Landi Kotal, April 6 — In a powerful demonstration of unity, resilience, and hope, the border town of Landi Kotal in Khyber District hosted an open-door sports training camp and seminar to commemorate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. Organized by the Khyber Table Tennis Association and Tagball Association in collaboration with the Absar Welfare Foundation and supervised by the Khyber Sports Club, the event carried a powerful theme: “Sports for Peace”.
Held at the historic Hamza Baba Park, the event drew participation from Afghan athletes, local youth, Christian community leaders, and a large number of sports lovers from across the region. The initiative aimed to combat substance abuse and promote peace through the universal language of sports.
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Chief guest Riaz Shinwari, brother of Hayat and Brothers CEO Hayat Hussain Shinwari, graced the occasion along with Khyber Sports Club President Merajuddin Shinwari. Their speeches underscored the message that the people of Khyber reject drugs and embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and peace.
“Sports is a powerful medium,” said Merajuddin Shinwari, “It builds bridges, nurtures unity, and steers our youth away from destructive habits.” Riaz Shinwari echoed these sentiments, adding that such events reshape the narrative around border regions often associated with conflict.
The event was also notable for its inclusive nature, with Christian community leader and former footballer Faniyaz Sultan being honored for his contributions. Floral tributes were presented to all key figures for their support in promoting peace through sport.
Nasib Shinwari, reporting as a Pak-Afghan Diplomacy Fellow, emphasized the significance of cross-community participation in this event, noting its symbolic value in a geopolitically sensitive region.
As the sun set over Landi Kotal, the cheers of young players echoed a loud and clear message: “We choose peace, not conflict. We choose sport, not substance.”
This inspiring initiative marks a hopeful chapter in the region’s journey towards harmony, resilience, and youth empowerment through sports.
Disclaimer: This news is reported by Nasib Shah Shinwari, Pak-Afghan Diplomacy Fellow, Landikotal.
