The 2nd Mari Petroleum Azadi Cup Hockey Tournament 2023, overseen by the Mari Petroleum Company Limited in conjunction with the Pakistan Hockey Federation, took place at the Lt. Gen Ashfaq Nadeem Hockey ground at Ayub Park. The tournament concluded with Pakistan WAPDA clinching the championship. In a thrilling final match, Pakistan WAPDA secured their victory by triumphing over Mari Petroleum with a score of 3 goals to 2, thereby claiming the coveted Mari Petroleum Azadi Cup trophy for the second time. Chief Guest Waqar Ahmad Malik (S.I), Chairman of Fouji Group of Companies and MD of Fouji Foundation, presented the awards to the players during the closing ceremony of the second Mari Petroleum Azadi Cup hockey tournament. The final match of the tournament featured a face-off between the host team, Mari Petroleum, and Pakistan WAPDA. Both teams put forth a competitive performance in the final match. Pakistan WAPDA showcased their skill and determination, with players such as Umar Bhatta, Toseeq Arshad, and Salman Razzaq contributing significantly to their team’s victory by each scoring a goal. On the other hand, Mari Petroleum’s players, Sufyan Khan and Arbaaz Ahmed, exhibited their prowess by each netting a goal for their team. The final match concluded with a display of remarkable sportsmanship and teamwork from both sides. As the players demonstrated their talents on the field, the Chief Guest distributed prizes to honor their achievements. Yasir Khursheed International and Ameer Hamza officiated as umpires in the match, supported by reserve umpires Asad Abbas and Irfan Tahir. The role of Technical Officer was capably fulfilled by Murtaza Bhatti. Additionally, the responsibilities of judges were effectively executed by Asif Baig, Hamza Tufail, Gulfam Khokhar, Akhtar Ali, and Rafiqur Rahman. At the conclusion of the ultimate Final match, the distinguished chief guest, Chairman of Fouji Group of Companies, Waqar Ahmad Malik (S.I), presented the victorious Pakistan Wapda team with both a trophy and a monetary reward of Rs. Addressing the gathering, the esteemed Chief Guest, Chairman of Fouji Group of Companies, Waqar Ahmad Malik, emphasized that the advancement and expansion of the national sport of hockey necessitate active participation from governmental bodies and private corporate entities. He underscored the pivotal role they must play in rejuvenating Pakistan Hockey’s prominence on the global stage.
During his brief address, MD Mari Petroleum, Faheem Haider, apprised the stadium’s attendees about the Mari Petroleum Azadi Cup Hockey Tournament. He also reiterated the company’s dedication to collaborating with the Pakistan Hockey Federation in advancing the national sport of hockey and assured that Mari Petroleum Company would persist in its substantial efforts towards its promotion. On this occasion, a distinguished assembly was present, including Syed Haider Hussain, Secretary General Pakistan Hockey Federation, Syeda Shehla Raza Vice President PHF, Olympian Nasir Ali, who served as the Tournament Director, as well as renowned Olympians such as Shahnaz Sheikh, Naeem Akhtar, Saeed Khan, Rahim Khan, Danish Kaleem, and Rana Shafiq International. Col. Muhammad Yamin, the Tournament Organizing Secretary, alongside Major Tariq Wark and Raja Shuja Iqbal, who held the positions of Assistant Tournament Directors, were also part of this esteemed gathering. Furthermore, Zulfiqar Hussain and his team managed the umpires efficiently in their roles as Empires Manager and Assistant Empires Managers, respectively. Kamran Shah and Mubarak Ali also contributed as Assistant Empires Managers. Zulfiqar Baig diligently fulfilled the role of Event Media Coordinator, ably supported by Muhammad Hafeez in the capacity of Assistant Media Coordinator. In addition to these notable figures, the event was graced by the presence of Haji Naeem and many other respected individuals. The stadium itself was adorned with the enthusiastic presence of a multitude of hockey fans who came to support the teams.
