Category: Sports

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

Pakistani motorsports takes a leap forward as the Omni Racing team, comprised of the top 4 racing drivers of the country, Syed Ovais Naqvi (c), Shahzeb Qureshi, Omer Khuhro, and Sanaan Jamali, prepares to compete in the first round of the Dubai Endurance Championship 2024 on Feb 24. “Motorsports in Pakistan has long lacked a dedicated facility to foster talent and nurture passion,” says Syed Ovais Naqvi, CEO of Omni Karting Circuit (OKC) and captain of the Omni Racing team. “With the launch of OKC’s international-standard track, we aim to invigorate the sport, holding local championships and providing comprehensive training and development programs.” Naqvi further emphasizes, “Our goal is to elevate Pakistani karting to an official sport, allowing individuals to hone their skills and compete internationally. Through initiatives like Omni Racing, we aim to empower our top drivers to showcase their talent on the global stage, raising the name of OKC and Pakistan with pride.” Omni Racing, the official racing team of OKC, serves as a bridge for talented local drivers who have excelled in domestic championships to compete at the international level to enhance their skills & race craft. By participating in international events like the Dubai Championship, the team provides them with a valuable platform for driver development to gain experience, compete against global competitors, and further their aspirations. Omni Racing has been created with a vision to provide opportunities, give inspiration and hope to the public of Pakistan and local youth.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

The city of lights, Karachi, will host the internationally
certified marathon for the first time in Pakistan on June 28, which is
expected to be attended by hundreds of runners, including national and
international athletes.

The marathon is being held by Sports in Pakistan in collaboration with
the caretaker provincial government of Sindh.

Addressing a press conference, Dr. Syed Junaid Ali Shah, Caretaker
Minister Sindh for Culture, Antiquities & Archives, Sports, and Youth
Affairs, said Pakistan as a state is going to record a historical
achievement by organizing an internationally accredited marathon for
the first time on Sunday.

The marathon is being organized following the deployment of
international-level benchmarking, technology, and proper routes,
similar to what can be witnessed in marathons held in London and
Paris.

The marathon is the biggest event across the world, with major roads
and arteries blocked to facilitate runners, but this marathon is being
held around the coastal routes without disturbing the hustle and
bustle of the city.

CEO Sports in Pakistan Shoaib Nizam said Pakistani athletes had been
participating in international standards marathons in different
countries for the last few years, but runners in Pakistan could
qualify for international running events through the Karachi Marathon
being held for the first time in Pakistan at an international level.

The dream came true after 15 years of community development in this
game. Finally, the world will see Karachi on the map, he remarked.

Sports in Pakistan has made Pakistan proud internationally on many
occasions, and more importantly, it unites the nation. While we have
accomplished great achievements in many sports, running was not one to
acquire attention and recognition. Over the years, Sports in Pakistan,
which was founded by Mr. Shoaib Nizami, has revolutionized both
running and cycling across Pakistan, including never-before-seen
female participation.

We are proud to be gathered here today to witness history being made
at the inauguration of the 1st Karachi Marathon on Sunday, January 28,
2024. This is the first full-distance (42.2 km) marathon, which is
measured and accredited by World Athletics, the international
governing body for athletic sports.

It is important to mention that all full-distance marathon runners in
this event will have their running time recognized globally by all
major marathon events around the world. Not only this, but every
runner can be tracked using a special app developed for this event.

Lastly, a participant doesn’t have to be an elite runner to be a part
of this momentous event; anyone can register for a half marathon
(21.1km) or a fun-filled 5 km for family and children, and every
participant will receive the same medal as the elite runners.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

In a historic breakthrough, Walee, Pakistan’s premier Creator-Tech platform, has emerged victorious in securing the exclusive live streaming rights for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) Seasons 9 and 10, clinching the deal with an impressive PKR 1.875 Billion. This strategic move not only signifies Walee’s foray into the digital broadcasting sphere, but also underscores its steadfast commitment to innovation and growth, championed by Pakistanis, for Pakistan.

Amidst fierce competition from industry front-runners such as Geo, Ten Sports, HUM TV, ARY, Daraz, Tamasha, Myco, and Trans Group, Walee’s win stands out as a testament to its evolving prominence in the live streaming arena.

Co-founded in 2019 by Samina Seth and Ahsan Tahir, Walee tapped into the power of their vibrant creator ecosystem – a constellation of relatable gamers, tech-savvy bloggers, and streetwise vloggers whose voices resonate deeply with the young PSL audience. These aren’t just influencers; they’re trusted micro-communities embedded in the fabric of how Gen Z and Alpha consume content.

Leveraging its unique background in the Creator Economy, working closely with over 150,000 influencers in Pakistan, Walee aims to revolutionize the digital viewing experience for the 130 million Pakistanis on various digital platforms.

“We are proud to announce our successful bid for the Live Streaming Media Rights for PSL Seasons 9 and 10, marking a significant milestone for Walee. As we commence this exciting journey, our goal is to elevate the PSL digital experience to unprecedented heights. The magnitude of this investment becomes possible through the support of patriotic, data-literate advertisers who recognize Walee as the sole platform boasting the highest trust media touchpoints, attracting both Gen Z and Gen Alpha customer segments,” stated Ahsan Tahir, Co-founder & CEO of Walee, the largest creator economy ecosystem in the MENAPT region.

As a Pakistan-born and Pakistani-owned technology ecosystem, Walee is dedicated to democratizing storytelling and empowering creators across diverse social strata, transcending conventional pedigrees. Tahir emphasized, “Our extensive creator network, coupled with innovative digital experiences in PSL Seasons 9 & 10, is poised to captivate this demographic with unparalleled authenticity. This triumph, four years in the making, serves as a testament to our steadfast belief in Pakistan’s narrative. Our partner BSports and us, stand ready to facilitate a seamless connection between PSL and its advertisers with the dynamic audiences of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, driven by data, chai, and unyielding ambition.”

As Walee continues to redefine the boundaries of what is possible, audiences can expect an unparalleled viewing experience during the upcoming PSL seasons 9 & 10.

 

Rawalpindi (Nut Desk)

The 30th WALEE COAS Open Golf Championship, held at the iconic Rawalpindi Golf Club, has concluded leaving a lasting mark on the golfing community in Pakistan. This prestigious tournament brought together 607 golfers from golf clubs across the country, showcasing their talent and dedication in various categories.

The prize distribution ceremony was graced by the presence of Lt Gen Shahid Imtiaz, HI (M), President of Rawalpindi Golf Club and Commander of the 10 Corps. His presence added to the grandeur of the event.

The WALEE 30th COAS Open Golf Championship was made possible through the efforts of the WALEE Technologies team, the main sponsor of the Chief of Army Staff Open Golf 2023 Championship. Ahsan Tahir, CEO – WALEE Technologies, expressed his enthusiasm for supporting this remarkable event, stating, “We are proud to be part of an event that not only celebrates the spirit of competition but also promotes camaraderie and sportsmanship. Golf is a game that requires precision and focus, qualities that are integral to our mission at WALEE Technologies. Congratulations to all the participants and winners on their remarkable achievements.”

In the amateur category, the COAS Open Golf Championship was clinched by Mr. Muhammad Shuaib Khan from Gymkhana Golf Club, Lahore. His outstanding performance displayed the potential and dedication of amateur golfers across the country.

The professional category saw intense competition, with Mr. Muhammad Shabbir from Islamabad Golf Club emerging as the winner. His skill, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the sport earned him the top spot, making him a worthy champion.

Brig Zahid Hussain, Secretary of Rawalpindi Golf Club, commended the participants and sponsors, saying, “This championship wouldn’t have been possible without the enthusiastic participation of golfers from all over Pakistan and the generous support of sponsors like WALEE Technologies. It’s heartening to see how golf continues to unite people and promote a sense of community.”

The 30th WALEE COAS Open Golf Championship not only celebrated golfing excellence but also contributed to the local community and the promotion of this cherished sport.

 

 

19th Asian Games Hangzhou — Daraz brings South Asian Female Cricket Athletes One Step Closer To Their Dream.

Women’s cricket has come a long way — but more still needs to be done to give it the attention it deserves. Learn how Daraz is helping these aspiring cricket athletes turn their dreams into reality.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  Daraz, the Official E-commerce Platform of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou, has successfully concluded its youth empowerment activation where Daraz sponsored a full-expenses paid trip for three aspiring female cricket athletes from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal to Hangzhou to watch the Asian Games. By providing them with a unique opportunity to witness the Women’s cricket matches in person at the prestigious event, Daraz aims to contribute to the growth and empowerment of women in sports, bringing them one step closer to their dreams.

The road to becoming a professional cricket player is not an easy one, especially for women. Recognizing the potential and determination of female athletes in South Asia, Daraz took a significant step to support their aspirations and promote gender equality in sports. The selected athletes, Tharushi Fernando from Sri Lanka, Nuzhat Sabah from Bangladesh, and Khushi Dangol from Nepal, are such female athletes who are defying the odds to achieve their dreams and represent their nations on the international stage.

Through this initiative, Daraz provided these budding youth athletes with the opportunity to grow into professional cricket players by allowing them to witness international-level games and learn from the world’s best — opportunities that would have been otherwise inaccessible to them. This experience has also been one of self-discovery, as these young ladies learned a lot about themselves while being away from home for the very first time in Hangzhou, China.

Tharushi Fernando, 18-year-old Sri Lankan cricket player training with the Sky Cricket & Sports Club, reflects on her experience, “ This experience marked the beginning of many unforgettable firsts: my very first time taking a plane, travelling out of Sri Lanka, and more. But what truly left a mark on me was being able to watch the Sri Lankan cricket team in action – it was so inspiring to watch my country win the semi-finals match, to eventually compete in the finals and receive a silver medal at the award ceremony at the games. I cannot thank Daraz enough for this opportunity, which turned into a journey of self-discovery, inspiration, and a reaffirmation of my passion for cricket.”.

Khushi Dangol, a 21-year-old Nepali cricket player, reflects on her experience, saying, “This opportunity was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I cannot thank Daraz and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) enough for nominating me. I learned so much on this trip: about different cultures from people all over the world, how to be independent during my first solo trip, and, of course, about cricket. Being able to watch the games played live at an international level inspired me greatly and motivated me to dream bigger. I firmly believe that you can achieve anything as long as you put your heart and mind into it, and I look forward to working even harder to become a better cricket player.”

Nuzhat Sabah Firdaus, 23-year-old local academy cricket player from Bangladesh, reflects on her experience, saying, “I tried so many new things for the first time and learned a great deal about myself and others on this trip. It was also my first time watching the women’s cricket matches in person. I gained invaluable insights into the game itself, things I wouldn’t have learned by simply watching it on television – which I believe will help me improve my skills as a cricket player. Thank you, Daraz, for this incredible opportunity!”.

Cheryl Ang, Group Chief Marketing Officer shares, “Daraz was started eight years ago to uplift communities through the power of commerce, and today, our mission remains unchanged. Daraz recognises the significance of supporting aspiring athletes and promoting women’s cricket at an international level, and aims to lead the charge in representing South Asia on a global stage. It’s heartening to see how this experience has made a lasting impact on the lives of these three young ladies, and witness how they bonded over their mutual love for cricket. This has only further cemented our resolve to support more initiatives that empower the greater South Asian community, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next.”

As part of the Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, Daraz is dedicated to supporting sports and cultural initiatives and uplifting South Asian communities. This initiative is just one of many steps towards that vision, and Daraz remains committed to uplifting and championing underserved communities in the region.

Lahore (Qasim Ali)

The GCU Faisalabad witnessed a remarkable event as the Prime Minister Talent Hunt Youth Sports League for Men & Women in Badminton unveiled a new generation of rising stars. Young athletes aged 15 to 25, under the watchful eyes of Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, and the University of Sargodha, showcased their extraordinary talents during the trials.

The Prime Minister Talent Hunt Youth Sports League is dedicated to providing a platform for these budding athletes to display their exceptional skills on the court, fostering a spirit of healthy competition among the nation’s youth. As we move forward, we anticipate an exciting season filled with dedication, passion, and outstanding sporting accomplishments.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Cricket fever in Pakistan is all set to reach unprecedented heights this year with an exciting announcement from Daraz, Tamasha, and myco. In an unprecedented move, these leading digital platforms have come together to offer cricket enthusiasts across Pakistan free access to the highly anticipated ICC World Cup 2023.

Scheduled to commence on October 5 and culminate on November 19, the tournament promises to be an exhilarating cricketing event. Thanks to this partnership, fans all over Pakistan can now enjoy every moment of the World Cup through live and exclusive streaming, without any cost.

Digital streaming is now becoming the premier media platform for cricket viewership in Pakistan, especially for ODIs, as users find it increasingly difficult to stay glued to their TV screen for up to 9 hours, particularly during office hours and long commutes. 60% of match air time is now being watched on mobile screens, hence advertisers are also switching their ad spend to digital streaming.

Daraz has been airing the World Cup since 2021. In 2022, Daraz partnered with Tamasha, and now in 2023 there is a unique and exciting set of options through which users can watch the World Cup on Daraz, Tamasha, and a new entrant in Pakistan, myco, which is a MENA based watch&earn platform

“There is a powerful shift happening from big flat screens to small handy ones. We want to democratize cricket viewership in Pakistan so that everyone anywhere can watch cricket. Cricket unites our nation and this is our attempt to get closer to Pakistanis on top of the 27 million monthly active users we have, so they can watch and shop with convenience.” Mohammad Ammar Hassan, Chief Marketing Officer, Daraz Pakistan.

“Be it for marquee cricket tournaments like Asia Cup 2023, HBL PSL 2023, Pakistan bilateral series or local leagues, Tamasha and cricket always go hand in hand. With ICC World Cup 2023, Tamasha is geared up to bring the cricket action on mobile screens, whether at home, office, or on the go. Furthermore, users can access 70+ Live TV channels instantly, watch entertaining movies, and enjoy Tamasha Originals exclusively available to Tamasha users only. World Cup hai tou lagega Tamasha” Aamer Ejaz, Chief Digital Officer, Jazz.

“Having successfully streamed multiple mainstream live sports tournaments in the MENA region and other global markets, we are thrilled to enter Pakistan by securing the rights to stream the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on myco and to bring our disruptive “watch & earn” streaming model to Pakistani audiences. We are thankful to Daraz and Tamasha for being driving forces in this space and collectively we aim to ignite a new era of digital sports streaming in Pakistan.” – Umair Masoom, Founder & Managing Director, myco

 

Lahore (Qasim Ali)

The Prime Minister Talent Hunt Trials, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing exceptional talent among Pakistan’s youth, concluded today in Sargodha with resounding success. The trials, organized separately for women and men by Kinnaird College for Women Lahore and the University of Sargodha, respectively.

Held on the 5th of September, 2023, these trials witnessed an overwhelming turnout of enthusiastic young girls and boys, all were enthusiastic and passionate for a chance to showcase their unique skills and talents. “We are thrilled by the incredible response we received from the youth of Sargodha,” stated Ms. Ammara Rubab; the event organizer from Kinnaird College for Women Lahore . “This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision to empower our youth and harness their talents to drive Pakistan’s progress.” Mr. Ahmed Khan Haral, representing the University of Sargodha, added, “The trials in Sargodha have laid the foundation for a brighter future for our nation. We believe that nurturing these talents will not only benefit the individuals but will also contribute significantly to the development of Pakistan as a whole.” The momentum generated by the trials in Sargodha is set to continue as the Prime Minister Talent Hunt trials to Rawalpindi.

Trials at the Shahbaz Sharif Sports Complex in Rawalpindi will take place on the 6th of September, 2023. Aspiring youth from this vibrant city are encouraged to participate and seize the opportunity to shine on a national stage.