Promoting Sports Development in Pakistan
Meeting Highlights
In a recent meeting, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq engaged with Atif Rana, CEO and owner of Lahore Qalandars, to discuss the franchise’s various initiatives aimed at enhancing youth engagement and sports development across Pakistan.
Acknowledging Youth Talent
During their discussion, Speaker Sadiq commended Lahore Qalandars for their unwavering commitment to promoting sports, particularly among young people and women. He stressed the importance of promoting healthy, constructive activities for the youth, indicating these initiatives as vital for securing a prosperous future for the country.
“There is no shortage of talent among Pakistani youth,” noted Sadiq while expressing his admiration for the franchise’s grassroots development efforts and their focus on talent discovery.
Focus on Women and Underrepresented Regions
Atif Rana provided insights into Lahore Qalandars’ comprehensive Player Development Program, which has successfully trained over 100,000 young individuals. He emphasized the franchise’s dedication to inclusivity, highlighting specific initiatives directed toward youth from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These efforts involve regular camps and competitions aimed at ensuring their participation in mainstream sports.
Rana also pointed out that talent hunt programs for women’s cricket have taken place in more than 25 cities across Pakistan, essentially paving the way for aspiring female athletes to pursue professional careers in cricket.
He stated, “The core mission of Lahore Qalandars is to provide opportunities for the common people in sports and entertainment,” reaffirming the franchise’s commitment to national integration through sports.
Support and Future Aspirations
In his remarks, Atif Rana acknowledged Speaker Sadiq’s support and encouragement, describing it as a significant motivator not just for himself but also for the young talents associated with Qalandars’ initiatives. “Our dream is to build a healthy and prosperous Pakistan by empowering youth and women from every corner of the country through sports,” he concluded, emphasizing the franchise’s unwavering pursuit of inclusivity and opportunity.
