39th National Day of Iran Men & Women Archery Championship begins

F.P. Report

PESHAWAR: In connection with the 39th National Day of Islamic Republic of Iran Men and Women Archery Championship got under way here at Qayyum Sports Complex amidst great fun and joys.

Consul General of the Consulate General of Islamic Republic of Iran H.E Muhammad Baqir Begai was the chief guest on this occasion who formally inaugurated the thrilling event by hitting a target from the 50m distance in the Championship. The Championship is being jointly organized by Consulate General of Iran, Pakistan Archery Federation, Sports Writers Association KP and Directorate of Sports KP here with 45 male and female archers are taking part.

Former World Champion Qamar Zaman, Secretary General Pakistan Army Federation Muhammad Wisal Khan, Second Consul Syed Ebrahim Dehnadi, Imtiaz Ahmad, Members of the Consulate General, Head of KP Archery Academy Sara Khan, players, officials and large number of spectators were also present.

The ceremony was started with the recitation from the Holy Quran by Hassan Rehmani, followed by National Anthems of the Isamic Republic of Iran and Islamic Republic of Pakistan by the Police Band. Speaking on this occasion Consulate General Islamic Republic of Iran H.E Muhammad Baqir Beigi said that the bilateral tied between Iran and Pakistan are beneficial for the people of both countries.

Claiming that Pakistan-Iran relations are bound by historical and religious linkages, Mr. Muhammad Baqir Beigi said, adding, “I am here to open a new page in Pak-Iran relationships.” He said, our relations have a historical connection, apart from being neighbouring countries, we both are Muslim countries and have common traditions and relations based. He said the sporting tied would be further cemented between the two brotherly countries and such activity would boost the brotherly relations between the two countries.

He reiterated his commitment to enhance the bilateral trade between the two countries and they exchange of players to players contact would benefit. He said there is lot of scope of increasing the sports relations so that the youth of both the countries would get benefit from each other expertise.

He said that peace in the region is our common goal and Iran would support Pakistan to develop and become secure. He disclosed that last year on the Iran’s National Day celebration they organized Table Tennis event and this time decided to hold the Archery event.

“We are also support the squash event as well and promised that the Consulate General and Culture Center of Islamic Republic of Iran Peshawar would organized squash event in four different age groups categories comprising Under-11, Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 and a female Under-15,” Muhammad Baqir Beigi added. He said in connection with the National Day of Iran a food festival, event for orphans and children are also progress in Culture Center Peshawar.

Earlier, in his welcome address Secretary General Pakistan Archery Federation Muhammad Wisal Khan lauded Muhammad Baqir Beigi for taking keen interest in holding different sports activities in connection with the National Day of Iran. He said players from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are taking part in the Archery event being played on three different categories – boys, girls and special boys and girls. The prize distribution ceremony will be organized on Thursday at 3.00 p.m.