ISLAMABAD, 04 APR (DNA) – Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif visited training area near Pabbi and witnessed conclusion ceremony of Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) competition.

The team spirit matches were held in mountainous terrain near Mangla from 31st Mar to 4th Apr. Apart from team from all the Corps of Pakistan Army, Sri Lankan Army Team also participated in the competition.

 It is worth mentioning that 16 Officers from six Countries including China, KSA, Sri Lanka, Kazakistan and Maldives also came to attend the competition as observers. Team Spirit Competition was aimed at testing Survival Skills and Physical Endurance spread over 72 hrs which included 23 field events.

A very intense set of physical activities in the shortest time test the physical limits of the participants. The army chief while speaking at the occasion highlighted the importance of physical fitness and spirit of team work.

“Confronted with multifarious challenges in diverse terrain, Pakistan Army has to be in the best physical and mental fitness for a robust and prompt response,” he said. Add to this the spirit of sacrifice and patriotism, it makes us the most formidable force in the face of any adversity.

The COAS said “unflinching faith of entire Pakistani nation on our armed forces is our real asset and we will Inshallah always come upto to the expectations of our nation.” He specially thanked all foreign guests and Sri Lankan Troops for being part of the event and for showing their prowess.

The COAS also awarded medals and prizes to the winners. Mangla Corps team won Gold medal being winner of the championship while Southern Command and Sri Lankan team shared the Silver medal. Earlier on arrival in training area COAS was received by Lt Gen Javed Qamar Bajwa, IGT &E. DNA