Practical steps under way to nurture new talent in Punjab: minister

LAHORE: Inaugurating the 7th National Kickboxing Championship 2026, Provincial Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the provincial government was taking practical measures to promote sports, provide modern sporting facilities and create maximum opportunities for youth to participate in sporting activities.

Organized by the Pakistan Kickboxing Federation (PKBF) under the platforms of the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) and WAKO Asia, the championship features more than 180 male and female athletes showcasing their skills and competitive abilities.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that hosting the 7th National Kickboxing Championship in Lahore was an important step towards promoting sports in Punjab and providing athletes with opportunities to demonstrate their talent at the national level.

He said the participation of a large number of male and female athletes from across Pakistan reflected the country’s immense sporting talent and the enthusiasm of young people to excel in different disciplines.

Malik Faisal Ayub added that the Punjab government was committed to nurturing young talent and enabling athletes to represent Pakistan with distinction at national and international competitions. He said that kickboxing not only enhances physical strength but also develops mental toughness, discipline, self-confidence, endurance and the ability to make decisions under challenging circumstances. Such sports play an important role in engaging young people in healthy activities and channelising their energies towards constructive pursuits, he added.

He stated that the Punjab government was paying special attention to providing women with equal opportunities in sports and encouraging their participation. He expressed the hope that female athletes would continue to demonstrate their abilities in national and international competitions.

Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar further said that national-level competitions play a vital role in identifying emerging talent, encouraging athletes and improving the overall standard of sports in Pakistan. He noted that athletes delivering outstanding performances in the championship would have an opportunity to further polish their skills and prepare for representing Pakistan in international competitions.

The Provincial Minister congratulated the Pakistan Kickboxing Federation and the organizers on arranging the championship and expressed confidence that athletes would deliver impressive performances during the three-day event. He said the championship would contribute significantly to the promotion and development of kickboxing in Pakistan.

The inaugural ceremony also featured various cultural performances. President of the Pakistan Kickboxing Federation, Syed Shehryar Ali, also addressed the participants.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026