Mismanagement and Favoritism Taint Prime Minister’s Talent Hunt Football Program, Wastes Public Funds

Mismanagement and Favoritism Taint Prime Minister’s Talent Hunt Football Program, Wastes Public Funds

Musarrat Ullah Jan

In a shocking revelation, the Prime Minister’s talent hunt sports program in football has come under scrutiny for mismanagement and favoritism, leading to an outcry over the wastage of public funds. The program, aimed at promoting young talent and nurturing football skills, has been marred by numerous allegations of biased player selections and disregard for new talents.

The football program, organized in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), was supposed to be a platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and compete at a higher level. However, it has become apparent that the selection process was flawed, with favorite players being given priority over deserving candidates. New players who had potential were blatantly ignored, leaving them disheartened and disillusioned.
Adding to the controversy, female players who were initially chosen for the hockey talent program with the provincial sports directorate were inexplicably transferred to football, raising questions about transparency and fair treatment.
During the matches, it was evident that the organizers were more focused on supporting their hometown team from Mardan rather than ensuring a fair competition.
The banners of the Prime Minister’s talent hunt program were excessively displayed, overshadowing the essence of the sporting event and even influencing the direction of the players on the field.
Moreover, the treatment of female athletes was appalling. The trophies awarded to them were of poor quality, obtained from ordinary shops, and not even accompanied by medals.
This despite a budget allocation of seventy-five thousand rupees for the trophies. Such disrespect towards female athletes raises concerns about gender equality and representation in sports.
Further mismanagement was evident in the lack of arrangements for officials and referees during the matches. There were no designated seating areas for them, and they had to resort to drinking water from the players’ coolers. This lack of basic facilities not only reflects poorly on the event’s organization but also puts the players’ safety at risk.
Even at the closing ceremony, chaos ensued as cash prizes meant for the players were withheld due to a lack of trust in team managers. This unprofessional behavior tarnishes the image of the talent hunt program and questions the credibility of those responsible for its execution.

When contacted for clarification, the organizer of the program evaded questions and tried to shift the focus to other sports and said that she is not answerable to HEC only. The lack of accountability and transparency in this matter highlights the need for the Higher Education Commission to step in and investigate the alleged misconduct.
The Prime Minister’s talent hunt football program was meant to be a beacon of hope for young athletes, but it has turned into a disappointing saga of mismanagement, favoritism, and wasted public funds. The HEC must take urgent action to rectify these issues and ensure that future sports programs are conducted professionally and fairly by the relevant sports associations, who understand the nuances of trials and event management. Only then can the true potential of the nation’s sporting talents be realized.