ISLAMABAD: The executive committee of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) on Thursday decided to name the second hockey ground here at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium after former Olympian Mansoor Ahmed, who died in Karachi recently .

The committee also decided to pay Rs1 million to family of deceased goalkeeper in recognition of meritorious services rendered in the field of hockey by Mansoor Ahmed.

Apart from, this the executive committee also approved Rs one million for Zarina Waqar, the former badminton player/coach who has remained under treatment at Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, Lahore for the last five years.

The 86th executive committee meeting was held here at PSB with Minister for Inter-provincial Coordination Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada in the chair. After meeting, when Dawn contacted spokesman of PSB, Azam Dar said the second ground at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, which is a practice field and would be upgraded soon, has been named after the legendary goalkeeper.

While discussing other agenda items, the committee directed to initiate the process of insurance of sportspersons with the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan. The Secretary, Ministry of IPC will discuss and finalise the modalities with the Chairman, State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan very soon.

The executive committee also directed PSB to convene a joint meeting of the Ministry of IPC (Sports Wing), PSB, POA and concerned National Sports Federations to work out the modalities for holding the upcoming South Asian Games in Pakistan.

The committee decided that funds amounting to Rs.500 million should be distributed equally for repair/maintenance of the facilities and amongst the concerned NSFs to prepare the teams for effective preparation and participation in the South Asian Games.

The committee also directed to ensure transparency, open competition and fulfillment of all codal formalities as per PPRA Rules for undertaking refurbishment process of Pakistan Sports Complex.

The committee also endorsed distribution of funds amongst players of hockey and tennis. The meeting was attended by Secretary, Ministry of IPC, DG PSB, President Pakistan Table Tennis Federation besides secretary generals of hockey, kabaddi, weightlifting and other bodies.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2018