KARACHI: Consul General of Japan in Karachi Toshikazu Isomura has said that Japan is fully prepared to host the Tokyo Olympic and Para-Olympic Games, the biggest sporting event in the world and the Japanese people are eagerly waiting for the historic occasion.

He stated this while speaking at a special event held at his residence in connection with the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

Toshikazu said that thousands of athletes, officials and fans from all over the world will gather in Tokyo during the Olympic Games and hosting them will be an honor for us. This time the karate game has been included to the Olympic Games.

Those present on the occasion included 7th Dan and former Kata World Champion Katsutoshi Shiina, media advisor of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and Secretary General SFP Asif Azeem, Sindh Softball Association Secretary Zeeshan Merchant, Japan Karate Association Pakistan’s Chief Patron Nawab Jahangir Khanji, Secretary General Tariq Ali, Sindh Taekwondo Association Secretary Kamran Qureshi, Sindh Judo Association Secretary Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Taqi of Sindh Fencing Association and representatives of other associations.

He informed that availability of Halal foods for Muslim athletes have been ensured. All out support would be provided for the development of softball games in Pakistan. Katsutoshi Shiina said that winning or loosing is the part of sports.

He said that there is innumerable talent of martial art in Pakistan. I feel pleased training youth here.

POA Media Advisor Asif Azim said in his speech that five Pakistani athletes have been qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games, including three for shooting and two for others.

He said Consul General of Japan deserves to be felicitated for arranging an event regarding Tokyo Olympics in the biggest city of Pakistan. Such programs would further strengthen the bilateral relationship of Pakistan and Japan. Later, Toshikazu along with other officials cut a special cake bearing a logo of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Published in Dawn, March 5th, 2020