Drowning in Neglect: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Swimming Future at Stake

 

 

The serene waters of the swimming pool at Peshawar's Sports Complex remain undisturbed, a stark reflection of the neglect that has engulfed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's swimming scene. With the National Games looming, uncertainty hangs heavy over the province's swimmers, their future seemingly adrift in a sea of apathy.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Swimming Association's failure to kickstart activities has left the province's swimmers treading water, their performance at the Quaid-e-Azam Games a testament to this neglect. As the National Games approach, the situation remains murky, with no clarity on which swimmers will represent the province.

While other sports have conducted trials and announced teams, swimming remains shrouded in ambiguity. The absence of competitions and a clear selection policy has cast a long shadow over the province's hopes of securing medals in the 32 swimming events.

The sport's decline is a stark contrast to the attention it received under the previous DG Sports, whose son's involvement in swimming garnered significant support. However, the current administration seems to have abandoned the sport, leaving it to drown in neglect.

The Adil Khan swimming pool, a lifeline for aspiring swimmers, remains closed due to the cold weather, further exacerbating the challenges faced by athletes. The upcoming Ramadan and Eid holidays will further delay the selection process, leaving a mere 18 days for training before the National Games. This stark contrast with the meticulous planning evident in other sports highlights the disparity in attention.

The lack of support extended to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa swimmers at the Quaid-e-Azam Games is another glaring example of this neglect. Despite the DG Sports' promise of two coaches for each sport, swimming was left without a single coach, leaving athletes to fend for themselves.

Swimming enthusiasts paint a bleak picture of the sport's future, citing the absence of facilities and the impending academic commitments of many young swimmers. With the National Games fast approaching, the uncertainty surrounding the selection process and the lack of training opportunities raise serious concerns about the province's ability to compete effectively.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Olympic Association (KPOA) remains a silent spectator, while the DG Sports' indifference deepens the crisis. Unless immediate action is taken to address the glaring issues, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's swimming future may be irrevocably damaged.

 

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