ISLAMABAD - The 11th National Tenpin Bowling Championship 2018 rolled into action on late Tuesday night with KP Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra gracing the opening ceremony as chief here at the Leisure City Bowling Club, Safa Gold Mall.
Besides KP Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, former KP Chief Minister Pir Sabir Shah, PTBF secretary Ijaz Ur Rehman, Virtual Axis CEO Khawaja Ahmad Mustaqeem along with other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. It was a colourful grand opening which was attended by more than 300 bowlers from across the country.
The chief guest rolled the ball to kick off the grand event. Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest lauded PTBF secretary Ijaz Ur Rehman for conducting such a grand event and involving youth of the country in healthy activity. “I have heard that tenpin bowling has been gaining huge popularity in KP as well. I announce to open a mega bowling club in Fata and also announce Rs 200,000 as token of appreciation for the Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation (PTBF) for their wonderful efforts to promote this beautiful game.”
He said Pakistan badly needs events like this to engage youth in healthy and positive activities. “By the grace of Almighty and sacrifices of armed forces, now we have been able to control the terrorism menace and international events are being conducted here thick and fast. I will also personally take interest in establishing top class alley in Peshawar and I am ready to host international bowlers in KP, where they will be extended all-out support and facilities.”
He said he is grateful to PTBF secretary Ijaz for inviting him at such a wonderful event. “We have to involve all communities to spread the message of peace and harmony and also send a clear message to international community that Pakistan is completely safe for hosting all kinds of sporting activities. We give too much love, care and respect to the visiting teams and individuals. My doors are always open for PTBF and all other federations, who are working for the cause of promoting sports.”
The PTBF in collaboration with Leisure City bowling Club is organising the five-day mega event, in which more than 300 bowlers will apply their trade in different categories, while kids and over 60 categories are the main attraction of the event, which are included for the very first time by the federation. Around 50 kids, boys and girls, have entered their names for U-11 category.
PTBF secretary Ijaz ur Rehman said: “We are working especially on female category, as we want to provide them a platform, where they may showcase their skills and also win laurels for the country. The ladies event was played on the inaugural night, in which around 50 females took part.”
In first round, each player had two games, in which top six players qualified for the final. It was a close final and Shazia Nayyer won it by scoring 250 pins while Saba secured second (169) and Unsa got third (156).
In kids event, Abdul Raffay (110) was winner while Daniyal Ijaz (100) finished second and Haram (95) third. In Deaf category, Khurram Nisar won the title by scoring 256 pins while Raza Ullah bagged second and Qasim Asad third.
