Islamabad, Feb 13: The Punjab Sports Endowment Fund (SEF) has made a significant move to further support the province’s athletic talent by announcing that scholarships will be awarded to top performers from the Khelta Punjab Games. This decision was finalized during a recent meeting held at the Punjab Stadium, which was chaired by the Sports Secretary, Shahid Zaman. Key figures from the Youth Affairs and Sports Punjab department, including Director General Khizar Afzaal, Additional Secretary Sports Mian Usman Ali, and Director Admin Dr. M Kaleem, were in attendance, along with representatives from the finance and pension departments.
Khizar Afzaal took the opportunity to brief those present about the initiatives of the SEF, stressing the vital role of the Rs. 2 billion fund, which is dedicated to supporting talented athletes across the province. The fund’s objectives extend beyond financial assistance; it is designed to foster a culture of sports and to ensure the welfare of athletes at all levels. The fund also supports athletes who excel in major sports events such as the Inter-Provincial Quaid-e-Azam Games, where top performers are already benefiting from scholarships.
READ MORE: Pakistan’s Private Sector Urged to Boost Trade Digitization
Secretary Shahid Zaman highlighted that the Khelta Punjab Games, along with the Quaid-e-Azam Games, have consistently produced promising athletes who are poised to make a mark on the national stage. By utilizing the SEF, Punjab aims to provide these athletes with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. This initiative underscores the provincial government’s commitment to promoting sports at both grassroots and elite levels.
The scholarships are structured in three categories: Platinum athletes will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 70,000, Gold medalists will be awarded Rs. 50,000, and Silver medalists will receive Rs. 30,000. These incentives are expected to motivate more athletes to strive for excellence, with the anticipation that Punjab’s athletes will play a key role in the upcoming 35th National Games. The initiative not only strengthens the province’s position in the national sports arena but also lays the foundation for a more inclusive and robust sports culture in Punjab.
