Land given to PCB for over 100 cricket grounds: MNA

RAWALPINDI: Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Monday said the Punjab government had handed over land for more than 100 cricket grounds in the province to PCB.

He said the facilities for football, cricket, hockey and other sports were being improved in Rawalpindi as sports played a vital role in building the personality of youth and providing them positive recreational facilities.

He said that football was a popular game in the country like hockey and cricket as majority of youth played this game. Similarly there was a large number of people who loved to watch football matches, he said.

He was addressing as chief guest on the occasion of final match of Lala Yameen, Touseef and Talha Memorial Football Tournament held at Municipal Sports Stadium Rawalpindi.

International football goalkeeper Khursheed Khan Khatmandu, Chairman District football Association Rawalpindi Raja Ishtiaq Ahmed, Secretary Nasir Kiani, former Nazam Arshad Farooq, Chacha Saeed Ahmed, PML (N) workers, and large number of football fans were present on this occasion.

Hanif Abbasi said the country was facing difficulties due to terrorism, but on account of commitment and courage of the nation, the revolution for development and prosperity would be brought in this country.

The promotion of education was the only concrete and peaceful way to bring revolution as education help in improving the economic and social development sectors, he added.

Abbasi said Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif had laid foundation for development and prosperity by adopting policies and taking tremendous initiatives for improvement of education and other socio-economic sectors.

Lauding the standard of the game in the final match of the tournament played between winner United Club and runner up Young men Football Club, he said that the spirit of competition helped in progressing and improving oneself individually and as a team collectively.

He said five play grounds would also be constructed in NA-56 while, all possible facilities would also be provided.

The MNA distributed prizes among the players besides giving away trophy of the final match to the captain of the winning team.