175 new sport schemes to be built in ADP 2025-26: minister

LAHORE:Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar has announced an extensive sports infrastructure development plan across Punjab, aligning with the vision of the chief minister. Presiding over a meeting at the National Hockey Stadium, Khokhar emphasised that the initiative aims to promote a true sports culture in the province.

During the meeting, which was attended by key officials, several major decisions were made regarding the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025-26. The Punjab Sports Department will roll out 175 new sports schemes, focusing on facility upgrades and the construction of new sports venues. Among the highlighted projects, Punjab Stadium will undergo renovation to increase spectator capacity. In Lahore, multiple sports complexes are set for construction, including a Volleyball Court, Indoor Sports Complex, Archery Sports Complex, Table Tennis Arena, Board Games Sports Complex, and Baseball Sports Complex. Additionally, the Velodrome Sports Complex will be upgraded to help cyclists train at an international standard. To generate sustainable revenue, shops and markets will be developed around stadiums and sports complexes. Furthermore, Pedal Tennis Courts will be established in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Sialkot, while Bahawalpur Stadium is slated for a major upgrade. The government will also restore sports stadiums in Jampur and Rajanpur.

Rs2bn fund supporting athletes in Punjab, says secy

Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Muzaffar Khan Sial has said that the Punjab Sports Endowment Fund, valued at Rs2 billion, is extending financial support to talented athletes across the province every month.

The initiative aims to develop a new elite pool of athletes and foster a stronger sports culture in Punjab. Speaking at a meeting held at the Punjab Stadium, Sial highlighted that the Sports Endowment Fund plays a crucial role in athlete development, ensuring that promising players receive financial backing. He confirmed that athletes are awarded Rs70,000, Rs50,000, and Rs30,000 for one year under different categories, enabling them to pursue professional training and competitions.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including Director General Sports Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry, Additional Secretary Sports Mian Usman Ali, Director Admin Dr M Kaleem, Director Sports Rana Nadeem Anjum, Deputy Secretary Finance Rafia Qayyum, and Head of Research Punjab Pension Fund Haroon Zafar.

Sial also shared details about Punjab’s busy sports schedule, confirming that the Summer Games will be organised soon, with the registration process for Punjab Games beginning in the near future.