AFZAL JAVED  

ISLAMABAD, OCT 03: Islamabad Blues outclassed Lahore in the first leg of pool round of National Women’s Basketball Championship organized by Pakistan Basketball Federation here at Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Monday.

According to Federal Basketball Association General Secretary Ouj-E-Zahoor, as many as eight top teams including defending champion Pakistan Wapda, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad whites, Pakistan Army, Lahore, Islamabad Blues and Peshawar were divided into two pools.

Director General Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Col. (R ) Asif Zaman was graced as chief guest in the opening ceremony while Counsellor of the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic Melis Moldaliev, President Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) Brig. (R ) Iftikhar Mansoor, Secretary General PBBF Khalid Bashir, Deputy DG Pakistan Sports Board Mansoor Khan, championship organizing secretary Ouj-e-Zahoor and other dignities were also present during the opening ceremony.

In the opening match Islamabad Blues outclassed Lahore in a close encounter to win the match in the last quarter with 48-41 points.

Some outstanding moves made it possible for Islamabad to make a comeback during the 4th quarter  to win the important match. Asma Bibi and Aimal played an exceptional game scoring 18 and 12 respectively while Yaqoob Qadri, Tariq Nawaz, Gul Jamal and MM Alam conducted the match as officials.

This event is one of the series of several events that Pakistan Basketball Federation has planned to revive the game in the country.