PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur met with football player Muhammad Riaz from Hangu on Thursday.
Muhammad Riaz has represented Pakistan in international football competitions, but he had recently been working at a local shop for his livelihood. After a video went viral on social media, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur took notice and invited him to the Chief Minister’s House for a meeting, said a handout.
The chief minister presented Muhammad Riaz with a financial assistance cheque of Rs1 million and appointed him as a football coach under the Department of Sports. Provincial Minister for Sports, Fakhar Jahan, was also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister stated that athletes like Muhammad Riaz are valuable assets to the nation and need proper support. He said the provincial government would fully encourage and support such talented youth. Gandapur said that instead of focusing on only a few specific sports, the provincial government was taking steps to promote all kinds of sports. Along with mainstream sports, the government is also organizing activities to promote regional and traditional games, providing young people with opportunities to showcase their talents.
He assured that the provincial government would not only encourage talented athletes but also provide them with all possible support.Muhammad Riaz expressed his gratitude to the chief minister for inviting him and for extending generous support.