Defence secy urges youth to embrace sports, highlights internet’s impact on outdoor games

ISLAMABAD: Defence Secretary Lt-Gen (retd) Muhammad Ali has said that the younger generation has distanced itself from outdoor games due to internet influence and is increasingly engrossed in mobile phones.

“We have come to view sports merely as a pastime, whereas they are a crucial activity that fosters positive tendencies in individuals,” he said on Thursday while inaugurating the Pakistan Military Accounts Department’s (PMAD) annual sports event for 2024-25 at the CMA Complex in Rawalpindi.

General Ali said that for a country of over 220 million people, the majority of whom are young, winning just one gold medal at the Olympics is not a significant achievement. In comparison, countries with smaller populations perform much better. Having a healthy and positive attitude is essential for the development of any country, and sports play an important role in promoting good health.

He said that Pakistan is a nuclear power blessed with abundant resources by Allah Almighty, so there’s no reason it can’t excel in sports. He praised Military Accountant General Kashif Ahmed Noor for initiating vibrant sports activities within his department.

Military Accountant General Kashif Ahmed Noor said that sports foster healthy activities among employees, instilling sportsmanship and a passion for work that ultimately brings pride to their department.