LAHORE: Chairman of the Higher Education Commission Pakistan, Prof Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, emphasized the importance of strengthening the mental and physical well-being of youth during a prize distribution ceremony for the HEC Sports General Trophy 2024-25 at Al-Razi Hall, Punjab University, on Saturday. According to University of the Punjab, the event saw the participation of prominent figures including PU VC Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali, VC Lahore Garrison University Major General (r) Khalid Dar, and Executive Director Punjab Group of Colleges Sohail Afzal, among others.

Dr. Akhtar highlighted the government's priority to encourage youth participation in sports, stressing that effective outcomes depend on merit-based training. He assured continued HEC support for universities excelling in sports and research and noted the international benefits of extracurricular activities for students. The ceremony, which celebrated the successes of various universities, was attended by a large number of athletes and officials.

Dr. Muhammad Ali, Vice Chancellor of Punjab University, underscored the need for further promotion of sports, observing that students active in sports often achieve greater success in life. He praised the University of Central Punjab (UCP) for its performance among private institutions and noted PU's achievements, particularly the international success of its rowing team. Dr. Shabbir Sarwar, PU's Director Sports, reiterated the university's commitment to fostering sports under Dr. Ali's leadership.

Rizwan Shaukat, DG Sports HEC, remarked on the annual organization of competitions by HEC since 1973, highlighting the commission's dual role in education and sports promotion. The HEC Sports General Trophy saw UCP and PU excel in the men's and women's categories, respectively, with sports activities held across 143 universities in the men's competitions and 73 in the women's competitions during the 2024-25 season.