Departmental Sports Revival Stalls Amidst Recruitment Freeze

Departmental Sports Revival Stalls Amidst Recruitment Freeze

Despite the recent reinstatement of departmental sports by the current government, athletes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continue to face uncertainty due to a persisting ban on new recruitments.

This freeze has rendered the revival of departmental sports largely symbolic, as players are unable to secure the employment opportunities that once made these programs attractive.

Previously, departmental sports provided a pathway for talented athletes to find stable employment and pursue their sporting careers. However, the current restrictions have effectively closed this door,

leaving many players feeling disillusioned and frustrated. While colleges continue to offer sports-based admissions, the lack of subsequent employment opportunities diminishes the incentive for athletes to excel.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PESCO remains the sole department actively involved in supporting sports teams. However, even PESCO has halted new recruitments, further exacerbating the challenges faced by athletes.

The police department, while maintaining some level of sports participation, is also limited in its capacity to provide opportunities.

National institutions such as PIA and banks, which once played a significant role in supporting sports, have also ceased hiring athletes.

This leaves the army as the primary avenue for aspiring athletes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but even there, opportunities are limited.

The Bank of Khyber, the province’s only government-owned bank, represents a potential solution to the current crisis. By initiating recruitment in the sports sector, the bank could provide much-needed employment opportunities and alleviate the growing frustration among young athletes seeking a career in sports.