Latest news with #SoftballFederationofPakistan
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak sports community mourns Asif Azeem
Pakistan sports community lost one of the most sincere and genuine of its members, Asif Azeem in the wee hours of Friday, May 23 in Karachi. The 53-year-old President of President Softball Federation of Pakistan left behind his wife, three sons, and a daughter among the bereaved. The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) released a statement of condolence as well, acknowledging the positive impact that Azeem made on sports, athletes, and institutional levels during his career as a media director and softball official throughout his professional life. "Mr. Arif Saeed, President, POA, and the entire Olympic Family of Pakistan are deeply grieved by the demise of Mr. Asif Azeem, President Softball Federation of Pakistan," The POA statement read. "He will always be remembered for his outstanding contribution to the sports of Softball in Pakistan and International level as well as for the Olympic Movement in Pakistan. The President POA and all the Olympic Family of Pakistan express their grief and sorrow to the bereaved family." Azeem was also serving as the Director of Media Sports DMC South of Karachi. "He was very hard-working," Azeem's long-time friend and the Sports Editor of The Express Tribune Rishad Mahmood added. "He played a key role in popularising the softball game when it was introduced in Pakistan. He was also the media director of POA, and he has worked closely with Special Olympics Pakistan for several years as a media attaché at international and local events. He was also the media person for the Pakistan Blind cricket team. He was one of the few genuine people with a clean character that one could find in not only the field of sports but in any field. He will be missed greatly."
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
07-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
POA marks 'Peace Through Sports Day'
On the occasion of "Peace Through Sports Day" observed globally on April 6 under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee and the United Nations, The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), Softball Federation of Pakistan, Pakistan Karate Federation and various sports federations in Pakistan organized special events. President of the Pakistan Olympic Association, Arif Saeed, said, "Today, we join the global community in celebrating the International Day of Peace through sports. It is a powerful symbol and global message of peace, inclusion, and solidarity through sports. Through our events and initiatives, we are committed to promoting these values by empowering youth, strengthening communities, and fostering national unity." He further added, "On behalf of the Olympic family, I encourage all athletes, coaches, officials, and citizens to hold up the white card and stand together for peace." POA Senior Vice President Fatima Lakhani stated, "Sports are a powerful means to bring people together and build peace. It fosters friendship and draws lines of respect across borders. We must play our part in promoting a healthy lifestyle and making sports widely accessible." POA Secretary General Muhammad Khalid Mahmood said that the purpose of observing Peace Through Sports Day is to spread the message of peace around the world through sports. The POA and all affiliated federations, by raising white cards, reaffirm their commitment to spreading the message of peace and love from this land to the entire world. Associate Secretary General of POA, Tehmina Asif, emphasized that Pakistanis are a sports-loving nation and that sports are an essential tool for peace and reconciliation. She said that through sports, people from different cultures, religions, nationalities, and languages can come together on one platform to spread the message of peace globally. At a special event organized by the Softball Federation of Pakistan, President Asif Azeem highlighted the role of sports, while Special Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Lakhani said, "The participation of foreign teams in various international events, including the recently held Champions Trophy in Pakistan, is clear evidence that Pakistan is a safe country for sports activities." Senior Vice President of the federation, Professor Dr. Farhan Essa, said, "When people take part in sports, they learn to respect the dignity of their opponents, values of teamwork, tolerance, fair play, and adherence to rules." On this occasion, participants raised white cards to reaffirm the message of peace through sports.
