While cricket will always dominate, it's time to give other sports the attention they deserve
29 November, 2024
PHOTO: Asaad Bin Ajmal
Cricket is more than just a sport in Pakistan, it's a national obsession. Cricket reigns as the unquestioned king from the dusty streets of small towns to the grand stadiums of Lahore and Karachi. Its recognition has been deeply rooted in the national culture, often overshadowing other sports that are equally deserving of attention and resources.
The Downfall of Hockey
Few people today might realize that hockey, not cricket, is Pakistan’s official national sport. In the 1960s and 70s, Pakistan was a hockey powerhouse, producing legends such as Samiullah Khan and Sohail Abbas, the world’s top scorer in international hockey. The country’s dominance in the sport was evidenced by its three Olympic gold medals and multiple World Cup titles. Despite this rich heritage, the current status of hockey in Pakistan is terrible.
Years of bad administration, a lack of financing, and declining public interest have contributed to hockey's downfall. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) struggles to maintain basic facilities, but cricket pitches increase in status and number. Corporate sponsors and the government have turned their attention to cricket, while hockey receives little financial or public backing. Unless major changes and investments are undertaken.
Football's Struggle for Recognition
Although football is the most popular sport in the world, it has a hard time taking off in Pakistan.Political influence and poor administrative oversight caused problems for the Pakistan Football Federation, hindering the establishment of an appropriate framework that might nurture emerging talent. Muhammad Essa, and Kaleemullah Khan, an international representative stands as a light of hope for these young children of local football teams. Quetta and Karachi local team put in a lot of effort to maintain the sport in place. Football in Pakistan lacks the infrastructure it needs to succeed.There are few opportunities for ambitious football players to launch a professional career in the absence of a strong local league.
There have been occasional successes for Pakistani football. Zesh Rehman, a British-Pakistani player, created history by participating in the English Premier League, while Kaleemullah Khan signed a deal with Sacramento Republic FC in the United States.Football is still underrepresented and underfunded by the government and media.
The Neglected Sports
Sports like table tennis and swimming are even less well-known than football and hockey. Olympic swimming is a highly competitive sport that has rarely made an impression on Pakistani sports fans. A lack of appropriate coaching programs and inadequate infrastructure keeps gifted swimmers from realizing their full potential. Swimming's "Golden Girl" of Pakistan, Kiran Khan, has made an effort to preserve the sport, but there are still little opportunities.
Despite being accessible and reasonably priced, table tennis has likewise had trouble gaining popularity. It has not been able to attract the same level of public passion or corporate sponsorship as cricket, despite its popularity in schools. Players like as Asim Qureshi and Rameez Muhammad, encounter several challenges because they have limited access to resources and financial support to help them realize their full potential.
Cricket: The Nation’s Binding Force
Pakistan's love for cricket is strongly ingrained in the nation's history, especially after the memorable 1992 World Cup victory. It serves as a unifying factor in a nation frequently split by political, social, and economic divide. By organizing international tournaments, establishing the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and obtaining significant sponsorships, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has maintained cricket's prominence.
Cricket is the most treasured sport in the nation, with moments like the 2021 T20 World Cup victory against India leading to celebrations across the nation and inspiring a great sense of pride.No other sport in Pakistan matches its emotional or financial significance.
The Media’s Role in Promoting Cricket’s Monopoly
The media is essential to the continued supremacy of cricket. Any sports channel you turn on will have cricket dominating the conversation. The explanation is straightforward: cricket draws viewers, and viewers draw sponsors. As a result, cricket develops a self-sustaining cycle of increasing popularity and decreasing interest in other sports.
Even historic achievements in hockey or local football tournaments struggle to get airtime. Every cricket match, every victory, and even minor controversies are covered in exhaustive detail, ensuring that cricket remains at the center of the national sports narrative.
Reviving the Forgotten Sports: A Glimmer of Hope
Pakistan's overlooked sports still have potential. There are increasing grassroots attempts to bring them back . Talent development events are being organized by private groups and clubs. Though still in their infancy, international partnerships are starting to provide resources and knowledge,.
Schools are reviving their interest in table tennis and swimming, and more establishments are encouraging students to participate in these sports. But in order to make genuine development, the government must create a thorough sports policy and fund grassroots initiatives, coaching, and infrastructure in order to grow the nation's interest in sports beyond cricket.
A Balanced Sporting Future
While cricket will always dominate, it's time to give other sports the attention they deserve. Imagine the pride of seeing Pakistan’s football team in the World Cup or its hockey team reclaiming Olympic glory, it’s possible. However, this can only happen if resources are shared beyond cricket. Pakistan's sports landscape should be as diverse as its people.
