MoU signed to promote sports in KP

PESHAWAR: The Higher Education Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Zalmi Foundation on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) as part of a strategy to promote sports and healthy activities in the province.

This partnership will see the launch of a women’s cricket championship aimed at forming a provincial women’s cricket team that will compete in national tournaments. The initiative aligns with the province’s commitment to achieving relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), said a handout.

A ceremony to this end was held at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar, with Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur as chief guest. Other attendees included cabinet members Mina Khan Afridi, Adnan Qadri, and Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, along with members of the national and provincial assemblies, government officials, and representatives from the Zalmi Foundation, including notable former cricket players Mohammad Akram, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Kamran Akmal.

The Women’s Cricket Championship is scheduled to be held from November 26-30 at the Hayatabad Sports Complex, featuring eight teams from the provincial capital and seven divisions. Each team will consist of students, with 50% representing colleges and 50% from universities. The MoU also encompasses the development of sports infrastructure, including the preparation of pitches and provision of facilities at various grounds. Additionally, it also includes a digital skills program with vocational training workshops. The agreement outlines plans for a ski festival at Malam Jabba to promote adventure tourism and healthy activities. A winter festival at Chitral University is also planned to boost educational tourism and showcase local arts, culture, and traditions.

Speaking on this occasion, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur highlighted the importance of this partnership in fostering healthy activities and expressed appreciation for the Zalmi Foundation’s cooperation. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting this initiative, saying, “Our girls are our asset, and whenever given a chance, they have made the nation proud.”