RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa met national sportsmen, who represented Pakistan at the Tokyo Olympics, on Wednesday, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
According to the military’s media wing, Arshad Nadeem (javelin throw), Talha Talib (weightlifting), Havaldar Muhammad Khalil Akhtar (shooting), and sepoy Ghulam Joseph (shooting) called on Gen Bajwa to thank the army chief for “recognition of their efforts”.
During the meeting, the army chief appreciated the efforts of the Olympics athletes, saying their struggle inspired the entire nation, especially the youth. “Army has always supported sports in Pakistan,” Bajwa said as he assured them of support in future tournaments.
“Representing Pakistan at the international level is not only honour for you but it also brings pride to the nation,” Gen Bajwa told the athletes. All national athletes thanked the COAS for his interaction with them and recognition of their efforts.
Earlier this month, a parliamentary committee had summoned the officials of the Pakistan Olympics Association (POA) over poor performance in the Tokyo games where the country was not able to grab a single medal with 10 Olympians competing in the event.
The Senate Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination had also formed a committee comprising Mushtaq Ahmed, Sikandar Mandhro, and Rana Maqbool Ahmed, to look into the affairs of the federation and elections.
