PESHAWAR - Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has formally inaugurated the Hayatabad Sports Complex in an attempt to provide healthy and recreational opportunities to youth of the province.

The sports complex is spread over an area of 150 kanals of land and has been completed in three years time at a total cost of Rs 210 million. The complex has hockey, football and cricket grounds along with a multipurpose hall and courts for playing tennis and squash.

Additionally, separate section for board games has also been established along with a separate gymnasium for males and females. The sports complex is the second of its kind completed by the present government after completion of Bacha Khan Sports Complex in Charsadda.

As part of promoting sports activities in the province, the present government has successfully completed the construction of international standard hockey turf at Mardan Sports Complex at an expense of Rs 67.69 million. The turf was completed on fast track basis making it the only international-standard turf available in the province.

Additionally, sports kits worth Rs 10 million were distributed among players of different games for promoting healthy and recreational activities in the province. The kits were purchased and distributed in a record three-month time.

Speaking on the occasion, Imran Khan clarified that the PTI-led coalition government had prioritised promotion of sports in the province. “The youth of KP has unmatchable talent but shortage of sports facilities has undermined their promotion in the past.”

He urged the youngsters to indulge in the games, as the government was willing to promote sporting events across the province.

It is pertinent to mention here that the sports and cultural department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has completed preparations for conducting the KP Under-23 Games in the province. As many as 5000 male and female players have been enlisted for 15 different games in their respective divisional headquarters after which inter-divisional games will be held in the provincial capital, Peshawar.

A budget of Rs 74 million has been allocated for this event. The present government has also completed the construction of 25 sports grounds throughout the province whereas work on additional 33 grounds at tehsil level is in progress.

Under the initiative, a total of 75 new sports grounds will be constructed, which will help in promoting recreational and healthy activities throughout the province. The management committees have also been formed for maintenance and look after of the completed grounds.