KARACHI: The Sports Journalists Association of Sindh’s (SJAS) President, Secretary and the executive committee have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for lifting the ban on the departmental sports in the country. SJAS President, Asif Khan said that SJAS, along with its members, has always raised its voice for the betterment of sports and sportsperson. Barring departmental sports was not a wise move which put a lot of pressure on around 30 thousand athletes and their families. The announcement by the Prime Minister has brought joy to these athletes. Secretary SJAS, Shahid Saati is of the opinion that SJAS is the only association, in the country, which raised voice for the restoration of departmental sports and organised a seminar, on June 29, for the purpose, which turned out to be a milestone to ultimately achieve the goal.

Former Test cricketer, Iqbal Qasim, former Hockey Captain, Olympian Islahuddin, former member of the governing board, Pakistan Cricket Board, Professor Ejaz Farooqi, Senior sports journalists, Waheed Khan, Mirza Iqbal Baig, Khalid Mehmood, Chairman PBSA, Alamgir Sheikh,  National Football coach, Nasir Ismael, Vice President, Sindh Olympic Association, Engineer Mehfooz-ul-Haq were amongst the attendees in the National Conference. The all sketched the hardships faced by athletes in the absence of departments at their back, they had also appealed to the Prime Minister to revive sports in departments. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 27 2022

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