that the one-car-one-tree was certainly a unique and novel idea to promote the cause.

He said that he felt himself proud for planting a tree here and he will come again to see his plant having grown as a big tree consuming pollution to some extent.

Shujaat Shewani appreciated the services rendered by Abdul Qadir Qureshi in the domain of journalism through his positive reporting skills and regretted that presently positivity was on the way to extinction with negativity having taken strong roots.

The veteran journalist, in his speech, enlightened the gathering by sharing his experiences, particularly those related to coverage of various Presidents and Prime Ministers during their visits abroad.

On the occasion, Shujaat Sherwani presented a Max Dirt Track official shirt to Jalaluddin which is designed to promote newly developed world class track in Hub on Sindh-Balochistan borders. He recalled that Captain of 2009 World T20 winning team Younis Khan also attended the Max Dirt Rally and took a round of track and complimented the organizers for promoting this popular sport.

National Baseball Championship 2018 dedicated to Khawar Shah

The 23rd Khawar Shah National Baseball Championship 2018 is being organized by the Pakistan Federation Baseball (PFB) at Bahria Town, Lahore, from March 5 to 10.

Syed Fakhar Ali Shah, President, PFB, shared with the media that it’s the first national baseball championship to be held after the death of Syed Khawar Shah, a former President of the federation.

“Khawar Shah was a towering and dedicated personality of sports in Pakistan who rendered meritorious services while in government service and also as an office bearer of various sports bodies. His final assignment was as the President of Pakistan Federation Baseball where he was responsible for lift the game to high standards in the last few years,” Fakhar Shah remarked.

“In recognition of his unforgettable services to the game, the federation has renamed the national baseball championship as 23rd Khawar Shah National Baseball Championship being held at Aashiq Hussain Baseball Stadium in Lahore’s Bahria Town,” he disclosed.

Teams from Baluchistan, KPK, Sindh, Punjab, FATA, Islamabad, Pakistan WAPDA, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Police and HEC are participating in the Championship.

Meanwhile the manager’s meeting was chaired by Fakhar Shah prior to the start of the six-day event which was also attended by Muhammad Mohsin Khan, Senior Vice President PFB and Chairman, Organizing Committee, Jamil Kamran, Chairman, Technical Committee and Zafar Hussain Warraich, Organizing Secretary.

National Baseball Championship 2018 underway in Lahore

The 23rd Khawar Shah National Baseball Championship 2018 has got underway at Bahria Town,

Lahore, being staged under the auspices of the Pakistan Federation Baseball (PFB).

A couple of more matches were held on the second day of the six-day event. Idris Haider Khawaja, Secretary General, Punjab Olympic Association, was the chief guest on the second day of championship.

According to the details made available by Shah Mazhar Ahmad, Secretary General, PFB, the chief guest upon his arrival was greeted by Syed Fakhar Ali Shah, President, PFB, before being introduced to the players.

The first match was played between FATA and KPK. It turned out to be a close encounter in which KPK edged out their opponents 9-8.

Mansoor, Hameed and Faisal scored a couple of runs each while Waseem, Abid and Asim contributed a run apiece for the winning side.

Irfan and Gohar kept FATA in the hunt by scoring two run each while Waheed, Nasim, Hazaratullah and Attaullah scored a run each. In the second match of the day, Punjab proved too good for KPK whipping them by a staggering margin of 12-0.


Ali Raza and Afraz played brilliantly for Punjab as they scored three runs each, Nasir score a couple

runs while Asif, Zeeshan, Zeeshan Rasheed and Bilal contributed a run each. Ali Raza also hit a home run.

On the third day of the competition, Pakistan Army was due to take on Pakistan Police while WAPDA will be up against Punjab in the second game to be held later in the afternoon.

The national championship has been dedicated to the late Syed Khawar Shah, a former President of the federation in recognition of his unforgettable services to the game.

Teams from Balochistan, KPK, Sindh, Punjab, FATA, Islamabad, Pakistan WAPDA, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Police and HEC are participating in the championship.

Army, WAPDA enter final of National Baseball Championship 2018

Pakistan Army and Pakistan WAPDA have qualified for the final of the 23rd Khawar Shah National Baseball Championship 2018, being held at Bahria Town, Lahore, under the auspices of the Pakistan Federation Baseball (PFB).

The gold medal match will be taking place on March 10. Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Syed Arif Hassan, President, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), will be the chief guest in the final and distribute medals among winners in the presentation ceremony.


The six-day event has been dedicated to the late Syed Khawar Shah, a former President of the
federation in recognition of his monumental services to the game of baseball.

Meanwhile Pakistan Police secured bronze medal by defeating Punjab 10-0 in the playoff for third position.

Atif, Yasir, Saleem Haider and Muzammil scored two runs each and Abdullah and Arfan contributed one run each for the winning side.

The Man of the Match award was clinched by Tariq Nadeem of Pakistan Police as he had pitched very well and did not allow the Punjab players to score any run against him.

Syed Fakhar Ali Shah, President, PFB, and Director, Bahria Sports, was the chief guest on the fourth Day of the championship. Muhammad Mohsin Khan, Senior Vice President, PFB, welcomed the chief guest who was introduced to the players.


Earlier, a couple of matches were held on the third day. In the first game Pakistan Army trounced

Pakistan Police 21-0.

Faqir Hussain scored four runs while Arsalan Jamshaid, Ubaidullah and Muhammad Rafi scored three runs each, Hidayatullah, Saqib Khan and Mazhar scored two runs each and Nazir and Waseem contributed one run each.

Pakistan WAPDA overcame Punjab 16-2 in the other match. For WAPDA Umair Bhatti score 4 runs, Zaheer topscored for WAPDA with three runs, Muhammad Waseem, Fazal-ur-Rehman and Zubair Nawaz scored two runs each and Sumair Zawar, Burhan Johar, Adnan Butt and Zakir Afridi contributed one run each. For Punjab, Usman and Usama score one run each. For WAPDA Umair Imdad Bhatti also hit a home run.

Army edge out WAPDA to win National Baseball Championship 2018

Pakistan Army edged out Pakistan WAPDA 8-6 in the final of the 23rd Khawar Shah National Baseball Championship 2018, held at Bahria Town, Lahore, under the auspices of the Pakistan Federation Baseball (PFB), on March 10.

Pakistan Army, Pakistan WAPDA and Pakistan clinched gold, silver and bronze medals respectively in the six-day event dedicated to the late Syed Khawar Shah, a former President of the federation in recognition of his monumental services to the game of baseball.

The gold medal match consisted of nine innings. Saqib and Majeed scored two runs each for Army while Arsalan Jamshaid, Ubaidullah, Faqir Hussain and Nazir Ahmed contributed a run each. Arsalan Jamshaid, Faqir Hussain and Nazir Ahmed hit home runs for their team.

For WAPDA Fazal ur Rehman and Zakir Afridi scored a couple of runs each, Burhan Johar and Zubair Nawaz contributed one run each while Zakir Afridi hit two home runs for his team.

Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Syed Arif Hassan, President, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), was the chief guest in the final. He distributed medals among winners in the presentation ceremony.

Shaukat Javed Chairman, PFB, Muhammad Khalid Mahmood, Secretary General, POA, Brig. Ghulam Jilani, Director, Army Sports, and Muhammad Jamil Ahmad Rana, Secretary General, Pakistan Tug of War Federation, were also present on the occasion.

Syed Fakhar Ali Shah, President, PFB, and Executive Director, Bahria Town Lahore, welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries. Brig. Ghulam Jilani awarded bronze medals to the Pakistan Police Team, Shaukat Javed presented silver medals to Pakistan WAPDA team and Lt Gen Syed Arif Hassan gave away gold medals and the championship trophy to Pakistan Army baseball team.

Muhammad Usman, pitcher of Pakistan WAPDA, was adjudged Man of the Tournament award, named after Khawar Shah, and he received it from the chief guest.

Talking to the media, Lt. Gen Arif Hassan, President, POA, appreciated the performance of both teams and desired that the Pakistan baseball team earned laurels for Pakistan from abroad.

He reckoned that there was a marked improvement in the development of baseball in Pakistan under the supervision of new leadership.

Syed Fakhar Ali Shah, President, PFB, informed that they will hold national training camp of the Pakistan baseball team at the Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad, to prepare for participation in Asian Games 2018 to be staged in Indonesia.

Efforts to promote baseball in Sindh

The Pakistan Federation Baseball (PFB), working for the promotion of baseball at grassroots level, has lately shown interest in development of sports in the province of Sindh.

Syed Fakhar Ali Shah, President, PFB, has recently undertaken a tour of Karachi for the purpose of promoting the game in Sindh.

He met with Vice Chancellors of different universities in Karachi to introduce Baseball game at university level. Prof Dr Sarosh Hashmat Lodi, Vice Chancellor, NED University of Engineering and Technology, appreciated the efforts of the PFB for the promotion of baseball in Sindh.


He assured his full support to prepare his university baseball team for the participation in Inter-varsity
Baseball Championship.

He requested the PFB President to organize an exhibition match after Eid-ul-Fitr in Karachi to introduce baseball among students.

The PFB President offered to provide baseball equipment as well as a coach to the NED University.

Prof Dr Muhammad Afzal Haque, Vice Chancellor, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), was also appreciative of the efforts of Pakistan Federation Baseball for the promotion of baseball in Sindh.

He assured his full support to prepare his university baseball team for the participation in Inter-varsity Baseball Championship.

The PFB President volunteered to provide baseball equipment and a coach to the SSUET.

Syed Fakhar Ali Shah also met with Muhammad Altaf Tai, Chairman, Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD), Southern Region.

The ABAD official vowed to support and help in the promotion of baseball particularly its national and international events in Pakistan.

The PFB President also donated baseball equipment to the Sindh Baseball Association (SBA) to encourage them for working more proactively for the promotion of the game in the province.

Big guns to lock horns in Toyota Hub Rally 2018

Toyota Hub Rally, organized by Toyota Highway Motors in collaboration with Indus Motor Company Limited and Toyota Gazoo Racing, has become a sought after annual event among Motor Sports enthusiasts.

The Hub Rally track stretches five kilometers long with rocky and sandy terrain. The track has 100% visibility for the audience, making it one of a kind adventurous experience to watch.

The rally, whose fifth edition is going to take place on January 28, welcomes Hilux and Fortuner drivers as participants. It has been regarded as Fast Fun Fest thrilling sports activity and the live action of famous Motor Sports celebrities.

The 5th Toyota Hub Rally Cross 2018 is to be spread in four categories, beginning with Fast Fun Fest activity for customers, media, television and sports celebrities to be followed Female Stock category competition for Amateurs, Male Stock Category for Amateurs and Race of Prepared Category.


Meanwhile the country’s top two racing drivers and wife husband pair of Ronnie Patel and Tusha
Patel with two other teams will be representing Toyota High Motors (THM) Sherwanis in Pakistan Motor Rally and Gawadar Rally.

The Karachi-based Ronnie Patel, a veteran acclaimed racing driver of Pakistan having won many titles in Cholistan, Jhal Magsi, Hub, Nooriabad, Gawadar Rallies is among top ranked drivers for the crown.

The brilliant Ronnie will be driving Highlux Vigo and would be featuring in top Prepared Class category with navigator Ali Aden.

“This is major event and I am looking forward to assert my supremacy against other top drivers in this rally,” he was quoted as saying. “Our aim and objective is promoting motor racing and patronize Pakistan best drivers,” Shujaat Sherwani, Chief Executive, THM, remarked while announcing the names of their teams on January 26.

“Our mission is always been to be part of all the top races of Pakistan, Our teams have done in the past and we are looking forward to maintain our ascendancy in Hub Rally,” he added.

Mansoor Alim with Talha Kanwar will take part in Stock ‘A’ category in his 4,000 cc Toyota Vigo and Tushna Patel with be taking part with his navigator.

Hub Rally organizers eye Formula One Race Track

The organizers of the Hub Rally Cross are eyeing to develop their Max Dirt Arena into a Formula One Track in coming years.

It’s our dream and target to launch Formula One Racing in Pakistan, once the track is ready is prepared. It is indeed a gigantic task but we are looking forward to doing it realistically in not too distant future,” the chief organizer, Shujaat Sherwani, declared during a media briefing on January 24.

The briefing was arranged to unveil the details of the upcoming fifth edition of the Hub Rally which has grown in popularity and status over the years with the support of the print as well as the electronic media. Thrilling and exciting goes into action at Max Dirt Arena on January 30 with over 50 top racing drivers of the country in action.

Director Marketing Ahsan Sherwani, Head of Sales & Marketing Shad Ali Khan, Max Dirt Track Developer Asif Imam, Toyota Highway Motors team comprising of National Ladies Champion Tushna Patel, Ronnie, Patel, and Talha Mansoor were also present on the occasion.

Shujaat Sherwani informed having met the Formula One developing officials in Abu Dhabi to discuss the possibilities of a joint venture with them. “We got excellent land in Hub for the purpose on which we can achieve our objective,” he remarked.


Himself was a motor racing driver of repute of the past, Shujaat Sherwani reckoned that the Hub
Rally Cross is like T20 cricket, swift and exciting races ends in one-day as compared to Gwadar, Cholistan and Jhal Magsi Rallies which are over 100 or 200 KM long and spread over two to three days.

He said that invitation has been extended to about a dozen foreign consul general to watch the race as guest of honour, adding that an academy is being launched at Max Dirt Arena under the supervision of Pakistan’s star driver Ronnie Patel and Tushna Patel who would be extending training and coaching to emerging drivers to groom them for future.

Pakistan’s top racing driver and former Cholistan, Jhal Magsi Champion Ronnie Patel said he was impressed the way the Motor racing was coming up fast in Pakistan.

“With the passage of time we are developing rules and regulations which are vital for the development and promotion of motor racing in Pakistan,” the veteran driver stated.

He revealed that foreign drivers from Australia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa and Thailand were highly impressed with talent and conditions of the off-road racing tracks in Pakistan when they here for Cholistan and Jhal Magsi.

"We are looking forward to see foreign drivers in action next years with great improvement of security situation. Pakistan is lucky to have such natural racing tracks which are not available in other countries. With the consistent support and assistance of media, the motor racing has gained momentum and hoped journalists carry forward the mission with us,” he recognized.

He complimented the role of Shujaat Sherwani in promotion, development and patronizing motor sports in Pakistan.

Asif Imam announced that the event will be held in eight categories and in the premier category of Prepared Class "A" and "B" all the participants will have two rounds on 11-kilometer track.

Best times will be taken while deciding the winners in all categories as the Max Dirt Arena track was sandy and twisty to test of skills of the racing drivers. Kunwar Talha, one of the stock category drivers urged the media to further promote motor sports as he announced the winner of three Stock category races besides Prepared and Ladies event.

Mahmood Lodhi invited for King Salman World Rapid , Blitz Chess

Pakistan’s first-ever Grand Master (GM) Mahmood Ahmed Khan Lodhi has been invited to feature in King Salman World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship being staged in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 24 to 31.

“I have received an invitation through Federation Internationale de Chess (FIDE). It’s a great honour for me as well as Pakistan for its being the global event. The FIDE Executive Director Nigel Freeman has sent me the invitation for this prestigious event,” he informed reporters upon arrival from Lahore en-route to Saudi capital on December 23.

Mahmood Lodhi had become the first-ever GM in 70-year history of Pakistan when he won the Asian Senior s Chess Championship in Auckland few months ago.

“The World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen will be the star attraction for the championship in which over 250 men players including world leading GMs, International Masters and FIDE Masters and host Saudi Arabian players will be taking part,” he disclosed.

“The week-long championship is expected to be a big success with the presence of so many stalwarts of the game. The host country is providing boarding and lodging facilities to all the participants,” he added.

It was revealed that a record sum of US $750,000 will be on offer in each of the Open events and US $250,000 will be the prize money for each of the women's event

The first two Rapid Championships (Open and Women) will be played from December 26 to 28 while the Blitz Championships (Open and Women) will follow on December 29 and 30.

The number of players participating in the World Championships is set at a maximum number of 250 players for the Open events and 150 players for the Women events.

Saldera Open Bowling explodes at Royal Rodale Club

The fourth edition of All Pakistan Saldera Open Tenpin Bowling Championship exploded into action at the Royal Rodale Club in DHA, Karachi, on November 26 with lucrative Rupees one million prize money up for grab.

Around 200 bowlers from across the country would be battling for top honors and heavy purse. Ahmer Abbas and Jannat Shaikh would be defending their men and women singles in the championship last year.
The Sindh Tenpin Bowling Association (PTBA) is conducting the event on behalf of Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation (PTBF).


Besides men and women titles, Masters Open, Graded Singles, Women’s, Under 24, Under 12,
Novice Beginners, Doubles & Team Event & Inter-Media categories will also be part of the contest.

The winners of men singles will get Rs 75,000 and the runners-up will pick up Rs 30,000 while the winners of the ladies crown will collect Rs 10,000 and the runners-up to get Rs 5,000.

In the other events like Open Singles winners collect Rs 40,000 and the runners-up take home Rs 30,000.

The 19-year-old Ahmer Abbas had created history last year with a Perfect Game of 300 in Pakistan. He is once again firm favorites for the crown.

Race against time as NSK renovation gears up for PSL

It will be race against time as renovation and refurbishment work at the National Stadium Karachi (NSK) has geared up for holding the third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL-3) in February 2018.

The country’s premier Test centre has been without proper international activity since 2009 although an invitation XI, featuring quite a few foreign cricketers, had played a couple of T20 games against Pakistan XI in 2012.

The Gaddafi Stadium Lahore has hosted a few international matches, including One-day and T20 series against Zimbabwe, last year’s PSL final, T20 series against World XI and recent one T20 against Sri Lanka.

The pressure was mounting on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to restore international cricket in Karachi as well. The PCB Chairman, Najam Sethi, then announced that Karachi will host at least four matches in the PSL-3.

He also disclosed having tried his best to hold one World XI match in Karachi but the International Cricket Council (ICC) didn’t agree. He hoped that the NSK will be in line for hosting international matches in future after successfully staging its matches of the PSL-3.



Holders Islamabad United, runners-up Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars,
Peshawar Zalmi and the newly included Multan Sultan will take part in the PSL-3 which is likely to start from the middle of February and conclude with final on the Pakistan Day (March 23).

Meanwhile the National Logistic Cell (NLC) Engineering Department has been assigned the task to complete the first phase of the renovation work ahead of PSL matches.

The PCB had awarded a Rs. billion NSK up gradation work to NLC with NESPAK as its consultant. According to the contract, the work has to be completed in one year time. “We are determined and eager to complete the task of first phase within the allocated time,” Project Manager NLC Engineering, Wing Col (Rtd) Muhammad Sohaib, stated.

He said that they were using different work force for the purpose. It started with a work force of at the start and presently around 50-60 people were on the job “We use the work force as per our requirement,” he remarked.

A recent visit to NSK showed that all the 22 public bathrooms with 8 to 10 toilet blocks have already been dismantled while roof of the VIP stands including Hanif Mohammad and Javed Miandad enclosures has already been removed and this will follow in respect of other stands. 

The installation of 30 new hospitality boxes with attached bath rooms located technically on the fourth floor is also part of the first phase with installation of a modern lift for these boxes.

The chairman boxes with capacity of around 100 signatories, teams’ dressing rooms, umpires rooms, referee room, physiotherapist room, and broadcasters and media boxes will also be renovated and upgraded with modern facilities.

The 33,000 capacity stadium last staged a major international event of Asia Cup in 2008, a memorable event participated by holders Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The entrance of the stadium will also be improved and both the roads inside will be carpeted. Parking facilities for around 500 to 600 vehicles is also being created.

Hasan Sardar shocked at Pakistan’s annihilation in Melbourne

Chief Selector Olympian Hasan Sardar was shocked at Pakistan’s 1-9 loss to hosts Australia in the opening encounter of the International Festival of Hockey at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne on November 8.

It was their worst-ever defeat in its hockey history as previously their worst had come at Terrassa, Spain, in the 2016 Champions Trophy when Holland whacked Pakistan 9-2.

“I am stunned by the hammering at the hands of the Aussies because I was not expecting such a margin of defeat,” he reacted after the nightmarish defeat.

“Although our team is going through rebuilding process but losing to world champions Australia by such a margin has shocked everyone attached with the national sport,” the ace centre-forward in his playing days conceded.

He felt that lack of rest and jet lag could be the causes because the Mohammad Irfan led Pakistan outfit had entered the arena barely eight hours after having landed in Australia. Hasn Sardar, however, minced no words in admitting that the Australians were too good a side particularly on their home turf.


The 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Gold Medalist was optimistic about Pakistan’s team faring better in
their coming matches against New Zealand and Japan.

“Obviously at the moment we are not expecting revolution in national hockey. Our first target is to see Pakistan become Asian champions. Once we achieve that our boys will regain confidence which is so vital in sports,” he added.

He said that Pakistan barely had a pool of 25 to 30 players from which selectors have to pick the national team.

Hasan Sardar stated that in order to give international experience they have blooded four juniors in the team following the Asia Cup where Pakistan secured a bronze medal.

He regretted that presently Pakistan was also struggling to score on penalty corners with skipper Mohammad Irfan and Abu Bakar, the penalty corner strikers, unable to penalty corner conversion.

Meanwhile Blake Govers scored a hat-trick, while Aaron Kleinschmidt hit a double in the Australia’s massive win over Pakistan, who scored their solitary goal via Abu Bakar strike in the 32nd minute.

Australia dominated the proceedings throughout the game with their first goal coming in the eighth minute, off their first penalty corner. The lead was doubled within four minutes and there was no looking back for the home side.

Pakistan showed some resilience in the third quarter which seemed the best 15 minutes of the game for the green shirts. They earned a couple of penalty corners, and scored off one of them. Their sloppy defending, however, resumed in the last quarter which saw them conceding as many as four goals.

Sindh CM announces Rs100 million for hockey promotion

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) received a big financial boost as the Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, announced a grant of Rs 100 million for promotion and uplift of sport in the country and in the interior of Sindh.

“It’s a great gesture by Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah which was another proof of him being a sports-loving person. He has keen interest in the revival for the past glories of national hockey. He is fully aware of the rich history of Pakistan hockey and the accomplishments in Olympics, World Cups and other major events,” the PHF Secretary, Olympian Shahbaz Ahmed, disclosed after meeting the Chief Minister.

“Ours was the most fruitful and beneficial meeting with the CM which was really big boost for hockey. He has promised his all out support and assistance in the promotion of the game in the province. He showed particular interest in promotion and development of hockey in the interior of Sindh,” the former Pakistan captain revealed.

The announcement was made by Murad Ali Shah when three-member delegation led by the PHF President Brig (Retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar alongwith Shahbaz Ahmed and Tariq Hudda called on him at the CM House in Karachi.


Shahbaz Ahmed, who had successfully captained Pakistan to the World Cup triumph in 1994 at 
Sydney, informed the CM about the plans the PHF was working on the development, promotion and revival of national sport.

Keeping in view the interest and support of Murad Ali Shah, the PHF Secretary said that they will be allocating National Seniors Hockey Championship as well as the National Schools Under-16 Hockey Championship to the Sindh Hockey Association.

Shahbaz Ahmed, one of the greatest exponents of the game produced by Pakistan, expressed the confidence that holding the nationals and National School hockey will attract youngsters towards the game.

He said that the National School U-16 Hockey event will be held in newly laid turf at Bakht Ali Dahota Khairpur from November 15 under the auspices of the SHA in which 16 teams including four from Punjab, three from Sindh, two each from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Balochistan and one each from Federal Territory Islamabad, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan will be taking part.

Shahbaz Ahmed stated that history of sorts will be made when Sukkur will stage National Seniors Championship there from December 10 to 25 in which about 25 teams representing provinces and departmental teams would be in action for the crown.

Shahbaz Ahmed emphasized that they were also focusing on the working and performance of the affiliated units of PHF particularly, the associations and they will be allocating the national events as per the performances and their organizational abilities.

Sahibzada Sultan, Nadir Magsi in photo-finish at Gwadar Rally

Sahibzada Sultan Mohammad Ali demonstrated vintage skills and speed to retain his ‘Prepared Class; title in Gwadar Off-Road Rally held as part of the Pakistan Motor Rally.

The 33-year-old Jhang-based Sultan, a household name in motor racing in Pakistan, clocked 1 hr 14 min and 20 seconds on a 125-KM Track to emerge on the top in 84 racing drivers contest. Led by over 30-member workers team and driving 4500 CC Toyota Tacomo,

Sahibzada Sultan displayed courage and masterly control over his vehicle and reasserted his supremacy on the national racing circuit. Nadir Magsi, Pakistan’s uncrowned king of motor racing settled for the second position with 1 hr 14 min 46 seconds while another leading driver Ronnie Patel of Toyota High Motors Karachi came third with 1 hr 16 min 12 seconds.

The Chief of the Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who was the chief guest, distributed prizes at a glittering closing ceremony. The Balochistan Chief Minister, Sanaullah Zehri, was also present on the occasion.

The Gwadar Rally was part of Pakistan Motor Rally conducted by Pakistan Army which had started from Pakistan-China border at Khunjerab and concluded in the country’s emerging port city of Gwadar after crossing through various cities including Karachi.

“I felt some problems with my suspension when I hit a dune. But I kept a good speed on straight run. It was closest competition ever in my career,” Sahibzada Sultan told reporters after winning the race.

The veteran Racing Driver Nadir Magsi declared it as one of the most exciting races as two minutes separated three top position holders which had never happened in the circuit before.

“It was really thrilling and exciting finish despite having high blood pressure to me,” Nadir Magsi maintained.

Toyota Highway Motors team in fact performed creditably in the Gwadar Rally as besides Ronnie Patel third spot in Prepared Class, his wife Tushna Patel won the ladies title while Talha Mansoor finished third in Stock “A” category. Tushna driving 4000 CC Vigo Highlux covered the distance in 1 hr 46 min 6 seconds while Momal Khan was second was second with 2 hr 11min 8 seconds.

Following are results of different categories:
Prepare Class: 1. Sahibzada Sultan Muhammad Ali 2. Nadir Magsi 3. Ronnie Patel
Category B: 1. Zain Mehmood 2. Amir Magsi 3. Jam Kamal
Category C: 1. Zaheer A Shah 2. Zafar Magsi 3. Gohar Sangi
Category D: 1. Shaheen Iqbal 2. Aminullah 3. Zafar Baloch

Stock Class: Category A: 1. Babar Khan 2. Tariq Magsi 3. Mansoor Haleem
Category B: 1. Mir Hayat Sadiq Zai 2. Malik Manzoor 3. M Younus
Category C: 1. Amir A Shah 2. Sardar Leghari 3. Nawaz Ali Sabir
Category D: 1. Sohail Abbas Khurd 2. Mir Liquat Sherwani 3. Kaleem Khan

Mahmood Lodhi becomes Pakistan’s first chess GM

Mahmood Lodhi, acclaimed as the greatest exponent of chess in the country, duly achieved the distinction of becoming the first-ever Grand Master as he won the 8th Asian Seniors Chess Championship in Auckland, New Zealand, recently.


“Achieving the GM title was my long team dream and I could not sleep for two nights after this accomplishment for Pakistan’” he told media at the Quaid-e-Azam International Airport, Karachi, on his return from New Zealand.

Due to a combination of factors, the newly crowned Grand Master didn’t get a befitting reception at the airport as not a single representative of the Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP), the Sindh Chess Association (SCA) and the Karachi Chess Association (KCA) was there to welcome him.

His buddy and International Master, Shahzad Mirza, greeted him alongwith an official of the Mind Sports Association of Pakistan (MSAP).

“A couple of well-wishers and chess lovers provided me loan for a trip to New Zealand,” the 55-year-old Lodhi, hailing from Gujranwala, stated.

“My appeal to the sports authorities of Pakistan to get me my PIA job restored which was terminated over 10 years ago without reasoning,” a record 15-time National Champion, jobless said.

He called for support and better treatment to other sports persons for bringing honor and glory to the country.

“If I get proper support from the government, I can bring the world title to Pakistan,” he commented.

He expressed the hope that securing GM title change his struggling life and he will get support for featuring in GM international events.

“GM in other countries gets great support and respect. But I am waiting for it to be happening in Pakistan,” he said.

Besides dominating for Pakistan chess scene for over three decades, Mahmood Lodhi had represented Pakistan in over a dozen World Chess Olympiads.

Ronnie, Tusha to represent THM Sherwanis in Gwadar Rally

The country’s top two racing drivers and the husband-wife pair of Ronnie Patel and Tusha Patel with two other teams will be representing Toyota High Motors (THM) Sherwanis in the Pakistan Motor Rally and the Gwadar Rally.

Karachi’s Ronnie Patel, a veteran acclaimed racing driver of Pakistan, having won many titles in Cholistan, Jhal Magsi, Hub, Nooriabad, Gawadar Rallies is among top ranked drivers for the crown.

The brilliant Ronnie will be driving Highlux Vigo and would be featuring in top Prepared Class category with navigator Ali Aden.

“This is major event and I am looking forward to assert my supremacy in this rally,” he told reporters prior to team’s departure to Gwadar.


“Our aim and objective is promoting motor racing and patronize Pakistan best drivers,” Shujaat
Sherwani, Chief Executive of THM said while announcing the names of their teams.

“Our mission is always been to be part of all the top races of Pakistan,” he remarked. “Our teams have done in the past and we are looking forward to maintain our ascendancy in Gawadar Rally,” he commented.

THM Sherwanis staged a major Max Dirt Rally in Hub in which Pakistan’s top racing took part. Mansoor Alim with Talha Kanwar will take part in Stock A Category in his 4,000 cc Toyota Vigo and Tushna Patel with be taking part with his navigator.

The Gwadar Rally is part of Pakistan Rally which started from Pak-China border in Khunjerab few days ago.''

PHF initiatives for hockey revival hailed

Former International Hockey player, Mubashir Mukhtar, has appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for revival of international hockey in Pakistan.

In this regard he referred to organizing of Nishan-e-Haider Hockey tournament and arrival of the Hall of Fame World Eleven in Pakistan besides holding of Pakistan Super Hockey League next year will lead to complete revival of international matches in the country.

Talking to PNFS, Mubashir, who is now serving as Director Sports in a private engineering university, was confident that the decisions and steps being taken by the PHF President, Brig (Rtd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, and the Secretary General, Olympian Shahbaz Ahmed, will enable Pakistan to regain its lost stature in the world of hockey.

He observed that the successful talks held with the officials of PHF's Executive Committee in Dubai, have started yielding positive results and Nishan-e-Haider Hockey Tournament, in which eleven international goalkeepers will be participating, is the first step towards revival of international hockey in Pakistan.

He said that it will be the first occasion when international hockey players will be participating in a country's domestic event. Similarly he expressed delight with the upcoming planned arrival of World Eleven in November this year will bring activity in the hitherto deserted grounds of Pakistan with the national team playing a three-match series with the World Eleven in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.

Thereafter in the next year holding of Pakistan Super Hockey League will not only help explore the new talent but also contribute to complete revival of international hockey in the country.

AKU wins PMA Defence Day sports gala

A number of events were organized in connection with the Defence Day of Pakistan across the country with the highlight of the day being the function held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi to pay tribute to the martyrs.

The Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA) organized the Defence Day Sports Gala at the Women Sports Complex, Gulshan-e-Iqbal in Karachi.

As many as 14 educational institutions from all over the metropolis took part in five disciplines which included table tennis, badminton, volleyball, basketball and squash.

Aga Khan University (AKU) emerged as the overall champions of the gala as its athletes came up with impressive all-round performance to run away with the trophy.



The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), having enjoyed success in quite a
few sporting contests in the recent past, took part in the men’s events of table tennis, badminton, volleyball and basketball.

The SSUET claimed the runners-up spot in volleyball, bagged third position in table tennis and ended as losing semifinalists in badminton.

The Deputy Mayor of Karachi, Arshad Vohra, distributed the prizes along with the Commandant PMA, Commodore Akbar Naqi, while the SSUET Registrar, Syed Sarfraz Ali, and the SSUET Additional Registrar, Mohammad Aamir, were also present in the ceremony.

SSUET excels in Independence Day Swimming contest

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) excelled in the Independence Day Open Swimming Championship staged at the Defence Authority Creek Club to celebrate the 70th Independence Day of Pakistan.

The SSUET took three medals in the event which was jointly organized by the Defence Authority Creek Club and the Pakistan Marine Academy. Mohammad Ahmed claimed silver medal in 50m freestyle and bronze medal in 50m butterfly while Hyder earned bronze in 100m breaststroke.

The Convener of the Aligarh Institute of Technology (AIT), Engr Syed Anwer Ali, who is also the Vice President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), honoured the members of the SSUET swimming team and congratulated them on their worthy efforts in the open championship contested by 14 institutes from all over the province.


The Sindh Sports Minister, Sardar Mohammad Baksh Khan Maher, was the chief guest in the prize
distribution ceremony which was also attended by Secretary of the Defence Authority Creek Club, Brig Sajid Iqbal Jadoon, and Commodore Akbar Naqi, Commandant, Pakistan Marine Academy.

The Independence Day Open Swimming Championship was recognized as a success story by the participants and the hosts were appreciated for having conducted the event nicely.

In fact the Sindh Sports Minister was so much impressed with the facilities at the venue and he considered it to be an ideal host for future swimming competitions.

Cake cutting also took place and it was followed by a flag retrieving ceremony, conducted with traditional fervor and enthusiasm.

Rumman Raees sets SSUET alight

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) was set alight by the visit of left-arm fast bowler Rumman Raees, one of the heroes of the ICC Champions Trophy Cricket Tournament 2017, as part of the celebrations of Pakistan’s 70th Independence Day.

The Convener of the Aligarh Institute of Technology (AIT), Engr Syed Anwer Ali, who is also the Vice President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), greeted the cricket hero and described him as a role model for the youngsters.

Engr Anwer Ali, himself an all-round cricketer of merit, lavishly praised the performance of Pakistan’s cricket team which saw them win the Champions Trophy in England against all odds.


Rumman Raees, who was one of three debutants in the tournament, performed exceedingly well in
his only appearance and he was very rightly hailed as one of the heroes.

“It’s in the fitness of things that the Champions Trophy winning Pakistani cricketers returned home to a heroic welcome wherever they went around. It was heartening to watch the fans thronging the airports and gathering outside their residences to celebrate the triumph,” Engr Anwar Ali reckoned.

“All the members of the team deserved credit for having made the nation proud with their outstanding performance. From skipper Sarfraz Ahmed down to Rumman Raees all of them deserve to be hailed as heroes,” he added.

“The presence of Rumman Raees here at the SSUET has thrilled us and what an occasion he has chosen to be with us. His presence in the Independence Day celebrations has made all of us excited and ecstatic,” Engr Anwar Ali complimented.

Rumman Raees is a welcome addition to the list of high quality left-arm fast bowlers produced by Pakistan. He had come to the limelight in the inaugural edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2016 and he was duly rewarded with Pakistan debut in a T20 International against West Indies later the same year.


He turned out to one of the star performers of the second edition of the PSL in 2017 during which he
picked up no less than a dozen wickets in just seven matches. He was chosen for the limited-overs leg of Pakistan's West Indies tour in April 2017 but was originally omitted from the Champions Trophy squad.

It was the injury to Wahab Riaz during the course of the event in England which created a vacancy and Rumman Raees was drafted in as replacement.

He made his memorable debut in One-day Internationals in the high voltage semifinal against England after Mohammad Aamir had to pull out at the eleventh hour due to back problems.