Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination Ahsan Iqbal vowed to uplift sports in the country. Addressing the national conference in connection with the revival of sports, Iqbal said: "2025 has been declared the year of revitalization of the sports in the country." He emphasized the need for mental strength in a bid to emerge victorious, saying, "The victory not only comes on the field but from the mindset." "The steps are being taken to also promote institutional sports," he said. Iqbal said: "The premier has given me an additional portfolio of sports. The conference is quite important." "Two countries [Pakistan and India] will be held accountable for their completion of 100 years of independence in 2047," he said. Taking an indirect jibe at the political opponents, Iqbal said: "If any nation is deemed corrupt, it really faces defeat."

Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Butt said that the Green Shirts were ready to beat Japan in the next event. Expressing his thoughts during the event hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Butt expressed satisfaction with the team's performance in the recently held Azlan Shah Cup. "The team showed good performance. I do not feel that my team lacked something." Meanwhile, Sufyan Khan said: "There was no difficulty during the tournament with the inclusion of the senior players and skipper." "I am feeling that I am watching a dream. The previous premier had closed all the departments," Sufyan said. On the other side, expressing his thoughts, Abdul Rehman said: "The Azlan Shah Cup was my first international event. It was a heartbreaking moment to get drubbed at the hands of Japan."

Credit: Independent News Pakistan