The Quaid-e-Azam
Inter-Provincial Games 2017 were declared opened today on 25th December,
2017, by the Senator, Raja Zafar-ul-Halq in a colourful ceremony at the
Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad. In the five-day event, which will last till
29th December, 2017, 3700 athletes and team officials,
technical officials from four provinces, Gilgit Baltistan, Islamabad, Federally
Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are flexing
their muscles.
Speaking on the occasion,
Raja Zafar-ul-Haq said that such activities play a key role in the overall
development of a society. He said that those nations are healthy, both mentally
and psychologically, whose playgrounds are full of sports activities.
He said Pakistan had a lot
of talent but there was a need for planned and sincere efforts to revive the
country’s status in international circuit.
“In the past we were
unbeatable in sports like squash and hockey. In cricket too we had a high
standard but our standard has gone down because merit was trampled,” the
Senator said. He said Pakistan could once again rise if sports activities were
revived in schools and clubs.
He also stressed the need to understand the
importance of providing opportunities to the youth to showcase their skills in
sports as well. “Sports play vital role in building the character of the youth
and involve them in positive and healthy activities. Unfortunately, the country
has been facing security issues for the last few years and our play grounds are
empty and our nation is deprived of watching their favorite players in action
against the international players in front of them.
“But now with active
steps taken by the federal government and with the sacrifices of our armed
forces, the overall security situation of the country is much improved. We salute our security
forces including police who are protecting us in this tough situation” he added.
He congratulated the
Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination, Pakistan Sports Board to stage this
mega event. He also praised the efforts of Ministry of Planning, Development
& Reform.
He hoped that the
participants will return to their areas with pleasant memories and Sports
organizations instantly will picked up the talent in different disciplines
especially young athletes.
The Minister affirmed
that organization of such an event of high profile and stature not only will
contribute to the prestige of the organization but will also prove to be a
source of education for the PSB Staff and the civil society. The Minister, IPC
thanked Ministry of Planning, Development & Reform for timely providing funds
for the event. The Minister also appreciated the media for covering this
event.
Renowned singers Sanam Marvi and Malku also
performed during the gripping ceremony. The colourful scenes were witnessed as the
Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex was presenting beautiful look and
cozy.
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