Punjab International Swimming Complex pre-launching ceremony will be held on July 31

Lahore : “The pre-launching ceremony of Punjab International Swimming Complex will be held on July 31. Sports events commemorating the independence of Pakistan will be held from August 1 to August 14, wherein a four-day training camp for swimming will be initiated.

World renowned British coach Nicholas Gillingham would provide training to both our coaches and swimmers.

Construction of the state of the art swimming pool has been completed which is equipped with all the latest facilities and ranks among the most beautiful swimming pools in Pakistan.

I congratulate Director General Sports Punjab Zulfiqar Ahmad Ghumman and his team on a fine performance,” Secretary Sports Punjab Nayyar Iqbal expressed these sentiments at a press conference in the National Hockey Stadium.

DG Sports Punjab Zulfiqar Ahmad Ghumman, Director Administration Jawaid Rasheed Chohan, Director Sports Muhammad Anees Sheikh, Deputy Director Muhammad Hafeez Bhatti, and Security In-charge Sports Board Punjab Colonel (R) Shabbir Hussain were also present on the occasion.

Secretary Sports Punjab Nayyar Iqbal further reiterated, “The attention being paid to the development to sports is unparalleled in the history of the country. Chief Minister Punjab has a special inclination toward sports. We have been allotted funds of Rs. 8.5 billion in the Annual Development Program (ADP) which would be increased to Rs. 13.5 billion by the end of the year.”

Director General Sports Punjab Zulfiqar Ahmad Ghumman said, “It is the first time in the history of this nation that such big names are coming to Pakistan. Pre-launching of the state of the art Punjab International Swimming pool is being conducted and Olympic gold medalist Nicholas Gillingham and his team will provide coaching to our swimmers and coaches alike.

The training camp would be attended by swimmers from all over the country. Trials for athletes would be carried out on July 28 and July 29, whereas training would be provided to the coaches on July 31. Two hundred and forty (240) swimmers from across the stretch of the country would be provided training from August 1 to August 3.

The four standout swimmers from the training camp would be sent to the United Kingdom in order to receive training at the academies of international coaches.”

Answering the questions from the journalists gathered at the press conference, DG Sports Punjab Zulfiqar Ahmad Ghumman said, “A committee comprising of Deputy Director Sports Muhammad Hafeez Bhatti, Secretary General Punjab Swimming Association Azam Lateef, Muhammad Shahid, Mrs. Ahmad Hassan, and Mrs. Bushra Waheed Butt has been formed under the leadership of Director Sports Muhammad Anees Sheikh for the meritocratic selection of swimmers.

Four categories of groups including under-12, -14, -16 and age group have been composed. The 4-day training program would greatly benefit our swimmers and coaches, and it would also help in unearthing new talent.

A summary in respect of the inauguration proceedings has been sent to the Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, and the inauguration is expected soon.”