- Advertisement -
KARACHI, Oct 03 (APP): Karachi region emerged victorious in both male and female categories, showcasing exceptional performance and securing first place in the Prime Minister Youth Talent Hunt Boxing event, hosted by the University of Karachi, which concluded with resounding success here on Friday.
The event, which was initiated four months ago, was attended by around 750 male and female boxers from different districts of Sindh.
The three-day final rounds came to an end on Friday and prize distribution ceremony was held at the KU’s Chinese Teachers Memorial Auditorium.
The top three position holders in team and individual categories received cash and trophies, while Rs100,000 cash was distributed among the mentors and organizers and technical teams received commemorative shields and acknowledgements.
In the women’s team category, Karachi secured the first position, Hyderabad second and Shaheed Benazirabad got third position. In the men’s event, Karachi was the winner, Shaheed Benazirabad and Hyderabad earned second and third position respectively.
The Sindh Coordinator for the Prime Minister Youth Program, Fahad Shafiq, and the KU Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, distributed the prizes.
Speaking to the audience, Sindh Coordinator for the Prime Minister’s Youth Program Fahad Shafiq emphasized that investing in youth is not an expense. It’s an investment in the nation’s bright future.
He praised the University of Karachi’s longstanding leadership in sports activities. He informed the audience that under the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, we are providing young people with robust opportunities. These platforms allow them to showcase their talents and skills.
He mentioned that in line with the PM’s vision, the government is committed to offering equal opportunities across all sectors to empower youth for national development.
He stated that the government of Pakistan is currently allocating the highest budget towards youth development and empowerment. With nearly 70 percent of Pakistan’s population under the age of 35, our youth are the backbone of the nation. He urged them to fully utilize these initiatives and play a constructive role in building the country.
On this occasion, the KU VC Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi added that without promoting sports at the school and college level, we cannot produce quality athletes. There should be no room for gender discrimination in sports.
He stressed the importance of merit-based selection and serious governmental efforts for genuine progress in sports. “We must cultivate a sports culture in Pakistan. Alongside academic education, extracurricular activities—especially sports—should be given equal importance as they play a vital role in the physical, mental, and moral development of youth.”
He reiterated the need for gender equality in sports. He noted that women make up nearly half of our population. Without their participation, the dream of progress remains incomplete. Women must express their talents in every field, especially sports.
The KU VC Professor Dr Khalid Iraqi welcomed the Prime Minister Youth Program’s initiative at the University of Karachi, noting that such events not only help youth highlight their abilities but also instill values like discipline, resilience, and teamwork.
The event’s focal person and organizing secretary, Professor Dr Basit Ansari shared that boxing trials were held across five major regions of Sindh—Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and Shaheed Benazirabad.
Around 750 male and female athletes participated enthusiastically. Based on these trials, five male and five female teams were formed from each region, resulting in a total of 10 teams selected for the Provincial Boxing League.
He mentioned that the league matches were held at the University of Karachi’s gymnasium. Based on individual performances, two representative teams comprising gold and silver medalists will be selected to represent Sindh and Karachi University in the upcoming National League.
Earlier, KU’s Dr Syed Asim Ali added that effective measures have been taken to guide students and promote sports activities at the University of Karachi. “Our university hosts the largest student population from across the country. We are making comprehensive efforts for their academic and personal development.
These aren’t just sports competitions—they are powerful tools for empowering Pakistani youth and nurturing their physical and mental growth.”