The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has unveiled an ambitious strategy to revive Pakistan’s sporting legacy, with a focus on infrastructure development, elite athlete training, and comprehensive sports promotion programs. As the country prepares to host the South Asian Games in January 2026, the PSB has entered a critical phase in its nationwide campaign to rejuvenate sports at all levels. Director General of PSB, Yasir Pirzada, emphasized that the upcoming Games are a matter of national pride and represent a unique opportunity to re-establish Pakistan’s regional stature in sports.
To achieve this goal, the PSB is undertaking extensive renovation and upgradation projects at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad, transforming it into a state-of-the-art venue capable of hosting major international events. The facility will provide top-class amenities for athletes, aligning with international standards. Pirzada credited the government’s leadership for putting sports back on the national agenda, noting that specialized athlete training camps are being run to prepare Pakistan’s athletes for elite international competition.
The PSB’s long-term roadmap includes grassroots talent identification and development programs, revival of school and college-level sports competitions, and strategic public-private partnerships to boost investment in sports. The board also aims to enhance media collaboration to build a sports-positive culture. Pirzada interacted with a delegation from the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA), exchanging ideas and underlining the importance of media engagement in supporting Pakistan’s sporting resurgence.
The PSB’s efforts are focused on delivering a world-class edition of the South Asian Games, with every aspect aligned with international standards. With the government’s support, the board is committed to rejuvenating sports at all levels, from infrastructure development to athlete welfare. The upcoming Games are a crucial milestone in this journey, and the PSB is working tirelessly to ensure that Pakistan makes a strong impression on the regional sports scene. By investing in sports infrastructure, athlete development, and promotion programs, the PSB aims to restore Pakistan’s sporting legacy and inspire a new generation of athletes to achieve excellence.