With Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan has made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by clinching the gold medal in the javelin throw. His remarkable throw of 92.97 metres not only secured him the top honour but also set a new Olympic record. This outstanding achievement marks a resurgence of Olympic excellence for Pakistan, reviving its illustrious tradition of gold medal victories after decades.
Pakistan should boost public engagement and sports participation by launching awareness campaigns and using successful athletes as role models. A strategic planning plan should be developed, outlining clear goals and milestones for the 2028 Olympics. Regular monitoring and evaluation are crucial to address challenges and optimize performance. Investing in these areas and fostering a culture of excellence can improve Pakistan’s chances of success on the Olympic stage and build a thriving sports ecosystem
The history of the Olympics is a fascinating journey through time, showcasing the evolution of sports and international unity, beginning with ancient Greece’s first recorded Games in 776 BC. These early competitions were part of a religious festival dedicated to Zeus and included events like chariot racing, wrestling, boxing and the pentathlon. The ancient Olympics were abolished in 393 AD by Emperor Theodosius I to suppress pagan practices.
The modern Olympic Games were revived in 1896 by Pierre de Coubertin, inspired by the ancient Greek Games, to promote international peace and understanding. The first modern Games took place in Athens, Greece, featuring 13 nations and 43 events. Since then, the Olympics have grown significantly, expanding to include a wide range of sports and becoming a global event with thousands of athletes from nearly every nation participating. The Summer Games, which happen every four years, include track and field, swimming, and basketball, while the Winter Games feature skiing, ice skating, and ice hockey. The modern Olympics have seen significant milestones like the 1900 Paris Olympics, the 1936 Berlin Olympics, the 1960 Rome Olympics, and the 1980 Moscow and 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and the Games have evolved by incorporating new sports, advanced technology, and addressing social isues, thereby increasing global causes’ visibility.
Pakistan first participated in the Olympic Games in 1948, following its independence from British rule. Pakistan sent a team to the London Olympics, competing in athletics, wrestling, and field hockey. Pakistan has made several notable achievements, including winning its first gold medal in field hockey at the 1960 Rome Olympics, which was followed by gold medals in 1968 at Mexico City, 1984 at Los Angeles, and a silver medal in 1956 at Melbourne. Wrestling, with notable wrestler Mohammad Bashir winning a bronze medal in 1960 Rome, has also been a strong sport for Pakistan. Pakistan has also participated in weightlifting, swimming and athletics.
The International Olympic Committee has recently included squash to the list of five sports that will compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, along with lacrosse, baseball, softball, cricket, and flag football. Pakistan has a long history in squash, with several world-class players who achieved significant success on the international circuit. Jahangir Khan, one of the greatest squash players of all time, won the World Open Championship six times and the British Open ten times. Jansher Khan followed suit, winning the World Open eight times and the British Open six times. Pakistan’s squash legacy remains influential, with talented players competing at high levels internationally.
Pakistan’s football has a less prominent history compared to other sports, but has made significant achievements, including participation in the 1950 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Recent efforts include investing in grassroots development and youth programmes, and the establishment of the Pakistan Premier League in 2014.
The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), established in 1948, faces challenges such as low financial support, limited infrastructure, governance concerns, and insufficient talent cultivation. These issues hinder the association’s ability to develop sports facilities, assist athletes, and plan events. Inadequate talent scouting, political interference, inefficient governance, and outdated training facilities hinder athletes’ growth and international competition capacity. The POA has also been criticized for prioritizing popular sports over other Olympic sports, raising questions about its success in preparing players for elite international contests.
Pakistan must upgrade its sporting facilities and get ready for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This entails building regional sports centres to provide local talent access to top-notch instruction and resources, as well as investing in cutting-edge training facilities, sports complexes, and stadiums around the nation. Talent scouting networks need to be established to keep track of up-and-coming talent, while grassroots initiatives must be launched to find and develop youthful potential. Talented athletes need to be given financial support and scholarships to make sure they have the tools necessary for training and growth.
Pakistan needs to improve its athletic performance by implementing robust coaching and training programmes, hiring expert coaches and sports scientists, and establishing comprehensive strength and conditioning programs. National leagues and competitions will provide athletes with high-level challenges, while international exposure through tournaments and training camps will broaden their experience. Prioritizing investment in sports science and technology, such as sports medicine and rehabilitation facilities, is crucial. Fostering collaboration between the government, private sector, and sports organizations is also essential. Pursuing international cooperation, particularly with China, will help improve Pakistan’s sports infrastructure and performance.
Pakistan should boost public engagement and sports participation by launching awareness campaigns and using successful athletes as role models. A strategic planning plan should be developed, outlining clear goals and milestones for the 2028 Olympics. Regular monitoring and evaluation are crucial to address challenges and optimize performance. Investing in these areas and fostering a culture of excellence can improve Pakistan’s chances of success on the Olympic stage and build a thriving sports ecosystem.
