ISLAMABAD, Jan 7: The outgoing chairman of POF Board, Lt. Gen Abdul Qayyum gave away cash awards to his organization's sports persons in a ceremony held on Wednesday, that also marked his farewell.

The POF hockey team that won at least four tournaments at different centres of the country last year were given an award of Rs 50,000. The volleyball squad, conquerors of favourites Police at last month's National volleyball championship where they took third place, received a prize of Rs 25,000.

POF's athletes were richer by Rs 40,000 for finishing fifth (men) at the National championships while the women secured second position winning eight gold, seven silver and eight bronze medals. The competition saw Sumera Zahoor creating a new record in the 5,000 metres and Noshee Parveen achieving a similar feat in triple jump.

A special award of Rs 5000 went to Aamir Shahzad who represented Pakistan juniors at last month's triangular hockey series in Karachi. Meanwhile, Qayyum said that sportsmen should be encouraged at all levels and the cash awards given to them were just a token. "The services they render by giving their best years to sport are indeed commendable."