Inter-Division Modern Pentathlon and Archery Championship concludes at Punjab Stadium

Lahore: Punjab government is focusing on the improvement of sports infrastructure in the province and in this regard a large number of sports schemes have been approved, this was stated by Director General Sports Punjab Usman Anwar while talking to media at the closing ceremony of Inter-Division Modern Pentathlon and Archery Championship at Punjab Stadium on Tuesday night.

DG SBP, who was the chief guest on this occasion, said a hefty amount of 2.4 billion has been allocated for sports in the Punjab budget 2015. “Sports Board Punjab will build various academies throughout the province during the next 12 months. The budget for the international level boxing academy has been approved and the construction work will begin as soon as we get the approved amount,” he explained.

To a question, Usman Anwar said Pakistan has bright future in modern pentathlon despite the fact that the game is an emerging sport in the country. “It is beyond doubt that Pakistan is enriched with plenty of potential in all the fields particularly in sports. These days, some promising players are demonstrating their talent abroad,” he added.

“We have witnessed amazing potential in our youth during the last four years during Punjab Youth Festival editions. Now it’s our prime obligation to secure and polish the talented youth for our future sports events both at home and abroad,” he added.

Earlier, two young girls presented welcome bouquet to DG SBP Usman Anwar at Punjab Stadium. DG SBP witnessed the closing matches of modern pentathlon and archery competitions and praised the performance of young players. Later, he distributed prizes among the prominent position holders.

Lahore’s Bisma Afzal emerged winner in 800m race while the second and third positions were taken by Abida of Lahore and Amna of Sheikhupura respectively. The title of 400m race was also won by Bisma. Lahore’s Asma Akram and Kasur’s Muqaddas Bashir finished second and third respectively. Amna Siraj of Lahore sprinted to glory in the 100m race while the next two spots were grabbed by Mehwish Arooj and Mehnaz Manzoor respectively.

Lahore grabbed top position in modern pentathlon event followed by Sahiwal and Multan. In the athletics competition, the top three spots were attained by Lahore, Sheikhupura and Kasur while Rawalpindi White, Rawalpindi Green and Faisalabad finished first, second and third respectively in the archery championship.