With poor management and inadequate funding, almost all major sports in the country are in a state of decline
LAHORE:
Decades of neglect and mismanagement have pushed Pakistani sports into an unending crisis. Apart from cricket, most major disciplines, including hockey, football, squash and athletics, are in decline, with demoralized players and falling Olympic representation raising acute concerns about the country’s sporting future.
This decline is not limited to a single sport or institution, but reflects the failure of an entire system built over decades. Sports that once brought global recognition to Pakistan now suffer from government indifference, inadequate funding and lack of professional administration. Cricket continues to receive overwhelming attention, sponsorship and resources, while other sports remain marginalized. The absence of a unified national sporting vision, combined with inconsistent policies, has created an environment where talent is wasted and young athletes see little hope of sustainable careers beyond cricket.
Sports federations are widely regarded as a central factor behind this deterioration. Many federations have been under the control of the same individuals for years, often without responsibility or relevant sporting background. Critics argue that these positions are treated as sources of foreign travel, protocol and privileges rather than platforms for athlete development. As a result, players are denied basic facilities, modern coaching, sports science support and fair selection processes. The growing disconnect between administrators and athletes has led to frustration, protests and a steady erosion of trust within the sporting community.
In the past, public authorities played a crucial role in supporting athletes by offering stable employment and long-term financial security. Organizations like WAPDA, Railways, PIA, banks and other government institutions regularly recruited players and rewarded strong performances. Talented athletes often receive multiple job offers, allowing them to focus on training without financial stress. Today, most of these institutions have withdrawn from sports activities. Where opportunities still exist, they are limited to short-term contracts or temporary scholarships, leaving athletes vulnerable and forcing many to abandon competitive sports altogether.
The educational institutions also reflect the wider decline in sports culture. Schools and colleges once had active playing fields, allocated sports budgets and encouraged participation through sports quotas. Over time, these incentives have diminished. Sports quotas have been reduced and in many cases merits have been replaced by endorsements or sponsorships. This has discouraged committed athletes and weakened grassroots development. Parents worried about an uncertain future and lack of career opportunities are increasingly discouraging children from playing sports, further reducing the national talent pool.
The collapse of the domestic sports structure has exacerbated these problems. Regular leagues, sustained tournaments, and grassroots competitions are now rare, leaving players without clear paths to growth. Pakistan WAPDA remains the only major institution providing limited employment support, but it cannot carry the burden alone. Hockey, once a global powerhouse, has failed to qualify for the Olympics for years and faces unpaid dues and poor facilities.
Football remains mired in disputes and suspensions, while squash, boxing, wrestling and athletics continue to fade. Although Arshad Nadeem’s 2024 Olympic gold medal was a historic achievement, experts stress that it was the result of individual perseverance rather than a functioning system. Without immediate reforms, transparent governance and sustained investment, Pakistan’s sporting future will continue to deteriorate.
