Perseverance: National volleyball player reclaims abandoned sports fields

Says talent exists in Swat, but needs platform to exhibit

MINGORA: Villages, cities, provinces, nations all flourish when their tourist spots and sports grounds are swarming with people and their hospitals, though fully functional, stand erect with empty beds and their courts have vacant witness stands. Unfortunately, this is not the case with Swat district where sports grounds and tourist spots are deserted and courts and hospitals brim over with people in need.

Militancy left a deep scar on the district. As a result, tourists stopped coming to Swat. This led to a major downfall in most businesses linked to tourism and rendered around 0.4 million residents jobless.

Beacon of hope

When most athletic activity in Swat was forgotten and buried, the youth of Kabal, Matta, Bara Banda and Khwaza Khela tehsils revived the long lost tradition of volleyball by playing on ruined and deserted grounds.

Aimal Khan, 27, a resident of Bara Banda tehsil, played on forsaken fields with his friends and classmates and joined the national volleyball team in 2008. He had always seen his grandparents and parents play with unparalleled passion and derived inspiration from their vigour and commitment.



However, as the region became vulnerable to attacks, and sports was pushed into the background, volleyball, that was played regularly in Swat, also vanished. Tournaments were no longer arranged and people focused on other priorities.

During that time, Aimal became ever more determined and encouraged young people from neighbouring districts to play the sport.

His persistent efforts did not go in vain. Aimal has played for Saif Games, Asia Games and several other tournaments. He was also awarded three gold medals and several silver and bronze medals for his outstanding sportsmanship.

Seeking assistance

“The youth of Swat have great potential and talent but lack training and support,” Aimal told The Express Tribune. He said there were about 700 volleyball players in Swat and they will only be able to hone their skills and exhibit their true talent if they are provided a platform to practise. He urged the government to provide facilities to players who could go on to become national assets.

“Just like Pakistan Super League, there must be a Volleyball League that would encourage players to look forward to something,” he said.

Aimal added Kabal tehsil desperately needs a gym. “The youth needs to be fit – once equipped and capable, they can become a source of national pride,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th,  2016.