Army chief congratulates teen for Asian athletic gold

RAWALPINDI: Army Chief General Raheel Sharif Wednesday congratulated Muhammad Afzal, a 17 years old young boy, who won the first ever gold medal for Pakistan in Asian Junior Athletics Championship, held in Doha earlier in the month.

The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) appreciated the youngster for his dedication and sense of purpose as he earned laurels for the entire nation and set an example for the Pakistani youth, said a press release issued here by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Muhammad Afzal is under training at Army School of Physical Training as part of “3rd Army Young Boys Scheme”.

This is a free scheme, which seeks young talent (12 to 14 yrs old) from across the country and trains around hundred boys each year in various sporting events, said the press release.

Besides the professional sports training, the boys are also provided free education and hostel facilities with opportunity to get enrolled in the Army subsequently.

The army chief presented Muhammad Afzal a cash award also on his outstanding achievement.