Former stalwarts honoured

KARACHI: Pakistan’s former stars in boxing, cycling and football were honoured by Sherwanis Sports Trust here on Thursday.

The trust extended financial assistance to Olympian and Asian gold medallist boxer Meherullah Lassi, South Asian Games gold medallist Rasheed Qambrani, South Asian Games gold medallist boxer Azeem Jan, cyclist Sher Haider, footballers Jan Muhammad Baloch, Muhammad Sharif and Jafar Alam and former Olympic boxing referee/judge Ali Akbar Shah.

They were also presented shields and mementos at a function at the Toyota Highway Motors premises.

Cash awards of Rs200,000 were distributed among the needy sportsmen.

The 2002 Busan Asian Games gold medalist Meherullah lauded Sherwani Trust for assisting neglected sportsmen.

“They are national heroes and deserve respect and support from the nation,” Lassi said in his speech.

He expressed the hope that more would follow the gesture and assist such former heroes.

Chairman of the trust Shujaat Sherwani said that the purpose of holding this programme was to back those needy sportsmen who were neglected despite their great achievements for Pakistan.

“We are honoured with the presence of the galaxy of international stars,” he said.

He said that it was the responsibility of the society to support these peoples who served the country in international circuit.

Shujaat also announced scholarships for talented boys and girls who are future prospects.

“Our dream is that Pakistan regain its lost glory in hockey and other sports in Asian Games and Olympics,” he said.

He said this was just a token assistance for the financially distressed athletes.

Shujaat said he was also running a free cricket academy, a hockey club and had staged motorsports rallies in Hub and Nooriabad.

Justice (rtd) Zafar Sherwani, who was the guest of honour, said he was delighted to see the past heroes of the country.