Punjab Sports Board Increases Usage Fees for Public Sports Facilities
In a significant change in the accessibility of public sports infrastructure, the Punjab Sports Board has officially raised the fees for using its facilities. The revised rates are expected to affect private users, schools, academies, and event organizers across the province.
New Fee Structure for Sports Events and Sessions
According to a recently issued notification, hosting a single-day sporting event at a government facility will now cost anywhere between Rs 12,500 to Rs 70,000, depending on the venue and the nature of the event. Renting space for a single match or a one-hour session could set users back as much as Rs 25,000, representing a significant increase that may force many private sector users to reconsider their planned events.
Read more: Pakistan Weightlifting Federation Suspended by the Sports Board
Impact on Training Sessions
The fee hike also extends to training sessions. Private academies and institutions wishing to hold coaching camps at public facilities will now need to pay fees ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 12,500, depending on the location and timing.
New Monthly Usage Fees
The revised fee structure also includes increases in monthly usage costs for public sports venues. Previously modestly priced, these venues will now charge anywhere between Rs 700 to Rs 6,000 per month. Notably, the Punjab International Swimming Complex in Lahore, a premier facility, has seen its monthly subscription rise from Rs 3,500 to as high as Rs 20,000, making it less affordable for casual users and middle-income families.
Exemptions for National Federations and Local Sports Clubs
However, the Punjab Sports Board has clarified that national federations, provincial associations, and registered local sports clubs operating at the tehsil level will still enjoy free access to these facilities for training, matches, and official camps, as part of a longstanding policy supporting grassroots and elite-level sports development.
Concerns Over Accessibility and Equity
These changes come at a time when access to quality public sports infrastructure is already a concern across Pakistan, particularly in urban centers where private alternatives are either limited or too expensive. While the Sports Board’s objective may be to generate revenue and maintain facilities, critics argue that the new fee model could marginalize community sports and make it more difficult for emerging athletes, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds, to access the structured training environments they need to succeed.
