The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) organized a cash award ceremony to honour the country’s athletes and coaches for their achievements in international competitions.
The ceremony was held at a local hotel, where cash prizes were distributed. Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah was the chief guest. Other attendees included Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, PSB Director General Muhammad Yasir Pirzada, Pakistan Squash Federation General Secretary Air Commodore (R) Amir Nawaz, Pakistan Taekwondo Federation President Col (R) Raja Waseem Ahmed, and other officials.
Speaking at the event, Rana Sanaullah said the government had increased cash prizes for athletes who bring pride to the country. He said this move aims to encourage youth to take part in sports and represent Pakistan at the international level.
As part of this initiative, cash awards worth Rs 20 million were distributed among medal-winning athletes. An endowment fund has also been set up to ensure financial support for athletes and their families, allowing them to focus on their training and performance.
The athletes who were honoured had won medals in the 22nd Asian Junior Squash Team Championship held in Hong Kong in February, the WSF World U23 Individual Squash Championship held in Karachi in April, and the 7th Asian Open Taekwondo Championship (G-2) held in Islamabad in February.
From the Asian Junior Squash Team Championship, bronze medalists Anas Ali Shah, Abdullah Nawaz, Sakhiuallah Tareen, and Noman received Rs 375,000 each. Their coach Faheem Gul and assistant coach Faraz Muhammad got Rs 125,000 each.
Noor Zaman, who won gold in the World U23 Individual Squash Championship, was awarded Rs 5 million. His coach Faheem Gul, assistant coach Faraz Muhammad, and physical trainer were each given Rs 833,333.
From the Asian Open Taekwondo Championship, gold medalist Haroon Khan received Rs 2 million. Silver medalists Shahzaib Khan, Abubakar Siddique, Noman Khan, Mazhar Abbas, Hamzah Omar Saeed, and Fateemaah Tuz Zahraa each received Rs 1 million. Bronze medalists Ghulam Muhammad, Muhammad Tayab, Hussain Anjum, Muhammad Iqbal, and Faizan Junaid got Rs 500,000 each. Coaches Yousaf Karami, Syed Sadaqat Hussain, Ghazanfar Ali, and Ms Najia Rasool were awarded Rs 250,000 each.
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In total, Rs 20.75 million was distributed among the athletes and coaches.
Rana Sanaullah said the government is working on several projects to promote sports in Pakistan, including upgrading sports facilities and increasing financial support for athletes at all levels. He also announced that a new policy for departmental sports is being developed to help athletes grow professionally.
He added that elections for the Football Federation would be held soon, aiming to bring competent individuals to leadership roles to improve the sport.
PSB Director General Muhammad Yasir Pirzada said awarding cash prizes is a practical step to recognize the hard work of sports heroes. He said such recognition would continue to boost the morale of young athletes and motivate them to achieve more.
