The sporting scene in Lahore witnessed a vibrant start to the 5th Deputy Commissioner (DC) South Girls and Boys Basketball Championship. The event was officially inaugurated in a lively ceremony by SSP South Mahzoor Ali, marking a significant commitment to youth sports in the region.
Ceremony and Dignitaries
The championship, organized by the District South Basketball Association (DSBA) with formal approval from the Karachi Basketball Association (KBBA), drew a notable crowd. Key figures present included Director Sports to Commissioner Karachi Ghulam Muhammad Khan, DSBA President Asif Gulfam, alongside sports personalities Imran Katia and Latif Kakar.
In his inaugural address, SSP South Mahzoor Ali emphasized the crucial role of sports in shaping character. He urged the young athletes to passionately pursue the game while maintaining a strong focus on their academic goals. He also stressed the importance of respecting the guidance of parents and teachers. Adding to the excitement, he announced plans for a dedicated "SSP South Tournament" scheduled for April, promising more platforms for budding talent.
Thrilling Matches and Standout Performers
The opening day of the championship was packed with action, featuring six highly competitive matches across both girls' and boys' categories.
In the girls' division, Dow Club started strong with an 18–10 win over KMA College White. Arambagh Club secured a victory against National Club with a score of 20–14, while Civil Tiger Club outpaced Dow Club 16–11.
The boys' matches were equally intense. Arambagh Club claimed a 42–34 victory against TIA Academy. TIA Academy, however, bounced back in their next match to defeat Dow Club 48–40. Arambagh Club continued their dominant run, concluding the day with a commanding 58–32 win over Dow Club.
Individual talent shone brightly throughout the day. Notable performances came from a host of players including Yusra Abid, Iqra Adnan, Javaria Jilani, Zainul Abideen Channa, Hassan Ali, Danial Marwat, Essa Khan, and many others who displayed exceptional skill and sportsmanship.
Organizational Support and Future Endeavors
The matches were expertly supervised by a technical team comprising Zahid Malik, Aamir Sharif, Zafar Iqbal, Naeem Ahmed, Raj Kumar, Zaima Khatoon, and Nusrat Afzal. DSBA Secretary Zulfiqar Abbas Khan served as the Tournament Director, ensuring smooth operations.
In a gesture reinforcing the collaborative spirit of sports development, Abdul Latif Kakar assured continued support to the Karachi Basketball Association for future sporting endeavors. This commitment highlights the growing institutional backing for basketball at the grassroots level in the region, setting a positive precedent for upcoming tournaments and youth engagement in sports.
