Islamabad Lacrosse Association and National Academy Established with Japanese Support
Takano Shuichi Commends Pakistan Lacrosse Federation's Efforts, Anticipates International Success
Islamabad, (Sports Reporter) – The Islamabad Lacrosse Association and National Academy were officially launched under the guidance of the Pakistan Lacrosse Federation (PLF) at a special event held at the Federal College of Education (FCE), H9 Islamabad. The opening ceremony was graced by Takano Shuichi, Deputy Chief of Mission of Japan, as the chief guest, with Takane Kazumasa, Consul of the Japan Embassy, along with several notable dignitaries from the lacrosse community.
The event saw a gathering of key figures, including Rafa Haleem, Cultural Advisor, Engineer Tafoor Zareen, Assistant Professor Hamid, Urooj Jahangir, Islamabad Lacrosse Finance Secretary Irfan Khan, senior players Gul Pari, Sawera Khan, Fauzia Parveen, Muqaddas, and other officials. The gathering marked a significant milestone for lacrosse in Pakistan, with the establishment of both the Islamabad Lacrosse Association and Academy aimed at fostering the sport’s growth at the grassroots level.
During the ceremony, a training workshop was conducted for aspiring lacrosse players to provide them with necessary skills and knowledge about the game. As part of the event, the Japan Lacrosse Association generously donated lacrosse equipment to the Pakistan Lacrosse Federation under the Sports Diplomacy Program. The equipment was handed over to the Islamabad Lacrosse Association and FCE, further cementing the relationship between Pakistan and Japan in the realm of sports.
Deputy Chief of Mission Takano Shuichi lauded the rising popularity of lacrosse in Pakistan, commending the Pakistan Lacrosse Federation for its significant contribution to promoting the sport in Asia. “PLF has achieved remarkable success by organizing over 150 activities and two national championships in just one year,” he stated. He further expressed confidence that these efforts would soon bear fruit in the form of international medals for Pakistan.
Shuichi also emphasized the role of sports diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties, praising the ongoing collaboration between Japan and Pakistan. He assured continued Japanese support for the development of lacrosse in the country.
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FCE Director Dr. Samia Rehman Dogar also voiced her support for the establishment of the Lacrosse Academy, offering full cooperation for its growth and success. Meanwhile, Engineer Tafoor Zareen expressed his gratitude to the Japan Lacrosse Association, the Japanese Embassy, and the FCE management for their contributions to the development of lacrosse in Pakistan.
With the establishment of the Islamabad Lacrosse Association and National Academy, the future of lacrosse in Pakistan looks promising, with enhanced international cooperation and support expected to boost the sport’s visibility and success.
