Radio Pakistan Sargodha’s programme “Shaheen Sargodha” hosted by senior anchorperson Subtain Baloch featured a special discussion on promoting sports, encouraging young people to participate in healthy activities, highlighting the outstanding achievements of women athletes, and showcasing Sargodha’s sporting talent.
Assistant Professor Sabahat Kulsoom, Guest Teacher of Health and Physical Education at Government Graduate College for Women, Farooq Colony, Sargodha, and Divisional Focal Person Sports, Sargodha Region, participated in the programme along with the college’s prominent athletes Rabab Shakeel, Rubina Fatima, Mehreen Bashir, Laiba Ayub, Maryam Fatima and Maria Mushtaq.
Assistant Professor Sabahat Kulsoom briefed the audience on the remarkable achievements of the college’s students in various sports and the efforts being made to promote sporting activities. She said the students had performed exceptionally at the district, divisional and provincial levels, bringing honour to the institution and Sargodha.
She particularly highlighted the historic achievement of Rabab Shakeel, who became the first student from Government Graduate College for Women, Farooq Colony, Sargodha, in North Punjab to be declared “Golden Girl 2026” by the Higher Education Department (HED). Rabab was recognised for her outstanding performance in athletics, marking a proud milestone for the college’s faculty and students.
Rabab Shakeel secured first position in the 800-metre race, second in the 1,500-metre and 400-metre races, and first position in the 4×100-metre relay, demonstrating her exceptional athletic abilities.
The participation and sporting achievements of Rubina Fatima, Mehreen Bashir, Laiba Ayub, Maryam Fatima and Maria were also appreciated during the programme.
The college’s students have secured prominent positions in various athletics events, including the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1,500m, 3,000m and 5,000m races, javelin throw, long jump, triple jump, high jump, shot put and discus throw. The college teams have also demonstrated commendable performances in badminton, volleyball, basketball, handball, tug of war, cricket, kabaddi and karate. The hockey team secured second position at the provincial level.
Tribute to International Athlete Ali Muhammad Awan
The programme also paid special tribute to renowned Sargodha international athlete Ali Muhammad Awan for his services to sports and achievements at national and international levels.
Ali Muhammad Awan achieved notable success in the 800m and 1,500m events from 2008 to 2016. He won a bronze medal at the SAF Games 2010, reached the final of the Asian Athletics Championships and won a silver medal in indoor competitions in Tehran. In 2013, he won a gold medal in the 800m event in Tehran, Iran, bringing honour to Pakistan on the international stage.
The programme also highlighted the marathon race being organised by Ali Muhammad Awan to encourage young people to participate in sports and healthy activities. The race will start from Canal Road at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Cash prizes have been announced for the top position holders in different categories.
Participants stressed that revitalising sports grounds and providing young people with opportunities for healthy activities is a collective responsibility of society. The discussion also covered the challenges faced by female students in sports, the need for better facilities and training opportunities, and the provision of a conducive sporting environment.
The participants emphasised that teachers, sports teachers, coaches and athletes who have represented Pakistan at national and international levels should play a more effective role in this regard. They said guidance from experienced athletes and sharing their achievements with the younger generation could inspire confidence and enthusiasm for sports among young people.
The role of the media in promoting sports was also described as crucial. Participants observed that the media could effectively highlight talented athletes, sporting activities and the challenges faced by players, bringing them to the attention of the public.
They appreciated Radio Pakistan Sargodha for highlighting sports, youth and the achievements of women, saying that such programmes play an important role in bringing talented young people into the spotlight and encouraging them to excel further.
“When sports grounds flourish, talent flourishes;
and when talent finds the right path, nations move forward.”
The programme was hosted by senior anchorperson Subtain Baloch, while Muhammad Jamshed Qadri was the Programme Producer and Fareeha Kanwal served as Executive Producer.
