By Our Correpondent
LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, for presenting a historic Rs. 1240 billion development budget for the fiscal year 2025–26.
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He stated that the budget is a testament to the Chief Minister’s vision, wise leadership, and youth-friendly policies. Special emphasis has been placed on the Sports and Youth Affairs Department to engage young people in healthy and productive activities.
The Minister further stated that sports schemes worth a total of Rs. 7.6 billion have been approved, while 184 new and on- going schemes will be completed, including: Rs. 2.3 billion for the construction of a state-of-the-art Sports Complex in Sahiwal, Rs. 500 million for a Sports Complex in Sialkot, and
Rs. 3 billion for modern sports infrastructure in Multan. Under the second phase of the “Khelta Punjab” program, Rs. 1.6 billion has been allocated to lay a new foundation for sports promotion across North and South Punjab.
The initiative includes the establishment of sports grounds at the district level, talent hunt programs, and the formation of coaching centers to identify and develop hidden potential among youth.
Malik Faisal Ayub reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upgrading sports infrastructure in every district of Punjab. He emphasized that Sports Board Punjab will be further strengthened and modernized to ensure transparency, merit, and professional excellence in the sports sector.
