The federal government has finalized a draft of the National Sports Policy 2026, marking the first major attempt to reform Pakistan’s sports framework in nearly two decades.
The proposed policy aims to create a more professional, autonomous, and accountable sports ecosystem by reducing bureaucratic involvement while strengthening governance and performance standards across sports organizations.
Greater Autonomy for Sports Federations
Under the draft policy, national sports federations and the Pakistan Olympic Association will be granted greater independence in managing their affairs. However, they will remain accountable to governance requirements, performance benchmarks, and the regulations of their respective international governing bodies.
Federations will be responsible for organizing national competitions, managing national teams, developing technical regulations, and improving athlete development and training systems.
Strengthening Federal-Provincial Coordination
Acknowledging the constitutional changes introduced through the 18th Amendment, which made sports a provincial subject, the policy proposes the creation of a National Sports Coordination Council.
The council would serve as a platform for coordination between federal and provincial authorities, help resolve disputes among stakeholders, and oversee the implementation of national sports initiatives.
New Funding and Investment Initiatives
To support sports development, the draft recommends establishing a dedicated Sports Development Fund.
It also proposes that provincial governments allocate at least 2 percent of their annual development budgets to sports-related projects and programs.
The policy encourages greater private-sector participation through investments in sports leagues, training academies, and infrastructure projects. It also supports the expansion of professional sports leagues and increased sports broadcasting opportunities.
Focus on Grassroots Development
A major component of the proposed policy is the development of grassroots sports.
The draft calls for mandatory sports competitions in schools and colleges across the country. It also recommends launching a nationwide talent identification program and creating a centralized athlete database to track and nurture promising sports talent.
Improved Support for Athletes
The policy includes several measures aimed at improving athlete welfare and career development.
Among the proposals are athlete contracts, medical insurance coverage, and pension schemes designed to provide greater financial security for sports professionals.
The draft also recommends establishing specialized institutions focused on sports science, sports medicine, performance analytics, and data-driven athlete development.
Performance-Based Accountability
To improve transparency and results, the policy proposes quarterly performance reviews of national sports federations.
Officials believe the new framework will encourage higher standards of governance while ensuring that federations remain focused on athlete development and international competitiveness.
If approved, the National Sports Policy 2026 could represent a significant shift in Pakistan’s sporting landscape, moving the system toward greater independence, professionalism, and long-term development.
