KARACHI: Punjab and Balochistan started the event on a winning note by winning their matches on the first day of the 1st PNSC Inter-Provincial Women's Softball Championship here. Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were defeated in the opening matches.

And in the solemn opening ceremony, the Consul General of Japan Hattori Masaru inaugurated the championship by hitting the ball.  On this occasion, Consul General of Malaysia Mr. Herman Hardynata Ahmad, Chief Finance Officer PNSC Syed Jarrar Haider Kazmi, Softball Federation of Pakistan President Asif Azeem, Senior Vice President Dr. Farhan Essa, Chairperson Pakistan Federation Softball Yasmin Haider, Vice President Tehmina Asif, Assistant Manager Admin PNSC Ayesha Leena, Manager Sports KPT Major (R) Mahmood Riaz, Zubair Macha, Syed Waseem Hashmi, were also present. The special guest said that the sport of softball is developing rapidly in Pakistan, it is an indication of the fact that there is talent for this sport all over the country including Sindh.  The organization of softball championship is welcome, it will also gain popularity in women's schools, colleges and universities.

  Pakistan Federation Softball President Asif Azeem, in his speech, praised the full participation of all the teams and said that this great sporting extravaganza has been organized for you, so that with full discipline and following the rules of the game, you can show your skills and express your talent, you are the ambassador of your province in this event, you are lucky to be representing your province in the historic championship.  Syed Jarrar Haider Kazmi said that PNSC has done its best in promoting healthy activities.  Dr. Farhan Essa welcomed the players and officials coming from all over the country and said that he will leave no stone unturned to organize the event in a dignified manner.  In the opening match of the championship, Punjab defeated Sindh 16-05 in the second innings after a one-sided match.  Fiza Sarwar, Iram Shahzadi, Noor, Amber, Mehek, Kiran, Sapna and Fahmida scored two runs each from Punjab while Tulsi, Disha, Farasha, Marklin and Aliza Khan scored one run each from Sindh.  Earlier, in the match played in the morning session, Balochistan defeated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 12-11 in the third innings after an interesting contest. Zahra scored three runs, Nayab and Nargis scored two runs each, while Farzana, Kaka, Mubashera, Samia and Amina scored one run each. 

Ayman, Ramin and Nayab scored two runs each from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while Ayesha Iqbal, Shawal, Hina, Sidra and Asia scored one run each. Balochistan scored 12 runs while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa scored 11 runs. Two more matches will be played in the event today.