Railways determined to play its part in sports promotion

LAHORE: Pakistan Railways is determined to play its constructive role in the development and promotion of a true sports culture in the country by enlarging its sports base with the inclusion of fresh blood in various sports disciplines.

This was stated by Pakistan Railways Sports Board (PRSB) President Shahid Aziz while talking to the media here on Thursday. He said that there was a visible decline in the standard of sport in last few years but PRSB is making passionate efforts to regain its past glory in national sports with the inclusion of upcoming talented sportspersons.

When asked about the 2% sports quota was not implemented in the past, Aziz said that PRSB had already put up a summary to the top management in this regard and after its approval it would provide jobs to deserving talent and sportspersons. PRSB chief further said that teams in various sports disciplines were being strengthened and added that Railways would vigorously participate in the forthcoming National Games in Peshawar and training camps for the preparation were in progress

PRSB Vice-President Hamdan Nazir informed that Pakistan Railways has applied for the membership of a France based Union Sportive Internationale Descheminots (USIC) which would help us to participate in international sports events to avoid cumbersome procedure to get permission from national sports federations.

To a question Hamdan agreed that huge funds were needed for the execution of their plans but said that sports had become an industry and PRSB would approach potential sponsors to support their aims.