PHOTO: EXPRESS
BAHAWALPUR:
Nadir Magsi, the defending champion of the Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally, took the trophy home once again in Prepared Category A after completing the 244 kilometre course in four hours 30 minutes and 35 seconds.
“The competition is getter tougher every year,” Magsi told the media. The different rallies throughout the country have become entertaining events for fans and spectators who often travel a long way to witness such events, he said.
Meanwhile, Zain Mehmood came second with a time of four hours, 39 minutes and 26 seconds. Sahibzada Sultan clinched third place with a time of four hours, 42 minutes and 55 seconds.
The 14th Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally concluded late Sunday. The extravagant event, which kicked off on February 14, lasted a total of four days. Drivers from all over the country participated in the event.
On Sunday, Punjab Tourism Minister Raja Yasir Humayun and German Ambassador Martin Kobler inaugurated the final round of the prepare category. A large number of spectators were present for the final round.
Speaking to the media, the minister stated that the Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally is a mega sports event and further steps will be taken to promote it. “There are great prospects for international tourism in the area,” he said. With the provision of better facilities, this area can become a tourist destination. He maintained that the rally will be expanded to all four provinces for which support will be provided.
German Ambassador Martin Kobler stated that the desert rally is playing an important part in helping the country express its identity. He added that he thoroughly enjoyed the event.
The last event of the Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally was the final round of the Prepared Category. A total of 33 drivers participated in the race which covered a total of 244 kilometres. The rest of the results are listed below.
Owais Khakwani was the fastest person to complete the track in Prepare Category B with a time of four hours, 54 minutes and 22 seconds. He was followed by Asad Shadikhel in second place with a time of five hours, 11 minutes and 17 seconds and Zafar Magsi in third place with a time five hours, 12 minutes and 14 seconds.
In Prepared Category C, Syed Zaheer Hussain grabbed first place with a time of five hours, 16 minutes and 37 seconds. Second place went to Gohar Aslam Sangi with five hours, 23 minutes and 41 seconds while Dr Noorullah Qamar came in third with five hours, 45 minutes and 12 seconds.
In Prepared Category, D Zafar Khan Balouch remained on top with a time of five hours, 31 minutes and 1 second followed by Bewragh Mazari with five hours, 42 minutes and 21 seconds. Mehboob Khan came in third with a time of five hours, 48 minutes and three seconds.
Mansoor Halim came in first place in Stock Category A with a time of two hours, 44 minutes and 29 seconds followed by Dr Nadeem Naeem with a time of two hours, 59 minutes and 47 seconds. Shahzain Abbasi came in third with a time of three hours and seven seconds.
In Stock Category B, Sahibzada Bahadur won first place by completing the track in two hours, 51 minutes and 39 seconds. Noor Nabi Shamsi came in second with a time of two hours, 56 minutes and 19 seconds while Danish Peshimam came in third with a time of three hours, two minutes and 24 seconds.
In Stock Category C, Syed Mobeen Ahmed came in first by completing the track in three hours, four minutes and nine seconds followed by Usman Nadeem who clocked in at three hours, seven minutes and 35 seconds. Hassan Jhandir came in third with three hours, 13 minutes and 55 seconds.
Umer Kanju came in third in Stock Category D with three hours, 20 minutes and two seconds followed by Ameer Khan with three hours, 23 minutes and 53 seconds. Hasnainul Haq came in third with three hours, 28 minutes and 54 seconds.
In the women’s category, Tushna Patel came in first with a time of one hour and 41 minutes followed by Salma Marwat with one hour, 54 minutes and 47 seconds.
Speaking to the media, Patel said that the competition was tougher this year. “Every year, the number of women participating is increasing, which is a good sign,” she expressed.
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