Medal-winning athletes from Punjab who excelled in the 35th National Games have urged the authorities to provide sustained coaching and modern training facilities, saying long-term planning is essential to help them compete at international standards.
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The athletes, who won medals in less mainstream sports such as table tennis, wushu and fencing, said their success despite limited resources highlighted both their potential and the gaps in the existing sports infrastructure. Punjab finished fourth among 14 participating units at the Karachi-held Games, winning 16 gold, 38 silver and 72 bronze medals — its best performance in 35 years.
Wushu gold medallist Zaib Hasnain said regular access to international-level coaching was critical. He told Dawn that he had trained in Thailand for two months at his own expense of Rs2 million, even selling his motorcycle and losing his private-sector job to fund the training. While he appreciated the short training camp organised by the Sports Board Punjab (SBP), he stressed that consistent facilities were needed to compete with well-resourced departmental teams.
Another wushu gold medallist, Maryam Rafique, echoed the demand for sustained support. She said that while SBP provided quality facilities and nutrition during the pre-Games camp, athletes needed such backing year-round. Expressing hope of receiving a monthly stipend, she said financial stability would allow athletes to focus fully on their sport.
Table tennis player Kalsoom Khan, who won four medals, highlighted the lack of international exposure. She called for a clear and transparent policy from the Pakistan Sports Board regarding no-objection certificates, which she said often delayed or blocked participation in overseas events.
Fencing medallists Natasha Maqsood and Nawal Nadeem also called for improved facilities, saying the country had ample talent to succeed globally if properly supported.
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Responding to the concerns, SBP Director General Khizar Afzaal Chaudhary said all 126 Punjab medallists would receive cash prizes and be included in the Sports Endowment Fund, providing monthly stipends for one year to support continued training.