MULTAN:Additional Deputy Commissioner (Coordination) Multan Shahid Joiya has said that taekwondo is rapidly gaining popularity in Pakistan, promoting physical fitness, discipline and self-defence among young people.
He was addressing the prize distribution ceremony of the Inter-District Taekwondo Championship held at the Multan Gymnasium, Divisional Sports Complex, under the auspices of the Divisional Sports Office Multan. The event was organised under the annual sports calendar prepared by the Sports and Youth Affairs Department Punjab in line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of declaring 2026 the Year of Youth.
Male and female players from Multan, Khanewal, Vehari and Lodhran districts participated in the championship, competing in various categories in closely contested matches.
According to the final points table, Multan secured first position with 260 points to claim the championship title, followed by Khanewal with 143 points, Vehari with 131 points and Lodhran with 77 points.
Addressing the participants, Shahid Joiya expressed pleasure over the enthusiastic participation of young male and female athletes from all four districts. He expressed hope that the players would continue to work hard and demonstrate their talent at international competitions, bringing pride to Pakistan.
Divisional Sports Officer Multan Atta ur Rehman Khan said the government was providing increasing opportunities for young people to participate in sports. He said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif envisioned youth as the guarantee of a bright future for the country, adding that a healthy and positive environment was essential for enabling young people to develop their abilities and represent Pakistan at the international level.
Former Member of the National Assembly Tariq Rasheed said the government aimed to see hospitals empty and sports grounds bustling with activity. He said young athletes were being provided opportunities to showcase their abilities and engage in positive activities.
Director Social Welfare Multan Mazhar Abbas said encouraging young people to participate in sports was essential to protecting them from negative activities and channeling their potential in a positive direction. He appreciated the Sports Department for organising competitions that provided children with a healthy environment and opportunities to demonstrate their skills.
The ceremony was attended by Tariq Rasheed, Mazhar Abbas, Atta ur Rehman Khan, District Sports Officer Multan Adnan Naeem, District Sports Officer Khanewal Muhammad Hafeez, District Sports Officer Vehari Asim Bhatti, District Sports Officer Lodhran Sajid Mahmood, Tehsil Sports Officer Multan Noor Khan Qaisrani, Farooq Latif and divisional coaches Dr Adnan Mirza, Shahid Latif and Nasir Hussain, among others.
At the conclusion of the event, the distinguished guests distributed gold, silver and bronze medals among male and female players who excelled in different categories. Multan received the championship trophy, while Khanewal was awarded the runner-up trophy.