THE Olympics 2021: Pakistan’s participation and the lack of support has once again highlighted the state’s apathy. It is not the paucity of funds but a lack of interest, passion and commitment to the development and support of sports in Pakistan. For players to travel to the most esteemed sports event, in some cases not accompanied by their coaches, who are the support system for sportspersons, is a clear indication of the state of affairs. There is no debate that we need a complete overhaul of the system, for it to be resurrected as one that is free of nepotism and mismanagement.

There is a lack of recreational spaces for young people in Karachi. Parks are few and the ones that are there in some cases have restrictions on the kinds of activities that can be conducted within their boundaries. Parks where children are not allowed to cycle, play football, cricket or other games leave little room for physical activity and growth. If we add poverty, informal or less privileged settlements to the mix, the result is a youth that has no place other than the streets, unmonitored and without direction. This adds to the rising drug addiction, vulnerability and other anti-social activities that the youth fall victim to.

There has in the recent past been coverage of the resurrection and upgradation of parks in Karachi, which boast different facilities and the possibility for young people to be able to access them. Karachi needs more parks to be developed at the neighbourhood level, which would give a space to every neighbourhood for recreation and sharing. This is the basic right of any child or individual, the right to life and recreation.

The relationship between the state and provision of sports facilities is a deep one and it is within the mandate of the government to ensure that the same is fulfilled. In the development of parks and recreational space we need to explore government-run sports and youth programmes within public recreational spaces. These programmes can help give confidence to young people, working on their interpersonal skills, teaching discipline and unity, keeping them away from anti-social activities, giving possibilities of holistic development and a sense of belonging and purpose. Parks can have government-appointed trainers for different sports activities, carefully chosen and monitored for the development of the same. The Peoples Stadium in Lyari is a prime example of neglect, as it lies unused. Its revival with structured programmes is the greatest gift that the government can give to the youth of the multiple communities that surround it.

Our youth needs guides and not hollow dusty spaces.

Informal clubs or groups get together, driven by their desire to make an impact, facilitate change, with no resources, a lack of structure and no designated space. These interventions in a lot of cases fizzle out, people move on and what remains is the dream of spaces where our children can grow and learn. An identification of existing facilities and their incorporation, in government-run neighbourhood parks and recreational facilities would create more opportunities for young people, facilitating these interventions in having more outreach. Real development is not just the creation of physical infrastructure that lies rusted and unused but the facilitation of those around us to access them, creating the real pulse of development and inclusion.

Working with children in an informal settlement for the last eight years and recently many conversations and engagement with boys between the ages of 12 and 20 have further reaffirmed that there is a lack of direction for the youth. In communities of this nature, there is in addition a complete lack of access to education and no hope of any progress in life. Similarly, girls want that outlet. They dream of participating and learning; despite the restrictions that their gender imposes on them in society, they dream of representing Pakistan. There is a gaping hole with a lack of role models and mentors who they can look up to and respect, those that nurture and provide learning, love and discipline.

Neighbourhood parks and recreational centres, with sports programmes that are open to all can provide the same. The relationship of a coach with students is one that matches no other. We see success stories of mentors that turn around even those who were considered impossible or difficult. Our youth needs mentors, guides and not hollow dusty spaces. They need structure, engagement, direction and hope. The Olympics has brought to the forefront those who have struggled to get there. The youth has cheered and celebrated Arshad Nadeem and Talha Talib, as they give them hope, they look up to them and dare to dream. Every neighbourhood park in Karachi can be a vehicle of hope, progress and development, a safe space for young people.

The writer is a lawyer and director of Imkaan Welfare Organisation.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2021