By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), in collaboration with ACTIVIT, organised a multi-sport festival at the PSB Coaching Centre to mark Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day.
The festival featured competitions in boxing, cycling, football, weightlifting and wrestling, attracting participation from young athletes. Competitions were held across the five disciplines, with top performers receiving trophies and cash prizes.
In the cycling competitions, Kishwar Saleem claimed the gold medal in the professional women’s category, followed by Noor Chaudhry with silver and Arooj with bronze. In the amateur women’s event, Shumail secured gold, Iffat Arif won silver, while Noor earned bronze. In RPW Freedom FightFest 2 boxing contests produced thrilling action, with Harry Prince defeating Rafay, Basit Aktan overcoming Talha Taram, and Mohsin Khan emerging victorious in a three-way contest against Altaf and Uzair. In the headline bout, Mateen Shahzad defeated Hayn Zar to become the new RPW Pakistan Champion.
PSB Lahore Centre Director Noorish Sabah attended the closing ceremony as chief guest. ACTIVIT Ambassador Moazzam Khan Klair and Event Coordinator Amjad Khan were also present. The competitions were conducted by the respective sports associations under the supervision of the PSB Lahore Centre.
Addressing the participants, Noorish Sabah congratulated the winners and encouraged the athletes to continue working hard to improve their performances. She also acknowledged the support provided by ACTIVIT CEO and Director of National Hospital DHA Lahore, Dr. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed, for organising the event. “We need more sponsors to come forward and support Pakistan’s athletes and sporting activities,” she said. “Greater support for sportspersons can contribute to the development of a stronger sports structure and help athletes compete at international and Olympic levels.”
Speaking on the occasion, Moazzam Khan Klair said Pakistan had considerable sporting talent, but athletes needed sustained opportunities and support to develop. “Pakistan has no shortage of talent. What our athletes need is consistent, all-round support so they can fulfil their potential and compete successfully at the international level,” he said.=DNA
