The Higher Education Commission (HEC) held a ceremony in Islamabad to promote sports in academic institutions by awarding cash prizes to university student athletes who finished third in terms of medals won at the 34th National Games Quetta 2023. The 34th National Games were held from May 22-30, 2023, with HEC finishing fifth. HEC won eight gold, 17 silver, and 93 bronze medals out of a total of 118 medals. Individual and team events, such as volleyball and basketball, were competed in by HEC players.
HEC was one of 14 participating institutions. Dr. Arif Alvi, President of Pakistan, presented the 'Best Turn Out Trophy' to HEC for being an exceptional contingent at the Games. Caretaker Mr. Madad Ali Sindhi, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, was the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony, while Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed was the honoree. Former Olympians Khwaja Junaid and Shahbaz Ahmad, CEO Lahore Qalandars Atif Rana, Director/Incharge Sports HEC Javed Ali Memon, and students from various universities attended the ceremony.
He claimed that no country in the world could progress without investing in education and sports. "Despite limited resources and difficult times, we are working to open doors of opportunity for our young generation." Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, expressed hope that Pakistan will produce many Olympians from this pool of young players in the coming years. To encourage participants, Chairman HEC announced that cash prizes for the upcoming National Games would be increased to Rs3 lacs, Rs2 lacs, and Rs1 lacs for gold, silver, and bronze medal winners, respectively. Javed Ali Memon briefed the dignitaries on the path forward for revitalizing and strengthening the sports ecosystem in Higher Education Institutions by developing a systematic approach to player management mechanisms and retention.
