Victory in the SSWMB Trophy Intra-Academy Girls Basketball Tournament
Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Academy emerged as champions of the SSWMB Trophy Intra-Academy Girls Basketball Tournament after a thrilling final match against Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan Academy. The decisive game took place at the International Abdul Nasir Basketball Court in Aram Bagh, Karachi, where Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Academy secured a narrow 10-6 victory.
The event attracted a large crowd of enthusiastic spectators who gathered to witness the competition. Tariq Ali Nizamani, Managing Director of SSWMB, served as the chief guest and presented cash prizes and trophies to the winning teams. His presence underscored the significance of the tournament and the commitment of SSWMB to promoting sports among young athletes.
Several notable personalities were present at the ceremony, including Begum Ismaili Shah, Dr. Nighat Aqeel, Maryam Tariq, Ghulam Muhammad Khan, M. Haider Khan, Faisal Ali Khan, Younus Qureshi, and officials from KBBA, SBBA, and Essa Laboratory. Their attendance highlighted the community’s support for youth development through sports.
On the court, the winning team showcased exceptional teamwork and skill. Aamna Ashraf and Aniqa Asif each scored 4 points, while Aira Imran added 2 points to the total. The runner-up team, Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan Academy, had Fatima Idrees, Samaran Lubana, and Fariha Afzal each scoring 2 points. Aamna Ashraf was recognized as the best player of the tournament, while Aniqa Asif received the emerging player award, reflecting her potential and contributions during the competition.
Other distinguished guests, such as Zahid Malik, Zafar Iqbal, Muhammad Ashraf, Engr. Zainul Abideen Channa, Zaeema Khatoon, Naeem Ahmed, and Nusrat Afzal, also participated in the prize distribution. Their involvement emphasized the collective effort to encourage and support young athletes in the region.
At the prize distribution ceremony, Tariq Ali Nizamani delivered an impactful speech on the importance of sports in society. He stated, “In many countries, athletes define the national identity. I firmly believe that nations with thriving sports grounds have fewer hospitals and graveyards.” Nizamani praised the efforts of the Mayor of Karachi and Commissioner Karachi in supporting youth development. He also highlighted that the SSWMB organized this event as part of its broader vision to promote sports and healthy lifestyles.
Nizamani announced that SSWMB will sponsor girls’ basketball events in interior Sindh during September and October, further expanding opportunities for young athletes. He paid tribute to Ghulam Muhammad Khan for his outstanding contributions to promoting sports, particularly basketball, in the region.
Begum Ismaili Shah commended SSWMB for organizing an exceptional tournament and expressed her appreciation for the event’s success. She also announced that the Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah family, under the leadership of KBA President Ghulam Abbas Jamal Adv, fully supports the Sindh and Karachi Basketball Associations. Additionally, she mentioned that a Dr. Syed MA Shah Girls Inter-Club Basketball Tournament will be held in November, showcasing continued efforts to foster competitive sports among female athletes.
The tournament not only celebrated athletic excellence but also reinforced the role of sports in building strong communities and nurturing future leaders. Through initiatives like these, organizations like SSWMB are making a lasting impact on the lives of young people in Karachi and beyond.