Pakistan’s Canoe and Kayak Federation celebrated International Olympic Day at the Headquarters of Balochistan’s first and only International Canoeing Olympic sports training center, the Hayat Durrani Water Sports Academy (Pvt, Ltd), (HDWSA) and its sprawling ranch in Hanna Lake. The event was organized in collaboration with the national and international canoeing athletes. This year’s International Olympic Day official theme is ‘Let’s Move and Celebrate’
Pakistan Canoe and Kayak Federation organized the K1, 200M (Men) and K2, 200M (Men) exhibition races under the supervision of Balochistan canoeing Association and HDWSA. The event showcased the athleticism and skill of National and International canoeing athletes and a pre-monsoon tree plantation drive.
Muhammad AbubakarDurrani, a 13-time National Canoeing Champion and international canoeing award recipient from Pakistan Customs, along with other notable athletes participated in the event.
Hayatullah Khan Durrani (Pride-of-Performance) and founder Chief Executive of HDWSA and the first Pakistani recipient of the British Caving Legend Award along with Abbas Khan Durrani Chairman DurraniQuami Etihad Pakistan, Haji Jalil Khan Durrani, Haji MuhibullaDurrani, SaleemDurrani and Hidayat Khan Durrani tribal leaders attended the event.
Canoeing athletes from both national and international levels, along with Pakistan Customs Quetta canoeing team, actively participated in the Canoe Kayak Exhibition races.
They also planted saplings as part of the Tree Plantation drive held in the designated corners for International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Pak-Japan and Pak-Britain friendship sports, culture and protection of environment.
They were established by Hayatullah Khan Durrani in 1986 symbolizing the enduring bond of friendship between the Canoe Kayak athletes of Pakistan and the International Olympic Community through sports, culture, and environmental defenders.
Hayatullah Khan Durrani on the occasion briefed the participants about the HDWSA academy’s impressive 39-year history of organizing sports and environmental protection activities and achievements of the Canoeing National team of Pakistan, adhering to the rules set by the International Canoe Federation (ICF).
The celebrations marked the hoisting of the Pakistan National Flag and the playing of the National Anthem concluded with a tea break, served in honor of the distinguished guests and all athletes.
