National scrabble event: 700 participants compete at Expo Centre

The one-day event showcased players from ages seven to 66

KARACHI: The Horlicks 26th Scrabble Championship pulled off the biggest surprise in the history of the Pakistan Scrabble Association (PSA) as 700 participants competed in eight categories at the Expo Centre in Karachi on Sunday.

The one-day event, which was held in collaboration with the US Education Foundation and was open to all, showcased players ranging from the ages of seven to 66.

According to PSA Youth Program Director Tariq Pervez, the scrabble championship had made a new record.

“It’s incredible to see 700 people competing simultaneously,” Pervez told The Express Tribune. “The response to this championship has been phenomenal. This is to date our biggest event in terms of the number of participants competing.”

Starting from the youngest age category, M Saim Usmani won the Category A title while Murtaza Aslam triumphed in Category B.

Mira Taha Hassan emerged as a strong contender after winning in Category C, and on that Pervez said: “Taha is very talented. He has the ability to even play with the seniors.”

Meanwhile, Abbas Shabbir topped Category D, and Tasarunn Munir took the prize in Category E. M Ali Ansari came first in Category F.

“All the winners are interesting regulars at the PSA event. They play with us at the Beach Luxury hotel, so it’s a good head-start for us,” said Pervez.

National Champion Waseem Khatri, and the 2013 World youth Scrabble Championship winner Moizullah Baig, along with other top players were part of the organising committee.

According to Pervez, the youngsters are being encouraged to organise such tournaments and become leaders in their own right.

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