Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a comprehensive plan to revive Pakistan's sporting prowess, pledging significant financial support and the establishment of a high-performance academy.
The Prime Minister's announcement comes in the wake of Arshad Nadeem's historic victory at the World Athletics Championships, where he secured Pakistan's first Olympic gold medal in 40 years. To honour Nadeem's achievement, a celebratory state banquet was held in his honour, during which the Prime Minister outlined his vision for the future of Pakistani sports.
"This committee will explore how the government can contribute to reclaiming Pakistan's lost sporting glory," Shehbaz Sharif stated. He urged all sports associations to set aside their differences and work together for the betterment of the nation's sporting landscape. He appealed to former sporting greats to submit their recommendations to the government to guide the development of sport across the country.
Highlighting the importance of collective support, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that both the federal and provincial governments were committed to providing full support to the proposed plans. He also announced substantial financial rewards for Nadeem, including a personal award of £10 million from the federal government and a further £5 million for his coach.
"There will be no tax on this," he declared, directly addressing the Federal Board of Revenue, urging them to prioritize the support of athletes rather than placing undue burdens on taxpayers.
In a further gesture of recognition, Shehbaz Sharif announced that a street between F9 and F10 in Islamabad would be named after Arshad Nadeem. Moreover, a dedicated high-performance academy will be established at the Jinnah Sports Stadium, named the "Arshad Nadeem High Performance Academy." This academy aims to nurture and support young talent, equipping them for future international competitions, including the next Olympics in America.
Further emphasizing the government's commitment to sporting development, Shehbaz Sharif revealed the establishment of a sports endowment fund worth £67 million. This fund will be used to support athletes at all levels, from emerging talent to retired players. The initial proposal was for a £27 million fund, but the Prime Minister has increased the allocation significantly.
In addition to financial support, Shehbaz Sharif stated that he had sent a summary to the President, recommending the award of the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan's highest civilian award, to Arshad Nadeem in recognition of his exceptional achievement.
The Prime Minister's bold initiative is a clear signal of the government's commitment to rejuvenating Pakistan's sporting scene. By fostering collaboration, providing substantial financial resources, and establishing dedicated infrastructure, the government hopes to usher in a new era of sporting success for Pakistan.
