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Peshawar Athlete's Death Sparks Outrage, Questions HEC's Talent Hunt Program

      PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN - A 20-year-old athlete's death during a judo competition organized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Mardan has cast a shadow over the program's credibility and sparked demands for an immediate investigation.   The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has ignited outrage in the sports community, raising concerns about the lack of proper facilities, inadequate medical screening, and the program's overall transparency.   Allegations of Misconduct and Lack of Transparency   According to sources, the HEC, despite allocating significant funds, has failed to discover any new talent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Critics allege that competitions are being held in unsuitable venues without expert supervision, raising questions about the program's legitimacy and potential misuse of funds.   Concerns Regarding Athlete's Safety and Well-being   The use of an inappropriate mat for the judo competition and the lack of proper m

Lack of Judo Equipment Threatens Growth of Sport in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

    PESHAWAR, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Judo players in Peshawar, particularly female athletes, face a significant hurdle due to a lack of proper training equipment. This inadequate infrastructure raises safety concerns, leading to potential injuries and discouraging participation in the sport.   The absence of essential equipment like judogi (uniforms), mats, and protective gear creates a training environment fraught with risks. This can not only lead to physical harm but also discourage potential judokas, hindering the sport's growth in the province.   Experts highlight the need for immediate action to address this issue. Conducting a needs assessment, exploring funding options, and securing equipment donations are crucial steps in ensuring a safe and conducive training environment for judo players. Additionally, focusing on promoting female participation through targeted initiatives is essential for fostering gender equality in the sport.   By prioritizing the safety a

Judo Tragedy: Young Athlete Loses Life During Competition

      Mardan, Pakistan: A young judo player's life was tragically cut short on Sunday during the Prime Minister Youth Talent Hunt trials at the Board of Education Sports Complex.   20-year-old Fiza Sher Ali, from Faisal Colony Peshawar, sustained a severe head injury during a match. The incident was immediately reported to Rescue 1122, who administered CPR while transporting her to the hospital. Sadly, doctors confirmed Fiza's passing upon arrival.   As a mark of respect, all other sporting competitions at the event were postponed.   This incident highlights the importance of safety measures in judo and all athletic competitions. Our thoughts and prayers are with Fiza's family and loved ones during this difficult time. #MardanJudo #SafetyInSports    

Tragic Loss: Rising Football Star Farhan Khan of KPK Dies in Motorcycle Accident"

      In a heartbreaking turn of events, Farhan Khan, a prominent footballer hailing from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, met with a fatal accident last night in Swabi. The former member of Pakistan Football Under-19 team and a current player for Pakistan Air Force (Islamabad) Football Team, succumbed to his injuries earlier this morning at CMH Rawalpindi.   Farhan Khan, who belonged to the Union Council of Swabi District and hailed from the village of Maneri Payan Mohalla Taos Khel, suffered severe head injuries in the tragic motorcycle accident. His untimely demise has left the football community in mourning, as they remember him for his talent, dedication, and promising future in the sport     #FarhanKhanTribute #RIPFarhanKhan #FootballStar #KPKLoss    

Equipment Vanishes from Merged Districts Sports Directorate, Raises Questions

    Most of the equipment belonging to the sports directorate of the merged districts, now integrated into the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sports directorate, has gone missing, including crucial badminton gear. With these disappearances, doubts loom over the possibility of holding competitions, prompting considerations for new equipment procurement.   Following the merger of the districts' sports directorate into the provincial setup, an inquiry was initiated against the store room in-charge of the merged districts. A thorough investigation, led by a three-member committee, culminated in a report submitted to the Director General of Sports, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Subsequently, the storeroom keys were transferred to a designated assistant director.   During the transition, sports equipment intended for merged districts' activities was relocated to the provincial sports directorate. However, suspicions arise as official vehicles were frequently used to transport goods, documented t

Syed Aqil Shah Kicks Off Under-20 Volleyball Junior Championship in Peshawar

      Former Provincial Sports Minister Syed Aqil Shah inaugurated the much-anticipated Under-20 Junior Volleyball Championship in Peshawar. Greeted with traditional flower garlands and a Chitrali cap, Shah graced the event as the special guest.   Amidst a vibrant atmosphere, Shah met with players and officials, fostering camaraderie among participants. The tournament commenced with an intense clash between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa White and WAPDA teams, setting the stage for an electrifying competition.   Hosted at the Sports Board and Coaching Center, the championship witnesses spirited participation from teams across provinces and departments, promising exhilarating matches ahead.   #Peshawar #Volleyball #JuniorChampionship    

Urgent Action Needed: Reinvigorate Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate

    Dear Mr. Chief Minister,   I am writing to express my deep concern about the current state of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate. For over a year, there has been a lack of organized sports activities and crucial support for athletes in the province. This situation requires immediate attention and a comprehensive plan for improvement.   Challenges and Proposed Solutions:   Stagnant Development: The directorate needs to identify and address the root causes hindering the organization of sporting events and player development programs.   Scholarship Discontinuation: Reinstating the U-21 scholarship program, or a similar initiative, would significantly boost player morale and encourage participation.   Termination of Daily Wagers: Rehiring qualified coaches, who play a vital role in nurturing talent, is critical for fostering a strong sporting ecosystem.   Substandard Infrastructure: An independent audit should be conducted to investigate the alleged poo

Is Cold Weather Hindering Peshawar's Tartan Track Construction?

    The construction of a new tartan track at the Peshawar Sports Complex in Peshawar Cantt has sparked concerns regarding the timing of the project, raising questions about potential delays and potential misuse of resources. While the track itself is a positive development for athletes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), concerns remain about the impact of ongoing cold weather on construction progress and potential long-term issues.   Ideal weather conditions: Ideally, constructing a tartan track occurs in moderate temperatures, ranging from 15°C to 25°C.   Potential for delays: Laying the track in colder weather can be challenging, as the adhesive used to bind the surface together may not cure properly. This could lead to delays in completion and potentially compromise the track's quality and lifespan.   Safety considerations: Working in cold weather can also pose safety concerns for construction workers, potentially leading to accidents and further delays.   Financial

Asphalt Work on Peshawar Sports Complex Begins, But Cold Weather Raises Concerns

    PESHAWAR, Pakistan - Construction on the long-awaited Peshawar Sports Complex is finally underway, with crews starting work on laying the asphalt track surface. However, the project faces challenges due to the current cold weather conditions.   The ambitious project, overseen by the Provincial Sports Directorate, aims to be completed by September 2024. Laying asphalt in cold weather is technically possible, but it comes with increased risks and potential drawbacks.   Incomplete compaction: The asphalt cools faster, leaving less time for proper compaction, crucial for a strong and durable track. This can cause cracks and an uneven surface, impacting performance and potentially increasing injury risk for athletes.   Delayed use: The curing process takes longer in cold weather, potentially delaying the use of the track.     Consult with experienced paving contractors familiar with cold-weather asphalt laying and tartan track construction. They can assess the specif

Dera Ismail Khan Sports Complex Plagued by Absenteeism: Committee Report

    DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A committee investigating persistent absenteeism among officials at the Dera Ismail Khan Sports Complex has revealed that a majority of the staff are failing to fulfill their duties.   The complex, managed by the Provincial Sports Directorate, reportedly sees very few of its roughly three dozen officials report for work regularly, with some barely attending at all.   Sources familiar with the investigation claim it has uncovered widespread political influence and nepotism in the recruitment process. Many of the absent officials were allegedly hired based on political connections, while others are said to be relatives of Sports Directorate personnel.   The investigation comes in response to public complaints regarding the frequent absence of staff at the sports complex. The Provincial Sports Directorate formed a four-member committee to address the issue, with three members visiting the complex to record statements and examine records.   The commi