The Kingdom’s sports academy honored Pakistani peace walker Kharlzada Kasrat Rai at the first Saudi sports exhibition.

Rai walked more than 6,000 km from Karachi in Pakistan to Makkah in about four months to create awareness about the need for global peace and to perform Haj.

The peace walker was felicitated by Saud Al-Shakhi, general manager of the Makkah branch of the Ministry of Culture and Information; Mohammed Ahmed Jaber, director of the academy; and Turki Al-Redahi, public relations director of the academy.

Rai shared his experience with Arab News after performing Haj and said that as he is a sportsman and walking is part of sports activity and he was successful in his mission of sending the message of peace.

He said he had not expected the protocol and honor, which he received from people and groups of the Saudi and Pakistani community.

“It’s an honor for me and my country that the people of Saudi Arabia — whether related to sports or other fields — gave me such an honor and respect everywhere, even during Haj,” he said. “This made my first-time experience excellent. I am very glad the consulate and Saudi government made it easy for me to perform my religious duty with dedication and peace.”

Rai was recently honored at a reception by South Asian Muslims in Makkah.

Rai said since he entered the Kingdom he had been well received by the Pakistani consulate, Saudi government, Saudi people and security.

“Today I was honored by the Saudi academy as a sportsman. This is an honor for me, I am really glad that I came here,” he said. “Pakistan is at the forefront of sports and I am glad to see Saudi youth interested in sports.”

He also talked about misconceptions about Saudi Arabia and its people. “I want to tell the world that Saudi women have full freedom, whether it’s in the field of sports or journalism or any other field. They are at the forefront with wisdom and freedom.”

Rai said the sports academy has excellent talent and potential.

“They will do a great job in the development of sports in Saudi Arabia. Sports bring people closer, and this is important. Sport activities should take place, not only in Jeddah but also in rural areas of Saudi Arabia. Saudi players should visit other countries and have foreign players visit the Kingdom for friendly matches and tournaments,” he said.

Rai is ready to organize the first tournament between Pakistan and Saudi players. If a Saudi sport team wants to come to Pakistan, he said he is ready to welcome them and is always available for support and advice.

Rai also received 500,000 Pakistani rupees (SR17,550) as a gift from the government.

“Pakistani Minister of Religious Affairs Sardar Mohammad Yousuf announced the gift, which is an honor for me and my country,” he said. “With such appreciation new talent is encouraged. I spent my whole life in social activities. I have two charitable schools where children are educated and given sports training free of charge. I am also planning to establish two hospitals, so this money will go toward the development of those.”