ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has approved a comprehensive Investment Policy for the Pakistan Sports Endowment Fund, marking a significant step towards ensuring sustainable financial support for sportspersons across the country. The decision was taken during the 36th Board meeting of the PSB, with Director General PSB Yasir Pirzada presenting the policy, which was unanimously endorsed by the Board members.
The Board was informed that the fund, which had an initial reinvestment base of Rs. 60 million, has now grown to Rs. 68.757 million through prudent financial management. The profit generated from these investments shall be utilized to provide financial assistance to veteran sportspersons and their dependents.
Expansion Plans
To further expand the scope and impact of the initiative, it was apprised that a request has been made to the Federal Government for seed money of Rs. 5 billion to significantly enhance the size and outreach of the Endowment Fund. If approved, this would represent a substantial increase in the fund’s capacity to support athletes across the country.
Importantly, the Board directed that the principal amount of the Endowment Fund shall remain intact and shall not be utilized under any circumstances, ensuring long-term sustainability of the initiative. This approach ensures that the fund will continue to generate returns for years to come, providing ongoing support to sportspersons.
Background
It is pertinent to note that the Federal Cabinet had earlier approved the Pakistan Sports Endowment Fund Scheme, 2025, replacing the earlier 2007 framework following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s announcement to establish a more robust financial support system for sportspersons. The new scheme reflects the government’s commitment to supporting athletes who have represented Pakistan and ensuring their well-being after their competitive careers end.
Support for Veteran Sportspersons
The Endowment Fund is designed to provide financial assistance to veteran sportspersons and their dependents. Many athletes who have represented Pakistan at international levels have faced financial difficulties after retiring from competitive sports. The fund aims to address this gap by providing a sustainable source of support.
The profit generated from the fund’s investments will be used for this purpose, ensuring that the principal amount remains untouched and continues to generate returns.
A Step Towards Sustainable Sports Financing
The approval of the Investment Policy represents a significant step towards professionalizing the management of sports funds in Pakistan. By adopting a prudent investment approach, the PSB aims to maximize returns while preserving capital.
The request for Rs. 5 billion in seed money from the Federal Government, if approved, would dramatically expand the fund’s reach. With a larger principal, the fund would generate more profit, enabling support for a greater number of sportspersons.
Analysis: A Long-Term Vision
The PSB’s approval of the Investment Policy for the Pakistan Sports Endowment Fund reflects a long-term vision for sports financing in Pakistan. Rather than relying on annual budget allocations, which can be unpredictable, the Endowment Fund provides a sustainable source of support that can continue indefinitely.
The growth of the fund from Rs. 60 million to Rs. 68.757 million demonstrates that the PSB is capable of managing the fund prudently. The request for Rs. 5 billion in seed money, if approved, would transform the fund into a major source of support for sportspersons.
The directive that the principal amount shall remain intact is crucial. By preserving capital, the fund can continue to generate returns year after year, providing ongoing support to veteran athletes and their dependents.
For Pakistan’s sportspersons, the Endowment Fund offers hope that their contributions to the nation will be recognized and rewarded, even after their competitive careers end. For the PSB, the fund represents a professional approach to sports financing that could serve as a model for other initiatives.
As the fund grows and the investment policy is implemented, the focus will be on ensuring that the profits reach the intended beneficiaries efficiently and transparently. If successful, the Pakistan Sports Endowment Fund could transform the landscape of sports support in the country.
