Governor Kundi vows support for sports infrastructure, youth talent in KP

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jul, 2026) Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday said the province's youth possessed immense talent but lacked quality sports facilities and modern training, pledging all-out efforts to promote sports, nurture young athletes and improve sports infrastructure across the province.

Addressing an interactive session organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Writers Association at the Governor House, he said providing modern sports facilities and professional coaching was essential to enable talented athletes to compete successfully at national and international levels.

The session discussed sports promotion, development challenges and future strategies in the province. It was attended by International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Asia Secretary General and Pakistan Sports Writers Federation President Amjad Aziz Malik, KP Sports Writers Association President Asim Shiraz, Secretary Shahid Afridi and a large number of sports journalists.

Governor Kundi distributed awards and certificates among distinguished sports journalists in recognition of their services.

He regretted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did not have a single fully developed first-class cricket stadium and said athletes continued to face an acute shortage of playgrounds and basic sports facilities.

He said many players failed to progress in international competitions due to the lack of quality infrastructure, modern coaching and advanced training.

The Governor said promoting sports would not only provide positive opportunities for youth but also strengthen peace, harmony and healthy social values.

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He said that more than half of Pakistan's national cricket team players belonged to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reflecting the province's exceptional sporting talent.

Expressing concern over the decline of squash and hockey, he said Pakistan had dominated world squash for 16 consecutive years, but no player had matched the achievements of Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan in recent decades, while the country's national game, hockey, also required urgent revival measures.

Governor Kundi said preparations for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Champions League were in full swing and the opening ceremony would be held on July 18.

He said six teams would participate in the league, with each team required to include one national cricketer.

He thanked Pakistan Cricket board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for issuing the no-objection certificate (NoC), saying it would help boost cricket in the province.

He said sponsorship had already been arranged for several players and more talented athletes would be supported to help them represent Pakistan at national and international forums.

The Governor also praised the achievements of athletes from the province, including Pakistan's mountain adventurer Samar Khan, describing her as a source of pride and inspiration for young people.

He announced that a special ceremony would soon be held in honour of the families of martyred journalists of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and reaffirmed that Governor House would continue supporting sports promotion, youth development and the welfare of the journalist community.