LAHORE/CHANDIGARH: India and Pakistan today rewrote another chapter in history of strengthening Indo-Pak Sports relations as Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Punjab Shahbaz Sharif jointly inaugurated 8 Day Punjab Youth Festival-2012 and Dosti Cup for deaf and dumb teams.
Sukhbir Singh Badal described it a historic day in the history of India and Pakistan and Shahbaz Sharif termed it a golden letter day in Indo-Pak Sports relations. Speaking on the occasion, the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister said that he had been endervouring since last years to promote traditional games especially between India and Pakistan as he described sports as the most effective confidence building measure.
Badal said that two World Cup Kabaddi Tournaments organized by Punjab Government has reiterated the resolve of people of both countries to regain the glory in traditional games of Asia and make collective efforts for that.
He said that his relations between both countries and said that Dosti Cup would bring India and Pakistan together to hone their sports talent. Sharif, CM of Pakistan’s Punjab welcoming Punjab Deputy Chief Minister’s efforts said that he was so enthused by the initiatives of Badal that he would personally go as Chief Guest in the third edition of ensuing World Cup Kabaddi to be held in Bathinda on December 15, 2012.
He said that the ‘Joint Business Committee’ constituted by both Punjab’s would boost trade and commerce through Wagah border. Sharif said that 27 countries would vie for athletic (male) 8 events, athletics (female) 8 events, Badminton male and female, Football, Table Tennis male and female category. He said that India and Pakistan would test their talent in Hockey, Kabaddi, Tug of War and Wrestling.
Sharif said that in Dosti Cup, Deaf and Dumb teams of India and Pakistan would clash in Cricket, Kabaddi, Wrestling, Badminton male and female, Table Tennis and Chess. Sharif said that it was for the first time that a big contingent of 1,381 players plus their coaches and managers have descended on the soil of Pakistan for these games.
Earlier the whole National Hockey Stadium was lit up with laser show as famous compere Shahir Lodhi built up the mega show. Badal and Sharif took salute from the contingent of 27 Countries as they participated in march past in their country colours. The games would continue up to November 15, 2012.
