The entire country broke out into a collective dance of ecstasy after Pakistan won the ICC Champions Trophy against India, a few weeks ago. Memes, celebratory posts and statuses were put up and everyone was basically basking in the post-victory euphoria. Videos were made, articles were written but Pakistanis just seemed to not get over the tremendous performance put forth by our Cricket team.
Amidst all this and even before that, other international sporting events were happening yet everyone’s negligence in giving them due recognition prevailed. One of these was Pakistan’s performance at the 4th Islamic Solitary Games held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Kiran Khan, the first international female swimmers for Pakistan to have taken a part in such an event, has been representing Pakistan in swimming events all over the world
Kiran came to national attention when she won REALLY BIG at the 28th Pakistan National Games in 2001
She ended up winning 7 gold medals, 3 silver medals and 3 bronze medals at the games.
Since then, she has been a part of many international swim meets and won multiple accolades for Pakistan.
Khan recently won the Bronze medal in women’s 4x200m freestyle competition held in June 2017 at Baku.
Apart from a few obscure news items, Kiran’s achievement wasn’t recognized even remotely on the scale that the Pakistani boys in green were celebrated. This has been the norm with women in sports (and sports in general other than cricket).
Almost a month after her victory, Kiran Khan took to Twitter to finally show her disappointment for the media, the government and the public at large
After winning no one asked us ! How cool is that cuz our sports is not Cricket it's called swimming ✔️ pic.twitter.com/BYgpUKI2FS
— Kiran Khan (@KiranKhanLive) July 5, 2017
While people in general came out in her support, it looked like Kiran was still disappointed
Despite being one of the Pakistan’s leading athletes today, she feels she hasn’t been given recognition at the same level as she deserves.
Magnificent young lady! Pakistanis are so proud of you. Wherever you are! You make us feel special with your achievements! Welldone.
— عاطف علي راڄپر (@Tweejoteet) July 5, 2017
I wish I wanted to swim after being neglected for 20 years
— Kiran Khan (@KiranKhanLive) July 6, 2017
Being neglected by the government despite one’s constant efforts to bring a good name to the country is indeed demoralizing and we can totally understand where Kiran Khan is coming from.
Amidst, all the support there were some who tried putting Kiran down but she responded with poise
If the team drops it's not our fault medal is a medal when we fight with all the others these 80 medals r not gifts from any country
— Kiran Khan (@KiranKhanLive) July 6, 2017
Win a gold in the Olympics to command the same level of respect as the cricketers. Don't expect national applause at each step.
— Waleed (@DaFinalVerdict) July 6, 2017
Like most of us, Kiran thinks Bollywood actor Aamir Khan’s Dangal is more or less her story too
Your legit call for attention reminds me of Amir Khans Dangal. They want medals for free, doesn't happen anywhere. Proud of you guys.
— Muneeb Naseem (@MuneebNaseem) July 8, 2017
That story truly 80% relate to me https://t.co/Ui3M3wpT6p
— Kiran Khan (@KiranKhanLive) July 8, 2017
While talking to MangoBaaz, Kiran Khan said, “It’s not that we hate cricket, it’s just that the Government, sponsors and multinational companies seem to only love cricket. Our sport equals every other sports but the only time they discuss it is when our performance is not up to the mark. The funding was cut back in 2010 and currently, we do not have medical facilities for national players, we are not allowed to use Punjab stadium’s gym or pool or anything until or unless we have a camp.”
“Sponsors usually back off saying it’s not a commercial sport and that us girls are not fit for big screens. We are athletes and not models”
“Cricket has money and that’s exactly why the entire Pakistan want to be a cricketer but if we all were treated equally, I’m sure people will want to join other sports too.
In Azerbaijan, my official was verbally abusing and mocking me, I spoke to her in the same way and they banned me from representing Pakistan internationally in 2017. They wanted an apology letter even though it wasn’t even my fault. I would rather stay banned than bow down to these injustices.”
Here’s hoping Kiran Khan and many other athletes, male and female alike, get the funding as well the recognition they truly deserve. It’s imperative that we as a nation stand behind our aspiring athletes, in all sporting fronts and celebrate all our heroes.
Cover Image Source: Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth/ Flikr