Reviving Pak sports glory top priority, says Pirzada

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Director General Yasir Pirzada has unveiled an ambitious roadmap focused on infrastructure development, athlete training, and long-term sports promotion -- underscoring Pakistan’s determination to reclaim its sporting stature on the regional stage.

With Pakistan set to host the South Asian Games in January 2026, the PSB has entered a decisive phase in its efforts to uplift sports nationwide. Speaking to a delegation of the Rawalpindi Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA), Pirzada provided a detailed overview of the preparations for the upcoming regional event.

“Hosting the South Asian Games is a matter of national pride, and we are taking all possible measures to meet international standards in infrastructure, training, and athlete welfare,” Pirzada stated.

He highlighted the ongoing renovation and development work at the Pakistan Sports Complex, where significant upgrades are underway to transform the facility into a state-of-the-art venue capable of hosting international events.

Pirzada emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah, and Federal Secretary IPC Mohyuddin Wani, the government is strongly committed to reviving and promoting sports across the country.

He added that special attention is being given to national training camps, which now include advanced coaching, nutritional planning, and psychological support to help athletes compete at the highest level.

Beyond the Games, DG PSB also outlined broader sports development initiatives, including grassroots talent identification programs, school and college competitions, and public-private partnerships aimed at strengthening the foundation of sports in Pakistan.

The RISJA delegation included Abubakar Talat, Abdul Mohi Shah, Shakeel Awan, Zulfiqar Baig, Nasir Naqvi, Shakir Abbasi, Afzal Javed, Shahryar Khan, Arfa Feroze Zaki, Awais Abbasi, and Kiran Khan.