Latest news with #RonakLakhani
Express Tribune
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Essa Lab National Women's Softball from 28th
Patron Ronak Lakhani unveils the new logo of Softball Federation of Pakistan. President SFP Asif Azeem, Senior VP Dr Farhan Essa, Chairperson Yasmeen Haider, vice president Tehmina Asif and Qasim Ali Shah are also seen on the occasion. PHOTO: SFP Essa Lab 15th National Women's Softball Championship will be played in Karachi from 28th May to 1st June. The five-days event will be hosted by the Sindh Softball Association. Women's softball teams from Pakistan Army, Pakistan WAPDA, Higher Education Commission, Pakistan Police, Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh have been invited to participate in the championship. The executive committee meeting was held under the chairmanship of Softball Federation of Pakistan President Asif Azeem was attended by Federation Patron Ronak Iqbal Lakhani, Senior Vice President and CEO of Essa Laboratories Dr. Farhan Essa Abdullah, Federation Chairperson Yasmin Hyder, Vice President Tehmina Asif, Syed Waseem Hashmi, SSA Secretary Muhammad Zeeshan Merchant and other members. The executive committee decided to hold the event under floodlights considering the weather conditions in Karachi. A softball umpiring course will be conducted before the championship and a new logo of the federation was approved. On this occasion, the patron of the federation, Ronak Lakhani, said that due to the continuous steps taken for the development and promotion of softball in Pakistan, this sport is rapidly gaining popularity. Appreciating the patronage of the championship title sponsor, Essa Laboratories, in the sports, Ronak Lakhani said that no sport can flourish without sponsorship. Providing opportunities for young players to play is a national service. Dr. Farhan Essa said that his organization will continue its partnership with the Softball Federation in the future. "Providing an ideal environment for the female players participating in the National Championship is the top priority," he said.
Express Tribune
17-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak athletes shine at SO World Winter Games finale
The Special Olympics Pakistan contingent along with chairperson Ronak Lakhani at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Closing Ceremony in Turin, Italy. PHOTO CREDIT: SOP The 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games, held in Turin, Italy, have come to an end. The next World Winter Games will take place in Chile. During the closing ceremony, the World Winter Games torch was extinguished, and the Special Olympics flag was handed over to Emilia Ríos, the Subsecretary of Sports for the Republic of Chile, the host country for the next games. The World Winter Games lasted for eight days, with nearly 1,500 athletes from 103 countries participating. The closing ceremony featured a musical program that delighted the athletes. Despite the ongoing snowfall in the stadium, they enthusiastically performed various dances and exchanged jackets, badges, and souvenirs. The Pakistani contingent also participated in the event with great enthusiasm. Alongside Special Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Lakhani and officials, the athletes sang patriotic songs, including "Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan." The event concluded with a spectacular fireworks display. The national contingent will return to Pakistan on Monday morning via a private airline, traveling through Abu Dhabi. Previously, on the penultimate day of the games Pakistan's Muneeb Ur Rehman won the gold medal. Mongolia's Amarjargal secured the silver, while China's Mingjun Hong took the bronze. In the men's 400-meter snowshoeing race, Abdul Saboor from Pakistan clinched the gold medal, while Romania's Lonut Petrisor finished second and Macau's Chi Fong took third place. In the women's 400-meter snowshoeing race, Pakistan's Minal won the gold medal, followed by Latvia's Adriana Maleca in second place and Chinese Taipei's Yi Jhen Chen in third. Pakistan finished the event with a total of 11 medals, including 6 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze. Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan, Ronak Lakhani, congratulated the athletes, coaches, Head of Delegation Farkhanda Jabeen, the social and media department's Taha Tahir and Saad Asif, team doctor Bilal Mateen, and SOP sponsors. She praised the remarkable achievements of the Pakistani athletes, highlighting their perseverance and national spirit despite the freezing weather in Turin. She expressed confidence that the athletes would continue their winning streak in future international events. Earlier, Pakistan also took a silver medal in women's 100 x 4 relay in the snowshoeing event.
Express Tribune
12-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak athletes shine in Turin Games
Pakistan's contingent for 16th World Winter Special Games 2025 is seen with SOP Chairperson Ronak Lakhani and Head of Delegation Farukhanda Jabeen after landing in Turin, Italy. PHOTO: SOP Pakistan's snowshoeing athletes have moved one step closer to the glory, blazing their way into the 200m & 800m finals with stellar performances in the divisioning rounds at the 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games, being hled in Turin, Italy. With four females namely Iqra Akram, Minahil, Shah Galoon & Tabsassum Nasir, three male athletes, Ali Raza, Saboor, Muhammad Afaq reaching the 200m finals and one male, Moazzam Iqbal making 800m finals, Pakistani athletes displayed unmatched speed, endurance, and determination, securing their well-earned spots in the highly anticipated finals set for March 13 at the Palazzetto dello Sports Center, Italy. Meanwhile, Pakistan contigent's head of delegation Farkhanda Jabeen said that in Special Olympics competitions, divisioning round ensures fair competition by grouping athletes with similar speed and ability levels so everyone has a meaningful and competitive experience. "Till now our Pakistani athletes have displayed great performances and we are hopeful that they'll make the nation proud," she said. "With their sights set on glory, these incredible athletes are ready to bring their A-game and make Pakistan proud on the world stage." It may be mentioned here that on the second day of the 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games, Pakistan's Ruvina Qurban and Muneeb ur Rehman participated in the divisional round of the cross-country 100-meter race and qualified for the final round, which will be held on March 15. Tomorrow, they will compete in the 50-meter divisional race. Meanwhile, Pakistan's snowshoeing athlete Ali Raza participated in the Unified Sports Experience Relay Race, where he was paired with other unified and special athletes and secured second place.
Express Tribune
09-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Special Olympics Pakistan athletes ready to shine
The Special Olympics Pakistan contingent donning traditional Pakistani attire before departing for the Alpine Arena in Turin for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Opening Ceremony. PHOTO COURTESY: SOP The Pakistani male athletes and officials dazzled at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Opening Ceremony in Turin, Italy on Saturday. They were very excited about the opening ceremony, dressed in their traditional attire, shalwar kameez with waistcoats, while female athletes are wearing traditional shalwar kameez. The opening ceremony featured a musical program, a laser light show, and fireworks. Meanwhile, the Special Olympics International medical team, under its Healthy Athletes Program, conducted pilot screenings for Pakistani athletes participating in the World Winter Games to ensure their health and well-being. Through pediatric screenings, "Opening Eyes" vision tests, and "Fun Fitness" assessments, the medical team conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the athletes' health. It is important to note that good health plays a crucial role in grooming Special Athletes' abilities. Providing various medical facilities not only significantly improves their physical fitness and individual performance but also helps in addressing health issues through these specialized check-ups. Earlier according to a press release, the Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP) expressed their support and enthusiasm for the athletes. "SOP is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, set to take place from March 8 to March 15, 2025. This prestigious global event will bring together over 1,500 athletes from more than 93 countries, supported by 2,000 volunteers, in a celebration of inclusion, determination, and sportsmanship." It further detailed the participation in Turin, "Pakistan will be represented by a 25-member delegation, comprising athletes, coaches, officials, medical staff, and youth leaders. The athletes will compete in Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing, showcasing their dedication and resilience on the international stage. Additionally, six Pakistani delegates will participate in the Global Youth Leadership Summit (GYLS), advocating for inclusion and empowerment through sports." The delegation includes participants from Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Swabi, and Gilgit, reflecting the diverse representation of Pakistan's Special Olympics community. "We are thrilled to see our athletes take center stage at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025. Their hard work, perseverance, and passion for sports are truly inspiring. This platform allows them to compete internationally and become ambassadors of inclusion, breaking barriers and proving that ability triumphs over disability," says Ronak Lakhani - Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan. Special Olympics Pakistan remains committed to fostering an inclusive society where individuals with intellectual disabilities have opportunities to excel, both in sports and life. The team is eager to represent Pakistan with pride and determination, promoting the message of unity and resilience on the global stage.
Express Tribune
08-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak delegation reaches Turin for Winter Special Games
Pakistan's contingent for 16th World Winter Special Games 2025 is seen with SOP Chairperson Ronak Lakhani and Head of Delegation Farukhanda Jabeen after landing in Turin, Italy. PHOTO: SOP The 16th World Winter Special Games 2025 will officially commence today at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy. Delegations from various countries, including Pakistan, have arrived in Turin to participate in the grand opening ceremony. The Pakistani athletes and officials will proudly wear their traditional cultural attire during the event. Earlier, the Special Olympics Italy officials warmly welcomed the Pakistani contingent upon their arrival at Milan Airport. The World Games will take place from March 8 to March 15 in Turin, Italy, featuring over 1,500 athletes from more than 93 countries, along with 2,000 volunteers. Pakistan is represented by a 25-member delegation, including 10 athletes (5 men and 5 women), along with coaches, officials, medical staff, and youth leaders. The Pakistani athletes will compete in Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing. Additionally, six female members of the delegation will represent Pakistan at the Global Youth Leadership Summit (GYLS). Upon arrival in Italy, Pakistani athlete Muhammad Afaq Khan expressed his excitement, saying, 'Representing Pakistan at the international level is a great honor for us.' Meanwhile, athlete Muhammad Moazzam Iqbal stated, 'We have come with the spirit of victory for Pakistan.' Special athlete Tabassum Ahmed shared his enthusiasm, saying that he is 'fully motivated and determined to deliver a great result for the nation.' Pakistani coaches Erum Majeed and Muhammad Irfan emphasized that participating in such a mega event will enhance the skills and experience of the athletes. They praised the Pakistani players for their talent, dedication, and eagerness to learn, highlighting the rigorous training they underwent for the Winter Games. According to the Head of Delegation, Farukhanda Jabeen, the Pakistani athletes have prepared extensively for the World Winter Games. Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan, Ronak Lakhani, expressed her confidence, stating that Pakistan's special athletes will give their best performance and strive to reach the victory stand. She further emphasized that Special Olympics Pakistan is committed to promoting an inclusive society where individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities have equal opportunities to excel in both sports and life.
