AJGL grassroots programme produces Pakistan’s next generation of golfers

ISLAMABAD, Sep 29 (APP): Pakistan’s next generation of junior golfers is beginning to make its mark on the international stage, with all nine members of the national team that competed in the 3rd Bangladesh Junior Golf Championship 2026 being registered members of the Ace Junior Golf League (AJGL).

The championship, held in Dhaka from September 24 to 26, saw Pakistan’s nine-member junior team secure two titles and a runner-up position among 84 young golfers from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Mongolia and Cambodia, said a press release.

The event, played over 54 holes in Under-15 and Under-19 categories, provided a demanding test of skill, consistency and endurance, with hot weather and greens running at approximately 9–10 on the Stimpmeter adding to the challenge.

The Pakistan team was selected by the Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) following an invitation from the Bangladesh Golf Federation.

Jannat Aamer Jami won the Girls Under-15 title with a score of 261 (+45), while Nabeeha Nafees claimed the Girls Under-19 crown with 272 (+56). Areeba Rizwan finished runner-up with 290 (+74), while Wareesha Shahid Malik and Dua Farid Rao secured fourth and fifth positions respectively.

In the boys’ competitions, Mustafa Zubair shared fourth position in the Under-19 category with 229 (+13), followed by Muhammad Barik Ayub in eighth with 235 (+19).

In the Under-15 boys’ category, Muhammad Musa Adil Waraich finished fifth with 247 (+31), while Behzad Murtaza secured sixth position with 249 (+33).

According to the assessment of AJGL, the Dhaka championship provided valuable international experience and highlighted both the progress and areas requiring further development among Pakistan’s young golfers.

Strong performances by Mustafa Zubair and Nabeeha Nafees, Jannat Aamer Jami’s positive start and encouraging progress among the Under-15 boys were identified as positives, while inconsistent scoring and costly holes underlined the need for continued improvement in short-game skills, putting, course management and physical endurance.

The significance of the Bangladesh championship, however, extends beyond the results. Over the past four years, AJGL has provided young golfers with regular competitive opportunities through monthly events, age-group championships and tournament exposure.

With around 400 registered golfers aged between six and 21 and competitions being held in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar, the league has emerged as a grassroots platform aimed at strengthening junior golf and creating a pathway towards national representation.

The experience also highlights the role that structured private leagues can play in the development of sporting talent. With support from the PGF, clubs, coaches and parents, regular grassroots competition can broaden participation, improve competitive standards and help young athletes progress from domestic competition towards the international level.

“Off the Screens, Onto the Greens” and “Let’s Swing to Excel” remain the guiding philosophies of AJGL, with the Bangladesh results providing an example of the league’s approach to junior development.

AJGL Patron and Chief Lt. Gen. Hilal Hussain (Retd.) described the league as having “evolved into a significant platform for the development of junior golf in Pakistan.”

He said the provision of a structured and consistent monthly competitive environment had addressed an important need at the grassroots level by giving young golfers opportunities to compete, build confidence and prepare for higher levels of the game.

A particularly significant milestone for AJGL was the selection of all nine registered league members to represent Pakistan at the international junior championship in Bangladesh.

Lt. Gen. Hilal Hussain also commended Dr. Asma Shami, Munazza Shaheen, Col. Shahadat and the vice presidents of AJGL’s four participating cities for their vision, commitment and perseverance in promoting junior golf.

The Bangladesh championship has provided both a milestone and a fresh challenge for Pakistan’s junior golf programme. While the two titles and international exposure represent encouraging progress, the next objective is to convert emerging potential into sustained performance through continuity, quality coaching, regular competition and greater international exposure.

The long-term aim is to develop confident, technically sound and competition-ready golfers capable of representing Pakistan consistently at international events.

With continued investment in coaching, competition and international exposure, supported by the PGF, AJGL, clubs, coaches and parents, the grassroots pathway can help expand Pakistan’s talent pool and strengthen the country’s presence in international junior golf.