New governance offers glimmer of hope in K-P

Sports community expects positive changes under the PTI government.

KARACHI:

The newly-formed government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has brought a glimmer of hope for the province’s sports community, who expect improvement in the infrastructure and facilities for athletes.

Plagued by security concerns and a mindset that discourages women from indulging in any social activity, let alone outdoor sports, K-P has faced a development ordeal. The conflict between the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) also had a negative impact on athletes and officials of all the provincial associations in K-P.

However, there is now hope that the PTI will implement a more sports-friendly policy, with increased investment and better officials leading the K-P Olympic Association (K-POA).

The re-elections for the office-bearers of the K-POA will be held on June 12, a move that is seen as the first step under the new government that will benefit sports. Senator Ghulam Ali will compete with former sports minister and current K-POA President Aqil Shah for the coveted post.

K-P Cycling Association President Azhar Ali Shah is hopeful the PTI will deliver the goods.

“It’s a much-needed change,” Azhar told The Express Tribune. “We don’t have a cycling velodrome, shooting range or a decent turf for hockey in Peshawar. Infrastructure needs to improve.

“Aqil Shah never delivered, but here’s hoping the PTI government will not only dedicate sufficient funds but also respect the sports community.”

He emphasised that in the absence of a fully functional Olympic body in the province, they are unable to send athletes for international tournaments or host any event on their own.

Expectations high from PTI, says Zaman

According to former squash player and the K-P Squash Association President Qamar Zaman, the events held in the province during the last term were a failure and a victim of poor infrastructure and facilities.

“Being a sportsman, I understand the importance of having good training facilities,” said Zaman. “My expectations are high from the PTI government. Imran Khan (PTI chairman) has been one of our own and the roots of his party come from sports. I expect PTI to have a better policy.

“As far as squash is concerned I have held many events independently. We aren’t producing any international athletes anymore because the sports community has been ignored by the government.”

Similarly, K-P Judo Association President Masood Ahmed also said that the elections will assure better administration and responsible office-bearers in the K-POA.

‘Strong provincial associations imperative’

Women’s cycling national champion Sabia Abbat said that only a strong provincial association could assure good facilities for the national and international competitions.

“I’m hopeful that the new government will not waste our talent,” said Sabia. “It will bring the officials who will not misuse the money.”

However, according to K-POA Secretary Zulfiqar Ali Butt, the new government will not make any difference to the prevailing state of sports in the province.

“Sports should be independent of any political set up or the government,” said Butt. “It’s a world of its own, so I don’t think the PTI government will improve anything. The K-POA re-elections are the key step, if we lose then we will have to accept it.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2013.