By Syed Khalid Mahmood
The Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) emerged triumphant in the Royal Rodale Inter-Media Bowling Tournament staged at the Royal Rodale Club, located in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority.
The trio of Ehsan Qureshi, Saeed Ahmed and Shiraz Siddiqui won the day for APP, the state-owned national news agency, by aggregating 142 points while SJAS comprising of Zahid Ghaffar, Abid Khattak and guest player Danish Kaneria finished runners-up with 120 points.
The third position was claimed by Pakistan Observer, featuring Zeeshan, Waqas and Hasnain who totalled 116 points and Dawn Television, having Faraz Qasim, Emmad Hameed and Fawwad Qasim, came a close fourth with their tally 115 points.
Rehan Hashmi, Naveed Arshad, Tariq Azeem of Duniya TV stood fifth with 110 points while ARY, containing Mohsin Raza Khan, Syed Ali Hasan and Khurram Ahmed, finished sixth with 109 points.
Saeed Ahmed of APP turned out to be the highest individual scorer with 60 points while his teammates Ehsan Qureshi and Shiraz Siddiqui accumulated 48 and 34 points respectively. Overall 54 bowlers representing various media organizations took part in the one-day event.
The Sindh Sports Minister, Dr Muhammad Ali Shah, who was the chief guest in the presentation ceremony, gave away the prizes and trophies.
Asghar Rangoonwala, Managing Director, Royal Rodale Club, and Iqbal Shah, a businessman, was also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Shah, who is also the President of the Sindh Olympic Association (SOA), complimented Asghar Rangoonwala for promoting the game of bowling and providing reporters of print and electric media and new agencies an opportunity for recreation and entertainment in wonderful environments. He offered his total support and assistance for the promotion of bowling.
Asghar Rangoonwala revealed that Royal Rodale had invited a foreign bowling coach from Philippines to train and coach Pakistan players. He also informed the audience about their activities in promoting the sport.
The Royal Rodale Club, which has been famous for hosting the meetings and conferences of the various chapters of the Rotary International and other social organizations, has also been proactive in boosting the sport of bowling in particular.
