PM Shehbaz Announces Sports Conference to Revive Glory

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that a national sports conference will be convened soon to develop a comprehensive strategy for restoring Pakistan’s standing in international sports. He was addressing a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad in honour of athletes who won medals at the Asian Games.

The Conference

The Prime Minister said representatives from across the sports sector, along with prominent sports personalities from the past and present, will attend. All stakeholders will sit together to devise a plan to raise Pakistan’s flag high in international competitions, he said, stressing that collective effort is essential.

Asian Games Medallists

Pakistan’s contingent won two silver and eight bronze medals at the Asian Games. Shehbaz congratulated the athletes and distributed prize money cheques, saying the rewards are the athletes’ right and not a favour. He said the government must provide athletes with the resources, facilities and training opportunities they need to compete effectively.

Talent and History

He said Pakistan needs to identify and nurture talent wherever it exists and create an environment in which sportspeople can perform at their full potential. He recalled the era when Pakistan dominated world hockey, highlighted its cricket achievements, praised squash legends Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan, and noted that women are also making significant progress in sports.

Voices From the Ceremony

• Squash legend Jahangir Khan welcomed the recognition and called for special attention to reviving departmental sports.

• Former Olympian Hassan Sardar congratulated the medallists, welcomed the changes initiated in the Pakistan Hockey Federation and urged employment opportunities for athletes.