LAHORE - The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) awarded cash prizes worth Rs 20.75 million to the country’s medal-winning athletes and coaches in recognition of their outstanding performances at recent international competitions. A ceremony was held at a local hotel, with Adviser to Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah as chief guest. Also in attendance were IPC Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, PSB DG Muhammad Yasir Pirzada, and officials from the squash and taekwondo federations. Rana Sanaullah announced increased government support for athletes, including enhanced cash rewards and a newly established endowment fund to ensure long-term financial security for sportsmen and their families. The awards recognised achievements in the 22nd Asian Junior Squash Team Championship, the WSF World U23 Squash Championship, and the 7th Asian Open Taekwondo Championship. Among the recipients were: Noor Zaman, gold medalist in the World U23 Squash Championship, who received Rs 5 million. Haroon Khan, gold medalist in taekwondo, awarded Rs 2 million. Other medalists and coaches received prizes ranging from Rs 125,000 to Rs 1 million. DG PSB Yasir Pirzada emphasized that these rewards reflect the government’s commitment to uplifting sports and inspiring young talent across Pakistan. He affirmed that such recognitions will continue to motivate athletes to achieve international success. Rana Sanaullah also shared that a new departmental sports policy is in the works and reaffirmed the govt’s commitment to holding fair Pakistan Football Federation elections, aiming to bring competent leadership to the sport.