Government College University Lahore Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ikramul Haq (Sitara-e-Imtiaz) has said that Pakistan needs well educated sportsmen to uplift its image abroad. “Sportsmen are true ambassadors of a country and their actions, statements and public behavior cast huge affect on the image of a country,” said the vice chancellor while addressing a delegation of the university sportsmen led by Director Sports Khadim Ali Khan.
Prof. Ikram ul Haq dispelled the impression that sports were wastage of time, saying sports make a person mentally and physically strong. He said sports teach tolerance and encourage the spirit of competitiveness. The vice chancellor called upon the sportsmen to give proper time to their studies also, saying that quality education is as important for sportsmen as for anybody else. The university would continue to offer seats on sports basis to encourage the best sportsmen. However, he said, GCU sports merit is as high as its academic merit. He advised the sportsmen to never compromise on the standards of sportsmanship. “Sportsmanship is more important than winning an event”, he added.
Prof. Ikram said GCU had maintained a healthy tradition of excellence in the field of sports and takes pride in maintaining high standards in every field of sports activities. “GCU always plays for the glory of sports and has the privilege to participate in all games organised by the Lahore Board, and HEC Sports Competition with distinction,” he added.
The Vice Chancellor said that GCU Sports Department has teamed up with Old Ravians including including Munir Dar, Javed Zaman Khan, Imtiaz Ahmed and Naqi Mohsin to compile its glorious 146-year sports history. He said that they were also looking for Indian Old Ravians, who participated in subcontinent games before 1947, so that they be taken on board for the crucial task. He said that GCU still had a leading position in sports, adding that Ravians have won the inter-universities squash, badminton, mountaineering and gymnastics championships this year besides securing positions in the other sports.