Cash awards for athletes

ISLAMABAD: Advisor to the Prime Minister on Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Rana Sanaullah has recently distributed cash awards among leading achievers in international sports competitions, says a press release.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanaullah said the government had increased cash prizes for the athletes who brought laurels to the country. He said this move aims to encourage youth to take part in sports and represent Pakistan at the international level.

As part of this initiative, cash awards worth Rs20 million were distributed among medal-winning athletes, support staff and coaches. The honoured athletes had won medals in the 22nd Asian Junior Squash Team Championship held in Hong Kong in February, the WSF World Individual Squash Under-23 Championship held in Karachi in April, and the 7th Asian Taekwondo Championship (5-2) held in Islamabad in February.

In total, Rs20.75 million was distributed among the athletes and coaches. The award ceremony was organized by the Pakistan Sports Board. Besides others, Secretary IPC Mohiuddin Wani was also present on the occasion.

Sanaullah said the government is working on several projects to promote sports in Pakistan, including upgrading sports facilities and increasing financial support for athletes at all levels. He also announced that a new policy for departmental sports is being developed to help athletes grow professionally.