PESHAWAR: The provincial sports department is being transformed through digitisation to streamline working, ensure transparency in affairs, and improve service delivery, said Mohammad Zahid Shah of IT Section on Wednesday.

He told reporters here that his department recognised the significance of technology in modern governance and therefore, it was committed to “leveraging IT solutions to enhance public service, streamline processes, and ensure transparency in operations.”

“Though various IT initiatives, we [directorate] are trying to bridge the digital divide and empower people and players by providing them with equitable access to information and services,” he said.

The official said those steps included the development of IT infrastructure, implementation of GIS systems, and promotion of online player registration and verification programmes.

Says digitisation will streamline working, ensure transparency

He said the digitisation initiative by the director-general (sports) would promote athletes, game and their talents besides ensuring transparency in infrastructure development.

Mr Shah said the most important things in digitisation were the development of social media tools, especially online registration process for players, data collection, website development for player’s performance, grant them access to Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, online monitoring of their performance, and most importantly access to “performance-based player data.”

“Such facilities are just a click away from players and those related to sports. They not only enable players to examine their performance and discuss it with their trainers, coaches and technical staff members,” he said.

The official said online access of players to their coaches meant that they had an all-time connection in developing cordial relations that was vital for them even if they’re in competitions and that it would enable them to take useful tips for competitions when away from coaches and hometowns.

He said players could also discuss their game and diet plans, and practice sessions, know about competitions, and improve performance.

“Through such online access, the directorate can also keep a close eye on the trainers and coaches of players besides the staff members associated with them,” he said.

Mr Shah said recently, the directorate developed 151 sports facilities under the Prime Minister’s 1,000 Playing Ground Project.

He said the IT section had the complete records of the game-wise registration of players from across the province, while their performance had enlisted through the new system.

“Digitisation is also a step towards ensuring transparency because one can easily contact players and ask them about the provision of shoes, tracksuits and sports uniforms besides handing over equipment and sports gears,” he said.

He said the initiative would also help verify provision of sports scholarships to medalists.

The official said the performance of players could be linked to the database to ensure transparency.

“The common user can check the development of infrastructure, its functioning and use online. Any ongoing projects related to infrastructure development could also be seen online through this GIS system. One can access such ongoing work and monitor even the material used in it can be viewed online,” he said.

Meanwhile, DG (sports) Khalid Mahmood said he had ordered the registration of sportspersons through management information system by July 16 to know about their number in all districts.

He said currently, no such database was available.

“By registering players, it will be easier for us to work in these places,” he said.

Mr Mahmood said a separate card system would be introduced in future for members and employees to know about their visit to sports venues.

Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2023