Pakistan plans nationwide golf promotion

PM’s Adviser on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan says measures will be taken to expand the sport beyond Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan plans to expand golf beyond the federal capital, with the government set to take concrete measures to introduce and promote the sport in cities across the country, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan said.

Speaking at the Movenpick Golf Cup at Margalla Greens Golf Club in Islamabad, he said the initiative was in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of promoting tourism and sports in Pakistan.

He said golf was among the world’s most popular sports and deserved greater attention in Pakistan. The government, he added, was committed to taking practical steps to make the sport more accessible and encourage wider participation across the country.

Sardar Yasir also announced that the Movenpick Golf Cup would be organised annually, with players delivering outstanding performances encouraged and recognised to foster a competitive sporting culture.

The event brought together leading golfers and members of the diplomatic corps, providing a platform for sporting engagement and strengthening international ties through golf.

GM Nicolas Verdun welcomed the initiative, highlighting the role of sporting events in promoting golf and enhancing international engagement in Pakistan. Wing Commander Khokhar, Pakistan Tennis Federation President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and other prominent personalities also attended the event.

In the diplomatic gross category, Trang Thang claimed the title, while Colonel Norey Pan Othman finished second and Eric secured third place. In the diplomatic net category, Shoshi took first place, followed by Train, while Do and Tai were also among the leading performers.

In the overall gross category, Commander Rizwan Rashid secured first place, followed by Captain Alam and Zia Khan. In the net category, Nadeem Abbasi claimed the title, with Dr Amir Khawaja finishing second and Taimur Hassan third.

The Movenpick Golf Cup reflected growing interest in the sport in Pakistan, with organisers and participants expressing hope that similar initiatives would help develop golf and expand its reach across the country.