Being an old sportsman I was shocked to see the performance of our current sportsmen lately during international competitions. There was a time when our athletes would fetch about half a dozen gold medals, only in athletics, besides other medals in weight lifting, wrestling, boxing and hockey etc. While other countries of Asia have improved in their standards, Pakistani sportsmen have deteriorated to the extent where we did not get a single gold medal. During the recently concluded Asian games, only our women cricket team could get a gold medal and that too when India and Sri Lanka teams did not participate otherwise this medal was also doubtful.
Someone in the government needs to investigate as to why our sports standards have deteriorated. I can see only one reason; that people in charge of sports are not dedicated. I suggest that our Sports Ministry should lay down minimum standards of all sportsmen to represent the country. I remember in 1960 when we were to participate in World Universities Athletics Championship, the POA laid down minimum standards for the athletes to be selected. Secondly, the respective sports in-charge should be selected purely on merit on their past achievements. The sportsmen should be given extensive coaching in camps and only those who make the desired standard should be selected to represent the country. There should not be any one going for a joy ride on political or other grounds.
MOHAMMAD AZHAR KHWAJA,
Lahore, October 23.