LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar announced that the upcoming Maryam Nawaz Sports City will feature state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor facilities for a wide range of sports, positioning it among Pakistan's most comprehensive and modern sporting complexes.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at the National Hockey Stadium on Wednesday, the minister assessed progress on the ambitious Sports City project, which aims to revolutionise sports, entertainment and tourism in Punjab.
Officials from NESPAK presented a detailed briefing on the project's master plan, highlighting the development of world-class venues for football, hockey, cricket, athletics, basketball, volleyball, badminton and squash, along with several other sports disciplines.
Speaking on the occasion, Khokhar described the project as a landmark initiative that would usher in a new era of sporting excellence and youth development in the province. He emphasised that the Sports City would be developed in accordance with international standards and equipped with modern infrastructure to cater to future generations of athletes.
The minister also directed the relevant authorities to construct a modern residential facility capable of accommodating up to 5,000 athletes, ensuring adequate lodging for national and international sporting events. Stressing the importance of environmental sustainability, he instructed officials to incorporate solar energy solutions and other green initiatives into the project.
The meeting was attended by Sports Board Punjab Vice Chairman Malik Salman, Secretary Sports Punjab Fazlur Rehman, Director General Sports Punjab Tariq Qureshi, Director Administration Abid Shaukat and other senior officials.
This project is expected to set a new benchmark for sports infrastructure in Pakistan, providing athletes with top-tier training and competition venues while promoting tourism and economic growth in the region.
