Balochistan’s sports minister, Nawabzada Jamal Raisani, inaugurated the fourth Gold Cup football tournament on Wednesday in the provincial capital amid security concerns that were raised following the kidnapping of six football players.

Raisani, who is himself an athlete, dressed in accordance with the game when he entered the field and inaugurated the tournament by kicking the football. He attempted to score a goal four times but remained unsuccessful.

There were 52 teams from entire the country participating in the tournament which began at Ayub Stadium, Quetta.

Sports minister, speaking with journalists said where sports fields thrive, hospitals often lie deserted.

While emphasizing the importance of focusing on all sports, he conveyed a message that the people of Balochistan were hospitable and passionate about sports. He added that every effort would be made to harness and nurture talent in the province, rather than allowing it to go to waste.

On the abduction of six football players, he said spirits of the abductees must have been high and kidnapers won’t be forgiven under any circumstances.

Also see

Six football players abducted in Balochistan’s Dera Bugti

Pakistan football authority announces restoration of sports activities in country

Dera Bugti: residents protest, demand speedy recovery of football players

The football players who were abducted from the skirt area of Dera Bugti have not yet been recovered, while the paramilitary forces were searching for them.

Meanwhile, the first match saw police team winning against Muslim club, with a victory by 4-0.