Education
Sports
KPK
Ali Hoti to Contribute to National University Sports Reforms
PROVINCE REPORT
PESHAWAR: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has constituted a high-level committee to propose amendments to the Pakistan University Sports Board (PUSB) Rules 2024, with Islamia College University Peshawar Director Sports Ali Hoti appointed as a member.
His inclusion in the committee has been welcomed as an important development for university sports, reflecting growing emphasis on merit, transparency, modern management and scientific approaches to sports administration.
Ali Hoti has extensive experience in university sports management, athlete development and identification of grassroots talent. His practical experience is expected to contribute to discussions on reforms aimed at making the university sports system more athlete-friendly and transparent.
The committee is working under the guidance and vision of HEC Executive Director Professor Dr Zia-ul-Haq. The proposed reforms are expected to address not only rules and regulations but also broader issues related to athlete selection, training, coaching, scholarships and sports facilities.
The report also highlighted the growing importance of sports science, including biomechanics, sports injury management, sports psychology and sports nutrition. Providing university athletes with scientific training, injury prevention and rehabilitation, mental preparation and proper nutritional guidance can help them reach their full potential.
Equal opportunities and merit-based selection were also emphasized as essential components of university sports. Talented athletes from both major cities and remote areas need transparent opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.
Ali Hoti’s participation in the committee is expected to bring practical field-level experience into national-level policy discussions and help identify reforms beneficial to universities and athletes across the country.
National
Big Baat, Zalmi Recognised for Regional-Language Cricket Coverage
PROVINCE REPORT
KARACHI: Big Baat and Peshawar Zalmi have been honoured with a Merit Award at the P@SHA ICT Awards for their innovative Pashto Commentary Initiative for HBL PSL 11.
The initiative, recognised in the Consumer Category, introduced Pashto-language commentary to the Pakistan Super League, making cricket more accessible to Pashto-speaking audiences and strengthening the connection between the sport and regional communities.
The collaboration between Big Baat and Peshawar Zalmi reflects a shared commitment to promoting regional languages, breaking language barriers and developing more inclusive digital sports content.
Introduced during HBL PSL 11, the initiative gave Pashto-speaking fans an opportunity to experience Pakistan’s premier T20 league in their own language. It also demonstrated the growing role of digital platforms and sports franchises in reaching audiences beyond traditional language boundaries.
The P@SHA ICT Awards recognise innovation and outstanding achievements in Pakistan’s technology and digital ecosystem. The Merit Award acknowledged an initiative that brought together sports, technology, digital media and regional language to engage a wider audience.
For Peshawar Zalmi, the recognition further highlights its efforts to connect with supporters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pashto-speaking communities through innovative media and digital initiatives.
The award also underscores the growing importance of regional languages in Pakistan’s digital landscape and the potential of sports content to amplify local voices and bring communities closer to the game.
