In a significant move to incentivise sporting excellence, the Vice Chancellor of Punjab University has announced a cash award of Rs 100,000 for student-athletes who achieve the status of national champion. The new financial rewards were revealed at a ceremony on Friday honouring the university”s top-performing athletes.
According to a statement by the university issued today, during his address, Punjab University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Ali detailed a comprehensive new prize scheme. Alongside the top award for national champions, athletes securing a second-place position at the national level will be granted Rs 50,000. Furthermore, a separate prize of Rs 100,000 was announced for any university player selected for a national team in their respective sport.
The Vice Chancellor also confirmed that remuneration for coaches demonstrating outstanding performance would be increased, reinforcing the institution”s commitment to its athletic support staff.
The announcements were made at an event organised by the Punjab University Directorate of Sports to recognise athletes who excelled in the National Games, inter-departmental sports, and other recent competitions. The ceremony was attended by key university officials, including Academic Staff Association President Dr Amjad Magsi and Director of Sports Dr Shabbir Sarwar.
Professor Ali emphasised that sports are as integral as classroom education, stating that students who participate in athletic activities are often more successful in life. He referred to the university’s players as a valuable asset and affirmed that the institution would continue to patronise all sports to help strengthen the students” characters.
Director of Sports Dr Shabbir Sarwar commended the Vice Chancellor for taking “revolutionary steps” to promote sports. He highlighted recent successes, including the Punjab University bodybuilding team becoming national champions after a 16-year interval and a university athlete setting a new record in the National Games.
Dr Sarwar also credited the Vice Chancellor’s patronage for the successful renovation of the university stadium and the re-opening of its swimming pool. The ceremony concluded with the distribution of prizes to the celebrated athletes.