Jakhrani plans sports’ revival

Federal sports ministry preparing extensive plan to bring international sports back to the country.

KARACHI: The federal sports ministry is preparing an extensive plan to invite foreign teams and ensure fool-proof security for the visiting sides in a bid to bring international sports back to the country.

Federal Minister for Sports Ijaz Hussain Jakhrani said the revival was crucial after his executive committee meeting with the Pakistan Sports Board in Islamabad yesterday. The meeting discussed their one-point agenda and was attended by presidents of the hockey, badminton and boxing federations besides squash legend Jahangir Khan.

Jakhrani also informed reporters that the boxing federation has sought NOCs for holding a second edition of the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament later this year, where over 50 countries will be invited.

He added that the issue of the ban on top squash player Aamir Atlas would be resolved soon.

Athletes get first installment of prize money

The sports ministry has disbursed the first installment of prize money to the medal winning athletes at last November’s Asian Games.

The gold winning hockey team and the squash team received the bulk of the first installment of Rs20 million and Rs10 million, respectively.

The kabbadi team was awarded Rs3 million, Rs1 million was awarded to wushu while Rs1.5 million was given to the snooker players.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4^th, 2011.