PROVINCE REPORT
PESHAWAR: The first-ever Defence & Martyrs Day Swimming Gala was held on 14 September at Qayum Sports Complex, Peshawar, with a large number of swimmers from Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan and Kohat participating in the event.
The gala was organised by the Regional Sports Office Peshawar in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Swimming Association (KPSA). Swimmers from different age categories, including beginners and Under-10, Under-12 and Under-15 groups, showcased their skills in various swimming events.
The competition provided young swimmers with an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, gain competitive experience and attract attention to emerging talent in the province. The event was also organised to pay tribute to the martyrs of the 1965 war.
In the Under-15 category, Aizaz Akhtar dominated the 50-metre events, securing first position in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. Sikandar Ali and Jawad also performed prominently in the freestyle and breaststroke events, while Syed Hassan Ali Shah and Syed Hussain Ali Shah secured positions in the breaststroke and butterfly events respectively.
In the Under-12 category, Fawad won the 50-metre freestyle, followed by Abdullah, while Ali U Zaman and Azlaan shared the third position. In the 50-metre backstroke, Abdullah secured first position, Fawad second and Ali U Zaman third.
The Under-10 category also witnessed enthusiastic participation. In the 50-metre freestyle, Mohid Yasir took first position, Mahad Afzal second and Hammad third. In the 50-metre backstroke, Mahad Afzal secured first position, Shaheer Yasir second and Mohid Yasir third.
Among the newcomers and beginners, Saqib secured first position in the 50-metre freestyle, followed by Hammad and Sanan.
Speaking on the occasion, Regional Sports Officer Peshawar Ahmad Zaman said that more such events would be organised in the future to encourage young swimmers and provide them with opportunities to compete at higher levels.
He appreciated the Directorate of Sports and KPSA for their all-out support in making the event successful and ensuring the participation of a large number of swimmers.
KPSA General Secretary Javed Marwat appreciated the Regional Sports Office for arranging the gala and promoting swimming through such activities. He particularly acknowledged the efforts of Mubeeen Ahmad Khalil and Arshad Khan Orakzai, saying they conducted the event in a professional manner.
The successful gala provided young swimmers from across the province with a platform to compete, gain experience and showcase their talent while paying tribute to the martyrs of 1965.
