By Amna Saeed
A harmonic amalgam of elegance, balance and strength gymnastic is a perfect fusion of sport and art. Though gymnastic is a sport for both men and women but owing to its aesthetic nature it is considered as a true woman’s sport and is most popular among women around the world. Whirling and diving, soaring like rockets in the sky malleable bodies that slither in the air as impeccable as a snake, their high tech precision and composition of movements is par excellence. A synergy of personal expression and sporting technique gymnastic is an attractive and beautiful discipline that never fails to fascinate public. Where women are making their mark in gymnastics over the world unfortunately many women in Pakistan are still discouraged to take active part in sports.
The Pakistan Gymnastic Federation (PFG) got its affiliation from the Federation de Internationale Gymnastique (FIG) in 1958. Master Ghulam Qadir and Master M. Feroze among a few other names are the pioneers of gymnastic in Pakistan. Every year gymnasts from Pakistan compete in international championships but the ratio of women to men in these competitions is very less. Little attention is given to National competitions that are held and much little participation of women is seen in them. Only major metropolitans as Karachi and Lahore have appropriately equipped training centers providing avenues for people to learn this discipline. Places such as Arena Millennium Entertainment (Pvt.) Ltd., Lifestyle Gym, The Retreat, Fitness Five, Gawadar Gymkhana, Murtaza Health Gym, Ramada Plaza Hotel, The Royal Rodale Sports and Recreational Complex Club and Visionary Group in Karachi and Hospitality Inn, Royal Palm Golf and Country Club, Slimming Centre, Lahore Country and Sports Club in Lahore. These places are known for their elite gatherings and liberal environment; one major reason for the people with rather conservative family setupsnot sending their girls for training.
The social and cultural taboos are the biggest challenge for women in Pakistan. Women in our society are thought to stay at home and raise children only. A country where women are still struggling for their right to literacy, gymnastic seems a far-fetched idea. Though over the years people’s attitudes have turned milder towards women literacy and work yet women and sports is still a bitter pill to swallow. Sports are not taken as a profession rather leisure. Pakistani women are capable and talented and even among these constraints women have made recognitions in cricket and hockey but a little is done in gymnastics. Nida Khan is one such name to bring gymnastics in Pakistan to life. Showing her brilliant acrobats with strength, flexibility, speed and “high-tech” precision Nida is acclaimed as an expert of gymnastic in Pakistan. A fan and follower of Romania’s first Women Olympic Gymnast Champion Nadia Comaneci Nida’s sprouting talent is hoped to bring new waves of enthusiasm among young aspiring women gymnasts in Pakistan. Government of Punjab has arranged for her to complete her advance training from Romania and Russia. Young Nida says women can be encouraged if the government provides opportunities for them.
Last year, in 2013 47th National Men and Women Gymnastic Championship were arranged at Government College University Lahore Hall. Young women from all over Pakistan participated eagerly. Three laborious hours of floor work and vaulting with the most astounding demonstration of balance, precision and elegance the women gymnasts from Punjab brought the championship title home. Punjab gained another distinction when Komal Gill of Punjab was declared the best gymnast. Pakistan Gymnastic Federation (PGF) president Mrs. Rubina Farooq has organized a National Gymnastic Championship and two Pakistan National Championships. All these events are a symbol of the women wing becoming stronger. There is a need to initiate more special programs for progress in women gymnastic, including increasing number of women gymnastic events, provision of comfortable and better playing conditions for women.