The Prince of Pakistan, Shahnawaz Dahani was awarded SJAS Gold Medal and Syed Nasar Iqbal, Senior Sports Journalist was given away Dr. MA Shah Gold Medal in recognition of his professional services for about four decades.
The award ceremony was held at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, organised by the Sports Journalists Association of Sindh (SJAS).The event was presided over by Saeed Ghani, Provincial Minister for Information and Labour. Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Sindh Akhtar Inayat Bhugari attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest. SJAS President Asif Khan, General Secretary Asghar Azeem, other SJAS officials, members along with former Test cricketer Tauseef Ahmed, players and sports organisers attended the programme in large numbers.
Addressing the function, Saeed Ghani said that there is no substitute for hard work and dedication and Shahnawaz Dahani is a shining example of talent which could not be barred from progressing.
The Gold Medal, from SJAS, will go a long way in boosting confidence of the International Cricketer Shahnawaz Dahani emerged from Larkana. SJAS is the only platform, in the country, which effectively raises voice for the sports journalists. Saeed Ghani hopes that Shahnawaz Dahani would continue to brighten the name of the country on the field of cricket field for a long time.
Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Sindh Akhtar Inayat Bhurgari, in his speech, while praising the efforts of SJAS, said that Dahani is the hero of Pakistan not just of Sindh. He added that Dahani has attached the audience towards him through his performance. He urged SJAS to look towards regional sports too.
Shahnawaz Dhani thanked SJAS and said that this was his first gold medal for which he would express his gratitude to SJAS.Former Test cricketer Tauseef Ahmed, referring to his first meeting with Shahnawaz Dahani, said that during Shahnawaz’s coaching, his abilities were eminent.
Patrons SJAS, Dr Farhan Essa Abdullah, Khawaja Ahmed Mustaqeem, President SJAS Asif Khan, Secretary Asghar Azeem, PFUJ President GM Jamali, President Arts Council Ahmed Shah, Secretary Ejaz Farooqi, Chairman Karachi Hockey Association Gulfaraz Ahmed Khan, Director New Nazimabad Gymkhana Muhammad Talha and others also addressed the gathering.
Fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani, the first international cricketer to be honored from Larkana, Sindh, was awarded the SJAS Gold Medal in recognition of his hard work and dedication. On this occasion, Senior Sports Journalist Syed Nasr Iqbal was awarded Dr. MA Shah Gold Medal in recognition of his professional services.
Athletes who were given accolades, in the name of SJAS President Rashid Ali Siddiqui, for their outstanding services, are Muhammad Rohaan Khan (Ju-Jitsu), Mina Habib (Tug of War), Maria Nasir (Boxing), Abdul Jabbar (Malakhara), Muhammad Danial Khan (Basketball) and Owais Shehzad. The Special SJAS awards went to National Junior Golfer Umar Khalid, International Cyclist Rajab Ali Saati and International Rowing Player Hurya Faisal.
Senior Photographers Javed Iqbal, Rizwan Ali, Kashif Farooqi (Weekly Johar Time), Arshad Wahab (Daily Parcham), Kulsoom Jahan, for her role in organising women cricket match during SJAS festival and Shahid Ansari for his notable gameplay in SJAS cricket team, as batter, were recognised for their services in SJAS.
Former KCCA Joint Secretary Jamil Ahmed and Commissioner Karachi Sports Committee Convener and President Karachi Basketball Association President Ghulam Muhammad Sports Organizer Managed to get the award,
The prominent journalists awards were given to News One’s Asif Khan (Best Anchor), 24 News HD’s Mahmood Riaz (Best Senior Sports Reporter), Geo News’s Jaffar Hussain )All In One – All Rounder), In Electronic Media Category SAMAA TV’s Huzaifa Khan Emerging Reporter, Dawn News Imran Siddiqui Emerging Sports Anchor, ARY Digital’s Muzammil Asif Social Media, Sindh News’ Jamshed Ahmed Rajpar Best Regional anchor News One’s innovative Emerging Analyst Award, went to Badiuz Zaman.
In the print media category, Zubair Nazir Khan of Daily Express was awarded Best Senior Sports Reporter, Imtiaz Naranja of Daily 92 was given Best Sports Editor, Junaid Rajput Emerging Reporter of Daily Nai Baat and Intikhab Ali of Daily The News was awarded Best Senior English Reporter.
International basketball coach SM Tanveer was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for serving Pakistan and coaching young players.
Team SJAS
