In a significant gesture of appreciation and encouragement, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) distributed millions of rupees in cash awards to national sports heroes who have brought international recognition and pride to Pakistan through their exceptional performances in global and Asian competitions. The grand ceremony took place in Islamabad on Wednesday, where Advisor to the Prime Minister on Inter-Provincial Coordination, Rana Sanaullah Khan, graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The ceremony was also attended by Federal Secretary Mohiuddin Wani and Director General of the PSB, Muhammad Yasir Pirzada, along with several renowned athletes and sports officials. It was a proud and celebratory moment for Pakistan’s sporting community, as deserving athletes were not only honored with praise but also with substantial financial rewards.
Celebrating the Stars: Cash Awards for Champions
At the heart of the ceremony was Olympic javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, who continues to inspire the nation with his global achievements. The sports icon was awarded a cash prize of Rs 2 million, while his dedicated coach Salman Iqbal Butt received a notably higher amount of Rs 6 million, acknowledging his behind-the-scenes contribution in shaping Arshad’s athletic journey.
The spotlight also shone on Pakistan’s snooker champions, with Ahsan Ramzan and Muhammad Asif both receiving Rs 5 million each for their exceptional performances on the international stage. Naseem Akhtar, another promising snooker talent, was granted Rs 1 million for his contributions.
Other notable athletes across various disciplines were also recognized and rewarded during the event, although specific names and amounts were not disclosed for all.
PSB Announces Major Funding for Sports Federations
In a parallel move to uplift the country’s overall sports ecosystem, the Pakistan Sports Board released a total of Rs 63.9 million — which includes Rs 32.9 million as annual grants and an additional Rs 31 million as special grants — to various sports federations operating across the country. This strategic financial support is designed to fuel training, participation, infrastructure, and international representation.
Here is a breakdown of the annual grant distribution:
- Athletics Federation: Rs 10 million
- Squash, Volleyball, and Handball Federations: Rs 5 million each
- Swimming Federation & Table Tennis Federation: Rs 2.25 million each
- Bodybuilding & Ten-Pin Bowling Federations: Rs 2.5 million each
- Alpine Club: Rs 2.1 million
- Rugby Union, Taekwondo & Badminton Federations: Rs 1.1 million each
- Winter Sports, Shooting Association & Jiu-Jitsu Federation: Rs 2 million each
- Karate, Kabaddi & Wrestling Federations: Rs 3 million each
- Sailing, Tennis & Wushu Federations: Rs 1 million each
This financial backing serves multiple purposes — from athlete development programs and international participation to training camps and grassroots initiatives, helping federations plan long-term and deliver stronger performances on the world stage.
A Vision for Sports Excellence in Pakistan
Speaking at the event, Advisor Rana Sanaullah Khan emphasized the government’s commitment to reviving sports culture in Pakistan and providing athletes with the resources and recognition they rightfully deserve. “These cash awards and grants are not just rewards — they’re investments in the future of Pakistani sports,” he stated.
He also expressed hope that such recognition would inspire young athletes to pursue sports with greater dedication and passion, while encouraging coaches and sports officials to work more effectively toward nurturing the next generation of champions.
From Recognition to Resurgence
With this latest initiative, the Pakistan Sports Board has not only celebrated the nation’s athletic success stories but has also taken meaningful steps toward building a sustainable, well-funded, and high-performing sports environment. The dual approach of rewarding excellence and supporting sports federations marks a promising shift in national sports policy — one that prioritizes results, development, and long-term progress.
As Pakistan continues to rise in the world of sports, initiatives like these serve as beacons of encouragement, ensuring that athletes are empowered, appreciated, and equipped to shine on the global stage.
