The Punjab government has decided to build sports grounds in 1,000 schools across the province, introduce monthly scholarships for talented students, and appoint sports teaching interns to promote athletics at the grassroots level.
The decisions were taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Provincial Ministers Faisal Ayub Khokhar and Rana Sikandar Hayat.
Under the new initiative, 1,000 talented students selected through inter-school competitions will receive monthly stipends. The government also plans to launch a Talent Hunt Program from the union council and school level, with around 2.5 million students expected to participate in different stages of the competitions across Punjab.
Provincial Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that small sports courts will be developed in schools where full-sized grounds are not available. He added that, for the first time, sports grounds will also be established at the union council level, while school playgrounds will remain open for the public during evening hours. He further announced that the Punjab Sports Board is preparing to launch its own cricket team.
Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat stated that teaching interns dedicated specifically to sports activities will be appointed in 1,000 schools. He emphasized equal sports opportunities for women and girls and said indoor sports facilities for female students would also be ensured.
The initiative aims to strengthen sports culture, discover young talent, and improve physical activities in educational institutions throughout Punjab.
