KARACHI: The 49th International Military Sports Council (CISM) Sailing Championship was inaugurated at an impressive ceremony held at the Marina Club, venue for the competition, on Friday evening.

Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini formally inaugurated the five-day spectacle which is being held third time in the country.

Speaking on the occasion he said since its inception in 1948, CISM has played an important role in bringing the nations of the world together than the diplomats.

He expressed optimism that the sailing competition which is in line with the CISM motto “friendship through sports” will go a long way in bringing the world militaries together.

Vice Admiral Hussaini welcomed all the participating sailors including a couple of women, in the city and hoped they would enjoy their stay.

Earlier, Col Vethoven from Belgium, official CISM representative, in his speech said the world military body is commemorating 68th anniversary of its foundation this year.

He informed the audience that the need to form the body was felt after the second World War to foster the relations between armed forces of the world.

He started his speech by expressing sorrow and grief at the loss of many lives of innocent people in terrorism incident at Quetta recently. One minute silence was also observed for the deceased persons.

At the outset, flags of 11 participating nations were hoisted followed by the national anthem of Pakistan.

Commander Karachi Rear Admiral Farrokh Ahmed, who is also chairman of the organising committee, presented CISM souvenir to the chief guest.

Palestine, which is competing as observer, is represented by a woman sailor.

The ceremony was attended among others by the consul generals of the foreign countries competing in the event, foreign delegates and senior naval officials.

Regular match racing competition in the J80 keel boat begins Saturday morning on the round robin basis.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2016