BETTER sense has prevailed with a new national sports policy set to be rolled out, thus preventing a clash between the government and the country’s sports federations. National sports federations have been asked to provide their feedback on the draft before the policy is implemented and there is expected to be little resistance, especially as it grants them the status of autonomous bodies. Sports federations, meanwhile, have to comply with the governance standards issued by the Pakistan Sports Board and also adhere to rules and performance-based accountability criteria set by their respective global governing bodies. A national sports council will also be created and a financial framework established to ensure funding for national federations to conduct sporting activities. Poor government funding was a major issue faced by sports federations since the previous national sports policy was implemented in 2005. The PSB only funded federations aligned with the policy which, amongst its many clauses, proposed a leadership limit of two terms — contravening rules set by global bodies where a minimum of three terms is allowed. That also led to legal wrangles in several federations where the leadership had exceeded two terms and subsequent interference by the government and the courts resulting in the looming threat — and reality — of global suspension.

Those behind the draft of the new sports policy seem to have learnt from the experience; at a time when sports has become a diplomatic tool internationally and a means of projecting soft power, they are promoting inclusivity, while aiming to unite national sports federations under one banner. The long-running disputes between the sports federations and the PSB have seen years lost, and have adversely affected the development of sports in the country. The new sports policy must buck that downward trend and pave the way for increased participation and further glories for Pakistan’s athletes.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2026