JAKARTA: Players and officials representing Pakistan at the 18th Asian Games here in Jakarta celebrated the 71st Independence Day of the homeland with all zeal and enthusiasm.

A special ceremony was organised at the Athlete Village on Tuesday morning during which all Pakistanis present on the occasion recited national anthem and made special prayers for the prosperity of the country.

The ceremony was also attended by athletes from different countries attending the regional games. They were reported to have particularly enjoyed dances performed by Pakistanis on different folk tunes.

The foreign athletes also felicitated their Pakistani counterparts on the auspicious occasion and wished a bright future for Pakistan.

The Pakistani athletes pledged to themselves that all out attempts will be made to clinch as many medals for the country during the Asian Games.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2018