Youth empowerment plan unveiled

LAHORE:Punjab has unveiled Rs 7.6 billion sports and youth empowerment plan in ADP 2025–26 with a strong focus on developing infrastructure.

This was revealed by Provincial Minister for Information Azma Bukhari and Provincial Minister for Labour, Human Resource, Youth Affairs and Sports Faisal Khokhar in a joint press conference held here on Thursday. They unveiled a sweeping vision for youth empowerment and sports development under Punjab’s Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025–26.

Khokhar announced that Rs7.6 billion has been earmarked for the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, with a strong focus on expanding infrastructure, reviving traditional sports, and scaling up youth engagement initiatives. “Our top priority is to provide meaningful opportunities to the youth and ensure the development of modern, accessible sports facilities across Punjab,” he stated.

Building on the success of last year’s “Khelta Punjab” programme, which saw participation from over 120,000 athletes, the initiative will now include district-level talent hunts and accelerated rehabilitation of existing sports venues. The government also confirmed the completion of phase one of the Chief Minister’s Youth Internship Programme, which benefitted 6,000 interns with a monthly stipend of Rs25,000. Phase two will expand the programme to 10,000 interns, with stipends increased to Rs60,000.

In a landmark move, Punjab has also launched its first-ever Sports Endowment Fund, offering monthly financial support of Rs30,000, Rs50,000, and Rs70,000 to athletes based on performance tiers. A Self-Sustaining System is being introduced to resolve long-standing salary issues for sports department employees.

Among the major infrastructure projects announced:Punjab Stadium will be upgraded to increase seating capacity from 6,000 to 10,000. A 102-room hotel/hostel will be constructed at Nishtar Park Sports Complex at a cost of Rs800 million.

New facilities include an Indoor Sports Arena (table tennis, snooker, board games, indoor rowing), revival of the International Boxing Arena, and construction of a baseball ground in the provincial capital. Velodrome, swimming pool, and indoor volleyball complex rehabilitation projects are underway.

Padel tennis courts will be built in Lahore, Multan, and Sialkot, while multipurpose sports facilities are planned along Rahimyar Khan, Muridke, and Narowal Road.

Khokhar also emphasised the revival of traditional sports like kabaddi, aiming to reconnect youth with cultural heritage. “Our goal is not just to build infrastructure but to ensure its sustainable and autonomous management,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to equitable sports access across all districts.