Govt to launch Islamabad school sports year next month

ISLAMABAD
In a landmark move to mainstream sports within the education system, the federal government has decided to make sports activities mandatory across all public and private schools, madrassahs, and non-formal education institutions in Islamabad, while announcing the launch of the “Islamabad School Sports Year” from April.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Secretary Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Mohyuddin Wani, with participation from key education authorities and national sports federations. The initiative aims to integrate physical activity with academic life and promote a healthier, more active youth population.
It was agreed that the first week of April will mark the simultaneous commencement of the new academic year and the Islamabad School Sports Year, setting the tone for structured, year-round sports engagement in educational institutions.
Under the flagship program, “Khelega Islamabad – Taleem ke Saath, Maidan Mein Saath,” the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), in collaboration with various sports federations, will host an Islamabad Sports Orientation Gala. The event will focus on primary and middle school students, offering interactive sessions, live demonstrations, and hands-on participation across multiple sports.
Students will be granted free access to PSB sports facilities and will benefit from structured coaching programs conducted by certified trainers. A comprehensive talent identification mechanism will also be introduced to spot and nurture promising athletes at an early age.
The program features a wide range of sports, including cricket, hockey, football, tennis, padel, athletics, cycling, rock climbing, rugby, chess, and martial arts such as judo and taekwondo—ensuring broad-based participation across traditional and emerging disciplines.
According to the phased implementation plan, April will see the launch of the Sports Orientation Gala, followed by regular coaching and school-level activities from May to August. Inter-school competitions will take place from September to December, culminating in the Islamabad School Games scheduled between January and March.
Mohyuddin Wani emphasized that the initiative strongly promotes inclusion, ensuring participation of madrassah students, encouraging gender equality, and extending outreach to underserved communities across the federal capital.
The initiative has received endorsement from key education bodies, including the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education and the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen, who termed it a significant step toward aligning education with physical development and youth engagement.