In the final, Gerrys delivered a commanding performance, with Khayam Khattak scoring a hat-trick while Saqib Anwar added another goal. Muhammad Abu scored for Qatar Embassy, but his effort was not enough to prevent Gerrys from sealing a comprehensive 5-2 victory
Ansar Mahmood Bhatti
ISLAMABAD: Gerrys emerged champions of the 14th UAE Ambassador’s Cup Ramadan Football Tournament 2026 after defeating Qatar Embassy 5-2 in a thrilling final.
The prestigious annual tournament was organized by the UAE Embassy in Pakistan in collaboration with the Pakistan Football Federation, which also provided full technical support. A total of 10 teams competed in 22 matches, showcasing competitive football and strengthening people-to-people connections among diverse communities.
In the final, Gerrys delivered a commanding performance, with Khayam Khattak scoring a hat-trick while Saqib Anwar added another goal. Muhammad Abu scored for Qatar Embassy, but his effort was not enough to prevent Gerrys from sealing a comprehensive 5-2 victory.
In the third-place playoff, Afghanistan defeated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) team 4-1.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar graced the closing ceremony as chief guest. He distributed prizes among the players along with UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi and President of the Pakistan Football Federation Syed Mohsen Gilani.
Attaullah Tarar awarded Rs500,000 to the winning team, Rs300,000 to the runners-up, and Rs200,000 to the third-placed team.
The ceremony was attended by Member of the National Assembly Syeda Amnah Batool, ambassadors of Morocco, Lebanon, Afghanistan and Libya, the Deputy Head of Mission of Romania, senior Pakistani officials, members of the diplomatic corps and media representatives.
The annual event aims to promote sportsmanship, cultural exchange and community engagement during the holy month of Ramadan, bringing together diverse communities in a spirit of friendship and mutual understanding.
Pak-China Friendship Basketball
C`ship Begins March 5
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: The Pak-China Friendship Cup 3×3 Basketball Championship 2026 will tip off on March 5 at the Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
According to Federal Basketball Association (FBBA) Secretary Dr. Ouj-e-Zohoor, the four-day event, being organized under the umbrella of the Pakistan Basketball Federation with the support of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), will conclude on March 8 and promises high-level basketball action.
The FIBA-endorsed 3×3 championship has attracted record participation from across the country. A total of 48 teams will compete in the club category, 16 teams in the departmental category, and 26 teams in the women’s category. The large turnout highlights the rapid growth of 3×3 basketball in Pakistan and the continued commitment of the Pakistan Basketball Federation to promoting the sport nationwide.
Ouj-e-Zohoor emphasized that the event reflects the strong and longstanding brotherly ties between Pakistan and China, noting that sports diplomacy plays a vital role in fostering cooperation, unity, and international goodwill.
As a FIBA-endorsed tournament, the championship will also contribute points toward the FIBA 3×3 international rankings, further strengthening Pakistan’s presence in the global basketball community. The organizing committee has ensured professionally managed arrangements, promising competitive and thrilling basketball action throughout the four-day event.
