Prioritize sports funding

When Arshad Nadeem's javelin soared past the 90-meter mark in the finals at the Stade de France during the 2024 Olympics, he changed the landscape of sports in Pakistan.

The young man from Mian Channu stood proudly atop the podium as Pakistan’s flag was hoisted high, the national anthem echoing through the stadium. Arshad's throw, coupled with the unwavering support of his coach Salman Butt, earned Pakistan its first Olympic gold medal since the 1984 Los Angeles Games and its very first in track and field.

In accomplishing this feat, Nadeem claimed a gold medal with a stunning throw of 92.97 meters, breaking the Olympic record and surpassing the long-held standard set by Denmark's Andreas Thorkildsen at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Arshad's homecoming to Lahore was nothing short of a hero's welcome. The streets overflowed with jubilant crowds, and the airport’s arrivals lounge was packed beyond capacity. His village braced for a celebration, and offers of monetary rewards poured in from various organizations and government officials. It was a life-altering moment for Nadeem, raising the question of what might have been if he had not needed to crowdfund the Rs85,000 for his javelin – a task that should have been supported by sponsorships. However, this is how the world operates.

While Arshad Nadeem has rightly earned his place on the world stage, it is imperative that the government also recognizes the contributions of the other six athletes who represented Pakistan at the 2024 Olympics.

From a nation of 250 million, only seven athletes competed in Paris, each of them a testament to perseverance and dedication. These athletes were: Faiqa Riaz (Track and Road), Muhammad Ahmed Durrani and Jehanara Nabi (Swimming), and three participants in air pistol shooting – Gulfam Joseph, Ghulam Mustafa Bashir, and Kishmala Talat. Although they did not progress to the finals, their achievement in reaching the Olympics deserves commendation and recognition to uplift the aspiring athletes who envision performing at the Olympics.

Sports education is integral to the overall growth of young people, impacting far more than just their physical well-being. While physical benefits such as improved fitness, agility, and health are vital, the influence of sports on mental, social, and emotional development is equally crucial, particularly in our increasingly stressful environment.

Incorporating sports into the daily lives of the youth cultivates essential life skills, boosts academic achievement, and encourages a well-rounded lifestyle, making it a critical aspect of education.

One of the most significant advantages of sports education is its ability to instill discipline and enhance time management skills. Participation in sports demands regular practice, dedication, and a commitment to ongoing improvement. These qualities naturally extend into academic and personal spheres, enabling young people to manage their time effectively, set realistic goals, and work diligently to achieve them.

Sports education also plays a vital role in social development. Through participation in team sports, young individuals learn the importance of teamwork, cooperation, and leadership. Additionally, sports offer a platform for forming friendships, building networks, and fostering a sense of belonging, all of which are essential for emotional well-being and community integration.

Moreover, in today’s increasingly sedentary world, sports education is key to promoting a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity through sports helps address issues like obesity, stress, and lifestyle-related diseases. It emphasizes the importance of physical fitness, encouraging habits that contribute to long-term health and wellness.

To ensure that coaches meet global standards, it is important to implement training programmes that enhance their technical skills and teaching methods. International collaboration is also crucial; partnerships between national governing bodies and international sports organizations and educational institutions can facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

In addition, a nationwide talent identification programme should be established across all sports to scout promising athletes and provide them with the necessary training to compete at national and international levels. Promoting sports in Pakistan requires a collective effort, one that should be initiated from the primary level in schools and continued through to universities.

By prioritizing sports education, we can equip our youth with the tools they need for success, both on and off the field, ensuring a healthier, more disciplined, and socially connected generation.

The writer is a fiction writer.