Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture Nazar Muhammad Gondal on Tuesday said that sports can play an important role in eliminating extremism and the government will provide all possible facilities to Pakistani players.
The government is committed to promoting all games including badminton across the country, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, which is worst hit by terrorism, Gondal added.
Gondal who is also the President of Pakistan Badminton Federation (PBF), said this while talking to a delegation of newly-elected office-bearers of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Badminton Association (KPKBA) here.
He extended heartiest congratulations to the newly elected members of KPKBA and said that it is extremely encouraging that routine sports activities are getting momentum in the province again. The KPKBA delegation was led by newly elected President Usman Afridi, Secretary General Syed Waheed-ul-Hassan and Finance Secretary Azmat Hayat.
The Minister said that revival of sports' activities is tantamount that the society is progressing positively, as these activities also help the youths keep away from social evils, adding that extremism and sectarianism could be wipe out by promoting sports culture.
"Returning of the normal sports activities to KP and the enthusiasm of the players give me immense pleasure and I would like to urge newly elected office-bearers of KPKBA to work hard for the promotion of badminton in the province and the federal government will provide all kind of co-operation in this regard," Gondal added.
"Usman Afridi is an energetic sportsman who can contribute valuable services for the betterment of the game. I am confident that their tenure will help in promoting badminton in the province," Gondal said. Gondal also appreciated the precious services rendered by the out-going President Dr Adil Jan and hoped that he will keep on providing valuable suggestions to the newly-elected members of KPKBA for the promotion of badminton in the province.