DECLINE OF SPORTS IN
PAKISTAN:CAUSES AND WAY FORWARD
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Sequence of Presentation
• Currency of the Topic
• Statement of Problem
• Scope
• Introduction
• Issues & Challenges / Analysis
• Conclusion
• Recommendations
• Q&A
Saturday, September 16, 2023 2
Statement of Problem
Sports have traditionally held a significant place
in Pakistani society, however, in recent years, the
country has witnessed a decline in quality of
sports. The contributing factors are required to be
looked into for the revival of our glory in sports.
Saturday, September 16, 2023 3
Scope
The scope of presentation is limited to
discuss decline in quality of sports activites in
Pakistan. Further, assess the factors that are
contributing in decline and measures to improve
this state of affairs.
Introduction
● Pakistan was world champion of Cricket, Hockey, Squash and snooker in 1994.*
● Between 1950 and 1997, Pakistan managed to win more than 30 British Open
titles, 14 World Open titles, and many PSA professional titles.**
● Pakistan hockey team has won 3 gold medals at the Olympic Games (last time in
1994), and 4 Hockey World Cup (last time in 1994).
https://www.dawn.com/news/1184771*
https://www.globalvillagespace.com/pakistans-sporting-achievements-in-75-years/**
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Introduction
● Pakistan won T20 World Cup in 2009.
● The IBSF World Snooker Championship crown in 2012.
● Pakistan had world known players in almost all sports.
● Decline started in1990.
● Only few achievements later.
https://dailytimes.com.pk/458202/who-is-responsible-for-pakistan-sports-sharp-decline/
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Introduction
● No big achievement in Hockey, squash, snooker, cricket etc.
● except 2009 T20 World Cup and gold medal by Arshad Nadeem in
CW games.
● Sports: A source to show talent and source of increase in
economy.
● The decline of sports in Pakistan is a matter of concern.
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Issues & Challenges / Analysis
● Too much focus in cricket at the cost of other sports like hockey etc.
● Low investments in sports.
India $354million USD.(2021-22)
Bangladesh $247million USD.(2021-22)
Pakistan $17million USD.(2021-22)
● According to survey conducted by CDA, only 30% schools in Islamabad
have playgrounds.*
https://www.jworldtimes.com/old-site/pakistan-affairs/decline-of-sports-
ccccin - Pakistan-take-the-bull-by-the-horns 8
Issues & Challenges / Analysis
● Low focus on athletics: Mother of all games.
● Significantly less earning of athletes in Pakistan
● According to Global Sports Salaries Survey
● Ethiopian athletes earn $60,555 annually.
● Pakistani athletesearn $14,406annually.*
https://www.jworldtimes.com/old-site/pakistan-affairs/decline-of-sports in- pakistan-take-the-bull-by-the-horns
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Issues & Challenges / Analysis
● Taking success as for granted like in squash and no planning for future in
all sports.
● Lack of professionalism ( Lt Gen, Arif Hassan, President, POA since 2004
and Pakistan has not won a single medal in Olympics in about 20 years
tenure).
● Non existence of grassroots level systems
https://www.jworldtimes.com/old-site/pakistan-affairs/decline-of-sports-in-pakistan-take-the-bull-by-the-horns/
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Issues & Challenges / Analysis
● Terrorism and security concerns for the last 20 years.
● Cultural and Societal barriers e.g. women who are about half of the
population have less opportunities
● Political instability has led to frequent changes in policies that
resulted in decline of sports.
● Cannot pace with the world.
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Issues & Challenges / Analysis
● Corruption in sports organization / concerned departments.
● Favoritism / cronyism in selection of teams / players.
● Lack of support from government.
● Economic position of the country Rich VS Poor.
● USA, Russia, China, Britain are most winning medal countries.
https://wizardpins.com/blogs/education/which-countries-have-won-the-most-olympic-medals
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Issues & Challenges / Analysis
● Shortage of nurseries of sports.
● No financial security for sportsmen after retirement.
● Politicization of sports, the glaring example is football.
● Passive role of Pakistan Sports Board.
● Pakistan Football Team ranked 195 on April 6, 2023.
● Lack of interest of youth and kids in the outdoor activities,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan_national_football_team
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Conclusion
The quality of sports have declined in Pakistan which is
evident from the fact that no major achievement in sports
after 1994. The contributing factors include less allocation of
resources, lack of professionalism, favoritism, poor planning,
lack of infrastructure, cultural and societal barriers,
politicization of sports etc. Holistic approach was required to
regain glory in sports, that is still lacking.
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Recommendations
For the revival of glory in sports, following way forward is recommended:
● Collaboration among public,private and international sports
organizations
● Long term planning through professionals of the relevant games
● The Govt should announce incentives e.g tax exemption for private
sector if they invest / patronize sports especially athletics
● There is potential in athletics, the same should be exploited.
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Recommendations
● Focus on weight lifting, kabbadi, Javelin throw, running
etc.
● Use of advance technologies / facilities.
● More infrastructure like play grounds.
● Every educational institute (public / private) must have
play ground.
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Recommendations
● Increase government funding for sports programs:
Pakistan allocated only 0.0365% of its total budget for
sports in 2022-23. (Source: Pakistan Sports Board).
● Sports professional should be posted in Pakistan Sports
Board with an extended role.
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Recommendations
● Emphasize diversity and inclusivity in sports programming
● Strengthen governance and accountability in sports
organizations
● Increase collaboration and partnerships between sports
organizations, government, and civil society.
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Recommendations
● Depoliticize sports organizations.
● Schools were the nursery of games, they should be
provided funds and facilities.
● All sportsmen who represent Pakistan, should have
financial package on their retirement.
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Recommendations
● Like National Games, Provincial and District Games level
should be held regularly.
● Professional coaches / support staff should be hired.
● Increased public awareness and media coverage for
sports culture.
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THANK YOU
Q&A
Saturday, September 16, 2023 21
