KARACHI: Star-studded Wapda subdued Army 92-70 in the action packed final to win the prestigious Kashmir Cup Basketball Championship at the KPT Sports Complex wooden court on Sunday.

With the exception of second quarter, the match was evenly fought which is evident from the scores of four quarters 15-16, 31-7, 24-24 and 22-23.

Wapda, who whipped Navy in the semi-final after emerging group B champions, fought neck-and-neck against soldiers as the match commenced to trail 15-16 at the end of first quarter. However, Wapda entered the second quarter as a complete changed outfit scoring at will and turning the tide in their favour to win 31-7 consolidating their lead 46-23 at half time.

Though Army made a comeback restricting Wapda to 24-all in the third and winning 23-22 the fourth, but it was too late as the damage has already been done.

Ali Jea was most outstanding for winners with a score of 24. Falak Farid chipped in brilliant 18 which include three three-pointers while Adeel Raza added 13 that too aided by three three-pointers.

Javed Iqbal and Khalid Mahmood were notable scorers for Army scoring 20 and 19 respectively. Asim Ali earned applause scoring three three-pointers for soldiers in first quarter.

“We have come here prepared to win and are proud of winning top honours,” a beaming captain of Wapda Yawar Khan, who is 6’10” tall, told Dawn.

“After enjoying 16-15 lead in the first quarter, we failed to maintain the pace in the second that proved vital for defeat,” captain of Army Naib Subedar Javed Iqbal told Dawn.

He praised Wapda for winning the title and at the same time commended the efforts of organisers for staging wonderful event and extending good hospitality.

Yawar received the glittering trophy from the chief guest Karachi Commissioner Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui amidst applause at the presentation that followed the final. The commissioner, who was introduced to the two teams besides witnessing the last quarter, also awarded gold and silver medals to the members of the two teams.

Besides, the Most Valuable Player award of Rs10,000 went to Javed Iqbal (Army), Best Player maker award of Rs10,000 to Falak Farid (Wapda), Best Forward award of Rs5,000 to Muzammil Mahmood (Wapda), Best Guard award of Rs5,000 to Asim (Army), Best Youngesters awards of Rs5,000 apiece to Zia Ahmed (Sindh Reds), Danish (Balochistan), Haris (Fata). The team managers were awarded traditional Sindhi ajrak and cap and participation certificates to all teams.

Speaking on the occasion, the commissioner said he believe engaging the youth in sporting activities is the right tool that can help eradicate the turmoil and nurture a healthy society.

Welcoming the teams he said participation of Army, Wapda, Police and other upcountry outfits was a proof that normalcy has returned to the city.

Speaking on the occasion, the Pakistan Basketball Federation president retired Brig Rashid Ali Malik vowed to revive the game in every nook and corner of the country.

He expressed optimism that the level of play will improve with the revival of domestic activities.

Also present on the occasion amongst others were organising secretary Abdul Nasir, former international S M Tanveer, Amjad Ali, Abid Iftikhar Malhi, Mohammad Yaqoob, manager sports KPT Shah Naeem Zafar, veteran karate Grand Master Ashraf Tai and Sindh Olympic Association (SOA) secretary Ahmed Ali.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play