Pakistan’s Woodball Federation Raises Questions Amid Luxurious Competitions Abroad

Pakistan’s Woodball Federation Raises Questions Amid Luxurious Competitions Abroad
Musarrat Ullah Jan

In a surprising turn of events, woodball competitions continue to take place in Thailand and other countries, with Pakistan’s representation dominated by individuals from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate.
Despite the lack of public knowledge about the existence of a woodball federation in Pakistan, the provincial sports directorate has been consistently sending representatives to international tournaments.

In 2022 and 2023, employees of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate escorted female students to compete in woodball competitions abroad. The mysterious part remains – little information about the woodball federation and its officials, except for a mention of a certain Shahid Shinwari as its president in a 2018 report by the official news agency APP. Notably, Shahid Shinwari removed Zahid from the position of general secretary in the same year.
Doubts arise about the competence of the woodball players representing Pakistan, many of whom are reportedly elderly individuals. Questions are being raised about whether these representatives have ever played woodball before or if the sport is merely being used as a means to secure funds.

An employee from the provincial sports directorate denies the existence of a woodball federation, leaving sports enthusiasts puzzled about the veracity of these competitions. The lack of promotional efforts for woodball in Pakistan also sparks suspicion among concerned individuals.

Moreover, the tournaments’ exclusive locations in luxurious Thailand, and the recurring participation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate employees raise eyebrows, leading to further queries about the selection process.
The sports community, including the Pakistan Olympic Association and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Olympic Association, is under scrutiny as people demand answers to these pressing questions. How long will these opulent woodball tournaments persist, and will there be a proper investigation into the matter?