The Sindh government has approved a significant financial package of Rs12.5 million to support 230 financially distressed athletes, including approximately 30 widows of deceased sportspersons, through its provincial Endowment Fund. This move aims to alleviate monetary hardships and ensure that deserving athletes can continue their careers in sport.
According to an official report on Sunday, the decision was formalised during a meeting of the annual Endowment Fund Committee, presided over by Secretary Sports Sindh, Munawar Ali Mahesar. A spokesperson confirmed the committee, which included Director Sports Sindh Asad Ishaq and representatives from the Sindh Olympic Association, Ahmed Ali Rajput and Asghar Baloch, sanctioned the provision of the annual financial aid.
Mr Mahesar, acting on the directives of Sindh Minister for Sports, Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar, stated that the stipend was disbursed annually to deserving athletes. He emphasised the government’s commitment to preventing financial difficulties from forcing talented individuals out of their respective sports disciplines.
A representative for the Sports Department stated that the beneficiaries came from a wide array of sporting backgrounds, including hockey, football, boxing, kabaddi, and the traditional wrestling form of Malakhra, among others.
The Secretary for Sports assured that the provincial government remained dedicated to providing ongoing financial support to sick, impoverished, and deserving athletes. He said that a rigorous scrutiny process was conducted by the committee for all applications before any funds were released, ensuring aid reaches those most in need.
Mr Mahesar also extended an invitation for athletes afflicted with serious illnesses or the widows of deceased sports professionals to submit their applications for consideration for future financial assistance from the fund.