FATA women to be seen in action

Players to take part in Inter-provincial Games next month.

KARACHI: They will defy norms and step onto the field – not in one but five different disciplines.

The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) women are not known for their sporting capabilities but they will be on show when the Inter-provincial Games begin on October 20 in Quetta.

Fata, known for being conservative when it comes to women taking part in sports, will send judo, taekwondo, karate, volleyball, badminton and athletics teams and the province’s sports board director Syed Faisal Jamil Shah said that this was the perfect opportunity for the players to make a mark.

The Games will see the participation of 300 athletes.

Shah said that it is one of the biggest events for the Fata Sports Board and trials were underway to finalise the teams by September 10.

“The most unique aspect is that we’re sending six women teams,” Shah told The Express Tribune. “Sports is not usually appreciated in our region but we’re working on getting our best talent for these Games.

“Teakwondo, karate and judo are comparatively newer sports while volleyball, badminton and athletics are among the more popular choices. We’ve organised the trials and each federation is working on getting the best talent to represent Fata.”

However, Shah remarked that the selection of the players was dependent more on their availability than their talent. The tribal areas are not known for their hospitability towards women taking part in sports but Shah said that the situation was going to be different this time.

While women may still find it hard to practice and take part in training camps, Shah remained confident of their participation.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th,  2011.