Sports promoted in Khyber to counter terrorism, drug abuse

K-P DG Sports says govt to provide all necessary resources to harness skills of youth

KHYBER:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Director-General Sports Khalid Mehmood emphasised the pressing need to create sporting arenas across the district Khyber as a means to combat terrorism, crimes, and drug abuse.

Addressing the “Sports Heroes Awards” ceremony at Landi Kotal Jirga Hall, Mehmood stated that engaging youth in positive activities was imperative in these times, and the government was committed to providing all necessary resources. “We will produce sporting heroes despite having limited resources,” he added.

Khyber has produced renowned heroes in the realm of sports like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Riaz Afridi and Tufail Shinwari. Mehmood stated that the region's youth possessed unmatched skills, and the government's resolve was to harness these abilities by ensuring the availability of resources.

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With the recent surge in terrorism and other crimes, coupled with the alarming rise of narcotics, Mehmood underscored the mission to safeguard the younger generation and announced the government's determination to establish vibrant sports grounds.

He highlighted that criminal elements targeted the youth from tribal regions, underlining the responsibility of the government to resolve issues affecting local athletes.

Whether it be the construction of stadiums or the provision of sporting equipment, Mehmood assured that all issues would be addressed on a priority basis. The event saw the participation of former cricketer Riaz Afridi, young footballer Tufail Shinwari, and other national players with tribal backgrounds, along with local dignitaries.

In the event, national heroes in various games, including football and cricket, were honoured with awards. Footballers Faniyas Sultan and Arif Masih, who belonged to the Christian community of Landi Kotal, were also presented with special awards.

Apart from players, municipal representatives, tribal leaders, officials from the department of sports, and district administration also participated in the ceremony.