ISLAMABAD, June 17: A sum of Rs 217m has been allocated for sports for renovation, construction and installations in the federal budget 2002-2003 announced.

Out of this total, Rs 68.520m has been earmarked for laying of two synthetic hockey pitches at Sialkot and Hyderabad with both centres getting an equal share of Rs 34.260m each.

Rs 30m have been set aside for the construction of a hostel at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad while Rs 50m each have been earmarked for building of stadia in Gilgit and Skardu.

Lahore desk adds: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has sanctioned an amount of Rs 7.8 million to build a 30-room new hostel for girls and renovation of the existing hostel for boys at  the National Sports Training and Coaching Centre, (NSTCC).

However, the PSB has overlooked to complete the under construction Gymnasium at the same site which has been lying abandoned since 1972.

The project was suspended over a payment dispute betweem the PSB and a contractor.

The construction on the hostel project is likely to start next month, PSB sources said. The hostel will have a capacity of accomadating three girls in one room.

  The NTSCC does not have a proper and modern infrastructure at present, but the PSB is  giving top  priority to the construction of the hostel which is only needed if all other facilities are available.