Decline in sports
That the Pakistani Olympic for contingent comprises seven athletes and 17 officials is a powerful statement in itself. But that is not all. There are more novelties. This is also the smallest ever team that Pakistan has sent to the summer games. What is more, this is the first time that the national hockey team failed to qualify and will not feature in the mega event. This is a sad, sorry fall for an outfit that once dominated the world, and the Olympics, picking up gold, silver and bronze on the way.
There’s still more. Boxing has suffered a similar fall from grace. Not one Pakistani boxer qualified this time, even though this is one of the two non-hockey sports that won us Olympic medals. Also, most of the players that did make it are wildcard entries; which are offered to countries whose athletes fail to meet qualification criteria. Experts, analysts and concerned onlookers have long warned of just such a situation. Pakistan has always had great sporting talent. We have dominated the world in cricket, squash, hockey, and even in the less physical field of snooker. And because that immense natural talent was never nurtured, never directed, it has all but fizzled out; especially since the international environment requires more hard work than natural talent.
Progressive countries take great pride in their sporting achievements; hence they are eager to promote sports, just like arts and sciences. China is a fine example of how societal progress and sporting achievements go hand in hand. Once upon a time, not too long ago in the bi-polar world, Russia and America fought for top Olympic glory. Now, as China has risen, it has started challenging the American position at the top. Pakistan, unfortunately, has never paid much attention to sports. It is little surprise, therefore, that our fortunes have dwindled so drastically.
