LAHORE: Mir Afzal Khan, caretaker Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, visited the Pakistan Olympic House here on Saturday and discussed with POA president retired Lt Gen Syed Arif Hasan the ways and means to promote Olympic sports and Movement in Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to a press release issued by the POA on Saturday, CM Afzal, Lt Gen Arif Hasan and POA secretary Khalid Mahmood praised the contribution of the Gilgit-Baltistan youth in the national sports and recognised their immense sporting potential. Mir Afzal reiterated the significant role of sports in positive development of youth. He emphasised that more efforts should be made to engage children and youngsters in sporting activities at educational institutions by providing them with playing fields.

The POA president was pleased to agree with the proposal made by Mir Afzal to establish a permanent set-up of Gilgit-Baltistan Olympic Association.

“The POA is committed to promoting and developing the Olympic Movement in Gilgit-Baltistan and shall provide complete support to establish an Olympic association in Gilgit-Baltistan and assist its government in the development of athletes and officials of the region,” the press release quoted the POA president was saying.

Earlier, Khalid briefed the CM about the functions and operations of the POA and shared the objectives of national and provincial Olympic associations.

He said Gilgit-Baltistan had already made the nation proud as its Olympian skier Muhammad Karim had enlightened the name of the country.

“The POA is thankful to the IOC for Olympic Solidarity Scholarship Program that shall enable Mr Muhammad Karim to get better training and preparation for XXIV Olympic Winter Games, Beijing 2022,” the secretary said.

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2020