Sports Reporter
PESHAWAR: The National Junior Championship commenced in a grand and colorful opening ceremony at the Peshawar Sports Complex under the auspices of the Directorate of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. More than 1,000 athletes from across the country are participating in competitions including badminton, squash, athletics, volleyball, table tennis and karate.
Provincial Minister for Information Shafiullah Jan and Adviser to the Chief Minister on Sports and Youth Affairs Taj Muhammad Tarand attended the ceremony as chief guests. Special Assistant Humayun Khan, Member Provincial Assembly Mian Sharafat, Secretary Sports Asif Khan, Director General Sports Tashfeen Haider and other distinguished guests were also present.
Teams representing all four provinces, Islamabad and various departments presented an impressive march-past while a spectacular fireworks display entertained the participants and spectators.
Addressing the ceremony Provincial Minister for Information Shafiullah Jan welcomed athletes and officials from across Pakistan and expressed hope that the championship would feature high-quality competition. He said sports teach young people sportsmanship, discipline and tolerance, adding that victory and defeat are part of the game, while true success lies in learning from mistakes and striving for improvement.
He further stated that the provincial government is taking practical steps to provide equal opportunities to both male and female athletes and is actively working on several initiatives aimed at promoting sports. He later formally declared the championship open.
Speaking on the occasion, Adviser on Sports and Youth Affairs Taj Muhammad Tarand said that national-level events help bring young people from different regions closer together and strengthen national unity. He added that the government would continue organizing such competitions to provide greater opportunities for young athletes to showcase their talent.
He said that, in line with the vision of PTI founder Imran Khan, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is paying special attention to the promotion of sports, resulting in increased sporting activities throughout the province.
Tarand highlighted that the successful Under-21 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Games were recently held with the participation of more than 8,000 athletes. He also mentioned sports events organized for orphans, underprivileged children, persons with disabilities, minority communities, transgender gemes, madrassa students and competitions held during the holy month of Ramadan. He further noted the successful organization of an ice hockey event in Chitral.
He assured athletes and officials that they were valued guests of the province and that his office would remain available to address any difficulties they might face during their stay. He urged participants to compete with enthusiasm, dedication and true sportsmanship, and to make the championship a memorable event.
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