PFF Conducts Injury Prevention Workshop for Punjab Coaches Ahead of DFC 2026
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has conducted the first session of its Injury Prevention and Management Workshop, with Punjab-based coaches taking part in the online session ahead of the District Football Championship (DFC) 2026.
The free workshop forms part of PFF’s preparations for DFC 2026 and its wider efforts, supported by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), to strengthen player welfare, safety and safeguarding at the grassroots and district levels.
The session was led by Dr Adnan Mohammed, physiotherapist for Pakistan’s national football team, who discussed the importance of injury prevention, its growing adoption across the global game, and practical measures coaches can use to reduce injury risks.
A key focus was pre-competition assessment, a standard practice among leading clubs and football programmes worldwide. Dr Adnan explained how medical screening before competition can identify potential injuries or other physical concerns early, allowing players to begin appropriate rehabilitation before taking the field.
He also outlined how the same principles are applied at Pakistan’s national team camps, where players undergo Pre-Competition Medical Assessment (PCMA) in line with FIFA’s medical assessment framework. Any injury or medical concern identified during the process can then be addressed through a rehabilitation programme to help ensure players are fit before competition begins.
“Injury prevention is not simply about treating an injury after it happens. It is about identifying risks early and taking the right steps before a player enters competition,” said Dr Adnan. “That is why the world’s leading clubs and football programmes place such importance on this process, and it is important that our coaches understand how to apply these principles at their own level.”
The workshop also highlighted how structured assessment and risk management can support player health and long-term development.
As the DFC begins in Punjab, the first session focused on coaches from the province. Further sessions will be held for coaches from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and AJK, followed by Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, ensuring coaches across the country receive the same guidance.
Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar, PFF Chief Operating Officer, said the initiative reflected the Federation’s commitment to raising professional standards throughout the football pyramid.
“Developing football means developing the people who make the game possible. Our coaches need the technical knowledge to develop players, but they also need the knowledge to protect their health and wellbeing. This workshop is an important step towards bringing that standard of player care to the district level,” he said.
