Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti unveiled the logo and trophy of 15th TDCP Cholsitan Desert Rally 2020 during a press briefing at Royal Palm, Golf and Country Club on Tuesday. 15th TDCP Cholsitan Desert Rally 2020 will be organized from February 13-16, 2020.
Advisor to CM for Tourism Asif Mehmood, Chairman Board of Directors TDCP Dr Sohail Zafar Cheema, Secretary Youth Affairs Sports, Archeology and Tourism Punjab Ehsan Bhutta, Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh, Managing Director TDCP M Tanveer Jabbar, General Managers TDCP and other stakeholders were also present on this occasion.
Addressing the press conference, Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti informed about the salient features of 15thCholsitan Desert Rally, Pakistan’s biggest motor sports event. “The drivers from other countries are also expected to participate in this year’s grand event besides some Pakistani women drivers. This year we will also hold TDCP Cholistan Desert 1st Dirt Bike Rally,” he informed.
In his address, Secretary Youth Affairs Sports, Archeology and Tourism Punjab Ehsan Bhutta said the arrangements of desert rally have been completed. “TDCP started the Cholistan Desert Rally in the majestic desert of Cholistan during the year 2005 with a view to promote Southern Punjab as a winter tourist destination and to promote motor sports in Pakistan”.
He said the 15th TDCP Cholsitan Desert Rally 2020 is a 4-day event in which renowned drivers from all over Pakistan are participating. “The rally route has been extended to more than 500 kms in Cholistan Desert covering three districts i.e. Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahimyar Khan. It also includes major forts of the desert - Dingarh Fort, Marrot Fort, Khan Garh, Bhijnot Fort, Moujgarh Fort and Jamgarh Fort”.
Managing Director TDCP M Tanveer Jabbar added that a bumper purse of Rs five million will be on offer for top five winners in each of the nine categories. A large number of tourists are expected to visit Cholistan during the rally days. “Desert tour also features cultural performances by local artists, fireworks, overnight stays in secure desert camps, camel and jeep safari. On the completion of 15 consecutive years of Cholistan Desert Rally, we are going to inaugurate Pakistan’s 1st TDCP Desert Resort in Cholistan”.
“Cholsitan Desert Rally will be conducted in four categories. The ninth category is for women. The observer of Federation of International Automobile will also observe the rally. Besides this a book of Rules and Regulations according to international laws has also been printed”. In the end of the ceremony, artists also presented attractive cultural performances.