LAHORE: Inter-Provincial Coordination Federal Minister Riaz Hussain Pirzada said on Sunday the government was taking all measures for creating a conducive atmosphere for holding international sports events in the country.
“We are extending cooperation to the national sports federations for organizing international sports competitions in various disciplines,” he told APP in an interview after Pakistan and World XI hockey match at the national hockey stadium.
The minister said it was a good sign for country’s sports that foreign teams have started visiting Pakistan and the presence of the World XI widely speaks about the efforts of the Government for creating a peaceful atmosphere for elite sports event by defeating terrorism.
“The visit of the World XI will give a positive message to the world that Pakistan is a peace loving country and its people are sports friendly,” he said adding “Government will also encourage the holding of international hockey events in future as well by extending cooperation and help.”
He expressed his gratitude to the law enforcement agencies and the Federal and the Punjab Governments for making the tour of World XI a success.
The federal minister called upon the provincial governments to play their due role in the overall development of the sports by allocating sufficient funds and creating sports facilities and infrastructure and as it was not possible by the Federal Government alone to achieve this objective.
Pirzada said the visit of the world XI has added to the prestige and respect of the country and presence of world’s best hockey players in Pakistan is a message for the world that Pakistan is a safe country for holding international sports events.
The minister praised the efforts of the Pakistan Hockey Federation in arranging the tour of the World XI in a best possible way and said the induction of the Pakistani and foreign players in the hall of fame will also contribute to the revival of the game.
He expressed the hope that with sincere efforts and hard work and grooming young players, PHF will be able to lift the hockey out of present gloom and will strive hard to achieve the lost glory.
