AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Peshawar, The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Table Tennis Provincial League, an initiative under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC), was officially inaugurated today at Qayum Stadium by Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of PMYP. This league marks a significant step towards engaging the youth in sports to enhance their skills and resilience against societal challenges.
According to Press Information Department, Chairman Khan, during his opening address, highlighted the league’s role in empowering Pakistani youth to tackle 21st-century challenges, including terrorism and climate change. He emphasized the mental and physical benefits of table tennis, noting its potential to teach discipline, focus, and the ability to thrive under pressure.
The league is part of a broader effort by the PMYP to provide equal opportunities for sports participation across the nation. Khan announced that trials had already been conducted in major districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Bannu, Swat, Hazara, and Mardan, selecting top male and female table tennis players aged 15 to 25.
Furthermore, Khan revealed plans for a Sports Endowment Fund and stated that the selected players would have the chance to compete in national leagues and potentially advance to represent Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the South Asian Games and other international competitions. Training camps for these events are expected to be organized soon.
The event concluded with the distinguished guests meeting and encouraging the players, symbolizing the government’s support for the youth and the role of sports in fostering a more peaceful, tolerant, and healthy society.