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Showing posts from October, 2024

Provincial Sports Directorate Faces Backlash Over Delayed Hockey Turf Project

    Peshawar ,   A sports infrastructure project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has hit a roadblock, with the Provincial Sports Directorate facing criticism for its handling of a delayed hockey turf installation. The project, awarded to a local contractor in 2022, was initially slated for completion by May of that year. However, due to unexplained delays, the turfs in Abbottabad and Nowshera remain unfinished. According to the contract, the contractor was obligated to pay a 10% penalty for each month of delay. This amounts to a significant sum, but the Directorate has yet to take action to recover the penalty. Local sports enthusiasts and the public have expressed disappointment over the lack of progress and accountability. Many have taken to social media to voice their concerns, questioning the Directorate's oversight and the contractor's commitment to the project. As the delay persists, calls for a thorough investigation into the matter are growing louder. The public demands

Contractor Faces Rs. 5 Million Fine for Delayed 3D Squash Court Project

    Peshawar, Pakistan – A highly anticipated 3D squash court project at Hayatabad Sports Complex, a posh neighborhood in Peshawar, has been plagued by significant delays. Despite a March 2021 contract valued at Rs. 99.40 million and an 18-month completion deadline, the project remains unfinished over three years later. Sources within the Sports Directorate reveal that the contractor had agreed to a Rs. 5 million penalty if the court wasn't operational by September 2023. According to the contract terms, a 10% financial penalty was to be levied for each month of delay. However, despite overshooting the deadline by more than a year, no action has been taken to impose the fine. Intriguingly, a payment of Rs. 62,830,000 was made on June 23, 2022, based on "unscheduled items," as indicated by check number 060389. The delayed project has sparked concerns among sports enthusiasts and the public, who have questioned the lack of accountability and transparency in the execu

Concerns Over Illegal Recruitments and Mismanagement in Kp Sports Directorate Projects

    Allegations of illegal recruitments have surfaced in the Provincial Sports Directorate's initiative to establish sports grounds at the Union Council level. In Dera Ismail Khan, four individuals were recruited without proper advertisement or interviews, receiving three months' salary and Eid bonuses before their unexpected dismissal just three months later. Sources from the Sports Directorate reveal that under the annual project 210575, these recruits, including Muhammad Zubair and Syed Muhammad Yusuf Shah, were hired as junior clerks, while Syed Maqbool Ahmad Shah and Ameer Jalil Shah were categorized as office boys. They were instructed to open bank accounts for salary disbursement, amounting to 32,000 rupees each, and were told they were undergoing training in Dera Ismail Khan. These individuals received salaries starting from March 2024 and were also granted bonuses during Eid celebrations. However, in June, these same employees were abruptly dismissed from another

Audit Reveals Overpayment of Rs. 3.27 Million to Contractor Due to Non-Deduction of Taxes in KPK Sports Directorate

    In a recent audit of the accounts record for the financial year 2022-23, it was discovered that the Director General Sports of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa failed to deduct compulsory taxes from payments made to a contractor for event management services. A total of Rs. 29.725 million was paid to the contractor as part of the “Promotion and Sustainability of Sports Activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” project. However, the necessary income tax and sales tax were not deducted, resulting in an overpayment of Rs. 3,269,750. The lapse was attributed to weak internal controls within the department. Although the issue was raised in December 2023, and assurances were made regarding recovery, the department has yet to hold a DAC (Departmental Accounts Committee) meeting to address the matter. The audit recommends immediate recovery of the overpaid amount. #KPKSports #AuditReport #Overpayment #TaxDeduction #Accountability

Misappropriation of Funds: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Audit Report Reveals Irregularities

    The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Audit Report for the financial year 2022-23 has uncovered irregularities in the accounts of the Director Works, Sports Department. The report revealed that a sum of Rs. 9,041,744/- was allegedly misappropriated by being falsely shown as payments made to the FBR and DG Sports from a designated account intended for security and CDRs of contractors. An investigation is now underway to determine the individuals responsible for the alleged misappropriation and to recover the funds. The audit report has also highlighted the need for stronger internal controls to prevent such incidents in the future. #KhyberPakhtunkhwa #AuditReport #Misappropriation #Funds #Irregularities #SportsDepartment #Investigation

Fictitious Payment of Rs. 69.418 Million Exposed at Jamrud Sports Complex – Fake Measurements for Non-Executed Work Uncovered

  A major financial irregularity has been uncovered in the contract awarded for the "Establishment & Rehabilitation of Jamrud Sports Complex." An audit of the accounts of the Director General Sports & Youth Affairs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, for the fiscal year 2022-23 revealed a fictitious payment of Rs. 69.418 million based on fraudulent measurements for work that was never executed. The project, contracted to MS A.Q Builders, had payments made up to the 6th Interim Payment Certificate (IPC) for a total of Rs. 191.152 million. However, the audit discovered that a significant portion of this payment was fictitious, as it was based on non-existent work. The falsification of measurements was confirmed by an on-site inspection team, which documented evidence through photographs. According to Rule 395 of the Federal Treasury Rules (FTR) Volume-1, all payments for works must be based on accurate measurements recorded in a designated measurement book. This rule, further supp

Major Financial and Management Issues Found in Audit of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Department

    Peshawar , The results of the Audit Report for 2022-23 reveal serious management and financial issues plaguing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports and Culture Department. Serious irregularities amounting to Rs. 8,769.373 million were reported. A recovery of Rs. 220.232 million was also noticed. The other important observation done was that the department failed to present management replies in the initial phase of the exit meetings. In most cases, it could be observed that contracts were awarded irregularly, and advance payments had been made based on the fake measurements. This significantly contributed to mismanagement in finance. The report further highlights the Provincial Sports Management Committee, constituted under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports & Youth Policy 2018. Though this committee was supposed to oversee all the critical decisions on managing the sports facilities and disbursals for coaching programmes and for sports organizations, so far it has remained non-funct

Rampage of Barriers at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate: More than Two Months and No Defined Place

    It has been more than two months since the installation of barriers across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate; no particular location has been identified yet. These have been erected without proper planning and in an indiscriminate manner and never was supervision distributed upon even among a very few officers.   First, it was claimed that the restrictions are to control the "extracurricular activities" at the Sports Directorate. This already arouses a relevant question: how were such activities carried out in a huge stadium with such watchful eyes? Yet, the restrictions are considered to distress the athletes' training, given that the athletics ground has been totally closed since two years ago.   The positioning of the barriers along the two sides of the Sports Directorate has affected running by the athletes as well as public runs, but no one cared. When there was a complaint that motorcycles and bicycles mainly were parked just before the Directorate

"Security Threat Lines are a Nightmare for the K P Sports Directorate Despite Rising Threats"

   Terrorism threat lines are on the rise, but still, administrative importance comes along with the Sports Directorate, which include the offices of the Sports Minister, DG Sports, and other major departments; however, basic security is quite seriously missing at the place. Several CCTV cameras, which are an intrinsic part of the modern system of security, are either not working or missing in several places. While some CCTV cameras have installed them at the main entrance, others do not have them. Data recording by the Directorate can only be done for one week at a time, again leaving much of the coverage uncovered. This is, however worsened by the fact that areas plunge into darkness after dusk. Lights that were functional since Ramadan have been removed, leaving four light poles at the main gate that remain useless. Ironically, these lights have been moved to the hockey ground, and this makes the entrance even more vulnerable. Shockingly, there are no trained or permanently em

Multiple Appointments Raise Concerns Over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Officer Shortage

      Peshawar ,    A case in which one officer is holding the position of project director simultaneously in the Sports Directorate and Kohat Division Development Project is raising eyebrows about officer shortage in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The situation further complicates when such officer is also in the demand of the Peshawar Development Authority. Then, there is this strange situation. Several questions arise here: one person managing the workload of multiple high-stake projects and what this says about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's claim of a few qualified officers in the country. This officer, working at the rank of PPS BS-18, undertakes two important positions. He works as Project Director, and the position includes managing the development and rehabilitation of sports facilities at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Seeing the local sports infrastructure of this province, this place is most important for its development. It deputed and appointed him as a Project Director of the Kohat Divisi

New Sports Policy Draft Raises Questions About IPC's Role

  The Government of Pakistan has unveiled a draft of its new five-year sports policy, aiming to transform the country into a leading sports nation. The policy outlines a comprehensive plan to promote high-quality, inclusive, and accessible sports, fostering national pride and unity. With a focus on achieving global success in major events like the 2028 Olympics and 2026 Asian Games, the policy aims to overhaul Pakistan's sports system. Key Features of the Draft Policy: Steering Committee: Establishment of a steering committee chaired by the Federal Sports Minister to oversee policy implementation. Anti-Doping Measures: Plans for stronger anti-doping regulations and the creation of a National Anti-Doping Agency. Sports Institute: Establishment of a sports institute to enhance athlete development and training. Sports Endowment Funds: Creation of funds to support sports initiatives and attract women to participate in sports. Sports Database: Development of a national sport

Public Funds Misused at Lala Ayub Hockey Ground: A Turf of Corruption?

    The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Islamabad spent about 100 million rupees on a new turf for Peshawar's revered Lala Ayub Hockey Ground. Unfortunately, the project has already been marred with problems, with nails and spikes coming out of the turf-leaving serious concerns for player safety. Syed Zahir Shah, President Hockey Association, has strongly condemned: "We want DG Yasir Pirzada of the PSB to conduct an inquiry into the state of the turf. This is public tax money being wasted. The inquiry committee was constituted, following which Deputy Director Shahid Islam came to inspect the turf, but till date we have not seen any result of this inquiry," said Zahir Shah. He also blamed the contractor who came from Canada: "The contractor earned his money, collected his payment from PSB, and ran. But we will not leave him scot-free. The provincial sports directorate too raised reservations about the quality, so why was it inaugurated in that sorry state?"

Syed Zahir Shah believes that PSB hostels need upgraded facilities.

    The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) seems to intend to provide adequate facilities for the players. But recent trends raise a serious failure in that matter. The state has offered a hostel for lodging to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa players participating in the junior hockey championship whose beds, Syed Zahir Shah, President of the provincial hockey association, quoted, were dirty and cockroach-infested. Newly appointed DG Sports Yasir Pirzada is requested to personally visit the hostels so that he himself can assess the conditions prevailing at these places, hazardous to the health of the players on account of unsanitary conditions. Shah claims that upon a first-hand visit, deplorable conditions prevailing at the place will be satisfactorily exposed. He pointed out that, no doubt, there are several directorates in PSB; however, it is not known what work is being done and to what extent one is being charged for maintenance, keeping in view the fact that they could not provide any facility

Sports Circles Demand Action: Return of Misused Sports Directorate Vehicles Urged

  The sports community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has raised serious concerns over the misuse of vehicles allocated to the Sports Directorate, calling on the Minister of Sports, Secretary, and Director General of Sports to take immediate action. They are demanding the swift return of these vehicles to ensure they are used solely for sports-related activities. According to sources within the sports circles, a significant number of vehicles were assigned to other departments during the Sports Directorate's tenure, with many officials from outside departments receiving vehicles unlawfully. Even officials of Grade 16, who are ineligible for such privileges, were granted vehicles based on political recommendations. Many of these vehicles remain in unauthorized use. Despite repeated efforts to recover the vehicles, the Sports Directorate has faced continuous resistance from various departments. This misuse of government resources is seen as a major setback to the province's sports dev

KP Sports Directorate Ducks Revenue Questions Over Hayatabad Complex

    The Provincial Sports Directorate of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been severely criticized for not providing financial details pertaining to the income earned during the tenure of the three administrators serving at the Hayatabad Sports Complex. However, the department remained mum over the income earned and the amount of expenses, including the amount spent on the maintenance and regular upkeep of the complex from 2021 to 2024 despite many requests and appeals filed before the Right to Information Commission. The complaints emerged about the reluctance of the department to disclose information especially when the Hayatabad Sports Complex is the highest earning complex under the Provincial Sports Directorate. Such discrepancies in the revenue figures, along with the fluctuations in the number of employees appointed during different administrations, have only fueled such misgivings of financial anomalies. The public wants information clearer and most people doubt the motives beh

Karki Archery Competition Thrills Lakki Marwat

    The Provincial Sports Directorate recently hosted a thrilling Ka r ki archery competition in lak k i Marwat, a traditional sport deeply rooted in the region's heritage. The event attracted over a hundred local athletes from various areas, showcasing their skill and passion for this ancient pastime.   As part of the "Kehel hai Khyber Pakhtunkhwa" series, the competition offered cash prizes of 30,000 and 20,000 rupees to the top performers. The closing ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including ADC L akki Marwat Kamran, Assistant Commissioner L akki Marwat Islam, and the Deputy Director of Operations of the Provincial Sports Directorate. Jamshed Baloch, the chief guest, commended the athletes for their exceptional performance and encouraged them to continue their pursuit of excellence. The local community expressed their appreciation for the Provincial Sports Directorate's efforts in promoting traditional sports and preserving cultural heritage

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Youth: A Need for Greater Focus on Positive Engagement

      Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with its youthful population, presents a significant opportunity for positive development. However, concerns remain about the lack of meaningful engagement and opportunities for the province's youth.   Despite the provincial government's efforts to promote sports and youth activities through policies and initiatives, these efforts have been largely limited to urban areas. Many districts, especially in rural areas, have seen minimal impact.   District Sports Officers (DSOs) play a crucial role in organizing sports activities and nurturing young talent at the local level. However, allegations of negligence and a focus on personal benefits rather than promoting sports have surfaced against many DSOs.   The Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of respective districts are responsible for overseeing the work of DSOs. Yet, there are concerns that DCs are often more focused on political matters than promoting youth development.   It is imperative tha

Anti-Corruption Department Issues Notice to Retired Sports Official for Additional Payments

      The Anti-Corruption Department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued a stern warning to a retired official of the provincial sports directorate for allegedly making excessive payments. The official, who retired six months ago, has been directed to either deposit the additional funds into the provincial treasury or face legal consequences.   The retired official was summoned by the anti-corruption authorities to provide information regarding suspected corruption within the sports department. During the investigation, it was discovered that while serving as a Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO), the official approved inflated bills for the engineering wing of the sports directorate. These payments were made without proper oversight, raising red flags for the anti-corruption department.   The department has issued notices to multiple officials involved in the matter, demanding that they submit documentation to justify the additional payments made during their tenure. Failure

Former Sports Minister Mahmud Khan Accused of Corruption, Retired Officials Under Scrutiny

    A corruption scandal involving former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Minister Mahmud Khan has sent shockwaves through the provincial sports department. The Anti-Corruption Establishment has filed an FIR against Khan for allegedly transferring 1.8 million rupees from government coffers to his personal account. The FIR also implicates two retired sports officials, sparking panic among former department employees.   Sources within the sports ministry revealed that an official, temporarily posted to the department from the education department on political grounds during Khan's tenure, withdrew the 1.8 million rupees and handed it over to the then-minister's personal secretary. A former officer, currently posted in another department, played a pivotal role in this transaction, and the entire episode is well-documented.   The secretary of the sports department at the time of the incident faced disciplinary action and was suspended, while the director-general and the concern

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cricketer's Father Files Lawsuit Against PCB Over Team Ouster

      An international cricketer from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Najeeb Khan, who has represented Pakistan in Sri Lanka's tour of Pakistan 2023 and the Asia Cup 2023, has been dropped from the squad by the local Charsadda Association and the Regional Cricket Association Peshawar. According to Najab Khan's father, Mahfouzullah Khan, his son performed admirably in the Under-21s in 2023, yet was still excluded from the team.   Mahfoozullah Khan has challenged this decision in the Peshawar High Court, making the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) a party to the case. He argues that it is unfair to remove Najab Khan from the Peshawar region squad and not include him in the U-19 Asia Cup. The case is scheduled to be heard in the Peshawar High Court on October 16.   This case underscores the problems plaguing sports administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the injustices faced by talented athletes, which pose serious challenges for the future of sports development in the region.  

KP Misses National Junior Swimming Championship for Second Year Due to Defunct Association and Lack of Support

      For the second consecutive year, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) could not field a team for the National Junior Swimming Championship held in Lahore, once again sidelined due to a dysfunctional swimming association and lack of financial support from the provincial sports authorities.   According to sports sources, the Pakistan Swimming Association had made an appeal to the KP Olympic Association to send a team for the event. Zulfiqar Butt, Secretary of the KP Olympic Association, confirmed that although a team was prepared, the provincial sports directorate did not cooperate. No travel tickets or financial assistance were provided. "If no one is interested in swimming, who will take the team?" lamented Butt, highlighting the growing disinterest from officials.   Further compounding the issue is KP's only official swimming facility, the Adil Khan Swimming Pool, located inside the Peshawar Sports Complex. Despite generating approximately ten million rupees this se

Sports Associations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Struggle Due to Lack of Funding, Sports Directorate's Controversial Policies Under Scrutiny

    More than 38 sports associations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been struggling for the past three years due to a lack of funds. The provincial sports directorate has not been providing these associations with financial support for the promotion of sports and organizing events, making it difficult for them to hold competitions. On top of that, the issue of sponsorship looms large, as no major companies or institutions are stepping forward to sponsor any sporting events in the region.   During the tenure of former sports minister Syed Aqil Shah, these associations used to receive annual grants ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 PKR, with the promise of further increments. However, the situation changed drastically after the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a halt in funding. Some associations have quietly received limited funds, but they refrain from publicizing this for fear of sparking protests from other associations that are still without funding.   The sports directorate's

Tehsil-Level Sports Complex in Hasan Khel Nearing Complete Destruction Due to Neglect

    The Tehsil-level sports complex in Hasan Khel, established under the supervision of the C&W department, is on the verge of complete ruin. Despite its potential to provide opportunities for local athletes, the complex has not yet been handed over to the Directorate of Sports for the merged districts. Due to this administrative oversight, the facility has fallen into disrepair, with broken glass panels and locals using the premises as a dumping ground. The sports directorate of the surrounding districts has shown no signs of taking responsibility for the complex. In fact, there appears to be no immediate plan to officially hand over the facility to any authority. The lack of oversight has not only affected the condition of the complex but also disheartened the local sports community. For two and a half years, a local player was appointed to oversee the sports ground, but due to non-payment of his dues, he too has distanced himself from the project. This lack of support from

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Boys Shine in Gymnastics: Yahya Wins Gold and Silver, Team Secures Bronze

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's boys' gymnastics team has made their province proud by securing a bronze medal in the all-round team event at a recent gymnastics competition. Leading the charge was Peshawar’s Yahya, who delivered an outstanding performance by clinching the gold medal in the parallel bars (p-bar) category and a silver medal in the floor event. This remarkable achievement comes on the heels of a stellar showing by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa girls' gymnastics team, which had earlier bagged six bronze medals in their respective events. The continuous rise of gymnastics talent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reflects the dedication and hard work of the young athletes, despite challenges such as limited resources and training facilities. #KPKGymnastics #GoldForYahya #BronzeForKPK #YouthSportsKPK #GymnasticsChampions #KPKAthletes

AC Mardan Vows to Preserve Cultural Sports: Chapalabad Triumphs in All Baizai Mukha Tournament

  Assistant Commissioner Mardan, Kamran Khan, has pledged full support from the district administration to promote and preserve Mardan's traditional and cultural sports. Speaking at the prize distribution ceremony for the All Baizai Mukha (Archery) Supersix Tournament, held at Chapalabad Shamozai Katling in collaboration with the Peshawar Sports Department, Kamran Khan emphasized the importance of keeping ancient sports like Mukha alive. The event was graced by several notable figures, including Haji Nawab Shah, Sulaiman Khan, Syed Akhtar Gohar Shah, Farman Shah, and Ajmal Khan. Provincial President of the Mukha Organization, Amjad Hussain Yousafzai, briefed the participants about the tournament's objectives and aims. Eight teams participated in the tournament, with the final showdown between Chapalabad and Babuzai. Chapalabad emerged victorious by a narrow margin of two points, claiming the championship title. Assistant Commissioner Kamran Khan and Deputy Director of Sport

KPOA Seeks 6.5 Million Rupees from Provincial Sports Directorate for National Games Preparations

  The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Olympic Association has formally approached the Provincial Sports Directorate, requesting a budget of 6.5 million rupees to organize camps and prepare athletes for the upcoming National Games in Karachi next year. A letter has been sent outlining the financial requirements for multiple sports associations. Sources indicate that these funds will cover player expenses, including the provision of kits and the organization of sports camps, ensuring the province's athletes are well-equipped for the event. #kikxnow #digitalcreator #sportsnews #mojo #mojosports #kpkolympics #kpolympic #sportanews #mojonews  

KPK Sports Directorate's Move to Outsource Events: Ensuring Transparency or Repeating Past Mistakes?

  The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate plans to outsource the opening and closing ceremonies of various sports events for the year 2024-25 through private firms. Recently, a pre-bidding meeting was held, attended by representatives of over 14 major companies. This initiative aims to ensure transparency and accountability under the KP Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (KPPRA) rules. This is not the first time the Sports Directorate has engaged private firms for event management. A similar move was made in 2022, where a joint venture with a production house and other non-governmental entities handled the events. The contractors provided production services, accommodation for athletes, and transportation. However, at the time, the contract was awarded to a specific firm without an open tender, raising concerns about fairness. This year, to improve transparency, the bidding process has been initiated under KPPRA rules, and major firms have been invited to participate. The me

Merged Districts Sports Directorate's Website Remains Outdated Amid Leadership Changes"

  In the digital age, where information is at everyone’s fingertips, the Merged Districts Sports Directorate's website remains a testament to neglect and outdated information. Despite the changing leadership and ongoing sports activities in the region, the website is far from being updated, with years-old data and images still displayed. A visit to the website reveals a glaring oversight: a photograph of former Director General (DG) Khalid Khan continues to grace the front page, despite two DGs having taken the position since his tenure. Additionally, Captain Mushtaq, the former Secretary Sports, who left over a year ago to serve as Secretary in Balochistan, still has his image prominently displayed. This neglect reflects the lack of priority given to sports promotion in the merged districts. Even the caretaker Chief Minister Azam Khan, who passed away, remains listed on the website, ignoring the current Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur. Ironically, the newly appointed directo

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hockey Team Shines in Junior Championship, Despite Quarter-Final Loss

    The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa A team made a strong impression in the Pakistan Hockey Federation Junior Hockey Championship in Islamabad, showcasing exceptional talent and teamwork. Despite a narrow 3-4 loss to Customs in the quarter-finals, the team's performance throughout the competition was commendable. To express their appreciation and support, renowned figures from the hockey world, including Rana Mujahid, Asif Bajwa, and Shahbaz Sr., visited the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa team at the ground. Their presence served as a significant boost to the players' morale. Rana Mujahid, known for his exceptional skills, joined the team for a friendly match, further inspiring the young athletes. In recognition of their outstanding performance, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa team was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 10,000. Zahir Shah, president of the Provincial Hockey Association, also contributed Rs. 10,000 to encourage the team's continued efforts. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hockey team's impres

Pakistan Olympic Association Invited to 9th Youth Camp of Chinese Olympic Committee in Beijing

    The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has been invited to participate in the prestigious 9th Youth Camp of the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC), scheduled to be held in Beijing from November 3 to 8, 2024. Since its inception in 2013, this annual camp has become a significant platform for promoting the Olympic values of sportsmanship, fostering cross-cultural exchange, and strengthening cooperation among National Olympic Committees (NOCs) worldwide. This year’s camp will host two participants from Pakistan—one male and one female—between the ages of 18 and 35. Participants are expected to be fluent in English and have a basic understanding of the Olympic Movement. The event will cover a wide range of sports-related discussions, lectures, and activities, with all sessions conducted in English. The COC will generously cover boarding, lodging, local transportation, and half the round-trip airfare for both Pakistani participants. However, other expenses such as insurance and visa

PSB Peshawar Center's Halls Closed: Players Face Training Crisis

    The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Peshawar Center has faced backlash after closing its gymnasium, squash ground, and karate hall for over a month. The closure was triggered by the PSB Islamabad's demand for exorbitant fees, leaving squash, badminton, and volleyball players, who previously trained in these halls, facing significant difficulties. The halls were previously used for various sports activities, including volleyball, badminton, squash, and karate. However, the management's demand for an entry fee of Rs 7500 led to the closure as players were unable to afford the cost. This decision has not only affected the athletes but also resulted in a decline in cleanliness and maintenance at the center. Critics have pointed out the irony of the PSB, which claims to provide facilities to players, imposing restrictions that negatively impact the majority of athletes in the province. Additionally, the center's allocation of Rs 2.3 million in public taxes per month for em

Bannu Athletics Ground Faces Safety Concerns

    The safety nets installed outside the athletics ground in Bannu have been completely cut, posing a serious risk to athletes and spectators. Despite repeated appeals to the District Sports Officer and local administration, the issue remains unaddressed. The dilapidated state of the ground has created difficulties for athletes and forced the community to adapt. To accommodate the growing number of athletes and fans, approximately 10,000 people now watch football and athletics games daily in the limited space of the Banu Athletics Ground. The lack of proper safety measures and infrastructure highlights the urgent need for attention and action to ensure the well-being of those involved in sports activities in the region. #BannuSports #SafetyFirst #InfrastructureIssues    

traditional Mokha Games Kick Off in Mardan

  The ancient game of Mokha has returned to Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the start of a traditional sports competition organized by the Sports Department. The event was inaugurated by Additional Assistant Commissioner Ibn Amin and Deputy Director Operations Jamshed Baloch. Eight veteran teams from Mardan district are participating in the week-long competition, which is taking place in Tehsil Katling Shamuzai. The teams include Babuzai Club, Shamuzai Club, Mian Khan, Sangao, Artona, and Chapalabad. Deputy Director Operations Jamshed Baloch praised the efforts of DG Sports Abdul Nasir for reviving traditional sports in the province. He highlighted Momkha's popularity in Swabi, Mardan, and Buner. The winners of the regional competitions will be invited to the Peshawar Horse Cattle Show and Horse and Cattle Show in Dera. The final of the Momkha event is scheduled for October 6, 2024, with Junior Fakhr Jahan as the special guest. #Mokha #TraditionalGames #Mardan #KPK #Sports

Former Squash Champion Muhibullah Raises Concerns over PSB Peshawar Restrictions

  Former squash champion and world number 2 Muhibullah Khan, who also served as the director of Peshawar Sports Board and Coaching Center, met with the newly appointed Director General of PSB at the Islamabad headquarters. During the meeting, Muhibullah expressed deep concern over the restrictions imposed on players at the PSB Peshawar Center, particularly the ban on badminton, squash, and volleyball players. He highlighted the financial difficulties faced by the players, who are required to pay a monthly fee of seven and a half thousand rupees. Given the current economic situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, many players find it challenging to afford this fee. In response, the DGP PSB acknowledged that the fee was a decision made by the board and was not something he could change unilaterally. However, he assured Muhibullah that he would raise the matter with the board in light of the current circumstances. Muhibullah emphasized that the Peshawar center has produced numerous interna