THIS is with reference to the report ‘On Karachi coast, surfers chase waves and their dreams’ (Nov 1). The story about Attiq Ur Rehman and the ‘Surfers of Bulleji’, seen in the accompanying image, sheds light on the growing interest in surfing, a sport that is yet to be fully recognised.

In Karachi’s coastal communities, surfing has evolved beyond a hobby. Despite the lack of equipment, funds and formal training, young surfers are carving out a unique identity for themselves, displaying a level of determination as well as resilience that deserves national attention.

Pakistan’s coastline, though not ideal by global standards, provides enough of a foundation to nurture this sport. The group’s self-taught approach, reliance on shared or makeshift surfing boards, and dedication to surfing even during cyclone advisories show how committed these young surfers are to their craft.

In a country where sports are often limited to cricket or hockey, surfing offers a new avenue for athleticism as well as community pride, and it is time to support it properly.

To transform surfing into a viable sport, there must be investments in proper equipment, training and facilities. This could also provide economic benefits for the coastal communities, drawing tourism and fostering a positive image of Pakistan’s natural assets.

By recognising and funding surfing, we can inspire a new generation of athletes to embrace the waves. We have seen Arshad Nadeem winning the Olympic gold by practising with homemade javelins in his remote village in Punjab.

Now we have discovered surfers in Karachi using surfboards that should better be called ‘junkboards’. Like Arshad, they, too, may be impoverished, but they seem to have all the potential of making Pakistan proud. All they need is little encouragement. Will the national sports authorities, the federal as well as Sindh governments do the needful?

Tasneem Yousuf
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 5th, 2024