ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday said that required changes will be made in the structure of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) to make it effective, adding that the existing structure is more interested in doling out jobs and salaries rather than working for the uplift of sports.
Talking to media, the prime minister confirmed that changes in the PSB’s structure would be made according to the recommendations of Task Force on Sports.
“The Task Force on Sports was set up for the purpose. Required changes in the PSB’s administration and structure would be made to make it more effective and result-oriented,” he said.
Criticising the existing sports system, Imran said that results were not coming.
“Players who are financially supported by the government fall on the first hurdle whenever they get a chance to compete in Olympics or other mega events.
“Majority of players even fail to qualify for the main event. A good number of officials accompany these players abroad.”
The prime minister hoped that changed system will inculcate fresh motivation for sports.
“In a few years time you will see how the new system would bring results. No one in the region would be in a position to compete us.”
Imran Khan said that a meeting will soon be convened to take decisions regarding sports related issues.
“I have yet to meet Ehsan Mani. Once I meet him I will discuss all the relevant sports issues according to the task force’s findings.”
Imran reiterated his stance of focusing on regional and city sports.
“Look at the PSL 2019 winning Quetta Gladiators team. The team was given a grand and rousing welcome in Quetta despite the fact that there was no Quetta-based player in the team. The whole city came out to welcome them. Such is the value of city and regional cricket.”
The prime minister again spoke high of available talent. “Talent is in abundance in every sphere of life. What lacks is the system that helps the talent flourish.”
‘The News’ in its January 18 issue has revealed government’s intentions of establishing Sports Skill, Infrastructure and Educational Development Board in accordance with the task force’s recommendations to streamline the existing system and to make it result-oriented.
‘The News’ has learnt that the proposal that is part and parcel of the task force’s recommendations is considered as step forward to initiate sports development on modern lines.
The task force has already submitted its recommendations with the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination which had been working on pros and cons of the new system.
The ministry is also seeking legal opinion on the new system before adopting it.
“Task Force is contemplating raising a Sports Skill, Infrastructure and Educational Development Board which will be responsible for major games development on all fronts and in every nook and corner of the country. The matter has been referred for legal opinion,” a source said.
