Jamshed Dasti has accused the stars of the hockey team of tarnishing the image of the country during the BDO tournament in Argentina (Dec 23).

Pakistan's image has been tainted many a time by our esteemed politicians, clerics and militants, news of which was and is being flashed all over local and international media.

However, the news of the BDO tournament in Argentina barely made it to any newspaper in the country. But time and again, sports other than hockey in Pakistan have been in the limelight for all the wrong reasons.

In the times of Inzamamul Haq, the religious inclination of our cricketers had been newsworthy even in the international media when some members of the team would pray on the plane or give preference to praying over practising during major tournaments.

The Pakistani hockey players have not committed any illegal offence. There have been no reports of misbehaviour or any misconduct that would bring shame to our country.

If anything, they have presented a softer image of our people and our nation, both of which are only associated with religious extremism and militancy. The whole issue is being blown out of proportion.

If they are to be punished for anything, it should only be for the breach of discipline and not for any immoral activities.

We really need to stop being the custodian of everyone's moral obligations.

ABBAS HAIDER
Karachi