"Why Are Sports in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Stagnant? Associations Stuck in Old Patterns, New Blood Needed"

 

Musarrat Ullah Jan , Kikxnow , Digital Creator

Have you ever wondered why sports in our province are floundering? It seems the same people have entrenched themselves in the system, and their connection to sports is as distant as the government’s connection to the public. These individuals hold positions as presidents, secretaries, joint secretaries, or members across almost every sports association, regardless of whether they have any real experience in that sport.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s 35 districts, one often finds a single individual dominating multiple sports. A person who once played basketball might also serve as secretary for netball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, and athletics. The result is that one personality becomes central to nearly all sports operations.

Martial arts provide a clear example. Although multiple disciplines exist, one “master” often takes responsibility for competitions and administration across all martial arts sports. The problem is that these individuals rarely allow newcomers to participate in management. Provincial associations often justify this by claiming that experienced people are needed to guide new entrants. But the reality is different: old figures maintain control, leaving little room for younger or new participants to gain experience or influence.

This issue is not limited to male athletes. Female athletes are similarly affected. Women who once had their space in sports associations now remain entrenched across multiple sports, yet they rarely participate in coaching or refresher courses. Their roles are largely ceremonial, and the lack of active engagement further stifles development.

District sports officers and the provincial sports directorate need to intervene directly. They should identify exactly who holds each position in each sport. Transparency in this regard would reveal how most associations revolve around a handful of individuals. Yet, those in power resist scrutiny—they prefer to remain in their comfort zones and avoid creating new challenges for themselves.

Consider another concerning trend: martial arts coaches now appear in swimming associations. When asked why, the answer given is that there is a shortage of personnel. But who will fill that gap responsibly? This highlights a critical failure of oversight. Current administrators are more concerned with maintaining their own positions than ensuring proper governance or addressing deficiencies.

A fundamental question arises: how long will this system persist? Why is there no space for new blood in sports, just as political systems constantly require new leadership? Fresh talent brings innovation, modern training methods, and new perspectives. Without new entrants, sports remain stagnant, and young athletes miss out on proper guidance.

The lack of fresh participation is hurting overall development. Even talented young players are sidelined, unable to advance because opportunities are monopolized by entrenched personalities. This stagnation affects not just individual athletes but the reputation and effectiveness of sports governance across the province.

The provincial sports directorate must adopt a comprehensive strategy. Lists of secretaries, presidents, and other office-bearers should be publicly accessible. Clear criteria must be established for recruiting new athletes, coaches, and women into leadership roles. Refresher courses, certifications, and regular training must be mandated. Performance, not tenure or personal influence, should determine authority.

This problem extends across all sports, not just one or two. In 34 out of 35 districts—Peshawar being the exception—similar patterns exist. One individual holds multiple posts, and new participants have virtually no chance of breaking into the system.

Injecting new blood into sports management would bring innovation, structured training programs, and higher standards for competitions. The current system, dominated by a few entrenched individuals, prevents these improvements. If sports associations continue in this manner, KP’s sports scene will remain stagnant, and talented youth will be deprived of meaningful opportunities.

Furthermore, new participants can push for transparency, accountability, and merit-based selection. Currently, many leaders operate unchecked, making arbitrary decisions without oversight. Administrative stagnation in sports associations is a major barrier to development, and unless addressed, KP will continue to lag behind in producing competitive athletes and effective sports governance.

Ultimately, sports governance requires the same kind of renewal that politics does. Fresh perspectives are essential, both to maintain fair competition and to ensure that athletes receive the training and opportunities they deserve. If old structures remain unchallenged, the province’s sports sector will continue to operate in a limited, outdated framework, while the younger generation struggles to find its place.

It is clear that the province’s sports directorate and district offices must take immediate action. Leadership positions must rotate, new talent must be nurtured, and old systems of monopolized control must be dismantled. Only then can Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hope to develop a dynamic, fair, and progressive sports environment.

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