Director General of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Yasir Pirzada, has laid out an ambitious roadmap centered on infrastructure development, athlete training, and long-term sports promotion—highlighting Pakistan’s determination to reclaim its sporting stature on the regional stage.  With Pakistan set to host the South Asian Games In Januarary 2026, the PSB has entered a decisive new phase in its efforts to uplift sports nationwide. 

Talking to the delegation of the Rawalpindi Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA), led by its president Abubakar Bin Tallat, DG Pirzada shared a detailed overview of the country’s preparations for the upcoming regional event. He reaffirmed the government’s full support and its commitment to ensure a successful and memorable edition of the South Asian Games. 

“Hosting the South Asian Games is a matter of national pride, and we are taking all possible measures to meet international standards in infrastructure, training, and athlete welfare,” Pirzada stated.  He elaborated on the ongoing renovation and development projects at the Pakistan Sports Complex, where significant upgrades are underway geared toward turning the complex into a state-of-the-art facility capable of hosting international events. 

Pirzada emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah, and Federal Secretary IPC Mohyuddin Wani, the government is placing strong focus on the revival and promotion of sports across the country. He added that special attention is being given to athlete training camps, which offer advanced coaching, nutritional planning, and psychological support to help national athletes prepare for top-level competition. Beyond the Games, DG PSB also outlined broader sports development initiatives.

These include grassroots talent identification programs, school and college competitions, and public-private partnerships aimed at strengthening the foundation of sports in Pakistan.  The session concluded with an open exchange of suggestions from journalists, reinforcing the PSB’s commitment to media collaboration and the long-term growth of sports in the country.  The RISJA delegation, led by Abubakar Bin Tallat included Abdul Mohi Shah, Shakeel Awan, Zulfiqar Baig Nasir Naqvi, Shakir Abbasi, Afzal Javed, Shahryar Khan, Arfa Feroze Zaki, Awais Abbasi and Kiran Khan.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)