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ISLAMABAD, 15 August (BelTA — APP) — Pakistan’s sporting heroes, whose
feats have raised the country’s stature on the global stage, have
expressed a shared pledge to take Pakistan to new heights in the world
of sports. Across cricket pitches, hockey fields, squash courts,
boxing rings and Olympic arenas, these icons have not only brought home
medals and trophies but also inspired the generations to come.
Talking
to APP, they have expressed a renewed commitment to steer the nation
toward a brighter, more prosperous future in sports. They also pledged
to uphold the legacy of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of
Pakistan.
Former hockey great, Khawaja Junaid while
congratulating the nation on the Independence Day underlined the need to
focus on grassroots to revive the national game of hockey.
“Our
future in hockey lies in our youth,” said Junaid, who has recently been
appointed as focal person on Sports for Prime Minister’s Youth
Programme.
“We need to invest in our young players, giving them the
training and resources they need to shine on the global stage. On this
Independence Day, I pledge to work towards nurturing the next generation
of hockey stars,” added Khawaja, who also runs a hockey academy.
Pakistan’s
pro pugilist Muhammad Waseem said, “Wherever we go in the world, we
recognize that there is no place like home (Pakistan).
We should make
our country a strong and powerful nation.” He expressed his gratitude
to the country, saying, “This country has given me everything; this is
my identity.”
President of Pakistan Taekwondo Federation Lt. Col. (R)
Waseem Ahmed Janjua emphasized the importance of self-belief, hard work
and dedication, saying, “We have to take our nation forward and feel
the freedom that we enjoy in our country.”
Former World Squash
Champion Qamar Zaman said, “Pakistan has given us a lot. This is the
time to work together to take our beloved country forward.”
He urged
the need to celebrate Independence Day with a renewed resolve to make
sacrifices for the country’s safety, survival and security.
Recalling
his accomplishment as a player he said, “Whatever I have achieved today
is because of my country. This country has given me a lot. I got the
opportunity to represent Pakistan at the international level with
pride.”
Former squash player Amir Atlas said, “Pakistan is our
beloved country, and our forefathers sacrificed a lot to have a separate
homeland. We should value our freedom.”
He wished all Pakistanis a ‘Happy Independence Day’, saying, “Pakistan Zindabad! (Long Live Pakistan).”
Tennis
ace Aqeel Khan expressed his love for the country, saying, “We have got
our country after a lot of struggle and sacrifices.
“I wish all
Pakistanis a very Happy Independence Day! Pakistan Blind Cricket
Council (PBCC) Chairman Syed Sultan Shah said sports unite countries.
There is no scarcity of talent in our country. We will have to identify
this talent and polish it to earn laurels at the international level.
The words and commitments of these legends offer a powerful reminder of
the nation’s potential. Their voices, filled with pride and
determination, inspire hope that the future of sports in Pakistan can
indeed be brighter than its illustrious past.
