Participation in sports needs to be encouraged in our society if we want to compete on the world stage
OTTAWA, CANADA: The Rio Olympics are now over. Sadly, the record of South Asians at the mega event was dismal. In these patriarchal societies with a male-dominant culture, our men could not compete with the world’s best but at least two female athletes from India were able to win medals. What is the reason behind Pakistan’s failure to shine on the global stage?
Is it a lack of nutrition that is causing our athletes to fail? This couldn’t be the case as we have seen athletes from poor African countries with huge problems related to a lack of nutrition excel at the Games.
Is it a lack of facilities and funding? Yes. I think the private sector needs to play a role here along with the government. We need gymnasiums and play grounds, which the public can access upon paying reasonable fees. Participation in sports needs to be encouraged in our society if we want to compete on the world stage. Relying solely on government support won’t get us anywhere.
Avtar Wasson
Published in The Express Tribune, August 24th, 2016.
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