Hazara players welfare forum honors Int’l success of talented female athletes

ABBOTTABAD
Former Director General of the Sports Department, Tariq Mahmood, is highly regarded for his immense contributions to the development of sports in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Not only a skilled sports leader and administrator, Tariq Mahmood himself was an accomplished athlete. His efforts have played a key role in promoting sports across the province, particularly in the Hazara region. Even after his retirement, Mahmood continues to work tirelessly for the welfare of athletes.
Recently, a prestigious ceremony was held in honor of four female international athletes from the Hazara region to recognize their remarkable achievements. The event took place in the beautiful city of Abbottabad, attended by notable figures from the sports community, officials, and athletes. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Syed Imtiaz Hussain Shah, Senior Member of the Board of Revenue, as the chief guest, with Hazara Commissioner Syed Zaheer-ul-Islam Shah presiding over the event.
At this event, squash players Rania Qazi and Nimra Rehman, as well as Taekwondo athletes Kainat Latif and Hadiya Naseem, all hailing from Abbottabad, were awarded cash prizes of PKR 100,000 each for their outstanding representation of Pakistan on the international stage. These awards were a testament to their hard work, dedication, and exemplary performances. Kainat Latif and Hadiya Naseem recently showcased their talent at the Taekwondo Championship in Bangkok, winning silver and bronze medals, respectively—an achievement that speaks volumes of their commitment and skill. Similarly, Rania Qazi excelled in the Under-19 category of the Asian Junior Squash Championship, while Nimra Rehman reached the quarterfinals of the Asian Junior Under-15 event.
These accomplishments are a source of immense pride, not only for the athletes themselves but for their region and country as well. The event was more than just a celebration of these athletes’ achievements; it was aimed at encouraging young athletes and reminding them that their hard work and determination never go unnoticed. During the ceremony, the athletes expressed their gratitude to the officials of the Hazara Players Welfare Forum, who have consistently supported and provided them with a platform to grow.
Tariq Mahmood’s role in the event was especially significant. Along with his close friend, Malik Ghulam Murtaza Awan, Mahmood founded the Hazara Players Welfare Forum, which not only safeguards the rights of athletes but also plays a crucial role in their training and development. Through their efforts, new opportunities have been created for the promotion of sports in the Hazara region. In his speech, Syed Imtiaz Hussain Shah and Commissioner Hazara Syed Zaheer-ul-Islam Shah commended the athletes for their hard work and successes, noting that these players are raising the country’s flag high on the global stage.
They assured the government’s commitment to providing every possible support to young athletes in their endeavors. Malik Ghulam Murtaza Awan, Chairman of the Forum, stressed the importance of guiding and nurturing the new generation, emphasizing that it is our responsibility to mentor athletes. He added that promoting sports not only keeps youth engaged in positive activities but also steers them away from destructive paths.
Former DG Sports, Tariq Mahmood, also addressed the gathering, presenting a detailed report on the performance of athletes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly those from the Hazara region. He remarked that the improvement in these athletes’ performances is a positive sign, and he believes they will achieve even greater success in the future. Tariq Mahmood further noted that various programs under the Forum are being conducted, including training sessions for athletes, health awareness initiatives, and organizing competitions. He advised young athletes to remain persistent in their efforts and to always believe in their abilities.
This ceremony was a historic moment that not only celebrated the achievements of Hazara’s athletes but also paved the way for their bright future. The efforts of Malik Ghulam Murtaza Awan, Tariq Mahmood, and their associates have not only motivated the athletes but also provided them with a strong platform to hone their skills. It is hoped that with their determination and dedication, the name of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue to shine, and these athletes will secure further international victories in the future.