Arshad Nadeem Academy, padel courts in focus as Rs1.1bn allocated for sports infrastructure in federal budget

For the fiscal year 2025-26, the federal government has allocated Rs1.1 billion for sports infrastructure projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

As per the budget details, two fresh projects have been introduced in the upcoming development portfolio. One of them is the establishment of the Arshad Nadeem/Shehbaz Sharif High Performance Sports Academy at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad. The total estimated expenditure for this project stands at Rs2.852 billion. However, the documents do not disclose the specific funding earmarked for the academy in the current fiscal year.

The second new project focuses on Faisalabad, where a multipurpose sports complex, including two padel courts, is planned. This initiative has a total projected cost of Rs241 million, with Rs100 million allocated for 2025-26. The budget allocation for padel is another sign of the growing interest for the game in Pakistan.

In addition to these new schemes, Rs779 million has been allocated for eight previously approved development projects that are currently underway.

These initiatives include the establishment of a biomechanical lab at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad, with a total project cost of Rs 169.300 million, out of which Rs 40.735 million is allocated for release during the current financial year.

The installation of a synthetic athletics track and football ground at the PSB Coaching Centre in Karachi is set to receive an additional Rs 108 million in the upcoming financial year, bringing the total project cost to Rs 718 million.

For the rehabilitation and upgradation of existing facilities in preparation for the 14th South Asian Games, an additional Rs 53.105 million will be allocated from the total project cost of Rs 1,949 million. Similarly, the rehabilitation and upgradation of existing facilities at the PSB Coaching Centre in Karachi will receive a further Rs 70 million during the coming financial year, against a total project cost of Rs 397.886 million.