Punjab approves Sports Action Plan for schools, Rs. 500,000 prize announced

LAHORE: Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has approved a comprehensive “Sports Action Plan” to promote sports activities in schools across the province.

The provincial education minister described the initiative as an important step for the educational and physical development of students. He said that linking sports with education would promote healthy competition, teamwork and discipline among students.

Under the plan, major sports competitions will be held in schools across Punjab from October to December 2026 providing students with opportunities to showcase their talents.

The prize money for students who perform exceptionally well has also been increased under the Sports Action Plan. The student securing first position will receive Rs. 500,000, the second-position holder will receive Rs. 300,000 while the student securing third position will receive a cash prize of Rs. 100,000.

Rana Sikandar Hayat directed the relevant authorities to provide quality facilities to students participating in sports and stressed that no compromise should be made on the quality of sports kits.

According to Education Department officials, the initiative aims to encourage students to actively participate in sports alongside their academic activities. Sports will help promote teamwork, discipline, healthy competition and leadership skills among students while also providing an opportunity to identify talented athletes.

“This initiative will play an important role in promoting sports culture in Punjab schools,” an education department official stated.

The campaign is being shared under the hashtags #PunjabEducation #SchoolSports #SportsActionPlan #RanaSikandarHayat, with the slogan: “Khelein Gay To Aage Barhein Gay” – Play and You Will Progress.

The Education Department has not yet released further details regarding the venues of the competitions or the criteria for selecting students. The schedule for district-level sports competitions is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.