Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Faisal Karim Kundi, has unveiled a series of new initiatives aimed at promoting sports and empowering youth across the province, including the Governor KP Sports Awards and a new ‘Adopt a Player’ mobile application, designed to provide a platform for young talented players to shine and raise the country’s name on the global stage.Speaking to the delegation of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA), led by its president Abubakar Bin Tallat, during a meeting at Governor House Peshawar, Governor Kundi announced that the First Governor KP Sports Awards will honor and recognize athletes from KP who have excelled at national and international levels.

He stressed that acknowledging local talent is vital for inspiring the next generation of athletes. In a significant technological step, the Governor also revealed plans for the launch of the ‘Adopt a Player’ mobile application, aimed at connecting emerging athletes with sponsors and supporters. “This app will enable businesses and individuals to directly sponsor young players, providing them with access to better training, equipment, and facilities,” he said. Additionally, Governor Kundi announced that preparations are underway to launch professional Cricket and Football Leagues in KP, providing structured platforms for local talent to showcase their skills and progress towards national and international recognition. 

During the meeting, Governor Kundi expressed serious concern over the prolonged delay in the completion of Peshawar’s iconic Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium. He noted that despite the passage of considerable time, the development work remains incomplete, depriving the province’s cricket enthusiasts of a modern sports facility. Highlighting the passion for cricket and the abundance of raw talent in the region, the Governor remarked that while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) successfully developed stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi in a short period, the provincial government has failed to complete Peshawar’s stadium.

“The passion for cricket and football in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is unmatched, but our infrastructure must reflect and support this enthusiasm,” Governor Kundi stated. He reaffirmed his commitment to resolving the delays and ensuring timely completion of the stadium for the benefit of KP’s youth. The RISJA delegation appreciated the Governor’s proactive steps towards sports development and pledged full media support to promote these initiatives. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to promoting sports and strengthening youth development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through joint efforts. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)