Pakistan Sports Board unveils NTIVS to revolutionise merit-based sports development
Pakistan Sports Board unveils NTIVS to revolutionise merit-based sports development
By Nawaz Gohar ; The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has officially rolled out the National Talent Identification and Verification System (NTIVS). This cutting-edge digital infrastructure is designed to dismantle traditional barriers—specifically reliance on personal connections and informal channels—ushering in a new era of transparent, data-driven, and merit-based athlete recruitment.
The NTIVS aims to institutionalize the pathway for young talent, ensuring that athletic recognition is based purely on skill, performance, and potential rather than proximity to power brokers.
The initiative is open to all Pakistani nationals aged 12 to 25 across every discipline affiliated with the PSB, with the notable exception of cricket. In an effort to democratize access, the PSB has launched a user-friendly online portal available in both Urdu and English. The application process is entirely free and operates on a rolling basis, allowing aspirants to register throughout the year.
“This is a pivotal step toward transforming talent discovery into a transparent, inclusive, and merit-driven national system,” said Director General PSB, Yasir Pirzada. “Our primary objective is to ensure that no talented athlete remains unseen or untapped simply due to a lack of access or opportunity.”
The NTIVS process is structured to maintain rigorous standards of integrity. Once an application is submitted, it will undergo an initial screening conducted by an independent panel of experts.
Following this preliminary assessment, successful candidates will be referred to their relevant National Sports Federations (NSFs) for in-depth technical evaluations and field trials. While the final selection authority remains with the respective federations, the PSB will act as the primary facilitator, providing the oversight necessary to guarantee process integrity and fairness.
To ensure inclusivity for athletes residing in underserved and remote regions, the PSB has announced a comprehensive network of physical evaluation camps. These hubs will be strategically located in major cities, including:
Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi
Peshawar and Quetta
Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, and Skardu
Accountability and Long-Term Planning
A hallmark of the NTIVS is its focus on verifiable data. The system requires candidates to provide mandatory performance footage and documented achievement records. At every stage of the evaluation, athletes will receive written feedback, creating a comprehensive digital profile for each participant.
Beyond immediate selection, the initiative aims to establish a robust national talent database. This repository will serve as the foundation for the PSB’s long-term sports planning, allowing for data-backed resource allocation and the development of high-performance pathways that can sustain Pakistan’s sports ecosystem for years to come.
