ISLAMABAD: The four-day University Sports Olympiad, a landmark event aimed at promoting sports among youth, is set to begin in the capital on Wednesday.

Over 3,000 athletes from across Pakistan will compete in various disciplines, showcasing their talent at one of the largest youth sporting events in the country.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood emphasised the significance of the event in fostering youth engagement and identifying exceptional athletes who can represent Pakistan at national and international levels.

“This Olympiad will not only engage our youth in positive activities but will also serve as a platform to recognise and nurture individuals with the potential to bring glory to the country,” he said.

The event will also welcome foreign diplomats, development partners, and key stakeholders, adding an international dimension to the initiative.

Highlighting Pakistan’s growing presence on the global sports stage, Rana Mashhood revealed that more than 50 tennis and squash players from seven countries are currently in Pakistan for different competitions, marking a notable achievement for the nation.

He further announced that Bangladesh has decided to restore its university-level sports ties with Pakistan, severed during past political unrest. He credited the incumbent government for this diplomatic success and its broader focus on youth development under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership.

Mashhood expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Higher Education Commission, and the Islamabad Administration for their support in organising the Olympiad, reaffirming the government’s commitment to fostering youth potential in various fields, including sports.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024