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Friday March 29, 2024

Naushad backs idea of establishing special fund for sports uplift

By Abdul Mohi Shah
March 29, 2020

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan Test cricketer and ICC match referee Col (retd) Naushad Ali backed the idea of establishing special fund for uplifting sports and to support those workers who depend entirely on activities relating to physic development and on field engagements.

Only the other day Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Salim Saifullah Khan proposed establishment of such fund. “No doubt it is a brilliant idea aimed at helping sports and those workers who entirely depend on the sports activities. Sports and physical activities ensure bread and butter for thousands. No activities means no livelihood for them. I am worried about low earning sportsmen and women and support staff that earn their livelihood from these activities.”

Col (retd) Naushad hailed Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision to establish fund for daily wagers and those who were expected to suffer from Covid-19 outbreak. It is a much needed step taken by PM. But what we want is a special package for sportsman and related workers and fund to pull out sports of Coronavirus’ bad impacts once the dust gets settled down. Even under the prevailing circumstances these workers required financial assistance for their families. I am worried about them as how they would survive if God forbid things remain the same.”

The former Pakistan cricket manager said he was afraid that thousands of workers who were related to daily sports might need urgent support. “All over Pakistan there are sportsmen and women who entirely depend on sports activities. They would never ask you and demand anything. Only those administrators need know their problems who work with them.

Individually I am sure these would help them. But in a longer run help on a bigger canvas is required. God forbid if the prevailing situation persist for a longer period these young and upcoming athletes who earn money from domestic sports activities might suffer. They are the future of country and these must be supported by government as well as by the affluent people.”

Col (retd) Naushad said he was really concerned on the future of these sports related persons and sports in the country. “These are no ordinary sports persons. They need our special attention and must be treated accordingly. We should also think of our sports and restructuring these sports once clouds of uncertainty pass away.”