Beyond Cricket: 5 Thrilling Sports Pakistan Should Embrace

Posted On: Sep 24, 2024
Posted By: News Desk

Cricket has long been the heartbeat of sports in Pakistan, captivating millions with its rich history, iconic players, and unforgettable moments. But while cricket will always hold a special place, it’s time to explore other exciting sports that can provide thrill-seekers with a rush of adrenaline, new opportunities, and a fresh perspective on competitive sports. Here are five sports that could become fantastic alternatives to cricket in Pakistan, each with a booming global market and the potential to capture the hearts of fans nationwide.

1. Motorsports: The Need for Speed and Drift Racing Thrills

Motorsports, including Formula 1, MotoGP, Rally racing, and Drift Racing, offer high-speed excitement that’s hard to match. Drift Racing, in particular, combines high-speed precision with the art of controlled skidding, where drivers maneuver their cars through turns with skillful oversteering. This thrilling mix of cutting-edge technology, strategic driving, and breathtaking drifts has a massive global following. Events like Formula 1 races and international drift competitions attract millions of viewers, making motorsports one of the most commercially successful sports.

Local Talents to Follow:

Adeel Yaqoob: Adeel R35, a rising star in the drift racing community, is known for his impressive skills and participation in local drift events. He shares insights and tips on his social media platforms.
Talha bin Azhar: TBA is Pakistan’s youngest pro drifter with a love for drifting and motorsports.
Pakistani Drift Scene: Follow local drift teams and enthusiasts on social media for updates on events and competitions.

Why It’s Great for Pakistan:

Pakistan’s growing car culture and youth interest in modified cars and bikes can be tapped into by promoting motorsports, especially Drift Racing.
The country has the potential to develop racing tracks and host regional competitions, boosting local tourism and providing new entertainment avenues. Drift Racing events, in particular, can attract car enthusiasts and promote technical skills in a controlled environment.

Opportunities: Local motorsport events, including drift racing championships, can create a new fan base and inspire young drivers to pursue professional racing careers, turning motorsports into a viable and exciting alternative to traditional sports.

2. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and UFC: The Rise of Combat Sports

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), especially through the UFC, has exploded in popularity globally, attracting millions of viewers with its intense and strategic fighting styles. It combines elements of boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and other martial arts, offering a dynamic and unpredictable sporting experience.

Local Talents to Follow:

Bashir Ahmad: An MMA fighter who has made a name for himself internationally. Follow him for training tips and insights into the world of MMA.
Shahzaib Rind: Shahzaib Yaar Muhammad Rind is a six-time national champion, showcasing his consistent martial arts excellence on national and international stages. He is also the first-ever Karate Combat world champion from Pakistan.
Pakistan MMA Federation: Stay updated on local MMA events and fighters through their social media channels.

Why It’s Great for Pakistan:

Pakistan has a rich history of martial arts and traditional wrestling, making MMA a natural progression for combat sports enthusiasts.
With local heroes like Bashir Ahmad, who competed internationally, MMA can inspire a new generation of athletes.

Opportunities: MMA gyms and training centers can be established, and local fight nights can draw crowds, generating income and international recognition.

3. Tennis: A Game of Skill and Strategy

Tennis is a globally popular racquet sport played individually (singles) or in pairs (doubles), where players hit a ball over a net using a racket. Known for its blend of physical endurance, mental agility, and technical skill, tennis captivates audiences with exciting rallies and athletic performances.

Local Talents to Follow:

Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi: A prominent Pakistani tennis player who has represented the country internationally and made significant contributions to the sport. Follow him for insights and updates on his journey.
Haniya Minhas: The first youngest Pakistani ranked in the top 3 of Sports. Haniya Minhas is a 12-year-old Bright Tennis Star of Pakistan. She also won the title of first Pakistani girl to win the Asian Tennis Federation 14&U event. Follow her journey here.
Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF): Keep an eye on PTF for news on tournaments, player development programs, and upcoming events.

Why It’s Great for Pakistan:

Tennis has a relatively low barrier to entry, requiring minimal equipment and can be played in various settings, from local courts to community parks.
With a rich history and potential talent pool, promoting tennis can inspire young athletes to pursue competitive careers.

Opportunities: Establishing tennis academies and organizing local tournaments can increase participation and showcase emerging talent.

4. Extreme Sports: The X Factor of Thrill

Extreme sports, including skateboarding, cycling, and snowboarding, have grown in popularity, especially among younger audiences. The X Games and the inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympics have boosted these sports’ profiles, making them a major attraction for those seeking a blend of athleticism and creativity.

Local Talents to Follow:

Ali Ilyas: Ali Ilyas stands out for his exceptional skill and determination, by winning the individual time trial event at the Asian Road Cycling Championships.
SkatePakistan: Skate Pakistan is a community dedicated to making skateboarding accessible through mentorship, skateboards, and community outreach.
Samar Khan: Samar Khan is a Pakistani adventure athlete. She is the first woman in the world to have cycled on the third largest non-polar glacial system, Biafo Glacier and Godwin Austen Glacier in the Karakoram mountains of Gilgit Baltistan. She is a cyclist and snowboarding champion.

Why It’s Great for Pakistan:

Pakistan’s diverse landscapes, from mountains to urban spaces, provide a perfect setting for extreme sports.
The rise of urban culture and social media influence can drive the popularity of these sports, offering a platform for talented athletes to showcase their skills.

Opportunities: Building skateparks, organizing extreme sports festivals, and creating content around local athletes can elevate these sports and attract sponsorships.

5. eSports: The New Age of Competitive Gaming

eSports, or competitive gaming, is not just a trend—it’s a multi-billion-dollar global industry. Games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Fortnite draw millions of viewers and feature professional teams, massive tournaments, and lucrative sponsorship deals. eSports combine strategy, quick reflexes, and teamwork, making it as competitive as traditional sports.

Local Talents to Follow:

Sumail Hasan: Syed Sumail Hassan, better known as Sumail, is a Pakistani and American professional Dota 2 player for Team Secret. He has played in five iterations of The International, winning in 2015 as a member of Evil Geniuses. Follow him for insights and updates on the local eSports scene.
Arslan Ash: Arslan Siddique, better known as Arslan Ash, is a Pakistani professional esports player. He is a five-time EVO champion, having emerged victorious in EVO Las Vegas 2019, 2023, 2024 as well as EVO Japan 2019 and 2023. He also won the Tekken World Tour Finals 2023.
Esports Pakistan Official: Follow Esports Pakistan chapter for news on local tournaments, player development, and community events.

Why It’s Great for Pakistan:

With a tech-savvy youth population and growing internet penetration, Pakistan is primed to become a hotspot for eSports.
eSports provide opportunities for gamers to compete on a global stage, gain recognition, and earn significant rewards.

Opportunities: Establishing gaming hubs, hosting local tournaments, and supporting eSports teams can place Pakistan on the global gaming map.

While cricket will always be cherished, Pakistan has a unique opportunity to diversify its sports culture and offer new, thrilling alternatives that can engage the youth, attract investment, and build international recognition. Embracing motorsports, MMA, tennis, extreme sports, and eSports can not only provide new avenues for entertainment and competition but also position Pakistan as a vibrant, multi-sport nation ready to embrace the future. Following local talents in these fields will help build community engagement and foster growth in these exciting sports.