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Kaukab Sarwar Becomes Fastest Pakistani Woman at Tokyo Marathon 2025

by Sania Zubairi
written by Sania Zubairi
  • Kaukab Sarwar, a Karachi-based runner, became the fastest Pakistani woman at the Tokyo Marathon 2025, completing the race in 3 hours, 52 minutes, and 25 seconds.
  • Sarwar credited her success to teamwork and support, emphasizing the importance of sharing her learnings with aspiring runners in Pakistan.
  • Her achievement highlights the growing presence of Pakistani women in global endurance sports, inspiring future generations.

    • Karachi’s very own Kaukab Sarwar has etched her name in history as the fastest Pakistani woman at the prestigious Tokyo Marathon 2025. Clocking an impressive time of 3 hours, 52 minutes, and 25 seconds, she not only shattered personal records but also set a new benchmark for Pakistani women in endurance sports.

    Sarwar’s remarkable feat wasn’t just about speed; it was a story of perseverance, discipline, and an unrelenting passion for running. Her achievement in Tokyo has placed her among the elite long-distance runners representing Pakistan on the global stage, reinforcing the country’s growing presence in international marathons.

    For Sarwar, the marathon was more than just a race—it was a journey of self-discovery and resilience.  The Karachi-based runner emphasized the role of her training partners and mentors in shaping her journey.

    Sarwar’s victory resonates far beyond the finish line. As a role model for aspiring female athletes in Pakistan, she is proof that determination, consistency, and hard work can break barriers. In a country where endurance sports are still gaining traction among women, her achievement serves as an inspiration for the next generation of runners.

    The Tokyo Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors, an event that brings together elite runners and dedicated athletes from around the world. Competing in such a high-profile race, Sarwar demonstrated that Pakistani runners are capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the best. Her success marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s sports history, opening doors for more women to take up long-distance running and challenge global standards.

    Looking ahead, Sarwar plans to use her experience to empower other runners back home.  These words reflect a vision that extends beyond personal accomplishments—she is paving the way for a stronger running community in the country.

    As Pakistani athletes continue to make waves in international sports, Kaukab Sarwar’s triumph at the Tokyo Marathon 2025 stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Her story is one of breaking limits, setting new goals, and proving that Pakistani women belong on the global athletic stage. With every step she took in Tokyo, she inspired a generation to chase their dreams—one mile at a time.

    Stay tuned to wow360.

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Sports

Breaking Barriers: Sana Arif’s Journey to Becoming Pakistan’s Ironwoman

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A
    • Defying the Odds: Sana Arif, a 40-year-old Pakistani triathlete, began her Ironman journey in her late 30s and completed her first race just two years after learning to swim.
    • Challenges & Triumphs: Training in extreme conditions, balancing responsibilities, and competing in two back-to-back Ironman 70.3 races within a month, Sana has shown remarkable resilience.
    • Passion Over Recognition: Despite Pakistan’s limited triathlon culture and the challenges of being a foreign-based athlete, Sana remains dedicated to her love for the sport rather than chasing titles or external validation.

Competing in Ironman events is no small feat, but for Pakistan’s pioneering female triathlete Sana Arif, it is a journey of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication. At 40 years old, she is not just racing against time but also against the odds of representing a country where endurance sports remain largely uncharted territory.

From Lahore to Kuwait: A Sporting Awakening

Born in Kuwait and raised in Lahore, Sana always had an affinity for sports, but it was upon returning to Kuwait in 2007 that she truly immersed herself in the world of endurance sports. She first encountered the Ironman through local sporting circles, where she met athletes who had conquered the grueling challenge. Inspired by their achievements, she decided to embark on the journey herself.

An Ironman 70.3, or half-Ironman, consists of a 1.9 km open-sea swim, a 90 km cycling leg, and a 21.1 km half marathon—an endurance race that takes years of disciplined training to master. But Sana defied expectations, starting from scratch in her late 30s and learning how to swim as recently as 2021. Two years later, she competed in her first Ironman 70.3 in Turkey.

Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated

Training for an Ironman is physically demanding and mentally exhausting. Sana had to balance twice-daily training sessions with her professional and personal life, often sacrificing social events and enduring emotionally and physically draining moments.

Her journey has been anything but easy. Competing in two Ironman 70.3 races within a single month—Antalya, Turkey (October 2023) and Bahrain (November 2024)—left little room for recovery. However, the sheer exhilaration of crossing the finish line kept her going.

The Iron-Willed Pakistani Spirit

Being one of the few Pakistani athletes in the global triathlon community comes with both pride and isolation. Pakistan still lacks a strong presence in endurance sports, making it difficult for athletes to find a robust support system.

She acknowledges the controversy surrounding dual nationals competing under the Pakistani flag for rankings despite training abroad. While she believes it’s unethical to exploit rankings, she also notes that foreign-based athletes are not always welcomed by Pakistani sports communities.

A Love for Sport, Not Recognition

Sana’s commitment to Ironman racing is rooted in her passion for the sport rather than the pursuit of titles. Her journey is proof that determination, discipline, and passion can defy all barriers. For Sana Arif, the finish line isn’t just a destination—it’s a testament to perseverance and the belief that anything is possible, no matter where you start from.

Stay tuned to wow360.

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Sports

Breaking Waves: The Women Who Reshaped Swimming in Pakistan

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A
      • In the late 1980s, female swimmers like Shaan Kandawalla had no platform to compete, leading mothers to establish the Women’s Sindh Open in 1992.
      • Despite strict dress codes and lack of funding, persistent advocacy led to Pakistan’s first female international swimming representation in 1997.
      • Poor governance still hampers progress, but KWASA continues to sustain women’s swimming, ensuring young athletes have a platform to thrive. In the late 1980s, Pakistan’s fastest female swimmer, Shaan Kandawalla, had to sneak into a men’s race just to compete.

The story of women’s swimming in Pakistan is not just about athletes but about the determined mothers who made it possible. In 1992, a group of Karachi-based women, led by Veena Masud, Nargis Rahimatoola, Fatima Lakhani, and others, formed the Karachi Women’s Amateur Swimming Association (KWASA). They launched the Women’s Sindh Open, a competition that gave female swimmers their first real chance to race competitively. Despite strict conditions—no male spectators, knee-length swimsuits, and zero media coverage—these women built a legacy from scratch.

The early years were challenging. Competitors swam in leotards, dealt with the taboo around tampons, and had no structured coaching. Yet, they persevered. Corporate sponsorships, notably from Colgate-Palmolive, helped elevate the event, making it a staple in Pakistan’s swimming calendar. The Sindh Open soon became a proving ground for future champions, including Pakistan’s first female Olympian swimmer, Rubab Raza.

By 1997, Pakistan’s women swimmers had made their international debut at the Women’s Islamic Games in Tehran. Though they were not yet competing for medals, their participation alone was groundbreaking. However, bureaucracy, financial neglect, and a lack of proper facilities have since stifled the sport’s progress. Without government backing, parents today must fund their children’s participation in global championships, making swimming an elite privilege rather than a national sport.

Despite this, the legacy of KWASA and these pioneering mothers remains. For over 30 years, they have nurtured the sport like their own child, creating a sanctuary for female athletes to thrive. The Sindh Open has grown into an event where young girls can compete, form lifelong friendships, and experience the empowerment that sports bring.

People should see the impact sports has in empowering women. It breaks down barriers and opens so many doors for them. And thanks to these trailblazers, the doors remain open for the next generation of Pakistan’s swimmers.

Stay tuned to wow360.

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fatima sana
Sports

Meet Fatima Sana – Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team’s New Fast-Bowling Captain

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A
  • Fatima Sana’s Leadership: Fatima Sana stepped into captaincy under challenging circumstances, leading Pakistan to their first-ever away win against New Zealand. She has since emerged as a young leader with exceptional all-round abilities, poised to captain Pakistan in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
  • Rapid Career Growth: Starting her international career at 17, Sana quickly became Pakistan’s leading fast bowler. Her journey from playing tape-ball cricket in the streets of Karachi to becoming the ICC Women’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year demonstrates her impressive rise in women’s cricket.
  • Challenges in Women’s Cricket: Despite her personal success, Sana highlights the struggles of women’s cricket in Pakistan, including limited infrastructure, a lack of dedicated training facilities, and the absence of a franchise-based T20 league, which she believes are obstacles to developing young talent.

Pakistani cricketer Fatima Sana first experienced the pressures of captaincy in less-than-ideal circumstances. Stepping in for Nida Dar, Sana found herself at the crease with Pakistan struggling at 35 for 4 in the second ODI against New Zealand in Christchurch.

With a determined performance, she scored an unbeaten 90 off 104 balls, including seven fours and a six, helping Pakistan post a target of 221. She also claimed crucial wickets, dismissing New Zealand’s top players, Amelia Kerr and captain Sophie Devine. Despite her efforts, Pakistan lost the match. However, just three days later, she led her team to their first-ever away win against New Zealand.

At this moment, Pakistan stumbled upon an unexpected leader in Sana, who, with her all-round abilities, showcased immense potential to change her team’s trajectory.

Fast forward ten months and the 22-year-old will lead Pakistan in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. “When the Pakistan Cricket Board approached me about the captaincy in August, my entire career flashed before my eyes,” Sana shared in an interview with Al Jazeera before the tournament. “I thought about my humble beginnings and was moved to tears when I told my family.”

Sana’s rise has been rapid. She made her ODI and T20 international debut at 17 in May 2019 and quickly became a key figure in Pakistan’s bowling attack. Her tally of 84 wickets in 82 international matches is the highest for a Pakistani pacer since her debut, marking her as one of the team’s standout performers.

Her journey began in the bustling streets of Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, where she learned the game. “I was about 10 when my brother showed me how to bowl,” she recalled. “I couldn’t get the ball across the pitch, so he told me to run in before bowling, and it worked.”

Like many Pakistani cricketers, Sana grew up playing tape-ball cricket, a popular street version of the game using a tennis ball wrapped in tape for greater control. In the Nazimabad neighborhood of Karachi, where Sana lived, she honed her skills in the same streets that had produced several of Pakistan’s cricket legends.

Her first opponents were her older brothers and their friends, who were always supportive, insisting she play alongside them. Her brother Shehroz, who had given up his own cricket dreams, was especially influential, enrolling her in a local academy and registering her in a zonal women’s tournament. At 11, Sana was the youngest player in the competition, but her fast bowling made her stand out.

During her early training, some coaches suggested she switch to spin bowling, a style more common among women players. But Sana, inspired by fast bowlers like James Anderson and Shoaib Akhtar, refused to give up her dream of becoming a pace bowler.

Sana’s performances led to significant opportunities. By 13, she was playing under-21 cricket, and by 15, she was competing in senior domestic tournaments. Her big break came in 2019 when she was selected by then-captain Sana Mir for a domestic T20 competition, where her seven wickets in seven games caught the attention of selectors.

Former Pakistan cricketer Marina Iqbal, who was part of the selection panel, noted Sana’s determination to succeed. “What stood out was her hunger to become a top player,” Iqbal said. “She was always eager to learn from senior players and showed immense dedication to improve.”

Sana repaid the faith shown in her with stellar performances, earning her the PCB’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year award in 2020. The following year, she achieved international recognition by winning the ICC Women’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year award, the first Pakistani woman to earn such an accolade. This recognition opened doors for her to play in international T20 leagues in the Caribbean, New Zealand, and Dubai, where she gained valuable experience.

Despite her rapid rise, Sana remains grounded, crediting these overseas leagues for helping her grow as a cricketer. “The international players I met helped me identify my strengths and guided me on how to improve,” she explained.

Women’s cricket in Pakistan, however, faces numerous challenges. Though the country was an early participant in women’s international cricket, starting in 1997, its domestic infrastructure lags far behind that of the men’s game. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has increased its budget for women’s cricket, but there are still limited opportunities for female cricketers to train and compete, and the country lacks a franchise-based T20 league for women.

Sana believes this lack of infrastructure hampers the development of young talent. “There’s still a resistance to coaching girls, and not enough facilities for women’s cricket,” she said. Although the PCB had plans to launch a women’s T20 league similar to the men’s Pakistan Super League, the idea was scrapped in 2023, leaving only a smaller domestic T20 competition.

While pace bowling was Sana’s ticket to the international stage, she has worked hard to improve her batting under the guidance of former head coach David Hemp. Now, she has one of the best batting strike rates and averages among Pakistani batters in 2024, making her a valuable all-rounder.

Pakistan’s head coach, Muhammad Wasim, praised her leadership qualities. “Fatima ticks all the boxes as a captain,” he said. “She understands the game well and commands respect from her teammates.”

However, Sana faces a daunting challenge in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Pakistan has never progressed past the group stage, and with tough competition from teams like Australia, India, and New Zealand, they will need a strong performance to advance.

Despite the obstacles, Sana remains optimistic, urging her team to play aggressive cricket, handle pressure, and remain calm in critical moments. She also hopes to inspire the team’s batters to post bigger scores, which has historically been Pakistan’s weakness.

Sana’s leadership style draws inspiration from Sana Mir’s honesty, Heather Knight’s communication skills, and MS Dhoni’s calm demeanor. Though leading Pakistan, a team often under scrutiny, is a tough job, Sana is determined to live in the moment and embrace the challenges ahead. “I just want to give my best and enjoy the responsibility,” she concluded.

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T20 WORLD CUP
Sports

ICC T20 Women’s World Cup: Fatima Sana Sets Sights on Fearless Performance

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A
  • Pakistan women’s cricket captain Fatima Sana is adopting a fearless and aggressive approach for the 2025 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, focusing on maximizing the powerplay and improving their strike rates to post competitive totals.
  • Key players like Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, and Nida Dar have shown strong form, while bowlers like Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu are leading Pakistan’s spin department, crucial for Dubai’s conditions.
  • The team is motivated by recent positive performances, aiming to improve on their past World Cup results and compete strongly against top teams like Australia, with high hopes for local support.

 

Pakistan women’s cricket team captain, Fatima Sana, is determined to lead her team with a bold, fearless approach in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

“We’ve faced challenges in the powerplay before, losing early wickets, experiencing middle-order collapses, and accumulating runs too slowly, which often resulted in low totals. We’ve also struggled to chase targets over 120,” she shared in an interview with ICC.

Sana emphasized the importance of starting strong in the powerplay with a positive intent to set the tone and reach competitive scores. “Top teams make the most of the first six overs, enabling them to post big totals or chase high scores,” she added.

Recently, Pakistan’s team has shifted towards a more attacking game, and young players have shown promising potential. “The game has evolved significantly since my debut in 2019, with higher scores and more freedom for batters. We’re adapting to stay competitive,” Sana explained.

Also Read:
Sara Mansoor: First Pakistani Woman to Attain the Int. Tennis Federation L3 Coaching Certification

Highlighting individual performances, Sana pointed out Gull Feroza’s strong form during the Asia Cup and Muneeba Ali’s solid displays in the recent South Africa series. Both batters are expected to maintain a strike rate above 100, which will help Pakistan achieve higher totals. In the middle order, experienced players like Nida Dar, Sidra Amin, and Aliya Riaz are crucial, with Sana herself contributing with both bat and ball.

On the bowling side, Sadia Iqbal has been exceptional, currently ranked #3 in the ICC T20 rankings, while Nashra Sandhu is also among the top 10 bowlers. Nida Dar is the leading wicket-taker in T20 cricket, and two energetic leg spinners, Syeda Arooba Shah and Tuba Hassan, add strength to the spin department, vital for the conditions in Dubai.

In fast bowling, Diana Baig’s experience will be invaluable, and left-arm seamer Tasmia Rubab adds variety to the attack. Sana pledged to give her best with both bat and ball.

The team’s mix of youth and experience has left Sana optimistic about their prospects. Reflecting on their recent performance, she noted, “Before our South Africa series, we had a productive fitness camp, and our results gave us confidence heading into the World Cup.”

Also Read:
Pakistani’s Bano Butt & Eman Khan Win Gold at MMA Asian Championship

Pakistan’s highest-ever T20I total of 181 runs during the South Africa series was a testament to their evolving strategy. While disappointed by their loss to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup, the team is eager to rectify that when they face Sri Lanka again in the World Cup opener.

Sana highlighted that Pakistan has won one match in each of the last six T20 World Cups, but this time, they aim to win as many as possible. She acknowledged the challenge of facing reigning champions Australia in their group but pointed out that recent wins against India and New Zealand have boosted their confidence.

She concluded by expressing gratitude for the support from fans back home, particularly during the South Africa series in Multan, and looked forward to a successful T20 World Cup, saying, “Insha’Allah, we’ll have a great tournament.”

Stay tuned to WOW360.

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Fastest Women Athletes
LifestyleSports

Competition for the Fastest Women Athletes in Pakistan to Start

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A
  • The first national competition to identify Pakistan’s fastest male and female athletes will be held on October 8 at Punjab Stadium in Lahore, organized by the Athletics Federation of Pakistan.
  • Athletes from various provinces, departments, and associations will compete, with the event aiming to promote athletics and discover new talent.
  • The competition follows the success of Olympian Arshad Nadeem and Paralympian Haider Ali, highlighting the need for better support and infrastructure for national athletes.

The inaugural national competition to identify the fastest male and female athletes across various categories is set to take place on October 8 at Lahore’s Punjab Stadium. This announcement was made on Wednesday by Brigadier (Retd) Wajahat Hussain, President of the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP).

Athletes from all corners of the country will compete in the event, representing different departments, provinces, and regional associations. Brigadier Wajahat emphasized the significance of the competition, stating that its purpose is to promote athletics and discover Pakistan’s top sprinters. Participants are required to be at the Punjab Stadium by 9:00 a.m. on the event day.

This event comes at an opportune moment for Pakistan, as the country continues to celebrate the achievements of Olympian Arshad Nadeem and Paralympian Haider Ali. Despite limited infrastructural support, these athletes have shone on the global stage.

The hope is that initiatives like this will uncover new talent capable of representing Pakistan internationally and that future athletes will receive better support and resources.

Stay tuned to WOW360.

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MMA Championship
FeaturedSportsTrailblazer

Pakistani’s Bano Butt & Eman Khan Win Gold at MMA Asian Championship

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A

Pakistani female fighters Bano Butt and Eman Khan showcased remarkable talent at the Asian MMA Championship 2024, held at the DHA Sports Complex in Lahore, by each securing a gold medal for their country.

The event, which coincided with the BRAVE Combat Federation’s return after a six-year hiatus with BRAVE CF 85, highlighted top MMA fighters from Pakistan alongside internationally recognized athletes, underscoring Pakistan’s growing prominence in the sport.

Bano Butt earned her place in the final after a decisive knockout of Khushboo Nishad from India during the semifinals. In the final match, she demonstrated exceptional skill, defeating Kazakhstan’s Gulnaz Abdrakhmanova to clinch the gold medal.

Meanwhile, Eman Khan delivered a dominant performance against Kazakhstan’s Dinara Ayapova, winning her bout in the first round with a rear-naked choke to secure another gold for Pakistan. Reflecting on her victory, Khan emphasized her dedication, stating she “worked hard for three years to claim this victory.”

Also Read:
Two Pakistani Women Volleyball Players Create History By Signing With Foreign Club

Despite a strong effort, Bushra Ahmed fell short in her final against Kazakhstan’s Adel Makhametova, who is known as a formidable MMA competitor. Ahmed, who had directly qualified for the finals, still earned a silver medal after a challenging match.

In the men’s competition, Pakistani fighters faced tough challenges. Zeeshan Akbar was defeated in the final round by a competitor from Kyrgyzstan, while Shahab Ali and Abdul Manan also did not manage to win their matches.

Overall, Team Pakistan ended the championship with a commendable six medals—two golds and four silvers. Kazakhstan and Tajikistan led the medal standings with seven golds each, followed by Bahrain with three golds. Both Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan secured two gold medals each.

This marked the first time Pakistan hosted the Asian MMA Championship, further solidifying its position in the MMA community.

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Arshad Nadeem
LifestyleSports

Arshad Nadeem Requests Govt. For ‘Gas, Electricity & University for Women’

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A

Olympian Arshad Nadeem has once again won the hearts of millions of Pakistanis and has proved he is a true champion and advocate by requesting the government to give his villagers their basic rights.

Nadeem, in an interview, requests the government for just 3 simple things, gas, electricity, and a University for women. In the interview clip, Arshad Nadeem shares that to receive an education, his sisters (women) in the village have to travel for hours, some even to another city to pursue a career.

My village needs roads. If the government provides cooking gas, it would be great for me and my village. I also have a dream that Mian Channu city gets a university so that our sisters won’t have to travel to Multan, which is 1.5 to 2 hours away, to study. If the government makes a university here it would be great news for my village and the neighbouring ones, – Arshad Nadeem

Also Read:
Samar Khan Calls Out Lahore Customs for Demanding Rs. 50,000 for Hiking Boots

The 27-year-old hails from a village called Mian Channu and when he got back, he got a hero’s welcome. He had made his family, his village, and his country proud on the big stage. He deserved to be treated like the champion that he was.

Overnight, Nadeem became a national hero when he won gold in the javelin throw event at the Paris Olympics. Arshad won Pakistan’s first individual gold at the games, first gold since 1984, third individual medal, first individual medal since 1988, first medal since 1992, and 11th medal overall.

Arshad’s Olympic record throw of 92.97m was enough to seal the deal. Even Tokyo gold medallist Neeraj Chopra could not breach it and managed 89.45m to settle for silver.

Kudos to Nadeem! We are extremely proud of him and his achievements. Pakistan Zindabad!

Stay tuned to WOW360.

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samar khan
LifestyleSports

Samar Khan Calls Out Lahore Customs for Demanding Rs. 50,000 for Hiking Boots

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A
  • Samar Khan’s Struggles: Pakistani athlete Samar Khan expressed frustration on Instagram about the challenges athletes face, such as delays of up to three years to obtain necessary equipment and the struggle to secure sponsorships, highlighting that unlike other countries where brands support athletes, Pakistani athletes often have to chase sponsorships themselves.
  • Customs Issue: Khan revealed that customs at Lahore International Airport seized her sponsored hiking boots, demanding a hefty Rs. 50,000 “storage fee,” preventing her from using them for her upcoming expedition, which underscores the systemic issues faced by athletes in Pakistan.

Athlete Samar Khan recently took to Instagram to unleash her frustration at Lahore Int. Airport customs. Khan initially starts the video by saying that athletes in Pakistan have to struggle day and night to get the equipment they need to train to represent Pakistan around the globe.

Sometimes it can take up to 3+ years for them to find equipment to complete their kits. Athletes around the world are sponsored by brands and are given costly equipment so that they can represent their homeland however its the opposite in Pakistan. Athletes here have to run after brands to sponsor them.

Samar Khan then shared that she received a pair of hiking boots from a brand that sponsored, however, the customs have seized them, and are now asking for an Rs. 50,000 ‘storage fee’.

The caption of her video reads:

The corrupt officials, the government, and this ugly system will never support their athletes, and they’ll make sure nobody else does either!

My mountaineering boots which are sponsored by an international company, are detained by Lahore customs as if I am a criminal or a multi millionaire.

Please help me receive it so that I could use them in my next expedition.

Also Read
Muslim Boxer Imane Khelif Becomes Target of Racist Attack at Paris Olympics

Pakistani Athletes at Paris Olympics 2024

The 2024 Paris Olympics, was scheduled to be held from July 26 to August 11, will feature athletes from around the world competing across a wide range of sports. Pakistan, a country with a rich history of Olympic participation, will be represented by 7 athletes in various disciplines.

Challenges Faced by Pakistani Athletes

Pakistani athletes face a multitude of challenges that hinder their performance and preparation for international events like the Olympics. Here are some of the primary issues:

1. Lack of Infrastructure

  • Limited Facilities: Pakistan’s sports infrastructure is often inadequate, with limited access to world-class training facilities, equipment, and coaching staff.
  • Training Grounds: Many athletes train in subpar conditions, lacking proper stadiums, gyms, and specialized training centers.
  • Government Support: There is often insufficient government investment in sports infrastructure, affecting the athletes’ preparation.

2. Financial Constraints

  • Sponsorship Issues: Athletes often struggle to find sponsors, making it difficult to fund their training, travel, and participation in international events.
  • Personal Expenses: Many athletes have to bear the costs themselves or rely on personal networks for financial support.
  • Government Funding: While some government support exists, it is often insufficient and inconsistently distributed among sports.

3. Limited Exposure and Opportunities

  • International Competitions: Limited opportunities to compete in international events hinder athletes’ exposure and experience.
  • Training Camps Abroad: Lack of access to international training camps and expertise affects skill development.
  • Media Coverage: Poor media coverage and recognition of sports other than cricket limit public interest and support.

4. Administrative Challenges

  • Bureaucratic Hurdles: Complex and bureaucratic processes often delay funding, selection, and support for athletes.
  • Corruption: Mismanagement and corruption within sports federations can impact the distribution of resources and opportunities.
  • Political Influence: Political interference in sports administration affects merit-based selection and support.

5. Cultural and Social Barriers

  • Gender Inequality: Female athletes often face societal pressures and lack of encouragement compared to their male counterparts.
  • Cultural Stigma: Certain sports may face cultural resistance, affecting athletes’ acceptance and support within their communities.
  • Awareness and Encouragement: Lack of awareness and encouragement at grassroots levels limits the pool of emerging talent.

While many athletes were hopeful of making it to the finals, the road is fraught with obstacles. Overcoming these challenges requires concerted efforts from the government, private sector, and society to create an environment where athletes can thrive and achieve their potential on the world stage.

Stay tuned to WOW360.

Also Read:
High Testosterone in Pakistani Women: Causes & Implications

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imane khelif
LifestyleSports

Muslim Boxer Imane Khelif Becomes Target of Racist Attack at Paris Olympics

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A
  • Imane Khelif, a female Algerian boxer, won her first fight at the Paris Olympics, despite facing scrutiny over her gender identity after reports resurfaced about her failing gender eligibility tests due to male chromosomes.
  • The victory sparked significant controversy, with several prominent figures, including J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk, criticizing Khelif’s participation. In contrast, others, like Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, expressed concerns over fairness in women’s sports.
  • The International Olympic Committee (IOC) condemned the backlash against Khelif. It criticized the decision to disqualify her from previous competitions, highlighting issues with governance and procedure in the International Boxing Association.

A female boxer whose gender identity has been recently scrutinized claimed victory in her first match at the Paris Olympics on Thursday.

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif secured a win against Italy’s Angela Carini after Carini withdrew from the fight just 46 seconds in. Carini stopped the about following a brief exchange of punches, did not shake Khelif’s hand, and then fell to the floor in tears.

Khelif’s involvement in Olympic women’s boxing has faced criticism after recent reports resurfaced regarding her and another boxer, Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan, failing to meet gender eligibility tests at last year’s Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi. At that time, sporting authorities claimed that the athletes did not pass an unspecified test due to the presence of male chromosomes.

Khelif, aged 25, has consistently competed as a woman, including during the Tokyo Olympics. There is no evidence suggesting she identifies as transgender or intersex, the latter being a condition where individuals are born with sex characteristics that don’t conform strictly to the male-female gender binary.

Carini explained that she ended Thursday’s fight due to “severe pain” in her nose. She stated she isn’t qualified to determine whether Khelif should be allowed to compete.

“I am not here to judge or pass judgment,” Carini told reporters after the match. “Whether it’s right or wrong for an athlete to compete in this way is not for me to decide.”

Others were less hesitant in their opinions.

Read More:

Two Pakistani Women Volleyball Players Create History By Signing With Foreign Club

“We must be cautious that, in trying not to discriminate, we might be discriminating against women,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni commented during a visit to the Olympic Village. “In these matters, what matters is your dedication, your mindset, and your character, but having an equal playing field is also important.”

Several American politicians, including former President Donald Trump, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, also voiced their opinions on the fight.

“I WILL KEEP MEN OUT OF WOMEN’S SPORTS!” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Khelif’s victory also elicited reactions from several prominent figures known for their controversial statements on transgender issues.

J.K. Rowling, the author of “Harry Potter,” repeatedly referred to Khelif as “male” and described the match as a “brutal injustice” in a series of posts on X.

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, and owner of X, who has been criticized for comments about his estranged trans daughter, also weighed in. In response to a post that included a video of the fight with the caption “Kamala supports this…vote accordingly,” Musk, who endorsed Trump last month, replied: “True or let her deny it.”

While the majority of online reactions appeared critical, Khelif received support from some quarters. Ismaël Bennacer, a soccer player for the Algerian national team, defended Khelif.

“Full support for our champion Imane Khelif, who is facing a wave of unjustified hatred,” he wrote on X. “Her presence at the Olympic Games is purely a result of her talent and hard work.”

Khelif celebrated her win on social media, posting a photo of herself from the fight on Instagram with the caption “first Victory.” She did not address the criticisms in her post but has previously described her disqualification from the world championships last year as a “conspiracy.”

In a statement on Thursday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) condemned the backlash against Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin during the Olympics, as well as the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) decision to disqualify them from last year’s Women’s World Boxing Championships.

“The current aggression against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision, which was taken without any proper procedure — especially considering that these athletes had been competing in top-level competition for many years,” the statement read. “Such an approach contradicts good governance.”

The IOC’s statement noted that it withdrew recognition of the IBA last year due to governance, financial transparency issues, and perceived instances of corruption.

For the Paris 2024 Games, the IOC refers to the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit, an ad-hoc unit it developed, for eligibility standards. Thursday’s statement clarified, “As with previous Olympic boxing competitions, the gender and age of the athletes are based on their passport.”

The Algerian Olympic and Sports Committee did not respond to requests for comment regarding the criticism surrounding Khelif’s win.

Algeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Abderrahmane Hammad, addressed the controversy over Khelif’s gender identity on Wednesday.

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“I strongly condemn the baseless attacks on our athlete, Imane Khelif, by certain foreign outlets,” he wrote on X. “These cowardly attempts to tarnish her reputation are utterly unacceptable.”

In social media posts on Thursday, the Algerian Olympic and Sports Committee celebrated Khelif’s victory.

“We are proud of you and look forward to seeing you shine even more in the next stages,” stated one translated Facebook post.

Khelif’s next match is against Hungary’s Luca Anna Hamori in the women’s 66-kilogram quarterfinals on Saturday.

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