By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Sports Punjab, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, announced a series of key initiatives aimed at upgrading sports infrastructure, promoting martial arts, and empowering youth through inclusive sporting events. Chairing two important meetings at the Sports Board Punjab, the Minister highlighted preparations for the upcoming Muay Thai National Championship 2025, inclusion of Thai Games in the Pink Games, and the upgradation of Punjab Stadium to international standards.
During a high-profile meeting with a delegation led by Yasin Joyia, Honorary Consul General of Sri Lanka (Punjab), detailed planning for the Muay Thai Federation National Championship 2025 was finalized. The championship will be held in Lahore from October 10 to 12 at the Sports Complex.
Minister Khokhar assured full government support and logistical assistance, noting that the event would not only showcase martial arts at the national level but also serve as a platform for youth empowerment and international sports collaboration. He emphasized that the championship will engage young athletes in healthy activities while projecting Pakistan’s positive image abroad.
Yasin Joyia underlined the importance of the event in promoting martial arts and strengthening cultural ties. Muay Thai Federation leaders, including President Muhammad Yousaf Rizvi and Secretary General Mian Rehan, also attended the meeting. They discussed venue readiness, athlete accommodation, security, and strategies for media coverage and public engagement.
The Minister further announced that Muay Thai will receive special recognition in the upcoming Pink Games, Punjab’s flagship women’s sports initiative. He said the inclusion of Thai Games reflects the government’s vision of diversifying sporting opportunities and ensuring gender inclusivity. “The Pink Games are a milestone in empowering women athletes, and adding Thai Games will further enhance their reach and impact,” Khokhar stated.
In a separate meeting to review development schemes across Punjab, the Minister was briefed that 96 projects are currently in progress, while work on 88 new schemes has already started. The meeting discussed major projects including the International Squash Complex, Indoor Volleyball Complex, International Boxing Arena, Velodrome at Nishtar Park Sports Complex, new hotel and hostel facilities, and the development of a baseball ground in Lahore.
The Minister issued strict directives to accelerate work and ensure that all projects are completed on time with the highest quality standards. “There will be no compromise on quality. Weekly review meetings will be held to monitor progress,” he said.
Khokhar revealed that Punjab Stadium is being upgraded to international standards, with plans to build a beautiful food street around the stadium to create a vibrant sports and cultural hub. He reaffirmed that these projects will provide world-class facilities to the youth, strengthen Pakistan’s sports profile, and promote healthier lifestyles across the province.
“The promotion of sports is not just about games—it is about building a healthy society and creating opportunities for youth to excel on national and international platforms,” the Minister emphasized.
The development review meeting was attended by Secretary Sports Muzaffar Khan Siyal, Director General Sports Khizr Afzal Chaudhry, Vice Chairman Sports Board Punjab Sulaiman Malik, Sports Coordinator Malik Anosh Khokhar, and other senior officials.
Both meetings reflected the Punjab government’s broader commitment to enhancing infrastructure, expanding sports diversity, and positioning Lahore as a hub of world-class sporting events.
