SAHIWAL: Ihsan Bhutta, provincial secretary of sports, says he is disappointed with the ongoing pace of sports development programmes of Rs717.8 million in the Sahiwal division. The division is now running up to 11 sports plans.

On Wednesday, Secretary Bhutta examined schemes at a meeting at the commissioner`s office.

He learnt that the installation of a synthetic athletics track at Zaf ar Ali Stadium, the construction of a Kabadi stadium, and the repair of the sports gymnasium would cost Rs214 million, Rs28.7 million, and Rs54.8 million, respectively.

The discussion went over progress on the Arifwala Tehsil Sports Complex, the acquisition of a sports gymnasium from the Buildings Department in Pakpattan, the building of a five-acre cricket ground in Qaboola, and land acquisition for Jaffar Stadium, Renala Khurd.The secretary approved the purchase of a house falling within the Jaffar Stadium boundary line at the cost of Rs13.5 million.

The secretary was concerned at the slow work of the construction of the Chichawatni Sports Complex.

Mr Bhutta approved the construction of two squash courts at Zafar Ali Stadium and directed the commissioner to take a monthly review of sports schemes.

It was decided different sports events would also be included in the upcoming Jashan-i-Baharain to improve sports culture and sportsperson skills. Sanwal butt, national junior badminton player, said it is good that the sports department is developing sports infrastructure, but the Punjab Sports Board must provide national-level coaches to sportspersons at district and divisionallevels.

He said sportspersons have gymnasium facilities, but no coaches or camps for training are available at the districtlevel.