QUETTA: Muhammad Abubakar Durrani of Pakistan Customs Quetta leading Balochistan Province won “34th National Games Quetta 2023 Sprint Canoeing Championship securing first position and clinched three Gold Medals in different events aggregately K-1, 200M (Men) K-2, 200M (Men) K-2, 200M (MW/Mix) and declared best Kayaking athlete of the National Games championship.
The National Games Quetta 2023 Canoeing Sprint events were organised here at Balochistan’s first and only Canoe Kayak and Rowing Olympic Sports International Academy “Hayat Durrani CanoeKayak / Water Sports Academy (Pvt.Ltd) in Hanna lake Quetta in collaboration with the Pakistan Canoe & Kayak Federation and Balochistan Canoeing Association, adhering to ICF rules.
In the history of National Games of Pakistan Canoeing Sprint events were included first time in the National games of Pakistan on the request of Hayatullah Khan Durrani Secretary General Pakistan Canoe and Kayak Federation supported by Ex- Speaker Balochistan assembly and Patron-in-Chief PCKF Madam Rahilla Hameed Durrani, Mohammad Ishaq Jamali Secretary Sports Balochistan, Durra Baloch Director General Sports Balochistan and officials of Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) provided an electrifying atmosphere as the country’s top kayakers battled it out on the challenging waters at Hanna Lake. The spectators were treated to an exhilarating spectacle as the competitors navigated through the twisting currents, showcasing their strength, and tactical acumen.
In the Men’s K-1, 200m race, Muhammad Abubakar Durrani emerged victorious, securing the first position. Noor Muhammad showcased exceptional skill and determination, securing the second position, while Ayaz Kassi showcased his talent, earning the third position.
The Men’s K-2, 200m Open race witnessed an exciting battle, with Muhammad Abubakar Durrani and Farhanullah Kakar working in perfect tandem to secure the first position. Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Yousaf teamed up effectively, claiming the second position, while Dolat Khan and Farooq Ahmed showcased their skill, securing the third position.
In the Mixed (M/W) K-2, 500m event, Muhammad Abubakar Durrani and Tehmina Mehak exhibited excellent coordination and speed, securing the first position. Farhanullah Kakar and Bakhtawar Tareen displayed their prowess, securing the second position, while Muhammad Yousaf and Gul e Lala Qazi impressed with their performance, earning the third position.
In the Women’s K-2, 200m Open event, Tehmina Mehak and Kulsoom Jaffar collaborated effectively, securing the first position. Gul e Lala Qazi and Faiza Tareen demonstrated their teamwork, securing the second position, while Bakhtawar Tareen and Asma Khan showcased their abilities, finishing in the third position.
The National Games Quetta 2023 Canoeing Sprint Events reached a thrilling conclusion with remarkable performances at the stunning picturesque Hanna Lake. The event witnessed intense competition among talented athletes vying for top honors in various categories. Miss Rahillah Hameed Durrani, Ex-Speaker of Balochistan Assembly and Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan Canoe and Kayak Federation, gracing the final competitions and prize distribution ceremony as Chief guest held at the headquarters of Hayat Durrani Water Sports Academy (HDWSA) in Hanna Lake.
Miss Durrani, emphasizing the positive impact of Canoeing Sports on the youth, expressed her full support for the promotion of Canoeing Olympic sports in Pakistan as well in Balochistan. She congratulated Hayatullah Khan Durrani, Secretary of Pakistan Canoe and Kayak Federation and founder / Chief Executive of HDWSA, for the successful organization of the successful National Games Canoe Kayak Championship 2023. During the event, Hayatullah Khan Durrani brief the chief guest about the 37 years of the brilliant activities events and training camps hosted at HDWSA under the auspicious of PCKF Hayatullah Khan Durrani highlighted the outstanding efforts of Mr,Thomas Konietzko President Inter Canoe Federation (ICF) and Csaba Szanto, an official and expert of the (ICF) for their outstanding efforts for the development of Canoe and Kayak Sports in Pakistan.
Officials from Pakistan Canoe & Kayak Federation and Balochistan Canoeing Associations, Balochistan Rowing Association and Balochistan Sailing Associations were among the esteemed guests.
The success of the event was made possible through the expertise and dedication of the judges and coaches. Muhammad Aslam Kassi served as the Starting Judge, while Dr. Farooq Jaffar and Najeeb Khan took charge as Track Judges. Khanzada Idrees Tareen and Sameen Khan Noorzai served as Finishing Judges, ensuring fair competition and accurate results.
The championship saw the participation of 70 male and female canoe paddlers from different parts the country include participation from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Bilthistan, Sind and Balochistan Provinces and paddling teams of Pakistan Customs Quetta and Provincial Disaster Management Authority Balochistan and Girls College Quetta, BUITMS and HDWSA,
Prior to the championship, a twenty days Canoeing training camp was organized by Hayat Durrani Water Sports Academy at Hanna Lake, under the umbrella of the Pakistan Canoe and Kayak Federation. HDWSA provided all necessary equipment, including Canoes, Kayaks, modern racing boats, paddles, life jackets, and motor boats for judges and rescue operations. The technical staff for the championship was also provided by HDWSA.
In the final results, the team trophy was awarded to Mohammad Abubakar Durrani, captain of the winning team from Pakistan Customs Quetta leading Balochistan Province while the runner trophy went to Miss Kalsum Jaffar Kayak Paddler from HDWSA while the Provincial Disaster Management Authority PDMA Balochistan claimed the third position,
A graceful Medal and certificate ceremony at the HDWSA headquarters marked the conclusion of the championship, with the hoisting of the Pakistan National Flag and the playing of the National Anthem. HDWSA arranged a tea break, musical show, and dinner for all the position holders and participants.