The PTI-led provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under change-agenda has undertaken initiatives for socio-economic development of the province in each and every sector. Like other sectors, sports are also one of the vital and important sectors, which need proper attention. To achieve this end, the provincial government initiated a number of projects to provide recreational/sports facilities to the talented youth of KP province, according to official handout issued here on Monday.
It said that one of the significant projects is international standard Hockey Turf at Mardan Sports Complex costing Rs 67.69 million, it was a sick project but the present government completed the said project on fast-track. International level matches can be played in the newly completed Hockey Turf Mardan. It further said another important project in the sector of sports is the construction of shopping plaza at Qayyum Sports Complex costing Rs 80.50 million. This project delayed due to non-availability of funds and litigation from the contractor side. The project is completed by resolving all issues and now ready for auction. This project will provide enormous revenue for promotion of sports activities. One of the unique steps is the distribution of sports kits among genuine and talented players costing Rs 40 million to ensure transparency in the distribution of sports kits, SOPs have been formulated and circulated to district level. Similarly, SOPs also formulated for the selection of players to ensure merit-based selection in talent hunt and discourage monopoly.
Apart from that KP U-23 Games-2016 is being arranged for the first time in the history of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A huge budget of Rs 74 million has exclusively been allocated for this mega event. Almost 5000 male/female players are being enlisted. Major events include Inter District Competitions in 15 games at divisional headquarters followed by mega Inter Divisional Competitions at Peshawar.
Likewise, the provincial government is going to establish play-ground at tehsil level. A total of 75 grounds are likely to be established where work on 33 grounds is in progress. Out of which 25 grounds got completed. Management Committees will take over maintenance/look after charge of the completed grounds.
A slow moving project initiated during the previous government ie Abdul Wali Khan Sports Complex Charsadda is also completed within two-years by providing full funds costing Rs 490 million. It is the second international level sports complex after Qayyum Stadium. It is now ready to host international level competitions.