Dr Fehmida Mirza in a meeting with Air Vice Marshall (AVM) Abdul Moeed Khan stated that sports diplomacy can do wonders in promoting cordial relations of Pakistan with all other countries. She recalled her visit to Nepal in South Asian Games where she witnessed the importance of sports diplomacy herself and appreciated the welcoming attitude of the Nepalese towards Pakistani athletes. Reiterating her stance, she expressed that the Nepali spectators of South Asian Games not only gave a warm welcome to Pakistani team but also cheered the players at each win, which in turn took their confidence to another level.
She regretted the situation of sports in Pakistan and stated that Islamabad has got the state-of-the-art facility, in the shape of Pakistan Sports Complex that has not been utilized to its potential. She lamented that a number of MOU’s were signed previously with many countries, but no work was done later on, hence no tangible results could be achieved.
Moreover, she cited the example of Azerbaijan and that how impressive their sports rehabilitation facilities were that she saw during her visit to the region. She also expressed her desire to replicate their model in Pakistan as well, for which she desired that ministry and the services should work in tandem.
Dr Fehmida also highlighted that the Ministry has a plan to start developing sports facilities in the less developed areas of all the provinces including GB. This is to channelize the huge youth bulge. These sports facilities would enable their energies to be utilized in the rewarding activities like sports and hence would prevent them from getting involved in other illicit activities, Dr Fehmida emphasized.
Another area that became part of discussion pertains to the sports ground which belongs to PSB located in the Skardu. Minister discussed her ambitions to convert that land into a sports facility for the local population so that they are streamlined and this in turn would enable them to take part in the international sports events in a befitting manner.
While highlighting the importance of sports, Minister underscored that sports are not only source of joy and fun but also play a major role in maintaining physical fitness and general wellbeing of an individual. Therefore, she reinforced that all the provinces, federal government and the services must work in synergy and collaborate with each other to get most out of it.
Air Vice Marshall while conceding to the Minister’s point of view, expressed that such meetings should continue in future as well. He assured the minister of full support and cooperation especially regarding winter sports and squash. Moreover, he congratulated the Minister over the greatest achievement of our kabaddi team against rival India and stated that kabaddi team has made the whole nation proud.
He apprised the Minister regarding the installation of skiing simulators in Karachi, upon which Dr Fehmida requested that such simulators should be installed at Skardu and other sports facilities as well. AVM Abdul Moeed acceded to her request. Air Vice Marshall also requested the Minister that during her visit to Tukey she should try to get the authorities sign some MOU regarding sending their players to Pakistan for playing sports on regular basis with our players, as this will help in boosting their self-confidence and would prepare them for international events.
While concluding the meeting, AVM Abdul Moeed invited Dr Fehmida to attend the Khunjerab Marathon event which is to take place in August, to which she agreed.
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