On July 8, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar praised the role played by sports journalists in fostering healthy competition and promoting a culture of sportsmanship across all levels, from grassroots to international arenas.
Speaking at a ceremony held in Islamabad, the minister said, “Sports journalism has instilled hope and a spirit of sportsmanship in society, encouraging young people to adopt sports and achieve excellence.”
He noted that sports journalists have helped glamorize sports and build excitement around competitions both within Pakistan and globally, which in turn has popularized various sports and inspired emerging talent.
“Without sports journalists, public interest in competitions would have declined. Their role in highlighting events, inspiring athletes, and raising national morale is truly commendable,” said Tarar.
The event marked the World Sports Journalists Day and the oath-taking ceremony of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA). It was attended by notable personalities including Olympians Shahbaz Senior and Sadaf Siddiqui, boxer Usman Wazeer, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt, and National Press Club (NPC) Secretary Nayyar Ali.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the sports media. “Sports journalists are the voice of our athletes. Whatever assistance they need from the government, we will ensure they get it,” he stated. “Such initiatives are essential to strengthening the country’s sports visibility and encouraging young talent.”
Tarar assured the government’s policy is to provide every possible facilitation to sports journalists.
He also congratulated the newly elected office bearers of RISJA and expressed confidence in their continued efforts to highlight achievements in the field of sports.
The ceremony concluded with Minister Tarar administering the oath to RISJA’s newly elected leadership, including President Abu Bakar bin Talat, Patron Abdul Mohi Shah, and Chairman Shakeel Awan.
