Ghani Ur Rehman
PESHAWAR : The All Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muay Thai Championship has commenced in Peshawar. Organised by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muay Thai Association, the championship was inaugurated by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Director General of Sports Ashfaq Khan at the Boxing Arena of Qayyum Stadium.
Provincial Muay Thai Association President Ilyas Afridi, Secretary General Inayatullah and other sports personalities were also present at the opening ceremony.
Athletes from various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are participating in the championship and showcasing their skills in different categories. The opening ceremony featured a march-past by the participating athletes, followed by the formal commencement of the competitions with a series of bouts.
Addressing the ceremony, Director General of Sports Ashfaq Khan said that promoting sports and providing young people with opportunities to engage in healthy activities were among the top priorities of the Sports Department. He said Muay Thai was a well-established and rapidly growing sport, adding that the province’s youth possessed immense talent in the discipline.
He said such competitions not only provided athletes with opportunities to demonstrate their abilities but also encouraged the emergence of new talent.
“Sports are an excellent means of engaging young people in positive activities, instilling discipline and promoting a healthy environment in society,” Ashfaq Khan said. He added that the government and the Sports Department would continue to extend all possible support for the promotion of sports activities across the province.
Provincial Muay Thai Association President Ilyas Afridi said comprehensive measures were being taken to promote Muay Thai in the province. He said the participation of athletes from various districts was evidence of the talent available in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Afridi stressed the need to provide talented athletes with opportunities to advance at the national and international levels.
Provincial Muay Thai Association Secretary General Inayatullah said extensive preparations had been made for the championship and that the competitions were proceeding successfully. He said the participation of athletes from different districts had further enhanced the significance of the event.
He added that the association aimed to promote Muay Thai at the grassroots level and identify emerging talent.
Inayatullah said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s youth possessed tremendous sporting potential and needed proper training, facilities and maximum opportunities to participate in competitions. He also thanked all institutions, officials, coaches and athletes for their cooperation in organising the championship.
Thrilling bouts are continuing during the championship, while a large number of sports enthusiasts are arriving at the Boxing Arena to watch the competitions.
