Pakistani women in sports

 The trend of pakistani women in the world of sports:

Women Participation In Sport:

 For Pakistani sportswomen, the challenge is much bigger than women in any other place.  They have to face not just the usual gender stereotypes, but also societal and religious pressures. However, some amazing women shone in sports despite prohibited and obstructions.. The contributions which they have made have set the precedent very high and inspired generations to follow. Women in Sports from Pakistan have excelled in a number of fields such as Swimming, Skiing, Hockey, Cricket, Tennis, Squash, Cycling, Chess, Athletics,  Martial Arts and other sports. The growing numbers of gyms and fitness centers help in meeting the training and keeping fit requirements for these dedicated athletes. In schools, as well, there are regular sports events where young girls take part in several athletic feats. Throughout human history, the role of women in sports has reflected the changing status of women in society. Women entering the world of sports were aware that they were placing themselves into a male dominated field With their entrance into the sporting world . Before the 1920’s women were only allowed to participate in sports that required little to no physical activity Women at a young age were taught that their bodies are physically weaker than males. As a result, women would not use their bodies to their full capability in fear of being socially ostracized or causing bodily harm to themselves. Thus, perpetuating the false notion that they were inherently weaker than male athletes. Since then, womens participation has gradually increased, and are only now being proven wrong. but it is still not equal to male participation in sport.Physicians and physical therapists have proven that there is very little difference in physical ability between female and male athletes given equal training. Many women have begun to realize their natural abilities and have started to take part in more physical demanding sports. Women nowadays have the most opportunities ever and this applies for sports too. It took a long time for women’s struggle for their rights to lead the world to its modern state. Women fought their way towards equality and opportunity to participate in all the sorts of sports that men do. Other side of this issue concerns cultural aspects, restrictions and public attitude towards female sports. For example, muslim women are not allowed to participate in active types of sports, because they can not let men see their skin or hair. The traditional female roles require that women be limited to staying their homes and kitchens and their main interests be limited to looking sexy and getting married. In some cultures there are no strict prohibitions for women to participate in sports, but such career isn’t publicly approved. It’s a pity to understand, that there still exist such restrictions for human freedom. 

 

Role of Pakistani women in the world of sports:

Pakistani women are now showing their abilities in a number of sports, including cricket, hockey, tennis, and squash. Samina Baig, Naseem Hameed, and Sana Mir are just some of the women to be excelling in their respective sports.With sporting activities appearing more in schools, it can only be a brighter future in sports for women in Pakistan.

 

7 of the favourite sports which are played and enjoyed by women in Pakistan.

 

Cricket: captain of the Pakistan Women’s cricket team. She is also the only Pakistani to feature in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Top 20 Individual Ranking. The  ICC name Sana Mir as the twelfth best all-rounder, and the fourteenth best bowler in world ODI cricket. But it hasn’t been a simple journey for her.Sana Mir changed the face of cricket for women in Pakistan after choosing to pursue it instead of engineering.The proud Pakistani captain is now a two-time gold medal winner following wins in the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games.Kiran Baloch, another legendary player, holds the current record of the highest score in a women’s Test match, with 242.

 

Hockey: Recently, 21-year-old Rushna Khan became the first female Pakistani player to sign for a foreign club.Khan is a goalkeeper of the Pakistan Women’s hockey team who is currently playing for St George Randwick Hockey Club in Sydney, Australia,About her move, Rushna says: “This [the experience in Australia] will help me excel in my game. I will pass down what I learn to my teammates and fellow players when I am back.”Rushna made her international debut for Pakistan against India in 2015. She has since played 6 matches for her country.

 

Football: Players like Raheela Zarmeen, Shahlyla Baloch, Zulfia Nazir, Sahar Zaman and Diana Baig are some of the brightest players in the current Pakistan team.Pakistan’s goalkeeper, Syeda Mahpara is one of the best in South Asia, while the captain, Hajra Khan, has five goals in 16 appearances.In July 2017, the country was graced by the presence of ‘Ronaldinho and Friends’ to promote football in Pakistan.Hopefully, this can inspire more men and women in Pakistan to play football.

 

Badminton: Women players like Nighat Sultana and Elsie Hunt, have won various tournaments.Palwasha Bashir (below left) showed exactly what women in Pakistan can do after winning a bronze medal at the 2010 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games. As of September 2017, Bashir is ranked 277th in the

BWF World Women’s Rankings. Following closely behind is the 20-year-old rising star, Mahoor Shahzad (above right). Her 8 wins from her first 17 professional matches have propelled her to 314th in the World.This is incredible given the fact that Shahzad was ranked 715th in October 2015.

 

Squash: Carla Khan and Maria Toorpakai Wazir (above) are two of Pakistan’s best squash players.2012 was Maria’s best year, where she rose to a career high world ranking of 41st. As of September 2017, though, she has slipped to 81st in the World.But nevertheless, Toorpakai is a national star, especially being a winner of the Salaam Pakistan Award.

 

Cycling: Each year, 150 cyclists compete in the International Tour de Pakistan Race which begins in Karachi and ends in Peshawar.Cycling her way to success is the sports whiz, Sadia Sadaf, who is a silver medal winner at the 2010 South Asian Federation Games.Unfortunately, Sadia faded away from sports due to health issues. But, she will remain a hero for the women in Pakistan and a champion in the history of the sport.

 

Weight Lifting: Twinkle Sohail is Pakistan’s first female weightlifter to win a gold medal in an international event.In 2015, a 19-year-old Sohail won gold at the Asian Bench-Press Powerlifting Championship in Oman. Her victory meant that Pakistan beat India to first place in the event.About her win, Twinkle says: “I am glad that as a female weight lifter I have won my first Gold Medal for my country. I can’t believe I’ve become the first female Pakistani power lifter to win something this big.”Follow the link to check out Pakistan’s top male bodybuilders who are bringing the country forward in the sport. Or you can click here to see some of India’s finest female bodybuilders and fitness models.

 

Importance of women participation in Sports:

·      Women’s participation in sport promotes freedom of expression and helps break down the stereotypes and negative misconceptions they face.

·      Sports helps women to build their self-esteem and confidence. They can help to reveal hidden skills and develop leadership qualities in front of the world.

·      Sport is key to women in Pakistan standing as equals to men.