‘Pak athletes’ hard work not to be wasted’

ISLAMABAD: Japanese Ambassador Kuninori Matsuda has expressed his support for Pakistani athletes who were preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, saying their hard work would not be wasted.

Registering his comments on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Japanese government’s decision to postpone the Olympic Games for a year, he said such a decision was inevitable.

“I am really concerned about Pakistan athletes who have been working hard to get into peak form for Olympics. I hope that the hard work they have put in will pay off when the Games are held next year. Please continue your preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games with renewed zeal and spirit,” he advised athletes.

Matsuda expressed his gratitude to Pakistan Olympic Association President Lt General (r) Syed Arif Hasan for his support. “Japan is determined to further support Pakistan in the field of sports and we are looking forward to further cooperating with POA,” he said.

The ambassador hoped that COVID-19 would be defeated through collective efforts of the international community, and assured Pakistan of his support in the face of this global challenge.