Netball: Money needed as talent, passion not enough

If there’s something that drives athletes in Pakistan to pursue their passion, it’s the abundance of talent. Lack of infrastructure causes a change of gears, however, slowing down their progress, and netball is the perfect example.

It is ignored by authorities since there’s a dearth of positive results. But what’s also true is that profits can only be derived after investment – in this case training, equipment and motivation – is made.

Netball is not the most popular sport in Pakistan and its events are only organised at school and college levels. Even the Pakistan Netball Federation (PNF) was formed in 1996. It was, however, recognised by the International Netball Federation and the Asian Federation of Netball in 1998 — as hopes of its progress increased.

While the interest in netball has been dominated by women, its popularity among men has seen an increase. The PNF’s efforts were appreciated by the sport’s governing body and its Asian counterparts, resulting in men’s netball booking a place in the world map.

PNF Secretary Mudassar Arain sounded positive as he mentioned the sport’s development and steps taken by the federation. While more is still needed, a start has been taken.

“There are a lot of skilful players in the country,” said Arain. “Handball players are also getting involved and many inter-school, provincial, junior and national events have been organised to promote the game.”

Arain added that a meagre investment of Rs4.5 million was made during the last five years to boost the sport’s development. While adding that the Australian Sports Commission was helping out, Arain said that the grants are simply not enough to cope with expenses.

It’s not as if the team has failed in international events in which they have been fortunate enough to take part in. The first time Pakistan women’s team took part in an international event was in 1998. This was followed by tours to England, Australia and Sri Lanka and a breakthrough came in October last year when the team bagged a bronze medal at the first South Asian Beach Games.

A planned visit by India in April for a five-match series and the Asian Netball Championship in August are events Pakistan looks forward to. Arain said that the services of a foreign coach are also being considered, while a two-month camp will also be set up for the Asian Championship.

However, these plans are not enough, as a Pakistan Army player Rosalba Fernandez put it. “Players are passionate but they need motivation. We need to participate in more international events for exposure and we need the media’s support too.”

Arain echoed the same view, ruing lack of funds, as he shared a tale of not being able to offer prize money to victorious teams in national events.

While officials boast of promoting sports and developing infrastructure, the sad truth is that a lot more is needed before Pakistan netball is recognisable at the international level.

 

The writer is a freelance journalist

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2012.