ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Director General Akhtar Ganjera has said that the PSB is a facilitator and it is federations’ job to find and recommend talent to the PSB for further grooming.

Talking to The Nation on Monday, Ganjera said: “I want to make it very clear that the PSB is a facilitator and our job is to facilitate the federations. We can’t detect talent but it’s the federations’ duty to hunt and recommend talent to us for further grooming.”

The DG thanked Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, IPC Minister Riaz Pirzada, PSB officers, staff and sports journalists for their outstanding contributions to make the second Quaid-e-Azam Inter-provincial Games a huge success. “Without media support, we would not been able to pass on the message of peace and harmony and to present the softer and sports-loving image of the county to the international comminute.

“The sports journalists - both print and electronic media - gave outstanding coverage to the events, which we couldn’t even dreamt about. We had acute shortage of funds and were not able to properly advertise in newspapers and channels, but the great efforts and contributions of sports journalists made the event remarkable. The PSB staff also worked very hard and did tremendous job during the entire Games. I will try to get some cash awards or incentives for the employees, who did a fantastic job during the 5 five of fun and entertainment,” he added.

He said having around 4000 players, coaches, officials under one roof was never easy, but the way the PSB team did a tremendous job, he was very delighted and promised to request IPC minister to reward the PSB employees in a befitting manner. I am also thankful to all the participating provinces and officials for their cooperating with the PSB.

“We have distributed around Rs 6.5 million as cash prizes, besides trophies, medals and certificates, while already different federations and provinces approached the PSB as they had identified fresh genuine talent and we have given them go ahead for conducting training camps for the selected lot.

“The PSB is always ready to help the federations and young talent in the best possible fashion. We will provide the youngsters best facilities, accommodation, meal and top class coaches, while on the recommendation of federations and coaches, we are also willing to send talented youth abroad for further training purposes. The PM has clearly mentioned in his speech that he wanted medals in Olympics and other international competitions, so it is our duty to take very good care of future of Pakistan. We have always provided more than best and we will continue to do so in future too,” he added.

When asked about a few complaints were registered against quality of food being supplied by the canteen contractor and the things mentioned in the menu were not entertained, Ganjera said: “If any such complaint is registered with me, it is my promise to not only address it, but also give peace of mind to all those, who even tried to inflict damages on our reputation. I am fully satisfied with Assistant Director Hostels Malik Imtiaz Hussian and his team who proved time and again that they are the best.

“We have provided cash to the athletes and officials, giving them free hand to select meal of their liking. In case any vendor had cheated the athletes, a stern action would be taken against him. I request all athletes and officials to feel free and visit my office, if they have any complaint against any vendor or canteen contractor,” he added.

“I am very happy that despite public holidays, the way DDG Facilities Agha Amjedullah and his team worked day and night and made the entire PSB neat and clean look, was really commendable,” Ganjera concluded.