New Sports Policy Draft Raises Questions About IPC’s Role

New Sports Policy Draft Raises Questions About IPC’s Role

The Government of Pakistan has unveiled a draft of its new five-year sports policy, aiming to transform the country into a leading sports nation.

The policy outlines a comprehensive plan to promote high-quality, inclusive, and accessible sports, fostering national pride and unity. With a focus on achieving global success in major events like the 2028 Olympics and 2026 Asian Games, the policy aims to overhaul Pakistan’s sports system.

Key Features of the Draft Policy: Steering Committee: Establishment of a steering committee chaired by the Federal Sports Minister to oversee policy

implementation. Anti-Doping Measures: Plans for stronger anti-doping regulations and the creation of a National Anti-Doping Agency. Sports Institute: Establishment of a sports institute to enhance athlete development and training.

Sports Endowment Funds: Creation of funds to support sports initiatives and attract women to participate in sports.

Sports Database: Development of a national sports database to track athlete performance and progress.

Provincial Coordination: Emphasis on coordination with provincial governments to promote traditional and regional sports.

E-Sports Focus: Inclusion of e-sports tournaments and a task force for sponsorship.

Sports Think Tank: Establishment of a think tank to provide expert advice and guidance on sports development.

Concerns Over IPC’s Role: While the draft policy outlines ambitious goals, concerns have been raised about the role of the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) department. Critics argue that the IPC’s continued control over resources and decision-making could hinder the policy’s implementation and limit the autonomy of provincial sports authorities.

The draft also faces criticism for neglecting the role of sports associations and federations, which have been dominated by the same individuals for decades. There is a growing demand for greater transparency and accountability in sports governance.

Stakeholder Feedback: The draft policy has been shared with various stakeholders, including sports associations, federations, and provincial governments, for feedback and suggestions. The IPC has been holding meetings to gather input and address concerns.

Conclusion: The new sports policy, if implemented effectively, has the potential to revolutionize Pakistan’s sports landscape. However, the success of the policy will depend on its implementation, the effectiveness of the IPC’s oversight, and the involvement of all relevant stakeholders.