Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the formation of a Sports Advisory Council, with former players and students among its members.

The decision also entails the reconstitution of the Punjab Sports Board, aiming to enlist the expertise of national and international coaches for sports promotion and training.

Chairing a meeting at the Sports Department, it was agreed to establish multi-purpose sports grounds in 91 constituencies.

Additionally, a dedicated planning unit will be established within the Sports Department to oversee development affairs.

During the session, measures were outlined to implement biometric attendance to identify ghost employees within the sports department. Commending the efforts of the Minister for Sports and the department, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized her personal interest in sports, recalling her tenure as captain of the baseball team during her studies. She stressed the urgent need to restore sports infrastructure to provide opportunities for youth and curb addiction tendencies, highlighting the significance of organizing hockey competitions, Pakistan's national sport.

The proposal to establish the Institute of Sports Sciences Punjab was also reviewed, with directives to include basketball in talent hunt programs. Furthermore, a Maintenance Department will be formed to safeguard sports facilities, with assured financial support for sports promotion. Former Senator Pervaiz Rasheed raised concerns about the lack of sports facilities in private schools, leading to the decline of sports activities.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb advocated for providing sports facilities at the Union Council level.

The meeting witnessed a briefing by the Sports Secretary on departmental operations, including the completion of the National Hockey Stadium's revamp, scheduled for inauguration soon. Plans were outlined to establish sports camps for children during summer vacations.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2024.