Pakistan Sports includes sporting events like field hockey, cricket, polo and athletics. Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan was a lover of sports. He felt that sports help in a Nation's development. Jinnah believed that spots can inculcate discipline among the common people. Cricket is one of the famous sports in Pakistan. Hockey is the national sport of the country. Kabbadi being a traditional game is played all over Pakistan. Besides, Pakistan Sports includes games like Polo, Soccer, Squash and Athletics.

In 1948 (April 23rd- 25th) the first National Games of Pakistan was organized. Sportsmen who took part in the national games were from West and East Pakistan (now in Bangladesh). About 140 athletes took part in the national game. Foreign competitors were not invited in the games. Cycling, basket ball, boxing, weightlifting, volley ball and field athletics are some of the events, which were a part of National Games.

Some of the famous Pakistan Sports are discussed below: Cricket: All over the country, there is a craze for cricket, which has not left any locale untouched. Pakistan National Cricket team has won the 1992 World Cup. Some of the distinguished cricket players are Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Javed Miadad. The cricket team has won many domestic and international events. Over the years Pakistan has gifted to world some of the best bowlers and batsmen of the times.

Polo: In Northern Pakistan Shandur Polo Tournament is held every year in June. In 1920s these types of contests were arranged. Besides this other notable polo events are Uprising Day Tournament and Tournament in the Independence Day of Pakistan, held in Skardu.

Soccer: The official football organization is Pakistan Football Federation. Football is usually played in North Frontier Province and in Baluchistan. The women football organization is Pakistan Football Federation Women Organizing Committee. Pakistan Premier League started in the year 2004. The 'Knock out’ national tournament of Pakistan is National Football Challenge Cup.

by

haris javed