GILGIT: Commander FCNA Maj-Gen Ehsan Mehmood Khan called special Olympians from Gilgit-Baltistan to the command’s headquarters here on Saturday to honour them for winning gold and silver medals in the recently concluded Special Olympics in Dubai.

Teenage Faraza Rehmat bagged two gold medals and one silver, Najeeba won one gold and Sabina Islam got one silver medal during the Dubai Special Olympics.

Anita Nisar, the first Pakistani woman mixed martial arts fighter from Hunza district, won One Warrior Series against Indonesia’s Gita Suharsono in Singapore, last month.

On the occasion, Mr Mahmood Khan extended his love and gratitude to the special athletes. He said Pak Army supported talented youngsters.

The FCNA commander distributed gifts and Rs300,000 each to Faraza Rehmat, Najeeba and Sabina.

On their arrival to GB recently, the special athletes were warmly welcomed and jeep rallies were held in Gilgit and Hunza to welcome the young athletes.

Welcoming ceremonies were also held in Aliabad, Gulmit and Chipursan areas of Hunza to congratulate the athletes on their success.

Car rallies were also held from Aliabad to their native villages.

Meanwhile, Antia Karim met GB Chief Minister Hafeezur Rehman along with her coaches at the CM House.

Mr Rehman appreciated the efforts of Ms Karim in representing women of Gilgit-Baltistan on the international stage and promised to support her cause in future, according to a press release.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2019