With poor management and insufficient funding, almost every major sport in the country is in a state of decline
LAHORE:
Decades of neglect and mismanagement have pushed Pakistani sports into an unending crisis. Except for cricket, most major disciplines, including hockey, football, squash, and athletics, are in decline, with demoralized players and shrinking Olympic representation raising urgent concerns about the country’s sporting future.
This decline is not limited to any single sport or institution but reflects the failure of an entire system built over decades. Sports that once brought global recognition to Pakistan now suffer from government indifference, insufficient funding, and lack of professional administration. Cricket continues to receive overwhelming attention, sponsorships, and resources, while other sports remain marginalized. The absence of a unified national sports vision, coupled with inconsistent policies, has created an environment where talent is wasted and young athletes see little hope for sustainable careers beyond cricket.
Sports federations are widely considered a central factor behind this deterioration. Many federations have remained under the control of the same individuals for years, often without accountability or relevant sporting background. Critics argue that these positions are treated as sources of foreign trips, protocol, and privileges rather than platforms for athlete development. As a result, players are denied basic facilities, modern coaching, sports science support, and fair selection processes. The growing disconnect between administrators and athletes has led to frustration, protests, and a steady erosion of trust within the sporting community.
In the past, government departments played a crucial role in supporting athletes by offering stable employment and long-term financial security. Organizations such as WAPDA, Railways, PIA, banks, and other state institutions regularly recruited players and rewarded strong performances. Talented athletes often receive multiple job offers, allowing them to focus on training without financial stress. Today, most of these institutions have withdrawn from sports employment. Where opportunities still exist, they are limited to short-term contracts or temporary scholarships, leaving athletes vulnerable and forcing many to abandon competitive sports altogether.
Educational institutions also reflect the broader decline in sports culture. Schools and colleges once had active playing fields, allocated sports budgets, and encouraged participation through sports quotas. Over time, these incentives have diminished. Sports quotas have been reduced, and in many cases, merit has been replaced by recommendations or sponsorships. This has disheartened committed athletes and weakened grassroots’ development. Parents, concerned about an uncertain future and lack of career prospects, increasingly discourage children from pursuing sports, further shrinking the national talent pool.
The collapse of the domestic sports structure has compounded these issues. Regular leagues, sustained tournaments, and grassroots competitions are now rare, leaving players without clear pathways for growth. Pakistan WAPDA remains the only major institution providing limited employment support, but it cannot carry the burden alone. Hockey, once a global powerhouse, has failed to qualify for the Olympics for years and faces unpaid dues and poor facilities.
Football remains trapped in disputes and suspensions, while squash, boxing, wrestling, and athletics continue to fade. Although Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic gold medal in 2024 was a historic achievement, experts stress it was the result of individual perseverance rather than a functioning system. Without immediate reforms, transparent governance, and sustained investment, Pakistan’s sporting future will continue to deteriorate.
