KARACHI:
Engaging in sports has many benefits for people of all ages. While the physical benefits are pretty obvious, sports also help people develop clean and healthy habits. The Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, always insisted on participating in sports. He emphasised that sports play a vital role in the development of a nation as they inculcate discipline and resilience, develop a sense of solidarity, and encourage the spirit of teamwork.
People in Pakistan actively participate in sporting activities – both amateur and professional. Pakistani athletes have taken part in Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games etc, and have won medals. Recently, due to a growing media focus on sports, there has been a tremendous increase in sporting activities in the country. However, Pakistan still needs to upgrade the standards of facilities and training to hone the young talent that is available in abundance.
The authorities need to encourage youngsters to avoid staying indoors and shun their sedentary lifestyle – a tendency that is rather growing due to the reigning Covid-19 pandemic. Sports associations and the private sector should come forward and organise sporting activities in order to provide a platform to our children and our youths to display their talent and adopt a healthy lifestyle. An exciting tennis championship and a golf completion recently organised by a private company are good steps in the context. Other stakeholders should also play their role in inspiring the youth towards sports.
Muhammad sagheer
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, June 25th, 2021.
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