PSB shifts to results-based model; proposes Rs. 4.9 billion budget for athlete development
PSB shifts to results-based model; proposes Rs. 4.9 billion budget for athlete development
Islamabad: By Nawaz Gohar ; Under the leadership of Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination and PSB President Rana Sana Ullah Khan, the 36th Board Meeting of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) convened on March 31, 2026.
The session marked a turning point for national athletics, with the Board endorsing a sweeping reform agenda designed to modernize Pakistan’s sporting landscape.
Director General PSB, Yasir Pirzada, presented a comprehensive bi-annual performance report (July–December 2025). The report detailed significant strides in governance, infrastructure, and athlete welfare.
The Board unanimously lauded the management’s efforts, noting that the agency’s improved institutional direction is already yielding tangible results.
In a move to align with global standards, the Board approved the Long-Term Athlete Development Programme (LTADP). This landmark initiative transitions Pakistan from a traditional “activity-based” system to a “results-oriented” model.
Key highlights of this transition include:
Olympic Alignment: Development strategies will now mirror international best practices and Olympic cycles.
Accountability: National sports federations are mandated to submit four-year development plans within 90 days. Performance-Linked Funding: Future financial support will be strictly tied to compliance and on-field results.
To fuel these ambitious goals, the Board approved a massive budget enhancement. Recognizing the rising costs of elite coaching and international competition, the Board recommended increasing the PSB budget from Rs. 1.2 billion to Rs. 4.9 billion. This proposal will now move to the Prime Minister for final approval.
The Board took a firm stance on institutional integrity, focusing on two critical areas:
Tenure & Transparency: A review of the National Sports Policy 2005 was conducted to ensure federations adhere to tenure rules. The Board proposed new standardized guidelines to guarantee fair and transparent elections.
Zero-Tolerance on Doping: Reaffirming its commitment to “clean sports,” the Board addressed recent doping violations within the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation. The Board emphasized that officials involved in such practices would face strict consequences, signaling an end to the culture of negligence.
