KARACHI, Sept 14: Lack of interest by general public, concerned sports authorities and improper patronization by the government are the factors behind the decline of sports in the country.

Speakers at a seminar "Reasons behind the decline of sports" organized by Karachi Press Club Sports Committee at Karachi Press Club on Tuesday expressed these views. Squash legend and President World Squash Federation (WSF) Jahangir Khan observed, " lack of facilities and government support also played crucial role in the gradual decline of sports in the country."

Talking about the decline in squash he said that lack of passion among present players was also a reason behind dismal performance. He said in order to improve sport, it should be promoted from grass root level and the government should facilitate the players.

Former Olympian and manager Pakistan hockey team Samiullah viewed that paucity of resources was responsible for the decline in sports. Ex-Olympian Islahuddin observed that present hockey was revolving around 33 players and there was no base and the sport was facing dearth of talent. He said that foreign coaches were not the answer.

Former Test cricketer Jalaluddin was of the view that cricket declined due to unavailability of quality clubs and grass root level cricket in the country. He proposed that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should hold coaching and refresher courses for players and coaches.

Vice President Pakistan Boxing Federation Shah Naeem Zafar suggested that all the departments should be allowed to field their teams in the national competitions. Pakistan Football Federation senior vice president Abbas Baloach pointed out that Pakistan never was a major sporting force except for hockey and squash so there was no question of talking about decline of sports. -PPI