TIMERGARA, Jan 30: Hundreds of tourists, local youth, journalists and personnel of security forces enjoyed different games played on the snow-covered ground at scenic Shahi area near Pak-Afghan border in Dir district.

Different games including volleyball, tug-of-war, football, skating, rugby, paragliding and baseball were played among various visiting teams during the three-day 'Winter Sports Gala'.

The sports gala, arranged by army with the help of Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP), concluded on Sunday night.

A colourful function was held on the final day. Brig Saqib Rashid Ahmad, Col Kamran Aslam, Col Ashraf Ali Lako and other officers distributed trophies, medals and prizes among the winner and runner teams and players.

Addressing on the occasion, Brig Saqib appreciated TCKP for extending cooperation to army in arranging the event. He also praised the players for participating in the sports gala. “Complete peace has been restored in the border areas and the three-day sports gala is its proof,” he added.

The participants enjoyed the sceneries of snow covered grounds and hilltops. Youth also performed dances and presented tableaus on the occasion.

Talking to journalists, the players expressed pleasure over taking part in the event. They urged the government, army and TCKP to arrange more such events for youth of the area.

They said that such events would prevent a lot of youth from militancy. The army provided lodging and food facilities to all the visiting people.