The 5th Ghazala Ansari Ladies Open Golf Championship concluded in magnificent spirit at Gymkhana Golf Club, celebrating five remarkable years of excellence inspired by Ghazala Ansari, the greatest lady golfer Pakistan has produced, paying tribute to her outstanding achievements in the game and her unbroken records. The championship was conducted flawlessly, with all seven categories competing fiercely and displaying outstanding skill.
The spotlight shone on Jasia Tasawar, who triumphed in the WAGR Amateur Championship, lifting the Ghazala Ansari Challenge Cup with an aggregate score of 253. Aleesa Rashid (261) and Amna Malak (267) completed a closely contested podium.
In the net competition, Maria Waqar finished first with 180, followed by Dua Farid Rao (189) and the most heartwarming moments of the event came from 10-year-old Anabia Waqar, who claimed third net (222), underlining the bright future of junior golf in Pakistan.
Category B winners were Zarish Irfan (1st gross) and Aliha Amjad (1st net), while Category C saw Yasmin Zaman (1st gross) and Humna Irfan (1st net) at the top. Juniors Ayra Ather Yasin, who left the golfers in awe, at nine years of age her handicap is 10.5, and Noor Bano Chaudhry, and seniors Shahnaz Moeen and Mamoona Azam also showcased exceptional talent.
In Professionals, Hamna Amjad dominated with 230, followed by Zeb-un-Nisa (264) and Ana James (265), underscoring the championship’s growing prestige.
Ghazala Ansari is a pioneer of women’s golf in Pakistan. She became the first lady golfer in the country to achieve a handicap of 1, reflecting her exceptional skill. A six-time National Champion, her record remains unbeaten. She also won major tournaments including the Aziz Taqi Memorial Cup and represented Pakistan internationally, inspiring generations of women golfers.
In her message, Ghazala Ansari applauded Dr. Asma Shami’s efforts: “Thank you, Dr. Shami, for bringing the unsung heroes to life. Without your dedication, I would have been forgotten, your recognition has brought me back to the fairway of Gymkhana Golf club, where I truly belong. I am especially grateful to my close friend Nighat Chaudhry, whose sponsorship was pivotal to the championship’s success, and to Mr. Salman Siddique, Chairman of Gymkhana Golf Club, for gracing the event and wholeheartedly supporting this celebration of women’s golf.”
The prize distribution ceremony was attended by proud parents and several distinguished guests. Chief Guest Mr. Salman Siddique lauded the championship, saying: “Dr. Asma Afzal Shami’s unparalleled dedication has brought this event to life, and her meticulous management of the championship mirrors the remarkable contributions Ghazala Ansari made to the game as a player. Acknowledging Honoring yesterday’s icons is vital, as their achievements not only preserve the legacy of the sport but also inspire the younger generation to dream bigger and achieve more. Through her vision, Dr. Shami has transformed this championship into a premier fixture for women golfers, celebrating past excellence while nurturing the future of the game in Pakistan.
Misbah-ur-Rehman passionately praised the initiative of honoring the icons of the past, stating that we owe it to our heroes to celebrate and preserve their legacy. “If we do not tell their stories, they risk fading into thin air,” he remarked. Expressing pride in hosting the 5th edition of the championship at Gymkhana Golf Club, he declared that the event must go international next year. He pledged complete financial backing and unwavering support for Ghazala Ansari International event in 2026, vowing to elevate the championship to a new level and secure its place as a landmark in women’s golf.
In her address, Dr Asma thanked all the participating golfers and extended special appreciation to Tournament Director and Chief Referee Munazza Shaheen, Tournament Coordinator Mamoona Azam, and members of the Championship Committee Bela Azam, Aisha Moazzam, Shahnaz Moeen, and Shabana Waheed. She paid special tribute to the participants who travelled from Risalpur, Islamabad, and Wah, acknowledging that without their support, organizing such an event would not have been possible. She thanked Mr. Wajid Aziz Convener Golf for his exceptional support. She proudly emphasized that the championship was conceived, organized, sponsored and led entirely by women, with the purpose of honoring and empowering a fellow woman golfer.
With five successful editions now completed, anticipation is already building for the 6th Ghazala Ansari Challenge Cup, which is set to take an international turn next year, a move that promises to elevate the championship to new heights and further strengthen Pakistan’s presence in women’s golf on the golfing map of the World.