Punjab Announces 16 Free Sports Academies While KP Athletes Struggle for Survival

 

KikxNow , Digital Creator

The announcement by Punjab Sports Board to launch 16 free sports academies across the province is more than a development project. It reflects a policy direction. The focus is not only on buildings, but on athlete access, coaching, talent development and equal opportunity for boys and girls.

The academies will cover boxing, athletics, swimming, table tennis, badminton, football, hockey, archery, wushu, karate, jujitsu, taekwondo, tennis, squash, cricket and laser run. According to Punjab officials, these academies will be free for athletes and expanded across divisions and districts.

In contrast, many athletes and sports associations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa describe a completely different reality.

Over the last several years, KP has seen major spending on sports infrastructure, buildings and renovation projects. Yet many athletes claim they still pay from their own pockets for registration fees, travel, equipment and training. Several sports associations say they have not received grant-in-aid funding for nearly five years.

A national-level athlete recently described how he applied for financial assistance but was publicly humiliated for not sending his request “through proper channel.” According to the athlete, despite winning international medals, he still borrows money to participate in competitions.

A football player shared another harsh reality. After spending five years in the sport, he now believes he would have earned more by learning a trade instead of continuing football. “There is no financial support, no jobs and no respect,” he said.

This highlights a deeper structural issue in KP sports governance. Infrastructure alone does not produce athletes. Stadiums without coaching systems, athlete scholarships, professional management and long-term planning become political showcase projects rather than sports development models.

Critics also question the priorities inside the provincial sports system. In some districts, professional coaches are reportedly being removed while non-technical hiring continues. Athletes and local sports circles argue that the system increasingly rewards contractors, ceremonial events and administrative control instead of athlete welfare and performance.

Another concern is accessibility. In Punjab, the new academies are being promoted as free and open to all. In KP, many young athletes say even access to grounds and facilities has become difficult without fees or personal connections.

The bigger issue is not simply funding. It is policy mindset.

Punjab is at least talking about athlete development. KP continues to face allegations that sports policy revolves around construction projects, protocol culture and symbolic ceremonies while athletes themselves remain neglected.

If this trend continues, the danger is clear: more buildings may appear, more inaugurations may take place, but talented athletes will continue leaving sports due to financial pressure, humiliation and lack of opportunity.

 

A sports system should produce athletes, not only infrastructure.

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