CM Maryam greenlights Sports Advisory Council and board revamp

WEB DESK: Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Maryam Nawaz has given the green light for the formation of a Sports Advisory Council, comprising former players and students as its members.

Additionally, the CM has directed the reconstitution of the Punjab Sports Board, emphasising the engagement of national and international coaches to bolster sports promotion and training initiatives.

Chairing a pivotal meeting at the Sports Department, CM Maryam emphasised the establishment of multi-purpose sports grounds across 91 constituencies.

Furthermore, a Special Planning Unit is slated for inception within the Sports department to oversee planning and developmental affairs.

Notably, stringent biometric attendance measures are set to be implemented to mitigate ghost employee concerns within the department.

Commending the efforts of the Minister for Sports and the Sports Department, CM Maryam highlighted her personal affinity for sports, having captained the Baseball team during her academic tenure.

Stressing the urgent need for widespread sports revitalisation, she underscored the potential of sports in steering youth away from detrimental habits, advocating for the immediate restoration of sports infrastructure and the organisation of hockey competitions, Pakistan’s national sport.

The proposal to establish the Institute of Sports Sciences Punjab was deliberated upon during the meeting, with CM Nawaz advocating for the inclusion of basketball in talent scouting programs.

Further support was pledged with an additional allocation of Rs2 billion to the Sports Endowment Fund, in addition to the ongoing Rs2 billion investment.

Addressing concerns about inadequate sports facilities in private schools, former Senator Pervaiz Rasheed highlighted space limitations, which have hindered sports activities.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb echoed the sentiment, emphasising the need for grassroots sports facilities at the Union Council level.

During the meeting, the Secretary Sports provided an overview of departmental operations, noting the successful revamping of the National Hockey Stadium, set for imminent inauguration. Plans for summer sports camps targeting youth were also discussed.

Attending the meeting were Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Former Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Provincial Minister for Information Azma Bokhari, Provincial Minister for Sports Faisal Ayub Khokhar, MPA Sania Ashiq, Secretary Sports, and other relevant officials.

The approval and initiatives set forth underscore a concerted effort towards revitalising Punjab’s sports landscape, signaling a promising trajectory for sports development in the region.