KPK Volleyball Stars Struggle Without Training Facilities,
Excluded Over Unaffordable Fees
Despite representing Pakistan on the international stage, volleyball players from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) face an alarming lack of support and facilities. Peshawar, the provincial capital,
has no dedicated volleyball court, forcing athletes to train under harsh conditions. Even worse, seven KPK-based players, currently part of the Pakistan national volleyball team, are being denied access to the only gym in Peshawar.
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Peshawar Center has demanded an exorbitant monthly admission fee of Rs. 7,500 from these players, many of whom come from financially struggling backgrounds. Unable to pay this fee, they have been barred from using the gym facilities. Previously,
the players trained at the Tariq Wadood Hall, but the Director General of Sports allocated that space to a private entity for athletics. This has left volleyball players stranded, without any place to practice their sport.
The situation is not limited to volleyball alone. Badminton players are also facing similar challenges, with little to no support from the provincial sports authorities. Despite contributing to the national teams, these athletes are being neglected by the very institutions meant to foster their talent.
If immediate action is not taken, KPK may lose its representation in national and international volleyball competitions. The question remains: how can athletes continue to perform when they have nowhere to train?