BAHAWALPUR: Zain Mahmood Chaudhry, last year’s champion of the Cholistan Desert Rally, reaffirmed his dominance by winning the title for the second consecutive year at Dilwash Stadium on Sunday.

Nadir Magsi finished in second place, trailing by two minutes, while Jaffer Magsi secured third position.

Zain was crowned the ‘Sultan of the Desert’. His father Mahmood Majid Chaudhry, chief of the 4x4 Racing Club, who also participated in the rally. His uncle, Saood Majid Chaudhry is a regular participant in the event and competed this year as well. Notably, Zain’s sister, Zunera Mahmood, also took part in the rally and won in the women’s category.

According to unofficial results, Zain, competing in the prepared category, dominated both phases of the race held on Friday and Sunday. He covered 216 kilometres in three hours and 56 minutes. He edged out Nadir Magsi, who completed the race in three hours and 58 minutes.

Up to 31 drivers, including three women, participated in the prepared category race, which began from a newly designated starting point at Shikarwala instead of Dilwash Stadium. The last-minute change sparked concerns among several participants, as the revised track was reportedly more challenging and had unlevelled sandy terrain. However, the race proceeded as planned.

The winners were given away prizes at a prize-distribution ceremony held in the desert. It may be recalled that the annual mega sports event began in Cholistan on Feb 12 and on Sunday, it reached its climax tonight as the rally pulled out thousands of the spectators across the country with strict security measures in the desert by police and other law-enforcing agencies.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2025