April 16, 2008	Wednesday	Rabi-us-Sani 9, 1429

ISLAMABAD, April 15: The 48th National Amateur Golf Championship starts from Thursday at the Islamabad golf course.

The Secretary Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) Taimur Hasan, told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday that male and female players from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India would participate in the 4-day competition.

Taimur pointed out that Shahid Khan from Bangladesh is the defending champion of the 72 holes fixture while Nilo Jayathillake from Sri Lanka would defend the women’s title.

About Pakistan the golf team PGF secretary said that Tariq Mehmood is in good form and we are also expecting a good show from Ali Hai. He said that the federation would hold the Pakistan Open Golf Championship in August this year.

Taimur also added that PGF was providing an excellent environment to the foreign players at the Islamabad Golf Club.