'Sports curb inclination of youth towards negative activities'

Professor Dr Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman, Vice Chancellor, Government College University Lahore, said on Friday that sports and co-curricular activities must be promoted in all educational institutions as they play a crucial role in the training of students.
He was speaking during his visit to the Gymnastic Sports Summer Camp organised by the university's Directorate of Sports to impart professional training to sportsmen free-of-cost. GCU Chairman Sports Board Professor Dr Ikramul Haq, Director Sports Khadim Ali Khan and Registrar Anjum Nisar were also present on the occasion.
Talking to sportsmen, the Vice Chancellor said sports activities have a profound effect on the physical fitness and mental health of students, which ultimately enhances their capabilities and efficiency, besides it also teaches tolerance and create an environment of competition.
Professor Khaleeq strongly dispelled the impression that sportsmen have nothing to do with education, saying that sportsmen are the true diplomats and their actions, statements and public behaviour cast huge effect on the image of their country. He said a well-educated and cultured sportsman can play a vital role in uplifting the image of his country at the international level. Professor Khaleeq called upon the sportsmen to give proper time to their studies also, saying that quality education is as important for sportsmen as for anybody else.
He said GCU has a healthy tradition of excellence in the field of sports, adding that he would also encourage sports and co-curricular activities in the university besides research and education. The Vice Chancellor said that promotion of sports will ultimately curb the inclination of youth towards negative activities and deter them from getting swept off their feet by retrogressive forces.
"Rather than getting frustrated by the ominous trends of society, students should engage themselves in sports and raise the national emblem in all international sports events," he added. Professor Khaleeq expressed immense pleasure on the participation of school children in the Gymnastic Sports Summer Camp, saying that these young boys are future of the country and they must be provided all kind of facilities at GCU. He directed the Director Sports to provide juices and fruits to these young sportsmen after training.