LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said the Punjab government aims to engage youth in positive activities through sports and sports-related initiatives and youth empowerment plans included in Punjab’s Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025–26.
Speaking at a news conference here Thursday, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar stated that a budget of Rs7.6 billion has been allocated for the Sports and Youth Affairs Department this year. He emphasized that the Punjab government’s top priority is to provide opportunities to the youth and ensure the development of modern sports infrastructure.
He informed the media that under last year’s “Khelta Punjab” programme, more than 120,000 athletes participated. This year, the initiative is being expanded further with talent hunt events being organized across districts, and significant work is already underway to rehabilitate and improve existing sports infrastructure.
The Provincial Minister also shared that the first phase of the Chief Minister’s Internship Programme has been successfully completed, benefiting 6,000 youth with a monthly stipend of Rs25,000. In Phase Two, the number of interns will be increased to 10,000, and the stipend will be raised to Rs60,000 per month.
He further revealed that for the first time in the province’s history, a Sports Endowment Fund has been established, under which athletes are being supported with funds of Rs30,000, Rs50,000, and Rs70,000. A Self-Sustaining System is also being introduced to address salary-related issues of sports department employees on a permanent basis, he added.
He also highlighted that under the up-gradation of Punjab Stadium, Nishtar Park, Lahore, increasing seating capacity from 6,000 to 10,000. Scheme of Construction of a 102-room hotel/hostel at Nishtar Park Sports Complex at a cost of Rs800 million also approved.
He also briefed about schemes of development of an Indoor Sports Arena for table tennis, snooker, board games, indoor rowing, revival of the International Boxing Arena, construction of a baseball ground in Lahore, rehabilitation and construction of Velodrome, Swimming Pool, Indoor Volleyball Complex, construction of Padel Tennis Courts in Lahore, Multan, and Sialkot while multipurpose Sports Facilities will be established along Rahim Yar Khan, Muridke, and Narowal Road.
The Minister emphasized that the Punjab Government is working to revive traditional sports like Kabaddi, reconnecting the youth with cultural roots. He said that more projects will be included in the upcoming fiscal year and equal sports opportunities will be provided in every district of the province.
Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar concluded by stating, “Our goal is not just to build infrastructure but to ensure its sustainable and autonomous management.” Under the vision of the Chief Minister, every possible step is being taken to empower youth, promote sports, and prepare future champions.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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