Islamabad : After a three-year hiatus following the Covid-deferred Tokyo Olympics in 2021, the global sporting community eagerly anticipates the Paris 2024 Olympics. This grand event will showcase athletes from around the world vying for medals across various disciplines. However, for Pakistan, once a sporting powerhouse in South Asia, the current scenario marks a stark decline in its sporting fortunes.

Pakistan’s representation at the Paris Games has dwindled significantly, with only seven athletes set to participate, down from the ten who competed in Tokyo. This diminutive contingent reflects the nation’s ongoing struggle in the Olympic arena, where it has not secured a medal since 1992, when its hockey team clinched bronze.

The decline of Pakistan’s sporting prowess is evident as athletes face increasing difficulties even qualifying for the Olympics. The absence of the once-dominant hockey team, which has failed to qualify for the past three Olympic editions, further exacerbates this issue, resulting in a slimmer representation in Paris.

Despite these challenges, Pakistan holds a glimmer of hope in javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, who has qualified directly for the Games. Additionally, shooter Kishmala Talat, Pakistan’s first female marksman to qualify for the Olympics and a bronze medalist at the Asian Games, offers an outside chance for a podium finish. Since 1948, Pakistan has won a total of 10 Olympic medals.

In a recent editorial, The Express Tribune highlighted the inadequacy of Pakistan's Olympic representation, describing the participation of only seven athletes as "astoundingly inadequate for a nation of 245 million people." The editorial called for comprehensive sports development programs to identify, train, and support athletes, emphasizing that such initiatives would demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to sports and athletic development.

Similarly, Dawn News echoed these concerns, criticizing the lack of a national sports policy or framework. The editorial pointed out that sports federations operate independently, often accountable only to their respective global bodies rather than the government. The newspaper stressed the urgent need for increased funding and a national sports code to ensure greater participation and improved medal prospects.

Contrasting Pakistan’s decline, India has emerged as a growing sporting nation, significantly improving its performance in recent Olympics. For Paris 2024, India is sending a formidable contingent of 117 athletes, along with 67 coaches and 72 support staff members. This marked increase in participation underscores India’s commitment to providing its athletes with better opportunities to excel on the global stage.

The recent first-round exit of Pakistan’s cricket team from the T20 World Cup, won by India, further highlights the contrasting trajectories of the two neighboring countries. While India continues to invest in and nurture its sporting talent, Pakistan struggles to revive its past glory.

As the Paris Olympics approach, Pakistan’s diminished presence serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for revitalized sports development policies to reclaim its lost stature on the global sporting stage.