BLOG
Sports, a field that puts you directly in the public eye can be quite challenging if you are a woman, and especially if you are a woman living in Pakistan. Since countries resources are majorly used up on training men and giving them opportunities in the sports field it would be expected that Pakistan may not harbour any female talent when it comes to sports, however, we would be surprised to find out that Pakistan is a country filled with sports women and those too with impeccable talent. Pakistan is currently hosting women’s sports like football, cricket, badminton, judo and many other sports, some that we do not even know exist.
Unfortunately Pakistanis are completely unaware of the raw talent their women are portraying. Pakistani media is one of the strongest communication tools that this country has till date. However, due to the under-coverage of our female sports events, it is impossible for the general public to be aware of the kind of talent we have docked within our borders. Gender bias is a hot-button issue in the sports world. The basic argument you will find in your friend circles being that women are just not that good at playing sports but this argument could simply be taken as a logical fallacy since women throughout history have set examples in the sports world. Sadly this take on women entering the athletic world leads to under-confidence being induced in the ladies which can lead to a lack of participation from women in sports, which furthers gender bias. Since Pakistani media does not cover women sports as much as it should, the gender bias perpetuates to a point where entering the sports world and being a woman don’t go hand in hand anymore.
For instance, the allocation of resources for women’s cricket is considerably low when compared to the men. In 2020, only 5% of the budget was given to women’s cricket by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) while 19% for their male counterparts. This lack of resources means more established and well-structured opportunities being available for men whereas women remain in the local leagues. Due to lack of media coverage and hype no new talent comes into light from the female community, which in turn means no sponsors or international platforms. In addition, there isn’t nearly enough money being pumped into other women’s competitions which leaves many talented females unable to pursue their dreams.
Media coverage of female sports events propagates a society that is forward thinking and free from the shackles of a backward thinking process that involves women sitting at home and raising their children. Media coverage also instigates the idea that the country is there to support its talent no matter what gender it is. As a progressive society, opportunities given to the local talent only benefits the society as a whole.
Women need to be given more opportunities and support if they are to be able to compete on an equal playing field with men. Also, there is a need for more investment in infrastructure and facilities for women and more opportunities for female athletes to compete at the national and international levels. There is also a need to change social attitudes towards women in sports to create a more inclusive environment for all. Only then will Pakistan be able to develop its sports sector, which would lead to better international recognition in sports.
NEW STORY
Local women of Swat butt heads in a volleyball match
Women from the Swat Green team defeated Swat white after a tough final that was held in the District of Swat Women Volleyball Championship organised by District Sports Officer Swat on Sunday. Swat Green winning by 3-2.
Regional Sports Officer Malakand Kashif Farhan was invited as the chief guest on the occasion.
District Sports Officer Swat Obaid Ullah, officials, players and students spectators were also present during the competition.
In the final, Swat Green won the trophy by defeating Swat White by 3-2 in a thrilling five sets battle, the score was 22-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-19, and 15-13
According to reports, Deputy Commissioner Swat Junaid Khan arranged a volleyball tournament for women in which four teams from Swat participated. The teams of Swat Green, Swat White, Swat Red and Swat Blue.
In the first semi-final, Swat Green gave Swat Red a tough defeat by 3-1, the score was 21-25, 25-20, 25-21 and 27-25, in the second match, Swat White defeated Swat Blue by 3-0, the score was 25-22, 25-23 and 25-18.
As the competition came to conclusion, the Regional Sports Officer said that on the special instructions of Deputy Commissioner Swat Junaid Khan sports events for both both female and male games should be held from time to time so that local talent can be discovered and later polished so it can be promoted on international platforms and talented players can come up and represent Swat at Inter-Provincial, National Junior and National Senior sporting events. Junaid Khan believes that giving opportunities to the local women of Swat can lead to well trained players and a platform for women to be able to showcase their talents.
He said our efforts are to provide maximum opportunities to women players in sports.
Site Title 