Prime Minister's Youth Talent Hunt Boxing Trials Marred by Chaos — Talent Hunt Used as Political Stunt, Not for Sports

 

Women's boxing trials for the Prime Minister's Youth Talent Hunt program held at Qayyum Sports Complex were severely mismanaged, inflicting deep disappointment and mental pain on scores of female boxers who came from far-flung areas. As per official reports, the trials were to go on from May 29 to June 3, 2025. But after just the opening ceremony on May 29, the trials were suddenly concluded on the same day, and the subsequent days were declared a holiday without notice.

May 30 and 31, when the players came again to attend the trials, no officials were there, nor was any communication about the cancellation. The concerned players explained that they had given up examinations, other sport events, and personal appointments to take part in the trials, but the sloppy management made their efforts go in vain. Parents and coaches have called for the responsible individuals to be taken to task and demanded a repetition of free and fair trials.

This scenario raises serious doubts over the Prime Minister's vision of empowering the youth through sports. But the ground reality is just the opposite.

According to sports experts, this Talent Hunt program is rather a political stunt and not a real attempt at promoting sports. It is not transparent, accountable, and lacks a clear process. Departments such as the Higher Education Department, which have nothing to do with sports, are conducting these trials. Meanwhile, Pakistan Sports Board and provincial sports directorates whose sole responsibility is the advancement of sports and the identification of young talent already exist in Pakistan. The question is: If there is no faith in such institutions, then why are millions of rupees still being allocated towards such programs? It would be preferable either to strengthen these current institutions or abolish them altogether.

Reports also mention money laundering, with a few associations profiting financially from these trials. For instance, during a Talent Hunt competition in Mardan, participants were paid 4,500 rupees individually, but only received 1,000 rupees from the association. Sadly, a lady athlete lost her life during this competition, but a proper investigation has not yet been revealed.

In addition, previous experience of university sports directors in question has been dubious. Some officials have experienced drastic personal wealth gains — their former cars have become luxury SUVs — but there seems no effective system of accountability.

Interestingly, the Higher Education Commission does not even have coaches for these sports and has to use coaches from different associations to carry out the Talent Hunt. A question mark remains large: How many new players have actually been discovered through these regional programs? If these coaches are to go out and hunt talent, then why not give money to the associations directly to build local talent?

If the real motive of the Talent Hunt program is to find new players and develop young people through sports, transparency, accountability, and coordination with concerned authorities are inevitable. At the present juncture, the program seems to be nothing but a political stunt, undermining public trust and jeopardizing young players' career.

 

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