There may be different reasons behind it but this is fact that sports culture of Pakistan is fading, nowadays. Some say that lack of equipment and proper training facilities for it. Many believe that increasing dependence of youth on not-so-beneficial technologies was its main cause.
The sports of gymnastics also suffer from the same aforementioned factors. "Lack of knowledge about the sports is the major reason," says Umair Khan, head trainer at the Sindh Sports Board Complex.
An accomplished athlete himself, Khan represented Sindh at the National Games from 1992-2004, and won gold in pommel horse in 2001 games. He was of the view that gymnastics is different from other games.
"One cannot become a professional gymnast at the age of 20 or above," he said, adding that majority of the kids who come into the academy are mostly interested in learning some acrobatic moves, which can help them in other pursuits such as dancing, while some are opportunistic individuals whose real aim is to get a government job.
The head trainer said very few aim to become a gymnast, while the majority lacks the passion for the game because of lack of opportunities and promotions. When asked about future representation from Pakistan in the game, particularly in the international events ie Olympics, Khan said that under these circumstances it was not possible to attain anything meaningful.
"The facilities and equipment available here are not even enough to compete at domestic level, so how can we be able to make it up to that (international) level," he said.
Giving an example of other countries, he said, they pick up there athletes at an early age mostly between 5 to 10 years. These countries have built special academies for these athletes that work like boarding schools where the kids spent their time in training and learning. But, in Pakistan we don't have such facilities, he said.
Giving some insight about the sports, Khan revealed that gymnastics is unlike other sports as one cannot become an expert in three to four months. He said it requires years of practice to perfect. He admitted that the country does not lack the talent
Commenting on trainers, the gold medalist said, they too require training to polish their skills, and get in touch with the modern methods, for this they should be taught and provided internationally recognised courses. Highlighting the importance of gymnastic, he said that it gives you an edge in all other sports. "I was good in all sports because of gymnastic," he said.
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