Jazib Siddiqui
ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday assured sportsmen of the government’s full support, facilitating their participation in international contests and enabling them to bring laurels to Pakistan.
The prime minister, talking to the office bearers of the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation and athletes at the PM House, appreciated the Pakistani athletes for winning 12 medals in the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Championship.
The delegation comprised President of Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation Omar Ahmed, champions Eman Khan and Bano Butt, Brave Combat Federation winners Rizwan Ali, Zia Mashwani and Ismail Khan.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Chairman of PM Youth Programme Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan, Coordinator to PM Romina Khurshid Alam, Badar Shehbaz and relevant senior officers were also present.
“Pakistan’s biggest asset is its talented youth. I wish the Pakistani players continued bringing laurels to Pakistan globally in international contests. You are a great asset to Pakistan. Your talent gives immense satisfaction for Pakistan’s bright future,” the prime minister remarked.
He assured that the government would extend all-out cooperation to mixed martial arts as the promotion of sports was among its priorities.
Recalling his contributions to sports while Punjab chief minister, he mentioned the establishment of the Pakistan Sports Endowment Fund and ensuring transparency in the selection process of sportsmen.
“Being the prime minister, it is my responsibility to extend maximum support to the players to make them participate in international competitions”, he added.
He also appreciated the Mixed Martial Arts Federation for holding the international event in Pakistan.
The delegation members apprised the prime minister of the recently held international contests held by the Federation in collaboration with the PM Youth Programme.
As the delegation presented their proposals for promoting mixed martial arts in the country, Prime Minister Shehbaz instructed the authorities concerned to present an action plan on the suggestion.
During the meeting, the athletes also appreciated the Federation and PM Youth Programme’s facilitation and the prime minister’s hosting them at the PM House.
Later, MMA Federation President Omar Ahmed, in his remarks, said that the Asian MMA Championship 2024 was participated by around 300 athletes from across 18 countries. Pakistan has bagged 12 medals, including two gold medals won by Eman Khan and Bano Butt in their respective categories.
