Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Dr Fehmida Mirza, Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination, on Monday distributed cheques among members of the Pakistan weightlifting and tennis teams, who won medals at the 13th South Asian Games held in Nepal from December 1-10, 2019. The Pakistan weightlifting team won 05 gold, 02 silver and 01 bronze medals. The weightlifters who received cash awards were: Talha Talib, Haider Ali, Usman Amjad Rathore, Hanzla Dastgir Butt and Muhammad Nooh Dastgir Butt (gold medallists), Abu Sufyan and Ms Rabbia Razzaq (silver medallists) and Ms Saima Shahzad (bronze medallist).

Similarly, tennis players Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, Aqeel Khan, Muzammil Murtaza, Muhammad Abid won silver in the men’s team event while Ms Sara Mansoor, Ms Ushna Sohail, Ms Mahin Aftaz Qureshi and Ms Sarah Mehboob Khan won bronze in the women’s team event. Aisam and Ushna won bronze in mixed doubles while Abid and Sara also won bronze in mixed doubles. In the men’s doubles event, Aisam and Aqeel won bronze. Similarly, Muzammil and Abid won bronze in men’s doubles while Aqeel and Muzammil also won bronze in men’s singles. In line with the approved cash award policy, the gold medallists received given Rs one million each, the silver medallists got Rs.500,000/- while the bronze medallists pocketed Rs.250,000/- each. A total Rs.6.250 million and Rs.5.500 million were distributed among the weightlifters and tennis players respectively.

Talking to the players, Dr Fehmida congratulated the medal winners and said that half of the population of Pakistan was comprised of women. “Women’s participation in social life especially in the sports is commendable.” She also appreciated the role of their parents who encouraged their daughters to excel in the field of sports. The Minister was of the view that these shinning players were the ambassadors of Pakistan who portray soft image of Pakistan while representing their country abroad. The players appreciated the role being played by Dr Fehmida for sports of the country. The medal winners emphasized that besides the federal government’s support, the provinces also play their due role to support the talented players.