KARACHI: The National Softball Academy (NSA) will organise the first ever Beach Softball Festival at Sea View Clifton in September this year in which players of Karachi, interior Sindh and notable performers of the 15th National Women Softball Championship will be invited.

This was stated by patron Prof. Dr. Farhan Essa Abdullah on the occasion of the third anniversary of the establishment of NSA.

It should be noted that softball is developing rapidly on the beach in most of the Softball playing nations and regular international level tournaments are being played on the beaches. Omar Saeed, CEO of Combaxx Sports, Tehmina Asif, Chairperson NSA, Farah Saeed, Chairperson Karachi Sports Foundation, Syed Waseem Hashmi, President Sindh Softball Association, Huma Bukhari, Chairperson Newports Institute and other sports personalities were also present on the occasion.

Dr Essa further said: “From academy’s platform we are aiming to train players on beaches and play softball matches so that Pakistan team could participate at beach games in future. Potential players getting coaching in the academy will be sent abroad and NSA coaches will be given monthly stipend so that they too will be motivated and to financially support them.”

Omar Saeed said: “Our Institute will always work for the wellness of sportsmen; we will try to invite foreign coaches and umpires to Pakistan and organize refresher courses for exceptional performers from provinces and units to aware them with latest techniques and regulations.”

Chairperson NSA, Tehmina Asif said to promote softball at grass root level, training and coaching workshop will be organised in the last week of this month for Government and private sector schools, colleges, and universities’ sports teachers.

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2021