The Punjab government has set up an endowment fund with a sum of Rs 1 billion for the promotion of sports. This fund is helping poor but talented players to move forward. This was stated by Pakistan Muslim League-N Central Leader Hamza Shahbaz Sharif MNA while presiding over a meeting to seek proposals and suggestions of sports, culture and media experts regarding holding of Youth Festival 2015 at Muslim League-N Secretariat Modal Town on Wednesday.
Provincial Minister for Education and Sport Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, DG Punjab Sports Board Usman Anwar and prominent personalities associated with sports and culture were present on the occasion. Hamza said youth are asset of the nation and the government is giving them a new confidence and courage through holding of Youth Festival and other positive activities. Holding of Youth Festival has promoted a soft image of Pakistan and the young sportsmen have been highly appreciated for setting new world records.
Hamza said that by breaking 42 world records in Youth Festival 2014 Pakistani youth proved that there is no dearth of talent in the province. The festival provided a platform to more than 4 million youth of the province to display their talent which also gave them confidence and recognition at national and international level. He said the young sportsmen will be extended full assistance for access to national teams. Sport infrastructure of the province is being set up on solid foundations and basic facilities like sports complex, cricket grounds and funds will be provided to the youth.
Hamza further said that a comprehensive sports policy is being evolved in the province with the help of experts while legislation will also be undertaken for the protection of sport infrastructure and its transfer to the coming generation. Prominent sport personalities Tauqeer Dar, Haroon Rasheed, Pervez Mir, Saeed Ajmal and senior journalists presented various proposals regarding Punjab Sports Festival 2015.