By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Sports, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, participated in the Azadi Cycle Race organized jointly by Unique Group of Institutions and the Punjab Cycling Association. The minister also rode a bicycle alongside the cyclists, which further boosted the enthusiasm of the participants.
At the Unique Head Office, the minister, along with Chairman of Unique Group Abdul Manan Khurram and other dignitaries, performed the flag-hoisting ceremony. Addressing the event, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that Punjab is rich in talent and providing modern sports infrastructure for the youth is among the government’s top priorities. He highlighted that 100 multi-purpose sports complexes have been constructed across the province, South Asia’s first Blind Cricket Stadium has been established, and soon the province will have a Boxing Arena and a Squash Complex. Furthermore, Pakistan’s first-ever baseball ground is also being constructed in Punjab.
He added that the Chief Minister of Punjab has allocated a special budget for the promotion of sports, and the cycling track velodrome will be made fully functional again soon.
Chairman of Unique Group of Institutions, Abdul Manan Khurram, appreciated the Punjab government’s eco-friendly initiatives, stating that the creation of a separate motorcycle track is a commendable example of discipline. He said that today’s Azadi Race doubled the joy of Independence Day celebrations, and the government’s efforts to engage youth in sports are highly praiseworthy, as “nations with active sports fields keep their hospitals empty.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the minister awarded medals to the winning athletes and, along with the participants, cut the cake. The event was attended by MPA Khalid Khokhar, Chairman of Unique Group Abdul Manan Khurram, General Secretary of the Punjab Cycling Association Shehzada Butt, professors, parents, and a large number of students.
