Covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected overall sports of Pakistan like whole of the world. Dr Fehmida Mirza, Minister for IPC chaired a coordination committee meeting through video conference at Islamabad on Monday to evaluate challenge of Covid-19 and how to address the issue for revival of sports activities in the country and to discuss future course of action to promote and encourage sport activities in Pakistan under Standard Operating Procedure (SoPs). The meeting was attended by Mr Muhammad Taimoor Khan, Provincial Minister for Youth affairs, Sports, Archeology and Tourism, Government of Punjab, Mr Bangul Khan Mahar Special Assistant to Chief Minister Sindh on Sports, Government of Sindh, Mr Imran Gichki, Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Government of Balochistan, Mr Abid Majeed, Secretary Sports Department Government of KPK and Mr Hussain Ali, Director Sports, Government of GB. Secretary IPC and other senior officers of Ministry of IPC also attended meeting. In the meeting, Federal Minister for IPC/President, Pakistan Sports Board sought the opinion of Sports Ministers of all Provinces and Gilgit Baltistan (GB). The participants informed the Federal Minister regarding their steps taken so far to mitigate sufferings of the sportspersons/athletes. The discussion also focused on the support extended by the Provincial Governments and GB to the sportspersons to overcome their financial crises. It was discussed that there is a need to evolve a comprehensive strategy to cope with the challenges being faced in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic. During meeting the Government of Punjab apprised that all sports activities have been stopped due to the lockdown in the wake of Corona Pandemic. The Government of Punjab briefed and provided the list of players and federations to whom support was given and agreed that we must have a uniform policy for reopening of sport activities. The Government of Sindh has informed that playing areas/grounds/stadiums have been locked down to maintain social distance, and sports facilities have been declared Quarantine Centers.
A Committee has been constituted for disbursement of endowment funds for sports personnel/Ex-sports persons suffering from the diseases. They have assured to provide list of sportsmen and federation to whom support has been extended. He also agreed on the uniform policy for re-opening of sport activities. Besides, an amount of Rs.75.00 million has been given to Pakistan Hockey Federation as financial assistance. The Government of Baluchistan informed Federal Minister that huge amount of budget has been allocated for sports activities in this year. The sports complexes are under construction to encourage sport. The government of Baluchistan is focusing on festal having its popularity. The government of KPK informed that covid-19 has delayed the fast moving projects. But government of KPK has taken steps and launched sustainable sports program under which athletes and medal winner are given support.
The government of GB informed that they are working to collect the data of sportsmen As and when the situation is normalized sports events would be planned to engage players who are affected by Covid-19.
Dr Fehmida Mirza gave following advices to all provinces and GB to promote and encourage sports activities in the country:
All provinces should make a policy for re-opening of sport activities and share their recommendations and suggestions to Ministry of IPC for formulation of National Sports Policy of the country.All provinces, AJK and GB should support those sportsmen who qualify for Olympic and other games and are medal winners.
Small sports grounds may be established at District as well as Tehsil level to promote sport in the country. One or two Hockey grounds may be established in each province to promote Hockey game being our national game.
Legislation may be done in all provinces, AJK and GB to promote sports activities at schools level and make it mandatory. Schools curriculum must have two sport periods on daily basis and all school must have sports ground those which do not have sport ground facility they should affiliate themselves with some good sport grounds. Infrastructure may be developed, in all new building projects residential or office facility of or gymnasium or sport must be made mandatory. Steps may be taken to encourage/promote sports activities in Jail, juvenile jail and also in women jail.
Funds may be distributed judiciously without overlapping to support federations in uniform way so that maximum people can be given benefits. Dr Fehmida Mirza also insisted that all governments should fix their yearly targets for sports and politics form sports federation may be discouraged.
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