Aqeel Jamil JEDDAH — The Alig Sports Festival came to a conclusion with an exciting grand finale. The event was organized under the aegis of AMU Alumni Jeddah Committee over a period spanning two weeks with the participation of a huge number of Aligarians in badminton and table tennis contests. “It was the most enjoyable activity of the year,” said Farzan Rizvi, president of AMUAJ. “The festival has created a very healthy environment seniors motivated the youngsters by their participation. “We have made an effort for providing a facility to the Alig community to take part in sports and be healthy.” AMUAJ Vice President Azizurrab urged Aligs to make it a regular habit instead of a once a year activity. The badminton contest was divided into four categories: below 35, seniors above 35, doubles and father-and-son duo. Fazal Farooqui was the winner in the singles category for seniors while Nooruddin Khan and Aqeel Jamil became the first and second runners up. Hamza Hashmi won the trophy for below 35 singles, while Mohsin Sharif and Abdul Ahad Hashmi were the first and second runners up. Zafar Farooqui-Omer Saqib pair won the doubles, while Mohd Hashmi and Hamza Hashmi became the first runner-up pair and Syed Sajjad Qasim and Nooruddin Khan became the second runner-up pair. In the father-and-son duo category, Mohd. Hashimi and Abdul Ahad Hashmi were the winners; Mohd. Sharif and Mohsin Sharif came second; and Azizurrab and Syed Ghazali were third. In table tennis, Mohd. Imran Khan was the champion and Abdul Ahad Hashmi and Syed Ghazali were the first and second runners up. In a keenly contested match, Hamza Hashmi overpowered strong rival Mohsin Sharif with his speed and stamina. Another interesting match of the day was doubles final, which lasted till three games. Fighting for each point, Zafar Farooqui's team finally got the edge with their fast and accurate strokes in the third set. The highlight of the evening and the most applauded event was the final match in the father-and-son duo category when the Hashmis overpowered the Sharifs. Initially, the Sharifs put up a tough fight, but fitness and stamina got the edge in the end. Senior Aligs Waseem Ahmed, Mohd. Hashmi, Farzan Rizvi, Azizurrab and Wazeer Akhter distributed trophies to the winners. Fuzail Khan, Najeeb Hashmi, Shama Pervez, Aziz Kidwai, Nooruddin Khan and Asim Zeeshan distributed certificates to all participants. Special awards were given to two Aligs. Aqeel Jamil presented the Life Time Achievement award to Mohd. Hashmi for his continuous participation in sports activities. Nooruddin Khan presented an appreciation citation to Azizurrab for successfully organizing Alig Sports Festival 15. AMUA also presented citations and gifts to the coordinators of the organizing committee Asim Zeeshan, Abdul Ahad Hashmi, Mohsin Sharif, Fawaz Rizvi and Imran Khan. Aqeel Jamil, secretary, hosted the function and gave the vote of thanks.
