Kids’ athletics programme launched in Islamabad to promote grassroots sports

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2026) Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) on Monday launched the Kids’ Athletics programme in the Federal capital as part of the Islamabad School Sports Year, aiming to promote grassroots sports and nurture young talent.

The opening ceremony, held at the Jinnah Stadium, was attended by Secretary Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination Mohyuddin Wani as the chief guest.

Addressing the participants, Wani highlighted the importance of sports activities in ensuring the physical and mental development of children. He encouraged young athletes to take full advantage of the sports facilities available at the stadium, which are being provided free of cost during the programme.

He also underscored the need for proper data management and systematic identification of talent to groom future champions. Director General of Pakistan Sports board Muhammad Yasir Pirzada assured full support for the promotion of sports among school children.

The week-long initiative marks the beginning of Islamabad Schools Sports Year and is part of kids Sports Week—an effort aimed at expanding access to athletics at the grassroots level.

The activity is being conducted under the supervision of Nabila Kamran, Lead Practitioner of the World Athletics Kids Programme in Pakistan, and organised by the Islamabad Athletics Association.

A total of 1,200 students, including 600 boys and 600 girls from various educational institutions across Islamabad, are participating in the event.

The participating institutions include Islamabad Model Colleges and Schools from different sectors, reflecting broad-based representation from across the city.

The programme will continue until April 16 and will also involve children from madrasas and special education institutions, further promoting inclusivity in sports.