(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Sports Board Launches Strict Measures to Curb Age Fraud in Youth Sports
In a major step to ensure fairness and transparency in youth sports, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has introduced a new set of regulations aimed at preventing age fraud in under-21 competitions nationwide.
According to the PSB, age fraud poses a significant risk to the integrity of sports, undermining fair competition and athlete development. In line with the Pakistan Code of Ethics and Governance in Sports, the board has now officially classified age fraud as a violation and announced a zero-tolerance policy toward the issue.
Age manipulation, a concern faced by many countries, often involves the use of altered documents or inaccurate birth records. This allows overage players to participate in youth competitions, limiting opportunities for younger athletes and affecting the overall fairness of events.
To address the problem, the PSB now requires all under-21 athletes to submit:
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A valid Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) or B-Form
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Details of the selection committee members
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Dental examination reports
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Radiological age test results
These documents must be verified and endorsed by both the president and secretary general of the relevant sports federation before being submitted to the PSB.
Only athletes with fully verified documentation will be eligible for selection, training camps, financial support, or performance-based rewards. The PSB also warned that athletes submitting falsified documents will face disqualification and possible disciplinary action.
This move reflects a stronger push for accountability in Pakistan’s sports landscape, aligning with international best practices encouraged by bodies like the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
While the new rules may bring growing pains, they mark an important shift toward ensuring that young talent in Pakistan is given a level playing field. By promoting transparency and ethical conduct, the PSB aims to build trust in national sports institutions and support the next generation of athletes with integrity.
