In order to ensure Pakistan progresses in sports, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) is set to do some noteworthy job relating to youth sports development through the assistance of the federating units and federal government.
It wants to work on youth development which is the only way to strengthen the country’s potential athletes’ pool for future national duty.
POA wants both central and especially federating units to contribute in youth development.
In the first step the POA has decided to organize the National Youth Games in September this year.
“Marking a significant milestone for youth sports in the country, the POA Executive Committee approved the first-ever National Youth Games set for September 7-13, 2025, in Lahore,” the POA said.
“This landmark inaugural edition will provide a structured platform for athletes aged 14-17, fostering talent for the Asian Youth Games and Youth Olympic Games,” the NOC said.
The POA said that president Arif Saeed will present a concept note to the Pakistan government emphasizing their role in youth sports development.
“To support emerging athletes, POA will introduce a registration framework through regional and provincial Olympic Associations, including scholarships and specialized training. To ensure a coordinated approach, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Program, has been appointed Chef-de-Mission for the Asian Youth Games Bahrain 2025,” the POA said.
Meanwhile POA Secretary General Khalid Mehmood said that it’s a new concept.
“National Youth Games is a new concept and I was working on it since long. Arif sahib, the POA chief, also agreed to this idea and he appreciated it and pledged that he will implement it,” Khalid told Nukta.
“We will explain the concept to the federal and provincial governments and executive committee will also debate on it and when more minds will work together on it so it will take a better shape,” Khalid said.
“We want federating units to award scholarships to the top three athletes especially in individual sports disciplines from these Games and federations will provide training. Every player will not progress but at least 25 percent of the selected lot could represent Pakistan in international circuit and 60 percent may become national players,” Khalid said.
“It will, in fact, determine the pathway. But lot of things are yet to be discussed. If after every two years you start getting nursery then it will be easy for you to go straightaway and work on it and prepare them for national duty,” Khalid said.
“This task will be given to provinces,” he was quick to add.
“If things go in the right direction, then you can also go for organizing direct competition of around 40 divisions and I hope 60 percent talent will come through this exercise.”
“It’s the first concept and we will make this project part of the Youth Program of the Prime Minister,” Khalid said.
Meanwhile the POA ExCo welcomed the approval of the Games schedule and program for the 14th South Asian Games in Pakistan following the successful meeting of the South Asia Olympic Council in Pakistan. For the valuable support during the visit of South Asian delegates the Committee expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, Pakistan Sports Board, Chief Secretary Punjab, Commissioner Lahore, Lahore Police and support staff for their support despite a demanding schedule,” the POA said.
“During the meeting Karachi has been chosen as the host city for the King’s Baton Relay in connection with the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026,” it said.
“The house confirmed that the 35th National Games will take place in Karachi from May 6 to 14, 2025. The Games program will feature 26 sports for men and 23 sports for women. Additionally, the POA Sports Commission has been tasked with assessing the inclusion of six additional sports based on the principles approved by the Committee.”
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