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