IN a glaring testament to the neglect and mismanagement of sports in Pakistan, the delegation heading to the Paris Olympics is more notable for its accompanying officials than its athletes. Out of a population of 235 million, only seven athletes have qualified, starkly underscoring the catastrophic failure of our sports policies and administrative oversight. This dismal representation is not merely a statistic; it serves as a profound indictment of the systemic issues plaguing Pakistani sports.
The situation worsens on closer inspection. Of the seven athletes, only four—javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem and shooters Ghulam Mustafa Bashir and Kishmala Talat—meet the qualifying standards. The others are wildcard entries, typically for countries failing to qualify on merit. Notably, Pakistan has not qualified in its traditionally strong disciplines like hockey, wrestling, boxing, weightlifting, and volleyball. This decline results from the politicization of sports bodies, where officials prioritize personal gain over athlete development, and administrative roles are often filled with cronies rather than qualified professionals, impacting selection and training.
Dwindling state funding has further compounded these issues, leaving sports facilities in disrepair and depriving athletes of essential coaching and support. As a result, many talented individuals are discouraged from pursuing sports, leading to a significant loss of potential. This pattern of neglect is not new; it has been evident across various sports, from hockey to squash and cricket to football. Corruption and politics have eroded the professionalism that is critical for athletic success.
The consequences of such mismanagement are dire. Sports not only foster national pride but also provide an avenue for youth to engage in healthy activities, potentially steering them away from negative influences. The lack of support and infrastructure means that many young athletes never realize their potential, depriving the country of their talents. This reflects a broader neglect of the nation’s youth, whose aspirations are stifled by systemic failures.
Pakistan’s international sporting reputation has also suffered immensely. Historically, the country has produced world-class athletes in sports like hockey and squash. The current state of affairs tarnishes this legacy, reducing Pakistan to a mere footnote in global sporting events. This not only affects national pride but also diminishes opportunities for international collaborations and sponsorships, which are crucial for the development of any sport.
To prevent further decline and ensure Pakistan’s relevance in the global sporting arena, authorities must urgently address these issues. Reforms are essential to depoliticize sports bodies, ensure merit-based administration, and secure adequate funding to revitalize sporting infrastructure. Establishing transparent processes for selecting officials, increasing investment in sports facilities, and providing better training opportunities for athletes are imperative.
Moreover, fostering a culture that values sports and recognizes the hard work and dedication of athletes is crucial for long-term success. The current state of Pakistani sports reflects deeper systemic issues that demand immediate attention. Without significant reforms, Pakistan risks becoming increasingly irrelevant on the global sports stage. It is time for authorities to act decisively, ensuring that future generations of athletes have the support and infrastructure they need to thrive. Failure to act now will only cement Pakistan’s alarming descent into obscurity in the world of sports.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Turbat, Balochistan.
