Sport in Pakistan

Along with Champions of Squash and Hockey, Cricket is the by far the most popular sport in Pakistan, and they have been considered the most dominant country in the sport of cricket, with numerous records under.^[1] Traditional sports like Kabaddi and other well known games are also played. The Pakistan Sports Board was created in 1962 by the Ministry of Education as a corporate body for the purposes of promoting and developing uniform standards of competition in sports in Pakistan comparable to the standards prevailing internationally, and regulating and controlling sports in Pakistan on a national basis. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, now has control over the Pakistan Sports Board. The PSB controls all 39 Sporting Federations. The Pakistan Sports Board is support by the Pakistan Sports Trust which assists hard up players and associations so they can continue participating in sports.

Over recent years there has been an increase in sporting activity in Pakistan, with Pakistani sportsmen and women participating at many national and international events. Also, more international tournaments now take place in Pakistan. The size of the teams Pakistan sends, and the number of events they participate in the Olympic Games, Asian Games, World Games and Commonwealth Games has increased since the turn of the century.

National participation

Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, had a great love for sport and fully released the vital role it played in the development of Nations and inculcation of discipline among the masses. In a meeting with the Organizing Committee of the First Pakistan Olympic Games held at Karachi Jinnah said to the first President of Pakistan Olympic Association Mr. Ahmed E.H. "Dedicate yourself to sports promotion, for when you and I are gone, leadership will go into the hands of Youth, and Youth is our wealth, a raw material, that must be hammered into shape, into burnished steel to strive and smite in defence - the defence of the integrity and solidarity of Pakistan - the defence of the ideology of Pakistan."

The first National Games were held at Polo Ground, Karachi from 23 to 25 April 1948. Sportsmen and officials from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and all the integrated Provincial units of West Pakistan took part in these Games. The total number of athletes was 140. No competitors were, however, invited from any foreign country. Competitions were held in track and field athletics, basketball, boxing, cycling, volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling.

Over the years, Pakistan has been held back due to the lack of funds placed in sports. Many facilities are of substandard, this has seen Pakistan fall behind other nations. In the early years, the young state would be able to compete, with many success, but during the late 70's with the government not investing in sports, the country no longer could compete.

However, since the late 90's, this trend has changed. Money is now being placed into sports, and many of the federations are now managed by people who are trying to push Pakistani sportsmen and women forward. International tournaments are now hosted in the country, and the nation now sends sportsmen and women to compete abroad. There have also been restructuring of national tournaments, and new facilities and equipment being provided. This has seen overall results improve.So in other words, you can say that baseball is a popular sport in Pakistan, because it is a sport.

On March 3, 2009, 12 militants with guns, grenades, and rocket launchers attacked a bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team to a match at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium in Pakistan. Six Pakistani policemen escorting the team and two civilians were killed while seven Sri Lankan players and an assistant coach were injured. Since the terrorist attacks, no foreign cricket teams have competed in Pakistan. A month after the attack on the Sri Lankan team, the International Cricket Council relieved Pakistan of co-hosting duty for any 2011 World Cup games. Pakistan has tried to make the best of the situation by offering to host its "home" matches on neutral territory in the United Arab Emirates.^[2]

Cricket

Main article: Cricket in Pakistan

Cricket is the most popular Sport in Pakistan.

Cricket has a huge following and based on attendance figures at games.Almost all districts and neighborhoods in Pakistan have a cricket team and people start playing from a young age. Pakistan has won international cricket events which include the 1992 Cricket World Cup and the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, besides finishing as runner up in 1999 World Cup and 2007 World Twenty20. Pakistan's cricket teams take part in domestic competitions such as the ABN AMRO Cup, the ABN-AMRO Patron's Trophy, ABN-AMRO Twenty-20 Cup, and the ABN-AMRO Champions Trophy. International test and one-day matches are played between the Pakistan national team and foreign opponents regularly. The Pakistan Cricket Board controls both the men’s and women’s games. Women's Cricket is also very popular, with Kiran Baluch holding the current record of the highest score in a women's test match with her 242. Notable Cricketers from Pakistan include: Aaqib Javed, Ramiz Raja, Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram, Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, Saeed Anwar, Muhammad Yousaf, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis, Shahid Afridi, Muhammad Brothers and Imran Khan. Imran Khan is turned to politics, married to Jemima Khan is named in ICC Cricket Hall of Fame , Saeed Anwar 194 runs against Indian Cricket Team held the record of most runs by a batsman for 11 years Untill Indian Batsman Sachin Tendulkar broke that record by making 200 against SouthAfrica in 2010 , Shoaib Akhtar holds the record of delivering the fastest bowl in history of Cricket, Shahid Afridi holds numerous record i.e. Fastest Century in ODIs, Wasim Akram on the time of retirement had most wickets in ODIs, Muhammad Yousuf scored most Test runs in Calender year.

Field Hockey

Main article: Pakistan national field hockey team

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is the national governing body of field hockey in Pakistan. The Pakistan Hockey Federation Women Wing (PHFWW) is the official organization of Women's Field Hockey in Pakistan. The Pakistan men's team has won 3 gold medals at the Olympics and lifted the Hockey World Cup 4 times, a World Record. It has also won the most number of Asian gold medals and is the only Asian team to have won the prestigious Champions Trophy with 3 titles. It has been consistently ranked amongst the top teams in the world. Notable players include: World-Record holder Sohail Abbas, Arshad Khan, Mohammed Saqlain and Waseem Ahmad.

Squash

Main article: Squash in Pakistan

Squash is another popular Sport that has a large following in Pakistan, with Pakistan dominating the Sport for a period of time. Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan are considered legends of the Sport and have won several World Squash Championships and other tournaments. Pakistani players have won the Squash World Open 17 times, and British Open 12 times, the highest by any nation. Carla Khan, one of Pakistan's most successful Sportswomen, is one of a number of men and women who represent Pakistan. The Pakistan Squash Federation is the governing body of the Sport in the country. The Pakistan Open tournament is one of the premier events of the Sport in the country. Every province of the country holds its own men's and women's championships. Some other notable players from Pakistan include: Hashim Khan, Torsam Khan and Qamar Zaman.

Polo

Polo, a traditional Sport played very widely.

Polo, is believed to have originated in Central Asia, and continues to be an important sport within the country with several large annual competitions. The Shandur Polo Tournament, played at the world's highest pologround every June, is one of the biggest tourist draws to Chitral and Gilgit in Northern Pakistan. The Shandur Pass was picked as the location because, at 11,000 ft above sea level, it was seen as a ridge between heaven and hell. Key tournaments of the season are the Uprising Day tournament in early November in Gilgit, or the Pakistan Independence Day tournament in Skardu, early August. The Pakistan Polo Association (PPA) organise the sport, and the national side takes part in the Polo World Cup. Polo is played professionally with a number of Argentine players playing in Pakistan. Notable players include: Murad Ismail, Raja Sami Ullah, Raza Muhammad Ali Khan Bangash and Hissam Ali Haider. Raza Bangash is Pakistan's No.1 Polo Player since June 2009 Playing for President's Body Guard Team.

Football

Main article: Football in Pakistan

Football is the second most popular Sport in Pakistan. Football has also enjoyed a powerful growth as a spectator Sport in Pakistan since the 1990s and is slowly catching up to Cricket in the TV ratings (2008 statistics). Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) is the official organization in Pakistan. Football is played mostly on a local level, primarily in Balochistan and Swat Valley. These areas provide most of the players on the national team. Pakistan Football Federation Women Organizing Committee (PFFWOC) is responsible for Women's Football in Pakistan. In 2004, the Pakistan Premier League was established and is the first division of Pakistani football. The Pakistan National Football Challenge Cup is the national "knockout" cup competition in Pakistani football, run by the Pakistan Football Federation. The Pakistan National Women’s Football Championship is the annual Women's Championship. Notable players include: Muhammad Essa, Zeshan Rehman and Haroon Yousaf.

Other Sports

Life in Pakistan
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Main articles: Athletics in Pakistan and Pakistani records in athletics

Athletics

Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) organizes athletic tournaments in Pakistan. Pakistani athletes compete in various athletic events. Some Pakistani Athletes have excelled in various events in the distant past including some like Ghulam Raziq, Mubarak Shah, John Permal, Muhammad Talib, Ahmed Sajjad Cheema, Abid Hussain, Arshad Saleem, Ali Kamani and Nawaz ,Mohammad alam and Muhammad Younis are some of the athletes who got prominence at either Asian or International levels, or both, winning Golds for Pakistan.^[3] In the early decades, Pakistani’s held many Asian records including the Asian 100m and 200m record held by Abdul Khaliq. Pakistani female athletes have also represented Pakistan at international level, such as Shabana Akhtar, who was the first Pakistani female athlete to participate at the Olympics. International events such as the Lahore Marathon take place in the country.

Australian Rules football

Aussie Rules was established in Pakistan in 2006. The governing body is the Australian Rules Football Federation of Pakistan. There are currently six football teams in Pakistan, all based in the Swat Valley around an educational institution. The Pakistani national side are known as the Dragoons.

Badminton

The Pakistan Badminton Federation, formed in 1953, organises the sport in Pakistan. Men's players such as Irshad Ahmad and Saeed Malik, and Women's players like Elsie Hunt and Nighat Sultana, have won a number of tournaments. Pakistan's golden era was between the 50's and 70's.

Ball Hockey

Ball Hockey is a game similar or basically the same sport as ice-hockey. The only big difference is that ball hockey is without skates and in ice hockey you need ice skates. Pakistan national ball hockey team is formed from Candadian Pakistan. So they were all born in Canda or had links from there. South Asian community was formed and the sport is growing there. Pakistan competed first time in the World Championships in 2009. They Finished 3rd out of 4 in group B only being behind Bermuda and Ice Hockey- Giants Finland.They were ahead of Cayman Islands. The next world championships they also participated and were Champions of their group after defeating France in overtime. The team is developing and getting better.

Ball badminton

The Ball Badminton Federation of Pakistan was established in 2007. Pakistani men's and women's teams participated in the first Asian Ball Badminton Championship in Amritsar, India from 4 to 6 October. The men's team came fourth and the women's team came second.

Baseball

In 2006, the Pakistan Baseball Federation hosted 7th Asia Baseball Championship.^[4] Pakistan won the Asian Cup in 2010 beating Hong Kong with 10-0.

Basketball

The Pakistan Amateur Basketball Federation has been part of FIBA since 1958. Six teams play in the Pakistan first division. National Women Basketball Championship is the Women's Basketball tournament.

Billiards and snooker

Snooker is one the rising sports in Pakistan, and it has been taken up by many people. There has been success at international level: Mohammed Yousuf was the 1994 IBSF World Snooker Champion and the 2006 IBSF World Masters Champion; and Shokat Ali is the Pakistan number one and an Asian Games Gold medallist. The Pakistan Billiards Snooker Association (PBSA) was formed in 1958.

Boxing

Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) organises Boxing matches in Pakistan. The Pakistan Amateur Boxing Federation (PABF) organises amateur matches. Pakistan has seen success at Amateur level boxing, despite lack of necessary equipment and facilities. They have won medals at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. Quetta born Haider Ali won gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games as a Featherweight and went on to become a Professional Boxer. Umar Khan is the member of Pakistan Boxing Federation. He is also a member of Pakistan under 19 team and has won different titles against Malaysia and the Philippines. He is currently the captain of Under 19 team. He has 13 gold and 10 silver medals at international level.

Bridge

Contract Bridge was introduced in Pakistan in the 1950s. It was generally played by army officers, business executives and people of the elite group. Duplicate bridge, which is better known as competitive bridge, was first introduced in Pakistan by Khaja Azeemuddin, a civil engineer, who started duplicate bridge after forming the 57-Club at the Nazimabad Club in Karachi. Quickly the game spread, until most social clubs in Karachi and Lahore had reserved spaces for contract bridge and began to hold duplicate bridge tournaments.

The Pakistan Bridge Federation (PBF), founded in 1972, is the national governing body for all competitive bridge tournaments and development in Pakistan. It became the founding member of the Bridge Federation of Africa, Asia & the Middle East (BFAAME) in 1981, which initially boasted of 22 member countries, until a separate zone was created for Africa. It is currently known as the Bridge Federation of Asia & the Middle East, and is represented as Zone 4 of the World Bridge Federation.Zia Mahmood is Pakistan's best player, with a number of titles.

Chess

In Pakistan, chess is played throughout the country, mostly in Moghul style which is slightly different from the international style. But the Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) organises its tournaments in international style and according to the established rules. The FIDE has awarded the International Master's title to Shahzad Mirza and Mahmood Lodhi.

Canoe and kayaking

Abubakar Durrani and Shoaib Khilji Pakistan National Junior Kayaking Champions

Pakistan Canoe and Kayak Federation is the only official Governing Body of Canoe and Kayak Sports in Pakistan. the headquarters of PCKF is based in Quetta at the Hayat Durrani Water Sports Academy, the major canoe and kayaking center in Pakistan.^[5] The Junior Kayaking National Champion Mohammad Abubakar Durrani belongs to HDWSA and Pakistan Customs Canoe & Kayak team Quetta.

Caving

Pakistan's Caving Legend Hayatullah Khan Durrani in Deep Descending Shaft cave of Pakistan

Pakistan Cave Research & Caving Federation is the governing body of caving adventure sports in Pakistan. the head office of PCRCF is based in Haji Mohammad Yousaf Khan Khilji Memorial Sports Academy Quetta. There are many caves for cavers and tourists to visit it especially the Juniper Shaft Cave, the Murghagull Gharra cave, Mughall saa cave,Pir Ghaib Cave and naturally decorated cave of Pakistan. Pakistan is a member country through Hayatullah Khan Durrani to the Union International de Spéléologie (UIS).^[6] Hayatullah Khan Durrani is Pakistan's first eminent cave explorer of international repute and founder of caving adventure sports in Pakistan.

Cycling

Pakistan Cycling Federation is the governing body of this sport in Pakistan. The Tour de Pakistan International Cycling Race starts from Karachi and ends in Peshawar, with about 150 domestic and international cyclists taking part every year. This race is among the largest of such events in Asia, covering a distance of 1,648 km in eleven stages with four days of rest en route.^[7] Teams from WAPDA, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Railways and Sui Southern Gas Company, along with teams of the four provinces regularly take part in domestic and international cycling tournaments. Women's cycling also takes place in the country. Other events are the Tour of Islamabad and the MTB Tour Of The Himalayas.

• Tour de Pakistan 2008

Cycle polo

Pakistan Federation of Cycle Polo is the governing body of this sport in Pakistan.^[8] The goal of this organization is to represent Cycle Polo in Pakistan. Cycle Polo is already as international sport, with a large following in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, United State of America, Canada, France, Norway, United Kingdom, Ireland, Poland, Argentina and other parts of the world. There is also a desire to re-introduce Cycle Polo in the Olympic Games.

Flying disc (frisbee)

The Flying Disc Federation of Pakistan is the national federation of Pakistan. Working for the development of Flying Disc sports in Pakistan with ROSHANi ORG according to World Flying Disc Federation rules and regulations.

Equestrian (eventing)

Pakistan Eventing Official Logo

Equestrianism had traditionally been limited to the upper-echelon of Pakistani society up until the end of the 20th century. This resulted in private sponsorship and government funding (PST) for the sport. Pakistan Eventing was launched July, 2005 in partnership with The Equestrian Federation of Pakistan (EFP) with an attempt to qualify Pakistan to its first Olympic equestrian qualification. Pakistan Eventing is not just about equestrian; it was a simple idea conceptualised by the commitment of those who supported the concept. The ultimate objective was to compete at an international level (FEI) and qualify for the Olympics.

Usman Khan during the Show Jumping Phase at Asia Pacific Championship in Sydney Olympic Stadium

Pakistani rider during Cross (X) Country phase at Campden HT in NSW, Australia

Usman Khan during the Dressage Phase at Asia Pacific Championship in Sydney Olympic Stadium

Gymnastica

The Pakistan Gymnastics Federation has been affiliated with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) since 1958. Pakistan sends individuals and teams to international events such as the Olympics.

Golf

Pakistan has qualified for the Golf World Cup a total of 4^[9] times; 1975, 1977, 1982 and recently in 2009^[10] when they finished joint 22nd out of the 28 qualifying teams.^[11] The Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) run Golf in Pakistan. Karachi Golf Club is one of the oldest in the country and it is where the Pakistan Open takes place. The Pakistan Open was founded in 1967 and became an Asian Tour event in 2006. Chris Rodgers won the Pakistan Open in 2006. The 2007 event was held in January and had an increased prize money purse of $330,000 US. Taimur Hussain has been Pakistan's most successful golfer, as he won the 1998 Myanmar Open, becoming the first Pakistani to win on the Asian Tour.

Handball

Handball was first played in 1984 in an exhibition event, and was taken up by the Pakistan Olympic Association. The Pakistan Amateur Handball Federation is a member of the Asia Handball Federation.In Beach Handball Pakistan ranked 1st in Asia. Pakistan also participated in World Cup of Beach Handball in 2008. Pakistan won Gold Medal at 1st Beach Asian Games Bali Indonesia.

Ice Hockey

Pakistan has a ice hockey team but it's not the part of IIHF.Pakistan applied for a membership but the congress posttponed it until it had a better structure. It will re-apply for a membership in 2012.However Pakistan has deep roots in ice hockey in the northern parts of Gilgit Baltistan region.

Karate

Pakistan has many Karate clubs of different styles and they are holding their regular tournaments at national and regional levels. Karate is also a regular part of school sport programs. Grand Master Professor Syed Sakhawat Ali is the first and only martial art master in Pakistan who developed his unique system of Karate named Budoban having scientific approach and Olympic spirit, he also formed World Budoban Karate Federation. Due to natural talent and hard training Ghulam Ali and Saadi Abbas have won Gold medals at the SAF Games.

Nadeem Azhar Lone was technical official of 9th SAF games with Pakistan karate team. Farman Ahmed of Rawalpindi won double crown in this championship along with other karate players. Pakistan won seven Golds and one silver on first attempt in the history of any international karate tournament. After that the success story is not ended Pakistan have participated in Asian Karate championship and also won number of gold medals in karate tournament held in Iran. Pakistan Karate Federation's Mr Jahangir is striving hard to promote this sports in Pakistan.

Martial arts

Martial art is very popular in Pakistan, but there is a serious lack of proper instructors and facilities. Instructors are often fraudulent in their credentials and claims and are not qualified to teach. Despite this, Pakistan continues to produce players that earn medals in several international competitions due to their natural talents and hard working.

There are very few martial art masters in Pakistan who are internationally experienced and having good teaching skills. The top most master in Pakistan is Grand Master M. A. TAI, who has the honour of receiving President of Pakistan medal of Pride of Performance in martial art. Another name in Pakistani martial art scenario is Grand Master Professor Syed Sakhawat Ali, who has several achievements at international and national level and after deep research formulated the first Pakistani disciplined martial art style of karate namely Budoban Karate having sports scientific approach and Olympic spirit. He also established its international organization as World Budoban Karate Federation.

Motorsport

Main article: A1 Team Pakistan

The Motorsport Association of Pakistan (MAP) is a member of the Federation Internationale de L'Automobile FIA. The Pakistan National Karting Championship was the first motor racing curcit competition in Pakistan, and is used to develop rookie drivers. The Freedom Rally is a yearly off-road race which takes place during the Independence celebrations.

Nur B. Ali was the first Pakistani Racing driver and Co-founded the MAP. He drives in the ARCA RE/MAX Series and is a former two-time Southwest Formula Mazda Regional Series champion. Ali was also the driver of the A1GP Team Pakistan in 2006. Syed Ovais Naqvi is the first local and homegrown professional Pakistani Racecar Driver and he is also the first Pakistani to acquire the International B Racing license, he also co-founded the MAP and is the General Secretary of the body. Ovais was also responsible for putting together the Pakistan National Karting Championship. Omer Younas is currently racing in the Formula BMW Pacific and Adnan Sarwar races in Formula Rolon. In 2005 the A1 Team Pakistan was run by Adam Langley-Khan, Khan returned to Team Pakistan for the 2007/08 season and remains the Team Pakistan driver. He also drives in the Euroseries 3000.

Mountaineering

With the greatest concentration of the highest peaks of the world many of them very challenging climbs, Pakistan is a prime location for skilled Mountain climbers. 5 peaks are over 8,000 meters. The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) founded in 1974, is the national mountaineering and climbing federation.Chiltan Adventurers Association Balochistan is the Major affiliated Unit of ACP founded in 1984. Nazir Sabir, Ashraf Aman, Lt.Col Abdul Jabbar Bhatti (Pride of Performance), Hayatullah Khan Durrani , Col Sher Khan are Pakistan’s most experienced mountaineers.

Rope Skipping

The Rope Skipping Federation of Pakistan is a national federation working for rope skipping in Pakistan. Affiliated with the Asian Rope Skipping Federation and the International Rope Skipping Federation.

Rowing

Karachi and Quetta are the major centers of rowing in Pakistan.National Rowing Championship is the major national event of Rowing in the country. Pakistan Rowing Federation was a founding member of the Asian Rowing Federation. Although Pakistani rowers take part in events, it is considered a minority sport. Rowers like Ali Hassan & Maqbool Ali and Zohaib Zia Hashmi & Muhammad Asad Khan have won medals at international events and in International School Rowing events Junior Rowers from Balochistan Mehardil Khan Baabai and Mirwaise Khan Baabai won many Medals,

Rugby union

Rugby team of Karachi, in 1934

Main article: Rugby union in Pakistan

The Pakistan Rugby Union was formally established in 2000 and gained memberships with the Asian Rugby Football Union in 2000. In 2003, Pakistan fielded a national team for the first time, participating in the Provincial Tournament in Sri Lanka. In Nov of 2004, it participated in the 19th Asian championship in Hong Kong. Pakistan rugby union then became an associate member of the IRB (International Rugby Board).

There are three major clubs in Pakistan; Islamabad Rugby Football Club (IRFC) also known as the "JINNS", Lahore Rugby Football Club (LRFC), and Karachi Rugby Football Club (KRFC).

The latest landmark for Pakistan rugby is that universities like Lahore University of Management and Sciences (LUMS) and Bahria University Islamabad have formed teams as well.^[12]

Shooting

Shooting is a sport Pakistan frequently takes part in. Irshad Ali with one silver and two bronzes in the Commonwealth Games being one of the most successful at international level. Other prominent shooters in skeet shooting include Amin Karamat, Khurram Inam and Sultan Mehmood. Amin Karamat having participated in several international events and being the most achieving skeet shooter. He recently won the Bronze medal in Asian Clay shooting championship 2010 Bangkok, setting a record of 121/125 in the Asian Games Doha and wining team bronze in Asian Clay Shooting in 2008.

Skiing

The Ski Federation of Pakistan, created in 1990, run the sport. Despite being a country with many mountains, the sport has never taken off until the late 90's. Up until then, it was only done by the Pakistan Army. Now there have been facilities put in place so that the sport can be played, and the Ski Federation of Pakistan now sends out teams to international tournaments.

Sports Climbing

Pakistan Sports Climbing Federation is the only governing body of sports climbing activities / sports in Pakistan.the headquarter of PSCF is in Quetta Balochistan.

Swimming

Up until recently, swimming struggled as a sport in Pakistan. But there has been a surge in interest, particularly with Rubab Raza. She was the youngest Olympic Pakistani competitor in Pakistan's history, aged 13 at the 2004 Olympics.

Taekwondo

Main article: Taekwondo in Pakistan

Taekwondo is run by the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation, and it started in Pakistan during the 70's when some Korean taekwondo masters visited here and established a handful of clubs. Over the years it has spread all over the country, albeit slowly for most part. However, it seems to have enjoyed more growth than any other sport (arguably), during the last ten years.and young boys played international championships around the world.

Table tennis

The Pakistan Table Tennis Federation runs the sport in the country. Arif Khan, was ranked in the Top 60 in the late 80's, and was one of Pakistan's best players. Recently, the sport has been revitalised, with Pakistan trying to host international tournaments.

Tennis

Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi at the US Open

Tennis is also a very popular Sport and Pakistanis compete in various international events. The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) organise the game in the country. Khawaja Saeed Hai was the first Pakistani to reach a Grand Slam, playing at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the French Open where he made it to the third round. Haroon Rahim was the very successful player, he was winner of a number of ATP Singles and Doubles titles. Lately, Aisam-ul-Haq created history in Pakistan Tennis, as he reached the finals of 2010 US Open – Men's Doubles and 2010 US Open – Mixed Doubles.

The Pakistan Davis Cup team have previously reached the world group play-offs, with the help of Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, currently Pakistan's number one, and Aqeel Khan, the number two. Tennis events are very rare in Pakistan and there is hardly an international tennis event, apart from ATP tournaments.

Volleyball

Volleyball is popular in the Pakistan Armed Forces. Inter-services games are played regularly, and most players of the Pakistani volleyball team are from the armed forces. This game is also gaining popularity among private school students in Karachi.

Weightlifting

The Pakistan Amateur Weightlifting Federation was formed in 1953. Pakistan has picked up a number of medals over the years in weightlifting, Shuja-Ud-Din Malik won gold in the Men's 85 kg Combined at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Wrestling

Wrestling has always been a popular Sport in Pakistan, with regular tournaments played locally. It has seen Pakistan win medals at international games, such as Muhammed Akhtar, a 3 time Gold 2007. The Gama Pahalwan was undefeated World Wrestling Champion from Pakistan. Gama Pahalwan's nephew Bholu Pahalwan also represented Pakistan.

Yachting and Sailing

Pakistan Sailing Federation is the national body, with Karachi and Balochistan Sailing/Yachting Association's as its major units. Byram Dinshawji Avari represented Pakistan at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok and again at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. He also won a silver medal at the Enterprise World Championship held in Canada in 1978. In 2004 Mohammad Tanveer of Pakistan won silver medal in Mistral Asian Championship held in Bombay.Shazli Tahir won silver and Junaid Ahmed won bronze medal in 1st CAS International Sailing Championship in April 2008.

Gulli Danda

Gulli Danda is an traditional game in Pakistan and it was introduced in Asia and most famous game in India (subcontinent) and Pakistan. This game is mostly play in villages.

International Participation

• Olympic Games
• Commonwealth Games
• Asian Games
• South Asian Federation Games
• Cricket World Cup

asian beach games; najeeb ullah khan won bronze medal

See also

• Culture of Pakistan
• Pakistan Olympic Association
• List of stadiums in Pakistan

References

1. ^ Popularity of Cricket in South Asia
2. ^ [1]
3. ^ YMCA no more a hub of sporting activities -DAWN - Sport; March 16, 2005
4. ^ "Record Profit worth Rs 6.8m for Pakistan Baseball Federation from 7th Asia Baseball Championship". PakTribune. April 28, 2006. http://paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=142039. 
5. ^ :http://www.hdwsa.20m.com
6. ^ "Delegates for UIS Countries". Uis-speleo.org. http://www.uis-speleo.org/people/delegate.html. Retrieved 2010-01-02. 
7. ^ [2] Tour de Pakistan Cycling Race
8. ^ http://www.pakcyclepolo.com Pakistan Federation of Cycle Polo - PFCP
9. ^ http://worldcup.pgatour.com/images/profiles/team-pakistan.png
10. ^ http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/news?slug=reu-worldpakistan_pix&prov=reuters&type=lgns
11. ^ http://worldcup.pgatour.com/leaderboard.aspx
12. ^ [www.pakistanrugby.com]Pakistan Rugby

External links

• Pakistan Sports Board
• Pakistan’s track and field history
• Official Website of the 31st National Games, Peshawar Pakistan