ATIF IQBAL, has lauded the impressive performances of Pakistan’s youth teams across various sports

By: Aziz Khatri

KARACHI: In a heartfelt endorsement of Pakistan's burgeoning sports talent, Atif Iqbal, Chairman of RK Sports Management, has praised the outstanding performances of the country’s youth teams in a range of sporting disciplines. Speaking to reporters, Iqbal highlighted the impressive achievements of the women's football team, netball team, squash athletes, and hockey players in various international competitions.

He offered his congratulations to the sports federations responsible for nurturing this talent, noting that the dedication and hard work have clearly paid off. “Pakistan is currently showcasing exceptional talent in numerous sporting events,” Iqbal stated, singling out the significant advancements made by the women’s football team, which has established itself on international platforms.

Iqbal also commended the young squash players who have excelled in the Under-13 and Under-15 Asian Junior competitions, emphasizing their promise for the future. Additionally, he pointed out the Under-18 hockey team's commendable achievement of securing second place in a recent tournament in Malaysia, alongside the netball team’s victory in the Plate Division Cup final of the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship.

Looking ahead, Atif Iqbal expressed optimism regarding the trajectory of sports in Pakistan, especially in the wake of the Prime Minister’s Talent Hunt Program. He believes this initiative has the potential to significantly bolster sports development and create more opportunities for young athletes to represent Pakistan on the global stage.

Iqbal urged that the Talent Hunt Program should encompass all sporting disciplines, rather than being limited to just a select few. He called on the government to officially recognize and reward athletes who have brought pride to the nation through their international successes, stressing the importance of state-level encouragement and incentives for these talented players. 

With passionate visionaries like Atif Iqbal championing youth sports, the future looks bright for Pakistan’s emerging athletes.