Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar met with British High Commissioner Mr Ben Warrington on Wednesday.
During the meeting, both British High Commissioner Mr Ben Warrington and Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar agree to further strengthen cooperation in sports sector. The British High Commissioner praised the successful holding of CM Punjab National Marathon and Cycling event in Lahore. The Provincial Sports Minister gave the credit for all the initiatives to the Punjab Chief Minister.
While talking to British High Commissioner Mr Ben Warrington, Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that the University of Sports Sciences is going to be built for the first time in the history of Punjab. “The International Sports City project will prove to be a game changer for Punjab”.
Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that a Coaching College is also being established and staff training is being done in Nishtar Sports Complex. “The current government has provided funds of Rs 400 million for building modern sports infrastructure”.
Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that there are vast opportunities for sports promotion between the UK and Pakistan. “The talented local athletes will be given world class training in partnership with UK universities”.
Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar further said that the first modern Punjab squash complex is in the final stages of completion. “Pakistan's baseball team is ranked 6th in the international ranking”.
Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that the registration of athletes in 2024 marathon was 600, 1500 athletes were registered in 2025 while 11000 athletes were registered in 2026 CM Punjab National Marathon. “A target of 100,000 registrations has been set for the marathon to be held in December this year”.