Wapda retain National Women’s Basketball Championship title

LAHORE: Defending champions Wapda claimed the National Women’s Basketball Championship title after defeating a formidable Pakistan Army team by 38-33 points in a gripping final held at the Wapda Sports Complex, Lahore, on Monday.

The five-day championship featured eight teams, including Pakistan Wapda, Army, Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Hazara, and Bahawalpur Division, showcasing the best of women’s basketball talent in Pakistan. The event was organized by the Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF).

Wapda set the tone early in the final, establishing a commanding 27-15 lead by halftime, thanks to their stellar defensive strategy and efficient scoring. Despite a spirited fightback by Pakistan Army in the second half, Wapda held firm to secure the title.

Key players Hijab Fatima and Kainat Zafar were instrumental in Wapda's victory. Hijab scored 12 points, while Kainat added 10 points. For Pakistan Army, Fajar Fatima was the standout performer with 9 points, while Aysha Dilashad and Kashifa Noreen contributed 8 points each.

In the third-place playoff, Lahore delivered a commanding performance against Karachi, winning 48-23. Lahore dominated the game from the start, leading by 21 points at halftime with a score of 33-12. Khadija Mushtaq and Aimen Mehmood led the scoring for Lahore, each contributing 13 points.

The championship concluded with a celebratory closing ceremony attended by Imdad Ullah Memon, General Manager Sports and President of the Wapda Sports Board, as the chief guest. Khalid Bashir, Secretary General of the Pakistan Basketball Federation, along with other dignitaries, distributed awards and trophies to the players.

“The National Women’s Basketball Championship not only highlighted the exceptional skills of female basketball players in Pakistan but also served as a testament to the growing interest and investment in women's sports nationwide,” said an official.