Karachi, December 12, 2024:  In a significant stride for women’s sports in Pakistan, the Empower Sports Academy, in collaboration with the Pakistan Volleyball Federation and Dr. Essa Laboratory, held an impactful press conference at Karachi Gymkhana yesterday. The event unveiled the details of the ‘Empower by Essa Labs 1st National Women’s Volleyball Tournament’ slated to take place from December 16 to 23, 2024, at the National Coaching Center – PSB in Karachi.

The press conference featured prominent figures advocating for women’s empowerment and sports, including Mr. Sharjeel Memon, Ms. Khushbakht Shujaat, Ms. Hana Farhan Essa, Ms. Alisha Junaid, Ms. Malka Junaid, and Dr. Nayyer Jabeen. They passionately addressed the media, underscoring the significance of empowering women through sports. Their shared vision highlights the role of athletic platforms in promoting equality and offering young women the chance to shine on both national and global stages.

Alisha Junaid, CEO of Empower Sports Academy, expressed her enthusiasm for the tournament: “This tournament is not just about volleyball; it is about creating lasting opportunities for young women to excel in sports, education, and leadership. It’s a pivotal moment for women’s sports in Pakistan, and we hope to inspire the next generation of female athletes to aim for international glory.”

The tournament is set to feature over 60 teams and 600 participants, marking the first of its kind on a national scale. The finals are scheduled for December 23, 2024, aiming to showcase the talent and determination of female athletes across the nation. This initiative aligns with the academy’s mission to empower young women through sports, providing them the tools and platforms they need to aspire to greatness, including the potential to compete on a stage as prestigious as the Olympics.

Ms. Hana Farhan Essa, Director of Essa Lab, expressed her organization’s commitment to supporting this transformative event. “We believe in the power of women’s health and empowerment. Through initiatives like this tournament, we aim to inspire young women to break barriers and contribute to the betterment of society. Our support reflects our dedication to promoting a healthier, more inclusive future.”

Empower Sports Academy is a registered nonprofit organization, with a mission to nurture elite female athletes and provide them with opportunities to excel. As the tournament approaches, there is palpable excitement among participants and supporters alike, marking a new chapter for women in sports in Pakistan.

With this groundbreaking tournament, Empower Sports Academy is not only elevating the profile of women’s volleyball but is also setting a precedent for future women’s sports events in the country. The Empower by Essa Labs 1st National Women’s Volleyball Tournament promises to be a celebration of talent, perseverance, and the unyielding spirit of female athletes, heralding a brighter future for women in sports.

Arshad Nadeem: Pakistan’s First Individual Gold Medalist in Athletics at Paris Olympics 2024

Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s first-ever individual Olympic gold medalist in athletics, made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With an imposing frame standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall, Nadeem won the javelin throw title in style setting an Olympic record of 92.97 meters.

Arshad’s journey started with the 2016 South Asian Games where he achieved a bronze medal with a throw of 78.33 meters. He continued to impress at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, finishing fifth with a throw of 84.62 meters while India’s Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal.

In subsequent competitions, Nadeem showcased his consistent improvement. He won a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games with a throw of 90.18 meters, his career best at the time. At the 2023 World Athletics Championships, he won the silver medal with a throw of 87.82 meters.

Nadeem’s crowning achievement came at the Paris Olympics where he broke the 16-year-old record set by Thorkildsen with his throw of 92.97 meters. Despite undergoing knee surgery earlier in the year and practicing with a damaged javelin, Nadeem’s determination and skill prevailed putting Pakistan on the international map for track-and-field athletics.

Duriya Farooqui – A Leader Par Excellence in Business Innovation

Hailing from Pakistan, Duriya Farooqui is an accomplished leader with a recognized track record of heading business transformation and innovation in the United States. Her expertise spans diverse arenas, from large-scale operations to fast-moving technology companies seeking new markets. She has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to take on complex opportunities and lead high-performing teams to success, instilling a culture of excellence along the way.

As an independent Board Director of Intercontinental Hotels Group, Intercontinental Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, Duriya has provided her expert guidance and leadership to some of the world’s most prestigious organizations. She also served as the Chief Operating Officer for the City of Atlanta, where she transformed a $2 billion operation, improving efficiency and service. Duriya reformed pensions, strengthened finances, reduced crime to historic lows, and expanded the busiest airport in the world. Additionally, she assisted in leading negotiations for the $1.5 billion Mercedes Benz stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United.

Furthermore, as the President of Supply Chain Innovation for Georgia Pacific, Duriya demonstrated her ability to bring diverse companies together to collaborate on over $150M worth of supply chain opportunities and implemented successful enterprise pilots. She also led ACP, a public-private partnership of Fortune 500 CEOs, civic leaders, and the mayor, leveraging the coalition to launch Engage, a fund, and innovation platform backed by 15 corporations, which now has approximately 60 companies in its portfolio. Her remarkable leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence continues to inspire individuals and organizations around the world.