PESHAWAR: Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan on Saturday unveiled the logo and trophy of the second Under-23 Games carrying a slogan of ‘Khilari Ho Tu Sabit Karo’ here at the well decorated indoor hall of the newly-rehabilitated Hayat­abad Sports Complex amidst colour and fanfare with thousands of spectators including hundreds of school kids in attendance.

Veteran all-rounder Shahid Afridi, Chief Minister KP Pervez Khattak, Minister Sports KP Mehmood Khan, Nazim Peshawar Asim Khan, Additional Chief Secretary KP Azam Khan, Additional Secretary Sports Tariq Khan, DS Adil Safi, DG Sports Miss Rashida Ghaznavi, Director Operation Tariq Mehmood, Syed Saqlain Shah, International Coach Syed Jaffar Shah, Head of the Liaison Corporation and scores of male and female players besides office-bearers of various associations were also present during the unveiling ceremony.

Speaking on this occasion, Imran urged upon the youth to take active part in sports along with their education which will help create a healthy nation. He said steps have been taken in KP for involving youth in sports.

The first edition of the U-23 Games were held successfully last year and this year too, more than 7000 athletes would exhibit their skills in 15 female and 20 male disciplines, to be organized first at KP inter-district level while in second phase, players from seven regions would be part of the games.Imran further said that out of 72 grounds, 36 have been completed in as many tehsils which are handed over to the Directorate of Sports while 15 other grounds have been developed at the government educational institutions. He also desired to hold all big sports events for this year on the newly established grounds.

The chief minister on this occasion highlighted the various steps taken to ensure better facilities for the players.

Games for men will include cricket, football, volleyball, hockey, squash, badminton, table tennis, boxing, athletics, gymnastic, judo, karate and taekwondo while women would compete in cricket, netball, hockey, basketball, squash, badminton, table tennis, athletic, judo, wushu and taekwondo.

The plan for successful arrangements of the games has already been completed. The CM announced that the winning teams will be awarded Rs. 0.1 million while individual gold medal winners will get a cash prizes of Rs. 50,000.

Meanwhile, the CM also disclosed that funds have already been allocated for the complete rehabilitation of Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium and Qayyum Sports Complex. He added that Abdul Wali Khan Sports Complex has been completed with all modern day facilities for the players and Rs 20 million have been allotted for the construction of an international standard squash complex.

Published in Dawn January 29th, 2017