By Asghar Ali Mubarak
Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Syed Asim Munir, recently organized a ceremony at the Army Auditorium GHQ to honor Olympian Arshad Nadeem for his historic achievement in the Paris Olympics. This event underscores the unwavering commitment of the Pakistan Army to promoting sports at both national and international levels, recognizing the immense potential of the nation’s youth, and reinforcing its role as a pillar of support for Pakistan’s sporting heroes. General Asim Munir, in his address, emphasized that Arshad Nadeem’s success is a source of immense pride for the entire nation. He congratulated Nadeem for winning Pakistan’s first gold medal in the singles event at the Olympics and setting a new record in the javelin throw. The Army Chief lauded Nadeem’s determination, perseverance, and excellence, stating that his journey from humble beginnings to Olympic glory is truly inspiring. He noted that such accomplishments bring joy and honor not only to the individual but to the entire nation, serving as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes.
This ceremony was attended by prominent sports personalities, including legends like Jahangir Khan, Islahuddin, Shehbaz Sr., Sohail Abbas, Muhammad Asif, and Easam-ul-Haq, along with Arshad Nadeem’s close relatives, friends, and coaches. The presence of these sporting icons highlighted the significance of the event and the collective pride in Nadeem’s achievements. General Asim Munir also took this opportunity to reiterate the importance of youth development for the prosperity of society. He emphasized that the success of athletes like Arshad Nadeem exemplifies the potential that lies within the youth of Pakistan. The Army Chief expressed his belief that with proper guidance, support, and opportunities, Pakistani youth can achieve remarkable feats on the global stage.
The Pakistan Army’s role in nurturing and promoting sports is well-established. It is a recognized organization within the Pakistan Olympic Association and has a long-standing tradition of contributing to the country’s sporting successes. The Army has been instrumental in providing training, facilities, and support to athletes, ensuring that they are well-prepared to compete at the highest levels. The Directorate of Army Sports plays a central role in this endeavor, coordinating with various national sports federations and organizing training camps for athletes. A prime example of the Army’s contribution to sports is the training provided to Hamza Khan, who won the World Junior Squash title on July 31, 2023. The Army Sports Directorate facilitated his preparation, providing the necessary facilities and guidance. Hamza Khan’s victory marked Pakistan’s first win in the World Junior Squash Championship since 1986, a testament to the effectiveness of the Army’s support.
In recent years, the Army has also organized fitness camps for the national cricket team, particularly in preparation for major tournaments like the Twenty20 World Cup. These camps have been crucial in enhancing the physical and mental fitness of the players, contributing to their performance on the field. The Pakistan Army’s commitment to sports is not limited to providing training and facilities. It also involves a broader vision of creating a culture of physical and mental fitness that fosters healthy competition and character building. This vision is being realized through various initiatives, such as the sports program launched under the special instructions of the Chief of Army Staff. This program aims to identify and nurture talent across the country, with a focus on both male and female athletes, ensuring that they receive the best possible training and support.
The program, which began in Balochistan, is a comprehensive talent hunt initiative that seeks to discover and develop young athletes in various sports. The first phase of the program involved the selection and training of 100 youths from cities like Quetta, Chaman, Nushki, Turbat, and Gwadar. The selected athletes receive extensive training in sports such as football, cycling, martial arts, and boxing, with the Army providing free accommodation, food, and stipends. In line with the International Olympics Charter, the Army’s sports initiatives ensure equal representation of women in sports, reflecting a commitment to gender equality in national games. The selected athletes are trained over a period of five to six years, during which they are equipped with the skills and discipline needed to excel in their chosen sports.
The Army’s efforts are creating unparalleled opportunities for the youth of Pakistan to advance in the field of sports. As the nation’s backbone in sports development, the Pakistan Army’s initiatives are helping to shape the future of Pakistan’s youth, ensuring that they have the support and resources needed to succeed. The day is not far when many more athletes, like Arshad Nadeem, will emerge from these programs, bringing honor and recognition to Pakistan on the global stage. In conclusion, the role of the Pakistan Army in promoting sports and supporting athletes is invaluable. The recent ceremony honoring Arshad Nadeem is a reflection of the Army’s dedication to recognizing and nurturing talent, and its ongoing commitment to the development of Pakistan’s youth. Through these efforts, the Army continues to inspire a new generation of athletes who will undoubtedly contribute to the nation’s pride and prestige in the years to come.
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