By Ajmal Khan Yousafzai
ISLAMABAD: All Japan Kendo Federation has gifted Kendo armors (BOGU) to the Islamabad Kendo Association to further promote Kendo, the famous form of traditional Japanese martial arts. The origin of this arts goes back more than 1000 years to the “Samurai†warriors’ arts of the sword, with an accent on fighting finesse as well as character building.
In this connection, a ceremony was held here on Thursday. It was attended by Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Minister for Education, Professional Training, National Heritage and Culture and Irfan Bhatti, representative of the Islamabad Kendo Association. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, a small number of guests participated in the ceremony, observing the preventive measures such as social distancing and wearing masks.
While speaking on the occasion, the Japanese Ambassador MATSUDA said that exchanges in art and culture is a perfect way of bringing the people of two countries further closer and that Kendo is now considered an important part of education in Japan as it teaches people to discipline oneself and respect one’s opponents. In this regard, he expressed further expectation on bilateral cooperation in the area of education.
He expressed his gratitude to Irfan Bhatti, representative of the Islamabad Kendo Association, for his consistent efforts over the years to promote Japanese martial arts among the Pakistanis and hoped that the gifts would provide a platform for all those who are keen to learn and practice Kendo in Pakistan. Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Minister for Education, Professional Training, National Heritage and Culture, expressing his views on the occasion said that Japan is a wonderful friend and donor to Pakistan and anything related to Japan and its culture is very important for us. He expressed his good wishes and success for Islamabad Kendo Association in its future endeavors.
Irfan Bhatti, representative of the Islamabad Kendo Association, while speaking on the occasion thanked the All Japan Kendo Federation for gifting Kendo armors to Islamabad Kendo Association which, he said, would help them in further promoting this traditional form of Japanese martial arts in Pakistan.
