Second international level hockey stadium in Lahore will be inaugurated tomorrow

Lahore: Chief Organizer Punjab Youth Festival and Deputy Speaker Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan has said that due to love of Khadim-e-Aala Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif with sports and provision of maximum facilities to the players, process of development of new grounds is continuing. After 1988, second international level hockey stadium has been constructed at Johar Town and it will be inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif today (Thursday).

He expressed these views while addressing a press conference at National Hockey Stadium, here today. Director General Sports Usman Anwar, Chief Coach national hockey team and former Olympian Akhtar Rasool were also present on the occasion. Rana Mashhood Ahmed said that a managing committee has been constituted under the supervision of Akhtar Rasool for running the affairs of Johar Town Hockey Stadium which include DG Sports and Youth Affairs Usman Anwar and DG LDA Ahad Cheema. Rana Mashhood Ahmed said that Punjab government has revived 4500 sports grounds which is a proof of the love of Punjab government with sports. He said that such measures will also be continued in future as well. While talking with regard to Punjab Youth Festival, he said that national and international level competitions should be held on the pattern of successfully conducting first youth festival. He said that 41 countries have confirmed to send their teams to Pakistan and process of their visas is in progress. Rana Mashhood Ahmed said that Punjab government never liked politics in sports and steps for the improvement of sports will continue by setting aside political matters. He said that Punjab government is ready for holding international events of every kind. He said that Pakistan Cricket Board should invite foreign cricket teams to Pakistan and we will take all possible steps providing them security. Chief Coach national hockey team and former Olympian Akhtar Rasool said that he is thankful to Punjab Chief Minister on behalf of former and present hockey players for his measures for constructing a new hockey stadium and promotion of sports.