QUETTA: The Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights has taken notice of reports circulating on social media and in newspapers regarding the mistreatment of the Balochistan Archery Team during the 35th National Games in Karachi.
She stated that politics and nepotism in sports undermine the true spirit of competition.
Senator Samina Zehri expressed deep concern and anger that the Balochistan Archery Association replaced selected players with unqualified individuals, depriving the rightful athletes of their opportunities,a practice she strongly condemned. She assured full support to the male and female athletes who had been properly selected and said the matter would be raised in the Senate.
She expressed shock and disappointment that just before the competition, the best players were excluded in favor of chosen “ghost” players, whose poor performance brought embarrassment to Balochistan.
She praised the selected female archers for standing up for their rights and resisting injustice.
Senator Zehri stated that a full investigation would be conducted into the incident and that those responsible within the Balochistan Archery Association would face disciplinary action, including removal from long-held positions and lifetime bans, to preserve the integrity of the sport.
She added that the matter would also be presented to the Chief Minister of Balochistan, the Sports Advisor Meena Majid, and other senior officials, with hopes for long-lasting outcomes.
Senator Zehri emphasized that politics and nepotism in sports not only harm the game but also deeply affect the athletes whose rights are violated.
She highlighted the role of social media in exposing such injustices and praised the Balochistan Archery Team for courageously standing up against wrongdoing.
She expressed hope that this will inspire other talented athletes facing similar injustices in different sports to speak out and help uncover the perpetrators.
She concluded by stating that she plans to meet the affected players, especially the brave female athletes, during her next visit to Quetta to personally acknowledge their courage in raising their voices against oppression and unfair treatment.
