PM Imran Khan can change Pakistan sports scenario: Wrestling coach

Pakistan's wrestling coach Muhammad Anwar in Jakarta on Saturday. Pic/Ashwin Ferro; (right) Imran Khan

There are mixed feelings in the Pakistan's sports fraternity regarding Imran Khan's recent election as Prime Minister. While some feel it's a blessing in disguise for sports in the nation, others reckon his bias towards cricket will take Olympics sports nowhere. Another set of sports lovers feel that his stiff political opposition will not afford him the time and space to function freely and promote sport.

Muhammad Anwar, Pakistan's wrestling coach and official here accompanying their Asian Games contingent, feels Imran's emergence could uplift sports and sportspersons in the country. "He is the first sportsman to become Pakistan's Prime Minister, so obviously, we as sportsmen, have expectations from him. And he's not just been an average sportsman, so his global sports knowledge and experience can take Pakistan sports sky high," Anwar told mid-day at the Jakarta Convention Centre Assembly Hall here yesterday.

However, Pakistani journalist Shakir Abbasi has doubts about Imran's intentions to promote sport. "Just like in India, in Pakistan too, cricket is the most popular and Imran being a top cricketer and World Cup-winning captain, he will be biased towards the sport.

"He even proved this by sending out invitations to Indian cricketers for his swearing-in ceremony. I don't think he will shift focus towards Olympics sports in our country which is struggling at the moment," says Islamabad-based Abbasi, who works with Neo News TV channel.

Pakistani fan Noorul Aslam, though, feels Imran's hands will be tied by the opposition. "Imran faces a stiff opposition from the various religious leaders and even members of the late Benazir Bhutto camp. They are all waiting for him to fail. In such a situation, it is tough for him to focus on something like sport, when his priorities should be poverty, healthcare, sanitation etc," says Aslam, who is here to watch the Asian Games with a friend.

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