ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s under-16 men’s volleyball team, fresh from their historic victory at the Asian U-16 Championship, is set to receive financial recognition from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). Each player will be awarded Rs600,000, as part of a total cash award of Rs8.2 million, the PSB announced on Sunday.
The financial reward comes under the PSB’s updated 2024 Cash Award Policy, which stipulates that annual continental gold medallists in team events receive 30% of the individual award. With a 12-member squad, this amounts to Rs7.2 million for the players.
Furthermore, the policy allocates 50% of the team award to the coaching staff, resulting in a Rs1,000,000 share for the coach. This brings the total approved payout for both the team and coaching staff to Rs8.2 million.
The team clinched the continental title in Thailand by defeating Iran 3-2 in a closely contested final, maintaining an unbeaten streak throughout the tournament.
Khuram Shahzad, a spokesperson for the PSB, stated that the awards would be distributed within days. This initiative is part of the board’s efforts to “recognise and financially support sporting excellence across age groups.” Payments will be made directly to players and coaches listed on the official tournament roster, following the completion of necessary documentation.