ISLAMABAD, Feb 03 (APP): Pakistan and Kazakhstan on Tuesday signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in sports, leadership, and youth empowerment initiatives, underscoring a significant step toward deepening people-to-people ties between the two countries.
\nThe agreements include three MoUs covering boxing, kabaddi, and chess, along with a comprehensive roadmap for the promotion and development of sports cooperation.
\nThe initiatives are expected to facilitate talent exchange, capacity building, and joint training programmes, particularly for young athletes.
\nThe MoUs were signed by World\u2019s Top Pugilist Amir Khan, Secretary Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Director General Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Yasir Pirzada, Muhammad Sarwar Rana, Honorary Secretary, Pakistan Kabaddi Federation, Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) President Nasir Tung, Hanif Qureshi, President, Chess Federation of Pakistan with the Kazakhstan delegation. PSB Deputy Director Shahid Islam and other officials were also present on the occasion.
\nSpeaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani expressed satisfaction over hosting the Kazakh delegation and welcomed the growing partnership.
\nHe said the agreements would open new avenues for Pakistani youth to engage in a wide range of healthy and competitive activities.
\n\u201cWe are extremely happy to host the Kazakhstan delegation and wish them a pleasant stay in Pakistan. These MoUs will bring forward many young talents. Our youth need sports like MMA, chess, boxing, and other healthy activities to excel. This initiative brings all sports under one roof,\u201d he remarked.
\nWani emphasized that the collaboration goes beyond sports alone, describing it as an ecosystem of shared growth and friendship. \u201cThis is not only about sports, it is about building an ecosystem. These MoUs are a project of friendship between the two countries, and the youth will benefit immensely by learning new skills,\u201d he added.
\nKazakhstan\u2019s Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek, while addressing the ceremony, said his country had arrived with a large delegation, reflecting the importance it places on cooperation with Pakistan.
\nHe highlighted Kazakhstan\u2019s strong boxing heritage and described the presence of world-renowned boxer Amir Khan as a privilege.
\n\u201cBeing a boxing nation and having one of the world\u2019s top pugilist Amir Khan, here is an honour. He is a true hero not only in Pakistan but also in Kazakhstan,\u201d he said.
\nThe Kazakh minister noted that Pakistan\u2019s young generation holds immense potential if provided with proper guidance and opportunities.
\nHe also disclosed that the President of Kazakhstan is expected to visit Pakistan, during which discussions on broader infrastructure cooperation would take place.
\nHe stressed the need for a regional approach in a rapidly changing world, noting that Pakistan and Kazakhstan share deep historical, cultural, religious, and social bonds.
\nOn the occasion, the Dostyq Sports Centre was inaugurated at the Amir Khan Boxing Complex. \u201cDostyq means friendship, and it represents the foundation of our shared culture, faith, and heritage,\u201d he said.
\nAmir Khan welcomed the initiative, calling it a visionary step toward taking boxing in Pakistan to the next level. He thanked the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for their continued support, stating that the collaboration would provide the much-needed push for sports development in the country.<\/p>\n