Young champions honoured at Nido Hum Spelling Whizz Grand Finale in Lahore

LAHORE: The grand finale of Nido Hum Spelling Whizz, organised under Hum Network’s Hum in Education initiative, concluded in Lahore after an exciting and competitive event at Alhamra Hall.

The academic competition began earlier this year in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore, engaging students aged 6 to 17 who participated with great enthusiasm. Finalists from regional rounds gathered at Alhamra Hall to compete for the title of Pakistan’s top young spellers.

The event was presided over by Hum Network President Sultana Siddiqui, while Punjab Minister for Information Uzma Zahid Bokhari attended as the chief guest. A large number of dignitaries, media representatives, parents, and teachers were also present to cheer on the participants.

The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by an intense and engaging spelling competition among the finalist teams. The participants demonstrated remarkable command over pronunciation, spelling, and language, earning loud applause from the audience.

Finalists and winners

Students displayed discipline, confidence, and intelligence, making the finale a memorable experience. The finalists included teams from the International School of Karachi, BVS High School, DHACSS, and Future World School (Karachi), Asas International School, Preparatory School, EMS High School for Girls, and EMS High School for Boys (Islamabad), and Think and Grow Raiwind Campus, The Trust School (Primary Boys), and Lahore Grammar School (Sheikhupura).

In the 15–17 age group, Muhammad Talha Ibrahim from EMS High School Islamabad won first place, while Usman S. Kakakhel and Ehtesham Ameen from Future World School Karachi were the runners-up.
In the 12–14 age group, Salma Ayesha Khan from EMS Islamabad secured first place, with classmates Alishbah Jameel and Inshal Waseem as runners-up.

In the 9–11 age group, Alaiya Farukh from Preparatory School Islamabad won, followed by Muhammad Hussam Sheikh from BVS Karachi and Mian Muhammad Moosa from Preparatory School Islamabad.
In the 6–8 age group, Muhammad Waiz Naveed Abbasi from Asas Islamabad emerged as the winner, while Hadiya Rashid from Think and Grow Lahore and Fareeha Nisar from International School Karachi were the runners-up.

Winners received trophies, cash prizes, and other gifts in recognition of their achievements.

A platform for learning and growth

Speaking at the ceremony, Sultana Siddiqui reaffirmed her commitment to holding the Hum Spelling Whizz annually to give children ongoing opportunities to showcase and develop their talents.

Judges and guests praised the participants’ performance, calling the competition a positive and encouraging step towards promoting academic contests in Pakistan.

Organised in collaboration with Nestlé Nido and Hum News, the event was supported by OGDCL and Innovated Choco Rings, with Wonderland as the entertainment partner, Avari Express as the hospitality partner, Humz Tech providing technical support, Maiko as the live-streaming partner, and Burger O’Clock as the meal partner.

According to organisers, the aim of Nido Hum Spelling Whizz is to help children improve language skills, correct pronunciation, spelling accuracy, and intellectual confidence while giving them a platform to express their abilities in a competitive yet positive environment.

Earlier rounds were held in Karachi from October 20 to 24, at the Arts Council; in Islamabad on October 28 and 29 at NICL Building; and in Lahore at Alhamra Hall, where pool rounds took place on October 31 followed by the regional round on November 1.