The 4th annual “Sports Journalist & Rashid Siddiqui Talent Award” ceremony was held at the Scout headquarters auditorium. The event began with a Seminar on “COVID-19’s impact on Sports.
Seven prominent athletes, presented with “Rashid Siddiqui Talent award” for prominent performances at the junior level, were Amir Ali (U19 Cricketer), Maaz Khan (Wushu), Marium Rafiq (Judo), Amna Ghayas (Captain, U12 Football), Shahzeb Khan (captain Karachi Hockey team), Azam Khan (cricketer) and Akif Ali (Taekwando).
First Hub Jeep rally woman driver Tushna Patel, Pakistan’s number one Badminton player Mahoor Shehzad, international photographer Nasir Abdullah, senior sports journalist (PTV) Saifur Rehman and cricket encyclopedia Sohail Khan were accoladed with SJAS especial awards.
SJAS Gold medal 2020 was won by Karate Queen, Kulsoom Hazara while Dr MA Shah Gold medal was awarded to senior Sports Journalist, Waheed Khan. Senior athletics coach, Mohammad Talib was highlighted with the lifetime achievement award while Haider Hussain bagged the best sports organizer recognition for his outstanding services in the field of Hockey.
The best anchor (National) Abdul Ghaffar, best anchor (regional) Mujahid Solangi, Best anchor (emerging) Mohsin Mehdi, Best sports editor (English) Rishad Mehmood, best sports editor (Urdu) Mansoor Ali Baig, best senior reporter (electronic media) Faizan Lakhani, best senior reporter (Urdu , print) Tariq Aslam, best reporter (English, print) Umaid Waseem, best emerging reporter Muhammad Osama, best script writer Irshad Ali, best digital media producer award was presented to Shahzeb Ali Bhutto while Muhammad Asif Khan secured the award for outstanding performance.
Addressing the occasion, adviser to chief minister Sindh on Law, Costal Highway development, Environment and the provincial spokesperson, Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that talent’s appreciation is it’s actual success. He lauded the efforts of the Sports Journalists Association of Sindh (SJAS) for the betterment and acknowledgement of sports journalists.
SJAS’ patron Dr Junaid Ali Ali, president Muhammad Asif Khan and Secretary General Muhammad Asghar Azeem presented honorary SJAS membership to Barrister Murtaza Wahab.
Former captain Moin Khan said that abiding by the Covid safety protocols was an example for everyone at the ceremony. He noted that the pandemic impacted sporting activities a great deal however the situation is gradually returning towards normalcy now.
