Daily Times

LAHORE: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Mir Afzal Khan visited Pakistan Olympic House Lahore on Saturday where he was welcomed by Lt Gen (r) Syed Arif Hasan, President of the Pakistan Olympic Association. The POA chief greeted and thanked Afzal Khan for his this very important visit and discussed matters related to promotion and development of the Olympic Sports and Movement in Gilgit-Baltistan. POA Secretary General Muhammad Khalid Mahmood briefed the guest about the functions and operations of the POA and further shared the objectives of both the National and Provincial Olympic Associations: to instill highest ethics through Olympism among youth of the country.

During the meeting, Syed Arif praised the contribution of youth of Gilgit-Baltistan in national sports and recognised the immense potential they have to raise the national flag in international arenas. Syed Arif emphasized that both the Government of Gilgit –Baltistan and Pakistan Olympic Association should work for the betterment of youth utilizing the educational value of sports and using sports as a tool of human development and fostering peace and friendship.

“The athletes of Gilgit –Baltistan have already made us proud and our Olympian skier Muhammad Karim is one of such example. The POA is thankful to the International Olympic Council (IOC) for Olympic Solidarity Scholarship Programme that will enable to Muhammad Karim to get better training and preparation for XXIV Olympic Winter Games in Beijing 2022,” said Syed Arif on the occasion.

Mir Afzal reiterated the significant role of sports in positive development of youth. He emphasized that more efforts should be made to engage Pakistan children and youngsters in sporting activities within their educational institutions and play fields. Syed Arif was pleased to accede to the proposal of Mir Afzal to establish a permanent setup of Gilgit-Baltistan Olympic Association. “The Pakistan Olympic Association is committed for promotion and development of the Olympic Movement in Gilgit – Baltistan and will provide complete support to establish an Olympic Association in Gilgit–Baltistan and assist the Government of Gilgit–Baltistan in development of athletes and officials of the region,” said Syed Arif.