The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has officially declared age fraud in junior-level events as a serious violation of its Code of Ethics and Governance in Sports. In a move aimed at restoring integrity in youth competitions, the PSB has now made it mandatory for all under-21 athletes to submit verifiable age documents before participating in junior-level sports.
According to a statement issued on Monday, PSB emphasized that age fraud in junior-level events not only deprives genuine athletes of fair competition but also raises concerns about safety and transparency. The Board stated that its updated policy aligns with international sporting standards, where zero tolerance is shown toward any form of age manipulation.
To ensure compliance, participants must now submit either a CNIC or B-Form, alongside supporting documents such as dental and radiological age verification reports. These documents must be certified by medical experts and signed by the president and secretary general of the relevant sports federation.
Athletes found guilty of age fraud in junior-level events will face harsh penalties, including immediate disqualification from training camps, revocation of financial assistance, and cancellation of awards or cash prizes. Further disciplinary action may also be taken depending on the severity of the fraud.
The Pakistan Sports Board stressed that this step is part of a broader campaign to uphold sports ethics in the country. It added that recent evaluations of national federations have revealed concerning patterns of misreporting ages to gain unfair advantages at youth-level competitions.
PSB also pointed out that major global sports bodies, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), have flagged age fraud in junior-level events as a persistent problem in many developing countries. The new policy, therefore, aims to bring Pakistan in line with international expectations for clean and ethical sports.
Meanwhile, the PSB also highlighted recent action against sports officials who violated their tenure limits as defined in the National Sports Policy 2005. Letters have already been issued to nine officials serving beyond the allowed terms, reinforcing the Board’s commitment to governance and transparency.
The notification came ahead of the rescheduled 35th National Games, set to be held in Karachi from December 6 to 13. The event was originally postponed from May due to administrative delays.
By addressing both governance and age fraud in junior-level events, the Pakistan Sports Board is signaling a strong stance toward reshaping the country’s sports landscape with fairness and accountability at its core.
