JADDAH (Saudi Arabia):
JEDDAH: Smart Zone Strikers clinched the Quaid-e-Azam Independence Cup cricket tournament title after defeating Karam Al-Balad by 37 runs in the final, organized in connection with Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations.
The tournament was organized by Askancom Company, with eight teams, including a team representing the Pakistan Consulate, participating in the competition. Led by Zaryab Shafqat, Smart Zone Strikers delivered an impressive performance in the final to secure a convincing 37-run victory over Karam Al-Balad.
Chairman of the Kashmir Committee Masood Ahmed Puri and Agha Hashir, Project Supervisor of the Barhami Muslim Project, representing the Pakistan Consulate, attended the prize distribution ceremony as guests of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, event organizer and Chairman of Askancom Chaudhry Shafqat Mahmood said the main objective of organizing the tournament was to engage young people in positive activities, promote sports and strengthen the spirit of unity, brotherhood and patriotism among the Pakistani community.
He said the tournament was named the Quaid-e-Azam Independence Cup in recognition of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the significance attached to his name during the year.
Guest of honour Masood Ahmed Puri congratulated the winning and runner-up teams, as well as Askancom and the organizing committee, for successfully holding the event. He said sporting activities not only provide healthy entertainment to young people but also play an important role in promoting national unity and strengthening community ties.
Representing the Pakistan Consulate, Agha Hashir congratulated the organizers and all participating teams. He said positive and healthy activities were essential for the Pakistani community and assured that the Pakistan Consulate would continue to encourage and support such initiatives in the future.
Chaudhry Azhar Warraich, Chaudhry Akram Gujjar, Mehr Abdul Khaliq Lak, Anser Mughal, Sharif-uz-Zaman and several other prominent members of the Pakistani community attended the ceremony.
At the conclusion of the event, trophies, medals and cash prizes were distributed among the players of the winning and runner-up teams by the organizers and distinguished guests.
