PHOTO: FILE
The closing ceremony of the sports festival was held on Saturday where the winners and runners-up in different games were awarded trophies and sports kits. The festival was funded by the Malala Fund to recognise the unforgettable services of Shaheed Malik Saad, the late IGP.
The audience included residents, line department staff and social activists, who were there to root for the participants. They agreed there is no dearth of talent in the Swat valley as many hockey, badminton, volleyball and table tennis players from the area have represented the country from time to time.
“Seven young sportsmen from Swat have been selected in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) talent hunt programme. Our basketball club is the best in the province while our Taekwondo team has won three gold medals,” said Global Peace Council Chairman Ahmad Shah.
Players of the winning teams were also very excited and agreed they need more sports activities in the valley.
“We are neither militants nor an idle nation. We are peace-loving people and want to get more opportunities like these to show our talent to the world,” said Irfanullah, a cricketer.
PTI MPA Fazal Hakeem, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, said he was especially surprised to see the talent of the young Taekwondo team.
“The government believes in the talent of youth and has started various projects for them. This is a message for the world that Pukhtuns are skilled and non-violent,” he said during his address.
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