Ministers, diplomats attend one-day women journalists’ sports gala The National Press Club (NPC) Women Cricket Team defeated the Rawalpindi Islamabad Bureau Journalists Association (RIBJA) in the final match of the one-day Women Journalists’ Sports Gala 2025 played at the Islamabad at Marghzar Cricket Ground on Sunday. A total six matches were played among the women cricketers. Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry was the Chief Guest at the final match. The event was jointly organized by the National Press Club Women Journalists Caucus and Capital Premiere League. Among the noted guests who attended the sports gala included Ambassadors of Ethiopia Dr Jemal Beker Abdula, the Nepalese envoy Ms Rita Dhital, Ambassador of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ms. Dilsad Senol, the Maldives Charge d’Affaires, diplomats from Ukraine, Tajikistan, Syria and Jordan, Punjab MPA Zia Ullah Shah, former Deputy Mayor Zeshan Naqvi, the government officials and women journalists. Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Mr. Afzal Butt, NPC President Mr. Azhar Jatoi, NPC General Secretary and Chairperson of the Women Journalists Caucus Ms. Nayyer Ali, and Chairman Pakistan Africa Friendship Association (PAFA) Mr. Zafar Bakhtawari welcomed the guests and introduced them to the players. The tournament was inaugurated by the Ethiopian ambassador Dr Jemal Beker Abdula who played the ceremonial first ball to commence the event. He also watched the matches and enjoyed the event. Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry while speaking briefly on the occasion said, “Women are no less than men in any field, and organizing such events for women, especially female journalists, is highly commendable.” He further emphasized that such sporting opportunities not only promote healthy activities but also serve as an excellent platform to showcase women’s talents. The federal minister congratulated the National Press Club team captain Nayyer Ali on victory against the RIBJA. He also praised the NPC and the Capital Premier League for the successful organization of the tournament. At the end of the ceremony, Dr.Tariq Fazal Chaudhry gave away trophy to the winning team and distributed prizes among the winning and runner-up teams. The Nepalese ambassador Ms Rita Dhital also praised the sportswomen spirit of the players and praised Pakistanis as a sports-loving nation.