Punjab launches Talent Hunt & Youth Internship Programs

LAHORE: In a historic move to empower the youth and strengthen the province’s sports infrastructure, Punjab has launched its first-ever Talent Hunt program, which provides young athletes with new opportunities to showcase and develop their talents.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has called for the development of a comprehensive plan for the Punjab Talent Hunt program that will serve as a platform to identify and nurture emerging sports talent across the province. The initiative is expected to focus on inclusion and broad participation, ensuring that male and female athletes get equal opportunities to excel.

Along with the Talent Hunt initiative, the provincial government has also given in-principle approval to launch a Youth Internship Program aimed at equipping the youth with practical experience and professional skills. The Chief Minister has also requested a detailed roadmap for the program.

In the high-level meeting, Maryam Nawaz stressed the importance of financial autonomy for the sports department and directed the authorities to take necessary steps to make the department more self-reliant. She also issued clear instructions to ensure that there is no delay in payment of salaries to the employees of the sports department.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that we are committed to creating platforms that can help our youth realize their potential. “Young athletes in Punjab will be given every opportunity to shine, and female athletes will be provided equal opportunities to advance and succeed in their respective fields.”

The talent hunt and internship programs are part of a broader vision of investing in human capital and youth development across Punjab, which is an example for other provinces to follow.