LAHORE: Kasim Ali, a student of Punjab University Law College, won two gold and one bronze medals in the Independence Day Karate Championship which concluded here the other day. The tournament, for both boys and girls, was held to celebrate the 70th Independence Day of the country. The event was organised by the District Sports Office Lahore and Lahore District Karate Association at the New Friends Shotokan Karate Club, Suraiya Jameel Park. In all, 60 girls and 150 boys participated in individual kata and in different weight categories. With three medals, Kasim was declared the champion of the tournament. It is pertinent to mention that the New Friends Shotokan Karate Club has been organising Independence Day tournaments for the last 16 years. At the 70th Anniversary of Independence, eight clubs participated and 20 gold, 20 silver and 40 bronze medals were awarded in different categories to both boys and girls. The invited guests were Mian Akbar, Mian Ijaz, Mian Tipu and Mian Pervaiz. The officials were Ansa Ali, Meamoona Qadeer, Saira Amjad and Ayesha Amjad along Sajid Butt. Speaking on the occasion, Mian Akbar said that Pakistan got freedom after a lot of struggle. “Our ancestors had sacrificed their homes and relatives to get a free independent country. To hold karate tournaments on Independence Day is very important as it enhances patriotism,” he added. Published in Daily Times, August 21st , 2017.