ISLAMABAD: The federal government has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s sports landscape by allocating a significant Rs1.1 billion towards sports infrastructure development within the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26. This investment aims to bolster existing facilities and introduce new, state-of-the-art complexes to nurture athletic talent across the nation.
Among the new initiatives, a flagship project stands out: the establishment of the Arshad Nadeem/Shehbaz Sharif High Performance Sports Academy at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad. Named in honour of Pakistan’s javelin throw sensation Arshad Nadeem and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, this academy is envisioned as a premier facility to train elite athletes. The total estimated cost for this ambitious project is Rs2.852 billion, reflecting a significant investment in the future of Pakistani sports. While the overall cost is outlined, the specific allocation for the 2025-26 fiscal year for this academy was not detailed in the budget documents.
The second new scheme on the agenda is set to benefit Faisalabad, a major city in Punjab. This initiative involves the construction of a multipurpose sports complex and courts in Faisalabad, complemented by two modern padel courts. This project carries a total estimated cost of Rs241 million, with a substantial allocation of Rs100 million specifically earmarked for the fiscal year 2025-26. This development promises to provide excellent new sporting facilities for the local community and athletes in Faisalabad.
Beyond these two new and exciting projects, the government has also ensured continued support for ongoing sports development. A substantial sum of Rs779 million has been allocated to sustain eight existing development schemes. This sustained funding underscores a broader strategy to not only initiate new ventures but also to complete and enhance projects already underway, ensuring comprehensive growth in sports infrastructure across the country.
The overall allocation of Rs1.1 billion signifies a strategic push to elevate Pakistan’s sports capabilities, from grassroots development to high-performance training, with the aim of fostering athletic excellence and promoting a healthier, more active populace.
