MARDAN: The Sports and Tourism Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa unveiled the logo and trophy of the mega sports competitions at Mardan Sports Complex on Wednesday.
Deputy Secretary Sports Adil Safi, Director General Sports Rasheeda Ghaznavi, Director Tariq Mehmood, Mardan Division Commissioner Zakir Hussain, Deputy Commissioner Imran Sheikh, local sports department officials, representatives of local government and a large number of people were present on the occasion.
The commissioner lauded the endeavours of the Sports Department for the promotion of games in the province in this critical phase of its history. Deputy Secretary Sports Adil Safi said the unveiling of logo and trophy was meant to create awareness among the under-23 players, fans and spectators of various games to participate and watch the spectacular competitions. He said Rs74 million budget had been earmarked for the promotion of games in the province.
Like Mardan division, the unveiling of logo and trophy ceremonies would be held in other divisions to formally inaugurate the thrilling sports galas.The sports competitions would start by the 3rd week of February and conclude in the final week of March right before the commencement of Quaid-e-Azam national games.
Over 5,000 players are expected to participate in the thrilling competitions. The men and women would be given equal opportunities in the sports. The games for men will include cricket, football, volleyball, hockey, squash, badminton, table tennis, boxing, athletics, gymnastic, judo, Karate and Taekwondo.
Cricket, netball, hockey, basketball, squash, badminton, table tennis, athletic, judo, wushu and taekwondo will be for women. The plan for successful arrangements of the games has already been completed. An assistant commissioner at every district would be the focal person for the events. The department has adopted a three-pronged strategy for the games. The grounds would be developed for the games, players introduced and promoted and they would be provided equipment. The provincial government has already decided to set up a ground at every tehsil. At least 75 grounds would be established at the 75 tehsils of the province while work on 33 of them is already in progress.