LAHORE: The Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood Foundation (BARD) has inducted 13 emerging athletes from across Pakistan into its Athlete Training and Development Programme, a structured initiative aimed at nurturing promising talent and preparing them for national and international competition.
The programme adopts a holistic, athlete-centred model that emphasizes safe and sustainable progression from grassroots to elite levels. It integrates high-performance training, access to professional coaching, nutrition, mental preparedness, and competition exposure. Expert consultants, including Salman Butt, will provide guidance to ensure athletes are equipped to meet global standards.
The newly onboarded athletes represent a wide range of age groups and disciplines, particularly in squash: Muhammad Mustafa (U13), Sohail Adnan (U15), Huzaifa Shahid (U15), Abdul Ahad Butt (U17), Muhammad Umair Arif (U17), Abdullah Nadeem Butt (U19). Some senior players include Kaleem Ullah Shoaib, Anas Ali Shah, Muhammad Ahmed Damya Khan (U15).
Additionally, Saim Masih, Usama Hassan, and Faiqa Riaz have been inducted under the athletes’ development category, reinforcing BARD’s commitment to inclusivity and regional representation.
Speaking at the onboarding ceremony, Abdul Razak Dawood, President of BARD Foundation, emphasized the long-term vision: “Our objective was not only to support talented athletes, but to build a system that prioritizes long-term development, dignity, and opportunity. Sport has the power to shape confident individuals and responsible citizens. Through this programme, we aim to create clear pathways for athletes to grow, perform, and represent Pakistan with pride on the international stage.”
BARD is actively collaborating with national and international partners, including academies and performance specialists, to provide quality guidance aligned with global standards. The programme places strong emphasis on athlete well-being, safeguarding, education, and personal development alongside competitive success, recognizing that sustainable excellence requires holistic support.
By investing in structured pathways and ethical, impact-driven programming, BARD aims to strengthen Pakistan’s sports ecosystem. The initiative reflects a broader vision: to nurture talent responsibly, empower athletes both on and off the field, and ensure Pakistan’s presence in international sporting arenas grows steadily.
