Alan Foster expressed satisfaction over the security situation in Pakistan

Lahore: World Martial Arts Council (WMAC) President Alan Foster has expressed his complete satisfaction over the security situation in Pakistan saying that WMAC is planning to hold World Martial Arts Games in 2017 in Pakistan with the collaboration of Sports Board Punjab (SBP); he was talking to media before his departure to Britain at National Hockey Stadium on Monday. Director Sports Punjab Hafeez Bhatti was also present on this occasion.

WMAC President Alan Foster, 89, said he found nothing wrong regarding security during his 10-day stay in Pakistan. “I visited various cities during my stay and received excellent hospitality everywhere. Pakistan is peaceful country and can hold international sports events without any botheration,” he added.

Replying a query about the proposed World Martial Arts Games in 2017 in Pakistan, Foster said: “We are quite hopeful that 88 WMAC member countries will take part in the mega event. I would also ask other countries to send their sports teams to Pakistan for international events,” he maintained.

Foster was quite impressed with the achievements of Sports Board Punjab under the leadership of Director General Sports Punjab (SBP) Usman Anwar during the last couple of years. “SBP’s accomplishments including three editions of Punjab Youth Festival are quite amazing and it’s not an easy job to conduct such large sporting events in a successful manner,” he said.

Answering a question regarding the martial arts potential in Pakistan, Foster was of the view that Pakistan had exceptional talent in all games especially martial arts. “Though martial arts is a new game in Pakistan but the way DG SBP Usman Anwar is emphasizing on the promotion of sports in the country, we can say that the country has bright future in martial arts,” he predicted.

World Martial Arts Council chief also visited various departments at National Hockey Stadium including CC TV Camera Control Room. He appreciated the latest security arrangements put up by Sports Board Punjab in the Nishter Park Sports Complex and all adjacent stadia.