Roundtable calls for better coordination, robust approach to solve issues confronting sports

Islamabad:Speakers at a high-profile roundtable discussion underscored the critical need for a comprehensive national sports policy to harness the transformative power of sports in fostering national unity and combating extremism.

Organized by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) in partnership with the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) and Foundation University’s Department of Arts and Media, the event brought together prominent figures from Pakistan’s sports and policymaking communities to address the challenges hindering sports development.

The roundtable, titled “Charting the Course of Pakistan’s Sports: Achievements and Challenges,” spotlighted major obstacles, including: Neglect by policymakers and flawed development strategies; Insufficient facilities for athletes, especially at the grassroots level.

Lack of coordination between government officials and stakeholders managing sports at local and national levels. Speakers expressed concern over the absence of a robust grassroots system to identify and nurture talent, calling for urgent reforms to revitalize Pakistan’s sports ecosystem.

Majority of speakers criticised policy makers on one-sided decision and called for collective efforts and better coordination to help budding athletes sharpen their skills. “Instead of spending major financial resources on administration, the requirement is to divert these towards improving athletes plight,” speakers said.

The event featured an illustrious lineup of speakers and guests, including Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program. Legendary athletes like Shehbaz Ahmed Senior, Shahnaz Sheikh, Sadaf Siddiqui, and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi.

Former squash champion Qamar Zaman, Rizwanul Haq, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) representatives, Dr Ouj E Zahoor (Basketball), and other sports organizations also spoke on the occasion. Senior academics, leading sports journalist, and policymakers also participated, lending their expertise to the dialogue.

Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan emphasized sports as a unifying force, stating, “Sports bring individuals together across cultural and religious divides, fostering teamwork, mutual respect, and national cohesion.” He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for young athletes under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership. The event concluded with a collective commitment to advancing sports as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s development, ensuring its athletes shine on both domestic and global stages.