ISLAMABAD: In a move aimed at fostering elite performance and injecting healthy competition among the country’s top sportspersons, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Governing Body has introduced Men Athlete of the Year and Women Athlete of the Year awards.
The decision was taken during the PSB Governing Body meeting held on Tuesday evening, with the inaugural recipients set to be announced later this year. Well-placed sources told The News that each award will carry a cash prize of Rs2.5 million along with a trophy, making it one of the most lucrative individual sports honours in the country.
A special award ceremony will be organised either at the end of the current year or early next year to formally recognise and celebrate outstanding athletes who have brought pride to Pakistan through their performances at national and international levels.
“This initiative will go a long way in motivating young athletes to strive for excellence and win laurels for the country,” a PSB Board member said. “The Board will thoroughly analyse athletes’ performances, and all recognised federations will be directed to submit complete records of achievements. The final decision will be taken strictly on merit.”
In another major development, the PSB Board constituted a two-member high-powered committee comprising President Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Arif Saeed and Director General PSB Yasir Peerzada. The committee will analyse the performance of national sports federations and assist them in running their affairs in a more professional, transparent and systematic manner.
The Board noted with concern that most federations lack grassroots development programmes, focusing only on organising national and international events. “There is an alarming absence of structured talent development at the grassroots level. Through this committee, systematic and sustainable development will be ensured,” the Board observed.
The PSB also highlighted the lack of professionalism within federations, particularly in the use of websites and social media platforms. “In today’s digital age, no federation can function effectively without showcasing its activities and future plans through social media. From now on, maintaining an active digital presence will be a mandatory requirement,” the Board decided.
The Governing Body also approved a significant enhancement in the surety bond affidavit, increasing the amount from Rs1 million to Rs5 million. “Every federation will now be required to submit a surety bond of Rs5 million for each athlete and official selected for foreign tours. Previously, the bond stood at Rs1 million,” officials confirmed, terming the move a step towards greater accountability.
The Board further decided to grant legal cover to the post of Chairman of any sports federation. However, it clarified that the position will remain honorary, with no executive or constitutional powers.
“The Chairman will not have the authority to execute decisions or override the President. It will be a ceremonial role only,” the Board clarified. Meanwhile, President Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP), accompanied by his legal team, appeared before the PSB Board. Renowned coach Salman Butt also presented his case, defending the Punjab elections and challenging what he termed an unconstitutional life ban imposed on him by the AFP.
The AFP once again pleaded its case, raising constitutional questions over the authority of the PSB Adjudicator to impose bans on federation officials.
In yet another significant policy shift, the PSB Board decided not to award cash incentives to National Games medal winners, leaving the matter to provincial governments. However, the Board confirmed that record holders and international athletes will continue to receive cash incentives as per existing rules.
The Board also took note of progress in the implementation of the National Sports Policy. Officials said that, for the first time, PSB had ensured compliance with the two-tenure rule, leading to the stepping down of office-bearers of six national sports federations who had completed their permissible terms.
In addition, the Board approved the PSB Annual Report for 2024–25, the first formal annual report presented in nearly two decades. Members said the revival of this practice strengthened transparency, documentation and institutional accountability within PSB.
