In a significant step to recognize international success and incentivize sporting excellence, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has reportedly awarded Rs3.08 crore in cash prizes to 29 athletes and coaches for their achievements on the global stage during the 2024–25 sporting calendar.
This round of awards, disbursed as part of the Pakistan Sports Board’s athlete support policy, acknowledges performances across a range of disciplines—from squash and snooker to para-athletics and junior-level team competitions.
Haider Ali and Noor Zaman were the two standout performers who received the highest individual awards of Rs5 million each. Haider Ali, who secured a bronze medal at the Paralympics, continues his legacy as one of Pakistan’s most decorated para-athletes, while Noor Zaman made history by becoming the U23 World Champion in squash, underlining Pakistan’s resurgence in a sport it once dominated globally.
Snooker ace Muhammad Asif, a two-time IBSF World Champion, was also rewarded with Rs2.5 million for his sustained excellence and another world title win. The junior squash team, which clinched a bronze medal at the Asian Championships, was collectively honoured, with each player receiving Rs375,000.
In a forward-looking statement, Pakistan Sports Board officials confirmed that further awards are in the pipeline. Star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, who continues to lead Pakistan’s athletics hopes on the global stage, and Pakistan’s Special Olympians, who have consistently delivered inspirational performances, will receive their due recognition before the end of the fiscal year.
This cash reward initiative reflects a broader policy shift within the PSB—from reactive recognition to structured, merit-based support. With these awards, the government aims not only to celebrate past success but also to foster a culture of sustained performance across disciplines, particularly in non-mainstream sports where funding is often limited.
As Pakistan prepares for future events. this financial encouragement may serve as both motivation and means for athletes chasing podium finishes abroad.