Worker Welfare Board’s Inter-School Games in April

LAHORE:In a groundbreaking move to promote sports culture at the grassroots level, Punjab Minister for Labour, Youth Affairs and Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar announced that the Worker Welfare Board’s Inter-School Games will begin in later part of April. He made this announcement during a meeting held at the National Hockey Stadium on Thursday.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Muzaffar Khan Sial, DD Sports Punjab Khizar Afzaal Ch, Additional Secretary Sports Mian Usman Ali, Director Admin Dr M Kaleem and others.

Speaking at the meeting, Faisal Khokhar said, “This is a significant decision to foster a strong sports culture in Worker Welfare Board schools. Male and female students from 73 Worker Welfare Board schools, representing seven zones of the province, will participate in junior (8-13 years) and senior (14-18 years) categories during these competitions.”

He further elaborated that the Inter-School Games will initially be held at the district level, with plans to organise these games at provincial level in the next stage. “We are confident that these games will serve as a platform to discover young, talented athletes from across the province,” the minister added.

He said a special incentive scheme was also announced, with top-performing students receiving additional academic marks as recognition for their achievements. “Cash prizes will be awarded to children of labourers who secure top positions in the sports competitions, offering further encouragement. Additionally, the best athletes from the games will be included in the Emerging Category of the Punjab Sports Endowment Fund”.

Highlighting the importance of school-level sports, Faisal Khokhar stated, “The development of sports in Pakistan hinges on promoting and consistently organising activities at the school level. We invite all segments of society to step forward and contribute to ensuring a bright future for sports in the country.”

The announcement underscores Punjab's commitment to nurturing young talent and creating opportunities for students to excel in sports while highlighting the vital role of Worker Welfare Board schools in fostering the next generation of athletes.