SANO: Japan and Pakistan have been enjoying very cordial relations for the last six decades which can be further boosted through frequent exchange of sports teams between the two countries.
This was stated by Pakistan's Ambassador to Japan Noor Muhammad Jadmani, while speaking before start of a cricket match between Pakistan Women A team and Japan Women's National Team in the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Cup.
The event jointly organized by Pakistan Embassy, Pakistan Peoples Party Japan chapter and Pakistani community in Japan, is an important event of year-long celebrations to mark 60th anniversary of establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations.
The Ambassador said both the countries have centuries old people-to-people contacts when Budhist monks and emissaries travelled from the present day Pakistan to almost all major countries in Far East, including Japan. The new generation of the two countries, particularly young sportsmen, should further cement those ties, he added.
He said sports could be used as an effective tool to promote peace and harmony at global level and boost bilateral relations between different countries. In the prevailing complicated international politics, sports should be utilized as an important vehicle for positive change, he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Tochigi Prefecture, Mr. Fukuda, expressed his gratitude to the Pakistan Embassy and the community for arranging a mega event here. Such sports interactions can further enhance the friendly relations and will provide opportunities to the youngsters to have first hand knowledge of each other's culture and traditions, he added.
In the twenty-20 match, the Pakistan Women Team set a target of 97 for eight, while Japan in chase could only score 71 runs for five. Pakistan won by 27 runs.
Later Ambassador alongwith Sano City Mayor, Mr. Okabe, gave away prizes to the teams.
A large nunmber of Pakistanis living in Japan were present to encourage their team.
Earlier, in the morning a friendship match of limited hours was played between Ambassador's XI and Japan National Men Cricket Team. Pakistan won the twenty-20 match by narrow margin scoring 183 for 5 and dismiising Japan for 182.
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