I happened to visit the Lahore cricket club and witnessed many children and youths playing cricket over there regardless of the heat. This displayed their passion for the sport but such unbridled verve has led our youth to neglect their studies in favour of cricket. Moreover, other sports are suffering due to this single-minded devotion to cricket.
To ensure that students do not neglect their studies, there should be some kind of academic criteria for admission in sports academies. It will not only bring talent in sports but also promote education. The government should also encourage and reward the players of other games so that the new generation also feels proud in other sports.
Pakistan lacks in sports activities due to sports budget. These activities are very limited in the larger cities like Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. This is a very unfortunate trend as sports activities can be a great way of occupying the youth and preventing them from falling into the wrong kind of activities.
We don’t lack talent in sports but we do lack the required investment. We are competing with India in defence but why not in sports. India, now, is house of cricket due to IPL. But we are unable to invite any team to play on our soil after the attack on Sri Lankan team. Pakistan has spent unaccountable amounts on defence but the results are not hidden from any one, especially after 2nd May 2011. Secruity Now, we should spend on our youth in terms of sports. We shall see very positive results and better return for our money.
MUHAMMAD IJAZ CHAICHI
Lahore