Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

Sports Can Help Bring About Peace: Zakhilwal

Sports Can Help Bring About Peace: Zakhilwal

KABUL - Finance Minister Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal, also the patron of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), says that sports -- specially cricket -- could play a key role in bringing peace and stability to the country.
He was addressing a reception ceremony in Kabul last night for the national team, which returned from the United Arab Emirates after qualifying for the T-twenty World Cup.

The World T20 qualifiers took place at Sharjah and Dubai international stadiums in the UAE, where the Afghan team also defeated Holland in a Test match.
Organized by the Etisalat telecom company, the welcome ceremony was also attended by national team members, ACB Chief Executive Nasimulah Danish, ecretary Shahzada Masood, Wolesi Jirga members, government officials and fans.

Zakhilwal praised the squad's recent achievements, saying that Afghan men, women and youth -- irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds -- were proud of it.
He said it was a matter of pride for Afghanistan, despite meagre resources and a lack of proper playgrounds, to defeat cricket powers. He added sports could help achieve peace and strike unity.

Even the armed opposition supported the cricketers during international events, he said, adding sports were the only way to keep the youth busy and prevent them from drug addiction and other undesired activities.
ACB Secretary Shahzada Masood said the team had been able to defeat strong rivals, calling the humiliating defeat inflicted on China a world record.

Deputy information and culture minister, Ghulam Nabi Farahi said the success of the team was a matter of pride and delight for Afghans.
"Under a well-thought-out plan, we will send our team to the T-20 World Cup that will place in Sri Lanka six months later," said Danish.

The Etisalat company gave away gifts to players and the Shams London Academy announced 16 education scholarships for them.
Skipper Nawroz Khan Mangle thanked the Telecom Company and participants of the ceremony, saying that such encouraging efforts would lend them more energy and motivation to play even better. (Pajhwok)