Pakistan, Kazakhstan join hands to promote Qazaq Kuresi
Pakistan took a major step Monday towards promoting the traditional sport of Qazaq Kuresi as the Pakistan Qazaq Kuresi Federation (PQKF), in collaboration with the Qazaq Kuresi Association of Kazakhstan, launched the International Qazaq Kuresi Coaching and Athlete Development Programme at the Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.
The seven-day programme was inaugurated by Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin. The opening ceremony was attended by Colonel Nabeel Ahmed Rana, Deputy Director of the Army Fitness and Sports Directorate, Major Naveed Afzal, Secretary General of the Pakistan Qazaq Kuresi Federation, Kazakh expert coaches Damir Budanbekov and Nurzhan Kondybayev, along with athletes, coaches and officials.
Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin said Kazakhstan is keen to further expand sports cooperation with Pakistan. He noted that the establishment of the Dostyk Sports Centre reflects the shared commitment of both countries to promoting sports diplomacy and strengthening bilateral relations through sports. He expressed hope that Pakistani athletes would qualify for and excel at future Olympic Games, bringing pride to the nation on the international stage.
Speaking on the occasion, Major Naveed Afzal said the initiative reflects the growing friendship and sports cooperation between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. He reaffirmed that the Pakistan Qazaq Kuresi Federation is fully committed to promoting the sport across the country by providing every possible facility, world-class training opportunities and international exposure to emerging players, coaches and officials.
He said the collaboration with Kazakhstan would play a vital role in improving technical standards, developing local talent and creating new opportunities for Pakistani athletes to compete at the international level.
He added that the partnership would further strengthen sports ties between the two friendly countries and pave the way for long-term cooperation in athlete and coach development.
By: ZUBAIR QURESHI
