Inclusivity in Sports: Women’s Tennis Championship Begins at Government College University 

Lahore, January 16, 2023 (PPI-OT):The Inter-University Women’s Tennis Championship 2023 officially began today at the GC University Lahore, marked by a vibrant inauguration ceremony attended by sports officials, participating teams, and a large number of spectators. The tournament, organized under the Higher Education Commission, features 16 teams representing universities from all over the country, including last year’s winner, Lahore College for Women University.

The first day of the tournament saw some exciting matches, with the University of Management Technology (UMT) defeating Government College Women University, Sialkot and Punjab University beating the Islamic University of Bahawalpur (IUB). The tournament is expected to showcase some of the top talent in women’s tennis from universities across the country, as they compete to be crowned the Inter-University Women Tennis Champion of 2023.

During the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi emphasized the significance of events like this in advancing women’s athletics and their role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. He said, “This tournament will provide an excellent opportunity for talented women from different universities to showcase their skills in tennis and compete at the highest level.” He also recognized the hard work of GCU Director Sports Waseem Akhtar and his organizing committee in putting the tournament together.

The tournament will be held for three days, with the finals scheduled for January 16th. Students, faculty members, and the university community are encouraged to come out and support the teams, as this event is a great opportunity to come together and promote women in sports, encouraging more participation and further advancing gender equality in the athletic arena.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Department,
Government College University (GCU)
Squash Complex, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-000-010 Ext: 296
Tel: +92-42-99213343
Cell: +92-321-8440769
Email: registrar@gcu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.gcu.edu.pk

Government College University Women Basketball Team Wins Opening Match of Intervarsity Championship

Lahore, January 12, 2023 (PPI-OT):The Government College University Lahore’s women’s basketball team has performed exceptionally well in the opening match of the All Pakistan Intervarsity Women Basketball Championship 2022-23, hosted by Kinnaird College for Women University, Lahore under the umbrella of Higher Education Commission. The GCU team defeated the University of Haripur with a score of 29-18 at the Kinnaird College court. It’s worth noting that GCU last year opened admissions to women on a sports basis and this achievement by the women’s basketball team is an indication that this special initiative has begun to yield positive results.

The basketball championship is one of the highest-level tournaments in the university’s sports calendar, featuring teams from universities all over Pakistan competing against each other. GCU’s team has been placed in Group B and will play their next match tomorrow against the University of Management and Technology at the Lahore College for Women University court.

GCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi said that the university’s sports board has expressed their support for the team and wished them the best of luck for their upcoming matches. Prof. Zaidi said the win highlights the dedication and hard work of the women’s basketball team and the importance of women’s participation in sports. “The university is proud of the achievement of its female students in the field of sports and looks forward to their continued success in the various tournaments,” he concluded.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Department,
Government College University (GCU)
Squash Complex, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-000-010 Ext: 296
Tel: +92-42-99213343
Cell: +92-321-8440769
Email: registrar@gcu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.gcu.edu.pk

Equality on the field: cricket match promotes women’s leadership, participation 

Lahore, January 12, 2023 (PPI-OT):A cricket match was played between the US Consul General (CG XI) and Vice-Chancellor (VC XI) to promote gender equality and empower women to lead through sports.

The team of CG XI, led by US Consul General Lahore William K. Makaneole, included staff of the US Consulate and girls cricketers, while Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi led his team, which comprised female faculty members and members of the GCU Women’s cricket team. There were an equal number of male and female participants in each team.

The match, organized by Galaxy Sports Academy and Pakistan Cricket Board Women Wing, was won by VC XI by 8 wickets after they chased the score in the last over. Earlier, VC XI won the toss and invited CG XI to bat in a match played with the aim of inclusive participation of both genders in sports.

CG XI scored 43 runs in four overs. Consul General Makaneole scored 20 runs with four boundaries, including one six. VC XI managed to chase the score in the last over and won the match by 8 wickets. Prof. Zaidi scored ten runs for his team.

In a statement after the match, Vice Chancellor Prof. Zaidi said that the match was a great opportunity to come together and support women in sports, encouraging more participation and further promoting gender equality in the athletic arena.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed his pride in the progress and advancement of women’s sports at GCU, saying that the University had opened admissions to women on a sports basis last year, formed their teams and this year they are shining in all inter-university championships. “A hard-of-hearing student also participated in the match which is evidence of their belief in inclusive participation,” the Vice Chancellor said.

US Consul General Makaneole also spoke about the importance of women’s participation and leadership in sports. He emphasized that the US mission in Pakistan champions women’s participation and leadership in all fields. “It is our belief that full and fair participation of women strengthens Pakistan and Pakistan’s economy,” he said.

Mr. Makaneole also said that they would continue to empower the women of Pakistan to achieve more and fully contribute to the country.

Notable attendees included Azhar Zaidi, former manager of the Pakistan cricket team, Shahbaz Senior, former secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, Rabia Qadir, founder of Galaxy Sports Academy and Muhammad Babur, President of Galaxy Sports Academy.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Department,
Government College University (GCU)
Squash Complex, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-000-010 Ext: 296
Tel: +92-42-99213343
Cell: +92-321-8440769
Email: registrar@gcu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.gcu.edu.pk

Ramiz Raja Receives GCU Lifetime Achievement Award, Reflects on College Days and Cricket Career 

Lahore, January 10, 2023 (PPI-OT):The Government College University Lahore conferred its Lifetime Achievement Award upon former international cricketer, commentator, and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Ramiz Raja, at a ceremony on Tuesday at the University’s Bukhari Auditorium.

The award recognizes alumni who have made outstanding contributions in their field and is one of the highest honours GCU bestows. The award was originally announced for Raja and nine other alumni at the university’s 20th Convocation in November, but he was unable to attend the convocation due to a trip abroad.

During the ceremony on Tuesday, the Vice-Chancellor of GCU, Prof. Dr Asghar Zaidi, presented the prestigious award to Raja, who spoke about his experiences in cricket and shared personal anecdotes of his college days. Raja expressed gratitude towards GCU for recognizing him with this prestigious award and called it a great honor.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Asghar Zaidi, commended Ramiz Raja for his outstanding contributions to the field of cricket. He believed that recognizing and honouring the achievements of alumni can help inspire current students and encourage them to strive for excellence in their own pursuits.

“It shows that the university values the accomplishments of its graduates and wants to celebrate their successes,” the Vice Chancellor said. Prof. Zaidi revealed the plans for Rs. 400 million project to construct a specialized hostel for elite athletes at GCU Lahore. The hostel will feature state-of-the-art amenities such as accommodation, training facilities and recreational areas, providing the athletes with a comprehensive environment to excel in their sports.

Speaking on the occasion, Ramiz Raja highlighted the importance of education in finding the right path in life and emphasized that education helped him stay away from match-fixing. “Don’t let technology consume you. Make time for sports and physical activity, it will pay off in the long run. It would be an injustice to this magnificent campus if you neglect sports while studying here at the Government College Lahore,” he said Raja spoke out against the change of Pakistan Cricket Board’s constitution, stating that “talent is wasted when excellence and continuity are blocked.”

When asked by a student about his plans for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should he be given the opportunity to lead again, Raja responded by highlighting his commitment to the welfare of cricketers. He stated that he intends to establish a cricket foundation that will support and develop young talent, and will make Pakistan a top-performing team in the world of Test cricket. Raja represented Pakistan in three Cricket World Cups, played a total of 57 Tests and 198 One Day Internationals, and served as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. He has gained a reputation as a commentator for his expert analysis of the game.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Department,
Government College University (GCU)
Squash Complex, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-000-010 Ext: 296
Tel: +92-42-99213343
Cell: +92-321-8440769
Email: registrar@gcu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.gcu.edu.pk

GCU launches diploma in forgiveness psychology and practice 

Lahore, January 09, 2023 (PPI-OT):For the first time, the Government College University Lahore (GCU) has introduced a Diploma in Forgiveness Psychology and Practice. This one-year diploma, which has been approved by the University’s Board of Studies, Academic Council, and Syndicate, is now accepting applications.

According to Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi, “We are excited to introduce this new program, which is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to understand and practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is a powerful tool for self-growth and can help us heal from past hurts and conflicts, and build stronger, healthier relationships.”

In the diploma program, students will learn about the latest research and concepts on forgiveness psychology and have the opportunity to engage in hands-on exercises and activities to hone their skills and confidence in forgiveness.

“Forgiveness is a crucial part of personal and professional growth,” said Prof. Zaidi, adding “That’s why we are proud to offer this innovative program to students and professionals across Pakistan.” The deadline to apply for admission to the Diploma in Forgiveness Psychology and Practice, as well as the Certificate of Forgiveness Education, is January 20, 2023.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Department,
Government College University (GCU)
Squash Complex, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-000-010 Ext: 296
Tel: +92-42-99213343
Cell: +92-321-8440769
Email: registrar@gcu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.gcu.edu.pk

GCU celebrates founders’ day 

Lahore, January 03, 2023 (PPI-OT):The Government College University Lahore, one of the oldest seats of higher learning in Pakistan, has completed 159 years of academic excellence. Founded on January 1, 1864, with the first batch of nine students in the Haveli of Raja Dhyan Singh in the Walled City Lahore as the liberal arts and Science College, it served as a nourishing stream to the generations of talented men and women.

A grand ceremony was held at the University’s Bukhari Auditorium where Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Asghar Zaidi and Old Ravian and Adviser to the Chief Minister on Interior Omar Sarfraz Cheema cut the Founders’ Day cake along with the academic and administrative heads. A large number of Old Ravians were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Zaidi said that this part of the year is the time of self-assessment; what they achieved in 2022 and what should be their goals for 2023. “We are entering 2023 with a renewed pledge to further improve our education and research standards. The achievements of the past year offered us momentum to show our true potential,” he said.

Talking about the achievements of the past year, the Vice Chancellor said they initiated development projects worth Rs. 1.8 billion, established different new departments, introduced academic reforms, increased research incentives and ensured 100 percent merit in admissions. He announced that this year, GCU would also spend Rs. 400 million from its own budget to establish new science laboratories and improve other services for students.

Prof. Zaidi said that he believed in a student-centric approach to leading higher education institutions. He thanked all faculty members and administrative officials for their hard work to ensure that our students keep receiving the quality of education they deserve at the prestigious GC University.

Omar Sarfraz Cheema said that he is extremely happy to see the exponential progress of his alma mater. “Good leadership is key for the development of any institution,” he said. Earlier, the administrative and academic heads of the University shared the progress of their department in 2022. Later, the Vice Chancellor and heads of department planted trees on campus to establish Urban Forest with donations from Synergy Inc.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Department,
Government College University (GCU)
Squash Complex, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-000-010 Ext: 296
Tel: +92-42-99213343
Cell: +92-321-8440769
Email: registrar@gcu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.gcu.edu.pk