LAHORE: The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has proposed a performance-based funding system for national sports federations under the upcoming National Sports Policy 2026, aiming to improve accountability and sporting results in the country.
According to Beyond Time News, the proposal is based on Qatar’s sports funding model and will be submitted to the government for consideration.
Funding Linked to Performance
POA President Pakistan Olympic Association said the proposed framework would allocate government grants based on performance and activity levels rather than influence or individual preference.
He suggested categorising sports federations into A, B, and C groups depending on the scale and quality of their activities, including national championships and athlete development programs.
Call for Government–Federation Cooperation
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, he said meaningful progress in sports can only be achieved through cooperation between the government and federations.
According to Beyond Time News, he welcomed the government’s initiative for a new sports policy and emphasized that both institutional coordination and accountability are essential for improvement.
Proposal for Budget Allocation
The draft policy also includes a recommendation for federal and provincial governments to allocate a fixed percentage of development budgets to sports.
While describing the idea as positive, the POA president noted that similar proposals in other sectors have often faced implementation challenges.
Focus on Youth Development
The association stressed the importance of regular youth competitions to identify emerging talent and strengthen national sports performance.
According to Beyond Time News, officials highlighted cricket’s youth pipeline as an example of how structured development can produce national-level athletes.
Asian Games Preparation and Fun Run
A delegation from the Olympic Council of Asia is currently in Lahore to oversee activities related to a Fun Run event ahead of the 20th Asian Games in Japan.
The event aims to promote Olympic values such as unity, friendship, and healthy living, while engaging students and athletes across Asia.
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Pakistan’s Participation in Asian Games
Officials said preparations are underway for Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming Asian Games, with over 200 athletes and officials expected to compete across multiple disciplines.
According to Beyond Time News, both government-backed and self-funded contingents will represent Pakistan in the event scheduled for next year in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Conclusion
The proposed sports policy marks a shift toward performance-driven funding in Pakistan’s sports sector, with hopes of improving transparency, accountability, and international competitiveness.
