Pakistan and Kazakhstan Forge Ahead with Sports Cooperation Agreements

ISLAMABAD, Feb 03: In a noteworthy development, Pakistan and Kazakhstan have signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance collaboration in sports, leadership, and youth empowerment. This initiative marks a significant stride towards strengthening people-to-people connections between the two nations.
The agreements encompass three MoUs focusing on boxing, kabaddi, and chess, alongside a comprehensive strategy for fostering sports cooperation. These initiatives aim to facilitate talent exchange, capacity building, and joint training programs, especially for young athletes.
The MoUs were signed by prominent figures including World’s Top Pugilist Amir Khan, Secretary Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Director General Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Yasir Pirzada, Muhammad Sarwar Rana of the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation, Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) President Nasir Tung, and Hanif Qureshi, President of the Chess Federation of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Kazakhstan delegation. Other officials were also present during the ceremony.
Addressing the MoU signing event, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani expressed his delight at hosting the Kazakh delegation and welcomed the growing bilateral partnership. He underscored the agreements as opening new pathways for Pakistani youth to engage in diverse and competitive activities.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Kazakhstan delegation and wish them an enjoyable stay in Pakistan. These MoUs will propel many young talents forward. Our youth require sports like MMA, chess, and boxing for growth. This initiative unites all sports under one roof,” he remarked.
Wani emphasized that the collaboration extends beyond sports, referring to it as an ecosystem fostering growth and friendship. “It’s not merely about sports; it’s about building an ecosystem of friendship. These MoUs symbolize the friendship between the two countries, and the youth stand to gain immensely by acquiring new skills,” he added.
Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek, in his address, emphasized his country’s commitment to cooperation with Pakistan, reflected in the large delegation visiting. He also highlighted Kazakhstan’s esteemed boxing heritage and praised the presence of renowned boxer Amir Khan.
“As a boxing nation, hosting one of the world’s top pugilists, Amir Khan, is an honor. He is a hero not just in Pakistan but also in Kazakhstan,” Nurbek stated.
The Kazakh minister further noted the vast potential within Pakistan’s younger generation, given proper guidance and opportunities. He revealed an impending visit by the President of Kazakhstan to Pakistan for discussions on broader infrastructure cooperation.
He called for a regional approach to global challenges, highlighting the deep historical, cultural, religious, and social ties shared by Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
Additionally, the inauguration of the Dostyq Sports Centre at the Amir Khan Boxing Complex took place. “Dostyq symbolizes friendship, forming the basis of our shared culture, faith, and heritage,” said Nurbek.
Amir Khan endorsed the initiative as a visionary step toward elevating boxing in Pakistan. He acknowledged the support of the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), noting that this collaboration would significantly boost sports development in the country.