Pakistan to extend cooperation with Iran in the field of sports :Rana Mashhood

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Sports Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said Pakistan has strong, cordial and friendly relations with Islamic brother country Iran. He vowed to extend maximum cooperation with Iran in the field of sports; he was addressing a ceremony hosted by Consul General Iran Mohammad Hossain Bani Asadi in honour of Pakistan jujitsu players M Ammar and Abu Huraira who won silver medals in the recently-held World Jujitsu Championship. Director General Sports Punjab Usman Anwar was also present on this occasion.

In his address as a chief guest Rana Mashhood said Pakistan’s ties with Iran will be strengthened with the passage of time. “The reciprocal tours of sports teams between two countries will also be very helpful in achieving this goal,” he added.

The minister also announced a fund of Rs 3 million for the participating Pakistan team in Asian Jujitsu Championship being staged in Jakarta from January 28, 2016.

Rana Mashhood said jujitsu is a new game in Pakistan but it’s gaining speedy acceptance among the youth of the country. “We are proud of jujitsu players M Ammar and Abu Huraira who won silver medals in World Jujitsu Championship. M Jahanzaib Rashid also showed wonderful performance in the event,” he further said.

The Minister praised the role of Sports Board Punjab in the growth of jujitsu in the country. “Sports Board Punjab also organized jujitsu contests in the Punjab Youth Festival which was an effective factor behind this game’s quick success in Pakistan,” he maintained.

Consul General Iran Mr Mohammad Hossain Bani Asadi while addressing the ceremony lauded the role of Sports Board Punjab and Punjab govt in the promotion of sports in the region. Iranian Consul General also reiterated to extend all collaboration for the strengthening of sports relations between two countries.

Meanwhile, Director General Sports Punjab Usman Anwar had a detailed meeting with Consul General Iran Mohammad Hossain Bani Asadi and discussed the sports cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

Idris Haider Khawaja, Secretary Punjab Olympic Association, Khalil Ahmed, President Pakistan Jujitsu Federation and Mahmoodul Hasan, General Secretary PJA, Agha Nasir and Ameer Mukhtar were also present on this occasion.