Beyond Cricket in Pakistan

In Pakistan, cricket is not just a sport—it’s a national passion. From the bustling streets of Karachi to the serene villages of Punjab, the sound of a bat hitting a ball is familiar and beloved. For many Pakistanis, cricket is the heartbeat of the nation. However, beyond the love for cricket lies a vibrant world of other sports that have helped shape Pakistan’s athletic identity.

While cricket tends to steal the spotlight, there is a growing movement to rediscover and celebrate the other sports that have brought pride and excitement to the nation. From centuries-old traditions to modern-day athletic feats, Pakistan is home to an impressive variety of sports that deserve recognition. So, let’s dive into the lesser-known yet fascinating sports that are part of Pakistan’s rich heritage.

Kabaddi, Pakistan’s Traditional Powerhouse

Kabaddi might not receive the same attention as cricket, but it is a sport deeply embedded in Pakistan’s culture. With its roots in rural South Asia, Kabaddi combines the thrill of tag with the physical intensity of wrestling, requiring both mental strategy and brute strength. This game is popular in rural areas, especially in Punjab, where entire communities gather to watch matches that are full of energy and excitement.

Internationally, Pakistan has made a mark in Kabaddi, often rivaling India in major competitions like the Kabaddi World Cup. The appeal of Kabaddi lies in its simplicity—no equipment is required, and the rules are straightforward. It is a sport of pure athleticism, where players rely on their speed, agility, and strength to tag opponents and avoid being tackled.

In recent years, Kabaddi has gained more visibility on the global stage, and Pakistan has consistently produced world-class players who have competed at the highest levels. Despite this success, Kabaddi remains largely underrated in the country. Efforts are being made to bring more attention to the sport, and with continued investment, Kabaddi has the potential to become a widely celebrated national sport alongside cricket.

Field Hockey and Pakistan’s Forgotten Glory

Before cricket became the country’s dominant sport, Pakistan ruled the world in field hockey. The nation’s hockey team was a global powerhouse throughout the mid-20th century, securing Olympic gold medals in 1960, 1968, and 1984, as well as multiple World Cup victories. Pakistan’s field hockey players were once household names, and the country’s supremacy in the sport was unquestionable.

However, over the years, field hockey’s popularity has waned, with cricket overshadowing its legacy. A lack of funding, resources, and support has caused Pakistan’s hockey infrastructure to deteriorate, and the national team has struggled to replicate its past successes.

That being said, there is still hope. Grassroots programs have begun to pop up across the country, reigniting interest in hockey among young players. Academies are now working to train the next generation of field hockey stars, and with the right investment, Pakistan could once again rise to the top of the international hockey scene. The historical significance of hockey to Pakistan should not be forgotten. By remembering and supporting this once-glorious sport, the country has the chance to reclaim its rightful place in the world of field hockey.

Squash, Where Legends Were Born

Squash is another sport where Pakistan has made its mark on the world stage. Names like Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan are legendary in the world of squash, and both players dominated the global rankings for decades. Jahangir Khan, in particular, is regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, winning 555 consecutive matches—a feat unmatched in any sport.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Pakistan was the undisputed king of squash. However, like hockey, the sport’s popularity has faded over time, with fewer young players taking up the game and a lack of resources to nurture emerging talent. Despite this decline, there is a new generation of Pakistani squash players who are determined to revive the sport’s legacy.

Pakistan still holds a special place in the squash world, and the future looks promising. With the continued dedication of local coaches and athletes, squash could see a resurgence in the coming years. International squash tournaments held in Pakistan have also helped spark interest in the sport once again, attracting both local fans and young athletes.

Football as a Rising Underdog

In many parts of the world, football is the undisputed king of sports. While it is not as dominant in Pakistan as it is in neighboring countries like India or globally popular nations such as Brazil, football has slowly but surely been gaining a foothold in the country.

In areas like Lyari, Karachi, football is more than just a game—it’s a way of life. Known as the “Brazil of Pakistan,” Lyari has produced talented players, some of whom have gone on to represent Pakistan at the international level. Across major cities, football leagues are springing up, and the sport is beginning to attract the attention of sponsors and fans alike.

The Pakistan Football Federation has faced its share of challenges, from political interference to internal disputes, but the enthusiasm for football continues to grow among the youth. Pakistan’s football team may not yet be a regional powerhouse, but the passion for the game is evident. With proper investment in youth development programs and infrastructure, football has the potential to rise as a major sport in Pakistan.

Polo in the Northern Heights

While polo may seem like an elitist sport reserved for royals, in Pakistan’s northern regions, it is a centuries-old tradition. In areas like Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, polo is played with fervor, and every summer, the annual Shandur Polo Festival brings together the best polo players in the world to compete on the world’s highest polo ground—Shandur Pass, at over 12,000 feet above sea level.

The festival is a spectacular event, attracting not only polo enthusiasts but also tourists from all over the world. The game played here is often referred to as “free-style polo,” meaning there are fewer rules, making the matches even more thrilling to watch. Polo is an integral part of the region’s cultural heritage, and the sport continues to thrive in these mountainous areas.

While polo may not be widely played throughout the rest of the country, its strong presence in the northern heights keeps it alive and well as a beloved Pakistani sport.

Pehlwani, the Sport of Tradition and Strength

Pehlwani, also known as traditional wrestling, is one of Pakistan’s oldest and most revered sports. Rooted in the ancient martial traditions of South Asia, Pehlwani has been practiced for centuries in Pakistan, particularly in rural Punjab. Wrestlers, or pehlwans, train in local wrestling pits known as akhara, where they follow strict training regimens that involve physical conditioning and a special diet to develop immense strength and endurance.

Pehlwani matches are intense displays of power and skill, and they remain popular in rural festivals and competitions. It is a sport that is as much about cultural pride as it is about physical prowess. Today, some of Pakistan’s top wrestlers are taking part in international wrestling competitions, where they are blending traditional Pehlwani techniques with modern wrestling styles. Pehlwani represents a deep connection to Pakistan’s heritage, and its practice keeps alive the traditions of strength, discipline, and honor.

Emerging Sports from Parkour to E-sports

While traditional sports continue to thrive in Pakistan, modern and emerging sports are quickly making their mark. Parkour, skateboarding, and BMX biking have become popular with urban youth in cities like Karachi and Lahore. These sports offer a sense of freedom and creativity, allowing young athletes to express themselves through movement and agility.

At the same time, E-sports have exploded in popularity, with Pakistani gamers competing in international tournaments and gaining recognition in the gaming community. Online platforms and gaming cafes across the country have fueled the rise of E-sports, and Pakistan is now home to several professional gaming teams.

These emerging sports represent the evolution of Pakistan’s sporting culture. As more young people engage with non-traditional sports, the country’s athletic identity is expanding to include a wider variety of activities.

A Future Beyond Cricket

While cricket will always hold a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis, the country’s rich and diverse sports culture deserves to be celebrated. From the traditional wrestling pits of Punjab to the polo grounds of the north, Pakistan has a wealth of sports that showcase its strength, skill, and passion.

As interest in new and emerging sports grows, Pakistan’s sporting future looks brighter than ever. With continued support and investment, these hidden gems can shine on both the national and international stage. So, whether it’s a Kabaddi match in a rural village or a football game in Lyari, it’s time to recognize and embrace the full spectrum of sports that Pakistan has to offer.