Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) director general Yawar Hussain has honoured Rizwan Aftab Ahmed, the director of National Hospital, DHA Lahore, for his contributions towards sporting activities and support for athletes.

The recognition, which came earlier this week in Islamabad, followed a recent meeting in which the PSB director general commended Rizwan’s support for sports development through sponsorships, medical and nutritional assistance and partnerships with sporting organisations.

Rizwan, who is a registered dietician, was presented with a commemorative shield and a blazer of excellence by Yawar and the Pakistan Bodybuilding Federation.

Yawar particularly acknowledged Rizwan’s sponsorship of Independence Day celebrations at the PSB Coaching Centre in Lahore this year, and the two sides discussed the importance of private sector’s participation in supporting sporting events and athlete development.

Yawar said that Rizwan’s involvement spans several disciplines, including support for athletes representing national sports federations, and competing domestically and internationally.

“Beyond event sponsorships, he [Rizwan] has provided medical, nutritional and financial assistance to athletes across disciplines, including support during competition preparations,” the PSB director general said.

The recognition comes as sprinter Shajar Abbas, who won 100m gold at the National Athletics Championship in Karachi on Thursday, revealed he is still managing the aftermath of a bone tumour in his tibia for which he previously underwent surgery.

Shajar credited Rizwan with assisting his recovery, telling Dawn: “Rizwan helped me a lot during my injury last year. After my surgery I had received assistance in my rehab from him and it helped me recover.”

His involvement reflects a growing area of cooperation between private organisations and sports institutions, particularly in athlete healthcare, nutrition and competition support. The focus, officials said, remains on providing practical support to athletes and expanding opportunities for participation in national and international competitions.