Empowering through Lacrosse: A Comprehensive Overview of the 1st National Women Lacrosse Championship at Kunj Stadium, Abbottabad from 20-24 January 2024.

 ntroduction:

The inaugural 1st National Women Lacrosse Championship, held at Kunj Stadium, Abbottabad, from January 20 to 24, 2024, stands as a testament to the Pakistan Lacrosse Federation’s (PLF) commitment to introducing and promoting lacrosse in Pakistan. This event not only marked the advent of a new Olympic sport in the country but also exemplified a significant stride towards women’s empowerment through sports.

Participating Teams and Champions hip Format:

The championship witnessed the enthusiastic participation of teams from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit Baltistan, and the Lacrosse Athlete Club. The tournament unfolded in a format that included Robin Rounds and a Knockout system, providing a platform for 90 female athletes to showcase their lacrosse prowess.

Commissioner’s Inaugural Speech:

Commissioner Zaheer Ul Islam commended the efforts of the Pakistan Lacrosse Federation in introducing a new Olympic sport in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He acknowledged the federation’s commitment to promoting sports and women’s empowerment, highlighting the significance of organizing the championship with a clear objective. The Commissioner’s words set the tone for an event focused not just on competition but on the broader ideals of inclusivity and empowerment.

Highlights of the Final:

The climactic final showcased the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Women Lacrosse Team emerging victorious with a total of eight goals. The dynamic Captain Pari and Mahnoor each contributed three goals, while Sidra added one. Punjab’s Aiman and Urooj displayed remarkable skills, scoring three goals each. Pari from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stood out as the leading goal-scorer, amassing an impressive tally of 13 goals. Balochistan secured the third position, and Punjab claimed the second spot.

Closing Ceremony:

The closing ceremony was a grand affair graced by Justice Retired Irshad Qaiser, the Honorable Minister for Social Prisons, Relief, Rehabilitation, and Settlement. The event also witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including Mr. Chris Jinnor, Executive Director Asia Pacific Lacrosse Union, Syed Azhar Ali Shah, President Pakistan Cycling Federation, and Mr. Tariq Mehmood, Ex Director General Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

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Minister’s Address:   Justice Retired Irshad Qaiser, the chief guest, played a pivotal role in distributing awards, medals, and souvenirs. In her address, she  commended the introduction of a new Olympic sport in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and praised the government’s unwavering support for women’s empowerment through lacrosse. She lauded Engrt. Taifoor Zarin, Secretary General PLF, for his vision and dedication to organizing the championship.

Engrt. Taifoor Zarin’s Speech:

In his speech, Engrt. Taifoor Zarin expressed gratitude to his team for overcoming challenges, including the organization of 15 days of training camps on short notice in provinces. He extended thanks to Mr. Shoaib Nizami, President PLF, and Sports in Pakistan for their financial support. Engrt. Taifoor emphasized the role of lacrosse in promoting women, particularly those from backward areas.

Belonging to Peshawar, Engrt. Taifoor Zarin highlighted the imperative to empower women and showcase their potential through lacrosse. He paid tribute to Malala Yousafzai, underscoring the importance of equal opportunities for all.

Inclusion of High-Ranking Government Officials:

The championship aimed to garner support from high-ranking government officials, showcasing lacrosse’s potential. Despite some officials being unable to attend, they sent representatives and video messages endorsing lacrosse. The invited dignitaries included Honourable Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Haji Ghulam Ali, Honourable Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Justice Retired Arshad Hussain, Director General Pakistan Sports Board Shoaib Khoso, and others.

Conclusion:

The 1st National Women Lacrosse Championship not only marked the inception of lacrosse in Pakistan but also became a symbol of women’s empowerment. The combined efforts of PLF, participating teams, and the support of government officials showcased the transformative potential of lacrosse as a vehicle for positive change. As the championship concluded, it left an indelible mark on the landscape of women’s sports, paving the way for continued growth, inclusivity, and empowerment through lacrosse. The spirit of the event echoed the sentiment – Pakistan Zinda Bad.

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