FOR a country with huge winter sports potential, events in Pakistan are few and far between. Therefore, the start of the seventh season of the Karakoram Winterlude is welcome. It shows that the organisers have done well to keep interest afloat and promote new talent. Ice hockey on the frozen Altit pool in Hunza draws a huge crowd and it was heartening to see corporates getting involved in the opening match as Allied Bank and HBL clashed. At a time when many corporates have downsized or closed down their sports wings, this is a positive sign. However, that is where it all ends. For a country blessed with three of the world’s most famous mountain ranges and areas where there is snow almost the whole year, Pakistan has produced precious few Winter Olympians. Only three skiers, namely Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Karim and Syed Human, have represented Pakistan at the top winter sports event. Ice hockey’s popularity is growing, but not much is being done to promote the sport. Similar is the case with snowboarding, which is popular among residents in the north. For now, only local talent participates in sports festivals to prove their mettle.

Last week, the Pakistan Winter Sports Federation announced its annual calendar, which features just one snowboarding championship. There is nothing for ice hockey while ski events dominate. Once again, skiers will lead Pakistan’s participation at the Asian Winter Games in China next month, with Karim taking part in the alpine skiing event and Mohammad Shabbir in cross-country skiing. Other winter sports are lagging behind. There is plenty of talent but very little has been done to hone it to allow superior athletes to emerge and compete against the very best in the world. Winter sports athletes need not only specialised training but also the best equipment. If the government can provide a framework to ensure their availability, Pakistan can realise its winter sports potential.

Published in Dawn, January 14th, 2025