AKYSBP's JOSH GAMES inaugurated in Islamabad with the message of peace through pluralism

PT Report

Islamabad, November 18: Hundreds of athletes from different parts of Pakistan have gathered here in Islamabad to take part in the “JOSH Games”, organized by Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Pakistan.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Mr. Iqbal Walji, President of the Ismaili National Council for Pakistan, said that while competition is part of the spirit of all sports, winning is not the primary objective of the JOSH Games. “We should foster cultural diversity, pluralism and volunteerism, values that form the basic premise for promoting youth development and leadership,” President Walji said, before declaring the games open.

The athletes also lit the JOSH flames to symbolically announce inauguration of the games.

Ms. Shams Jeewa, Chairperson of the Aga Khan Youth & Sports Board for Pakistan appreciated the efforts of the regional and local teams for organising the games successfully. In line with spirit of the JOSH Games, Ms. Jeewa asked the youth to also use the opportunity to build networks and appreciate the plurality of cultures.

Around 1200 athletes, including men and women of different ages and abilities, participating in the JOSH Games represent Chitral, Karachi, Gilgit, Hunza, Ghizar, Sindh, Islamabad, Peshawar, Mardan and Punjab province.

The athletes will compete in categories ranging from Volley ball to Cricket and Table Tennis to Short Put, along with other individual and team competitions.

Photographs: AKYSB and Pamir Times (Zeeshan)