As Pakistan celebrates its 77th Independence Day in green and white, the nation’s sporting heroes have offered more than just congratulatory messages. These legends, whose achievements have elevated the country to the world stage, have united in a pledge to propel Pakistan to new heights in the world of sports.
In hockey fields, squash courts, boxing rings and Olympic arenas, these icons not only brought home medals and trophies, but also inspired generations to come. They have expressed a renewed commitment to steer the nation towards a brighter, more prosperous future in sports. They also pledged to uphold the legacy of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
Former hockey great Khawaja Junaid, while congratulating the nation on Independence Day, emphasized the need to focus on the grassroots to revive the national game of hockey. “Our future in hockey lies in our youth,” said Junaid, who was recently appointed as the focal point of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program on Sports. “We need to invest in our young players, giving them the training and resources they need to shine on the world stage. This Independence Day, I pledge to work towards nurturing the next generation of hockey stars,” added Khawaja, who also runs a hockey academy.
Pakistan advocate Muhammad Waseem said, “Wherever we go in the world, we recognize that there is no place like home (Pakistan). We must make our country a strong and powerful nation.” He expressed his gratitude to the country, saying: “This country has given me everything. this is my identity.”
Pakistan Taekwondo Federation President Lt Col (R) Waseem Ahmed Janjua emphasized the importance of self-belief, hard work and dedication, saying, “We must take our nation forward and feel the freedom we enjoy in our country. “
Former world squash champion Qamar Zaman said: “Pakistan has given us a lot. This is the time to work together to move our beloved country forward.” He urged the need to celebrate Independence Day with a renewed determination to make sacrifices for the safety, survival and security of the country. Recalling his achievements as a player he said: “Everything I have achieved today is because of my country. This country has given me a lot. I had the opportunity to represent Pakistan at the international level with pride.”
Former squash player Amir Atlas said: “Pakistan is our beloved country and our forefathers sacrificed a lot to have a separate homeland. We must value our freedom.” He wished all Pakistanis a “Happy Independence Day,” saying, “Pakistan Zidabad! (Long live Pakistan)’.
Tennis ace Aqeel Khan expressed his love for the country, saying, “We have our country after a lot of struggle and sacrifice. Wishing all Pakistanis a Happy Independence Day!”
Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) president Syed Sultan Shah said that sports unite countries. There is no shortage of talent in our country. We should identify this talent and polish it to win laurels at the international level.
The words and commitments of these legends offer a powerful reminder of the nation’s potential. Their voices, full of pride and determination, inspire hope that the future of sports in Pakistan can indeed be brighter than its glorious past.
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