Fake Sportspersons, Real Controversies: How KPK's Sportsperson Identity Is Being Misused in Visa Frauds and Political Compliances

 

In a shocking and increasing trend, people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are misusing the identity of sports to go abroad, demand money rewards and government recognition for false representation of Pakistan, while having no official connection with sporting federations, teams, or national teams.

Sources in the KPK Sports Directorate and independent coaches verify that numerous so-called "athletes" have gone abroad from Pakistan on the pretext of individual participation in international sporting events—predominantly martial arts, squash, and taekwondo—without acquiring necessary approvals, NOCs, or federation support.

"They go to privately funded or open international events, usually paying for themselves or employing personal sponsors. Upon their return, they give medals and certificates and falsely say they represented Pakistan," a senior KPK Sports Board official said, asking not to be named.".

Investigations uncover a chilling trend: sports is being exploited as a means of immigration and visa fraud. People misrepresent their function, obtain travel documents by presenting fictitious or inflated credentials, and engage in unauthorized events overseas. In some instances, participants never return to Pakistan, remaining in European or Gulf nations on illegal or asylum grounds.

In one case of martial arts, a team of self-styled "national players" departed for an event in Europe with counterfeit certificates and event invitations, ignoring both the Pakistan Martial Arts Federation and the Pakistan Olympic Association. Their names have no record in official databases.

Despite this, such individuals demand prize money, job quotas, and even promotions, citing "international representation." Some receive these benefits, aided by political influence and pressure on sports officials to release funds.

The KPK Sports Directorate is inundated with applications for financial assistance for foreign travel, open tournaments, and so-called international competitions. In the absence of a verification system, many of these claims go unscrutinized. Sources indicate that some applicants take recourse to political recommendations or support from ministers and advisors to escape scrutiny.

"Whenever a political letter is brought, the staff is helpless. There is no mechanism to authenticate whether the trip was official or even genuine. It's a loophole being used openly," a serving employee of the Directorate told this correspondent.

This system is not only being misused by individuals but also by some departmental sportsmen, who travel without notifying their institutions and subsequently use department names to acquire credibility overseas.

While fake players receive funding and exposure, real athletes pay the price. A number of medal-winning participants from official national competitions have complained of delayed cash prizes, absence of sponsorship for international exposure, and no support from institutions.

"When a player with a false medal is rewarded, what kind of message does that send to actual players who give their life to the game?" asked a national coach from Peshawar.

 

The episode has resulted in the athlete community to deep frustration. "We practice for years, but we have no political credentials. That's why we're neglected," remarks a woman who won gold last month at a officially sanctioned South Asian tournament and yet has to wait for her prize money.

Experts, coaches, as well as good officials, now want a remake of the procedure. Some reform proposals include Compulsory coordination with the national federations and Pakistan Olympic Association for all international representation.

A publicly accessible database of officially sanctioned players and events.

Punishment for those misusing public funds or impersonating representation.

Regular audits and open assignment of financial aid.

Abuse of Pakistan's sporting identity is not only immoral—it is illegal. While bogus players flee overseas or milk the system for cash, genuine talent is left in the cold. The KPK government needs to move fast to safeguard its sporting heritage from corruption, nepotism, and politics.

If we don't act now, the next generation of true athletes will stop dreaming — and that would be the greatest loss of all.

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