From 16-21 May the Pakistan Handball Federation, in partnership with the Faisalabad District Sports Committee, Faisalabad University of Agriculture and Punjab Handball Association, organised the inaugural Pakistan National Beach Handball Club League.

 

The eight leading clubs in Pakistan – Sohaib Club (Faisalabad), Lyallpur Tiger Club, Chishtian Club (Chishtian), National Club of Pakistan, Misaq Club (Faisalabad), KPK Club (Mardan), Bolan Club (Quetta) and Comsats Club (Islamabad) – competed in the six-day tournament held on the International Sand Court at the University of Agriculture in Faisalabad and it was home side Sohaib club, led by club captain Tahir Ali, also captain of the men’s national team, who lifted the trophy.

 

His side beat Lyallpur Tigers Club in the final match 2-1 on penalties (17:13, 19:22, 15:14) to claim the first-ever trophy.

 

The closing awards ceremony attracted a lot of media coverage with television in attendance along with the Vice Chancellor of Agriculture University, Professor Iqrar Ahmed, Member of the Punjab Assembly (MPA) Haji Khalid Saeed and 1978 Olympic Games hockey bronze medallist Manzoor-ul-Hassan.

 

Muhammad Shafiq, President of the Pakistan Handball Federation and Secretary General of Asian Handball Federation, was also present at the event which saw Chishtian Club player Shahid Bashir finish not only top scorer, but winner of the best player award.

 

“This first-ever Pakistan National Beach Handball Club League was a great success in every respect – especially the standard of the teams,” said President Shafiq. “I have never seen before such        exciting competition at national level during my 32 years-worth of experience.”

 

Pakistan’s U17 men’s team will be competing at the IHF U17 World Championship in Mauritius in July. They have been drawn in Group A alongside Brazil, Chinese Taipei and the hosts.

 

FINAL RANKING

 

1st GOLD - Sohaib Club

2nd SILVER - Lyallpur Tigers Club

3rd BRONZE - National Club of Pakistan

4th - Chishtian Club

5th - Misaq Club

6th - Comsats Club

7th - KPK Club

8th - Bolan Club

 

For more information, visit the Pakistan Handball Federation Facebook at: www.facebook.com/pakhandball