LAHORE: On the special directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, presented a cheque of Rs. 3 lakh to 14-year-old international taekwondo sensation Ayesha Ayaz.
The ceremony took place on Monday at the National Hockey Stadium, where the Minister, representing the Sports Board Punjab (SBP), also awarded an additional cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh from his own pocket to further encourage the young athlete from Swat. The meeting was attended by Vice-Chairman SBP Malik Suleman, Secretary Sports Muhammad Ali, and other high-ranking officials.
During the event, Minister Khokhar lauded the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, stating that her administration is deeply committed to the promotion of sports and the patronage of talented young athletes.
He emphasized that it is this dedicated institutional support that has empowered Pakistani female athletes to secure prestigious laurels on the international stage. The Minister described Ayesha Ayaz as the “pride of the entire nation,” highlighting her extraordinary track record of winning 11 international medals and over 150 medals in total by the age of 14, making her Pakistan’s youngest and most successful international taekwondo player.
Reaffirming the government’s support, the Minister noted that Ayesha possesses the immense potential required to represent and raise Pakistan’s flag at the Olympic Games. He also paid a heartfelt tribute to Ayesha’s father and coach, M. Ayaz Khan, noting that their strong bond of dedication and sacrifice serves as an inspiring role model for parents across the country. He acknowledged that Mr. Khan’s professional training and tireless efforts laid the essential foundation for Ayesha’s remarkable global success.
Expressing her gratitude, Ayesha Ayaz thanked Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar for their recognition and financial support. She shared that such encouragement motivates her to work even harder, vowing to continue her pursuit of international titles and bring further glory to Pakistan in the future.
