LAHORE: Punjab Sports Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar has called for Sialkot’s active participation in the upcoming CM Punjab Youth Games, assuring the city’s business community of government support for organising sporting events and developing young talent.
The minister made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce, where participants discussed arrangements for sports competitions in the city and opportunities to strengthen collaboration between the government and business community.
Sialkot Chamber of Commerce President Khawar Hussain, Vice President Chaudhry Jahangir and Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi attended the meeting.
Khokhar said the CM Punjab Youth Games, being organised under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, would provide young athletes with opportunities to demonstrate their abilities, improve their skills and pursue competitive sports.
He stressed that Sialkot should play an active role in the provincial event, adding that participation from the city could help broaden the Games’ reach and identify promising athletes.
The minister assured the delegation that the Punjab Sports Board (PSB) would extend full cooperation in organising sports competitions in Sialkot in coordination with the chamber.
He said the provincial government was committed to expanding sporting opportunities for young people and creating an environment in which emerging athletes could develop their potential.
Khokhar also highlighted the role of the business community in supporting sports and other community development initiatives, saying stronger cooperation between public institutions and private-sector organisations could help promote participation among young people.
During the meeting, chamber representatives invited the minister to visit Sialkot. Khokhar accepted the invitation and said he would visit the city soon.
The discussions focused on expanding local sporting activities and strengthening Sialkot’s involvement in the upcoming provincial youth competition.