Pakistan Canoe and Kayak Federation Celebrates International Olympic Day 2023 with Great Zeal

Imran

23:35 2023, 24 June

Pakistan's Canoe and Kayak Federation In a vibrant and enthusiastic celebration commemorated International Olympic The event, held at the Headquarters of Balochistan's first and only prestigious International Canoeing Olympic sports training center, the Hayat Durrani Water Sports Academy (Pvt, Ltd), (HDWSA), in Hanna Lake, The event was organized in collaboration with the national and International Canoeing athletes and it embraced with International Olympic Day this year's official theme, 'Let's Move.' resonated throughout the festivities, aiming to inspire people from diverse backgrounds to incorporate daily healthy activities into their lives.

Highlighting the importance of this theme, the Pakistan Canoe and Kayak Federation organized the K1,200M (Men) and K2, 200M (Men) Exhibition races, showcasing the athleticism and skill of national and international canoeing athletes and a pre-monsoon tree plantation event.

Distinguished guests, including Sheikh Abdullah Mandokhail (Patron) of HDWSA and the Pakistan Canoe and Kayak Federation, and Hayatullah Khan Durrani (Pride-of-Performance) the founder Chief Executive of HDWSA and the first Pakistani recipient of the British Caving Legend Award, graced the occasion. Canoeing athletes from both National and International levels, along with Pakistan Customs Quetta team, actively participated in the Protect Environment Tree Plantation Project by planting various types of trees, including white mulberry, within the area designated for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) within the HDWSA premises contributing to the Environment.

Sheikh Abdullah Mandokhail, in his interaction with the canoeing athletes, expressed his wholehearted support for the Protect Environment Tree Plantation Project and the advancement of canoeing Olympic sports in Balochistan. He praised the activities of the Hayat Durrani Water Sports Academy and conveyed his enthusiastic appreciation to Hayatullah Khan Durrani for his remarkable contributions to sports and the importance of the "Protect Environment Tree Plantation" Project.

International Olympic Day serves as a platform to promote diverse sports, peace, cultural preservation, environmental protection, and educational activities. It allows individuals to showcase their talents and fosters unity for a better world.

On June 23, 1948, the first Olympic Day was observed, marking the revival of the ancient games that were held in Olympia, Greece, from 776 BC to 393 AD. After a hiatus of over 1,500 years, the modern Olympics recommenced in 1896 in Athens, Greece.

Hayatullah Khan Durrani took the opportunity to brief the participants about the academy's impressive 38-year history of organizing sports and environmental protection activities. He highlighted the outstanding performances and achievements of the Canoeing National team of Pakistan, who receive training at HDWSA under the guidance of qualified technical staff and coaches from the Pakistan Canoe and Kayak Federation, adhering to the rules set by the International Canoe Federation (ICF). Durrani emphasized that these well-trained Canoe Kayak athletes consistently bring pride and honor to the country.

The International Olympic Day celebrations at the Hayat Durrani Water Sports Academy exemplified the spirit of sports, unity, and environmental consciousness. By engaging in healthy activities and contributing to environmental conservation, the participants set a commendable example for others to follow.