LAHORE – The athletes participating in the Punjab Rising Games returned their medals to the office of Punjab’s Sports Minister Wahab Riaz in a gesture of protest.
The allegations were leveled against the Punjab Sports Board and Wahab Riaz for failing to deliver on promised cash rewards to the players.
A video circulated on social media, posted by a player, expressed sentiments that the medals held little value if the players weren’t duly recognized with their rightful financial incentives.
The players emphasized that their hard work and dedication had earned them these medals, warranting fair treatment. However, the attempts by players to discuss the matter with Wahab Riaz, a former cricketer, were met with closed doors at his office.
From promise to disappointment: Victorious athletes show the reality of @WahabViki and @Sports_BoardPB #Badminton | #Pakistan | #WahabRiaz | #PunjabSportsBoard | #Lahore | #Athletes pic.twitter.com/9kjTAh4gyw
— Khel Shel (@khelshel) January 28, 2024
Earlier announcements by Wahab Riaz outlined a 16-day Mega Event, encompassing sports like volleyball, hockey, football, badminton, athletics, and table tennis.
The Punjab Rising Games commenced on January 18th and are scheduled to culminate with the final match on February 2nd.
Regarding cash rewards, Wahab Riaz had pledged substantial stipends for top performers in the Mega Event, ranging from Rs. 30,000 to Rs70,000 per month for one year based on their performance. Besides it, it was promised that a prize of Rs. 2.5 million would be awarded for each game during the event. However, as of now, these assurances and announcements remain unfulfilled. The event has seen registration from 950 players, representing all divisions of Punjab.
