LAHORE - Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram Monday said the country had achieved remarkable milestones on sports arena in just 67 years and it was quite a commendable feat for the nation.
Speaking during the launching ceremony of book “Pakistan Sports Achievements in Asia 1947-2013” edited and compiled by senior sports journalist Muhammad Ali, Wasim said it was heartening that Pakistan sportsmen gave the county many moments of pride and lasted their imprints with authority in almost every sport.
Wasim was chief guest at the ceremony and was accompanied by his wife Shaniera Thompson, former PCB chief Zaka Ashraf, POA chief Lt Gen (R) Arif Hasan and senior journalist and editor Rashid Rehman as guest of honours. Many sports stars including Amir Sohail, Salman Butt, Shahnaz Sheikh and media persons also attended the graceful opening ceremony. Wasim’s wife Shaniera cut the ribbon to officially launch the book.
Wasim praised the effort of Ali and said he was very much pleased the way the writer has highlighted the sports other than cricket too. He said he was inspired by the sports heroes like Hasan Sardar, Shahnaz Sheikh, Jahangir Khan and many others. He termed legendary Jahangir Khan his true sports hero and said no other athlete of any sports in the world could emulate the feats the great Khan has achieved in the arena of squash.
He said the sportsmen are source of inspiration for the youth and they could learn a lot from their success stories. Ali, while thanking the guests, said he has made an effort to highlight the glittering journey of Pakistan sports not only to admire them but also to ignite the passion among the youth to strive for achieving glories not only for themselves but also for the country.