Abbottabad: Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Sarmad Saleem Akram has said promotion of sports provides young people with healthy and constructive activities and helps protect them from social ills.
He was addressing the closing ceremony of the Independence Cup Squash Championship organised by the District Squash Association Abbottabad as part of celebrations marking the 80th Independence Day.
The DC said the organisation of the championship was a welcome initiative that would encourage young people to participate in sports and develop their talents.
He said the provincial government was taking practical measures to promote sports, encourage athletes and improve their welfare, while the district administration was also working to provide young people with better sports facilities and opportunities.
Sarmad Saleem Akram attended the ceremony as chief guest. Malik Ghulam Murtaza Awan, Masood-ur-Rehman Awan, Waqar Maroof and other prominent personalities were also present.
In the Veterans final, Sulaiman Khan defeated Sardar Arif Mahmood 3-1 to claim the title, while Abbas Khan beat Dr Naveed 11-3, 11-9 and 11-8 in the Open category final.
Shah Mir defeated Rania Qazi in the Emerging category, while Ubaid overcame Mahmood in the Under-9 category.
At the end of the ceremony, the Deputy Commissioner distributed medals and trophies among the successful players and appreciated their performances.
