ISLAMABAD: In view of the prevailing situation triggered due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has released over Rs5 million to financially support around 57 athletes.

“Yes, we’ve dispatched Rs90,000 cheques to each of the 57 athletes, who brought laurels for the country by exhibiting outstanding shows in their respective disciplines,” PSB’s deputy director general (Tech) Mohammad Azam Dar told APP.

According to Dar, the amount had been disbursed from the Pakistan Sports Foundation Relief Fund on the special instructions of Minister for Inter-provincial Coordination (IPC) Dr Fehmida Mirza.

The stipend amount has been approved by the executive committee meeting held under the chairmanship of IPC minister,” Dar said. Dar added that only sportspersons, whose age was above 50 years were eligible for financial assistance from the relief fund.

“These sportspersons won medals at national and international levels in athletics, boxing, bodybuilding, football, hockey, kabaddi, tennis, volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling,” he said.

It merits a mention here that these sportspersons had been receiving a monthly stipend of Rs5,000 till the end of 2017 under this fund. However, due to certain reasons the stipend could not be disbursed after that.

But now, Dar said, due to special efforts of Dr Fehmida all their pending dues had been cleared to mitigate the impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2020