Shahzad Islam, the table tennis coach in Swabi, has lost his salary for 12 months

Shahzad Islam, the table tennis coach in Swabi, has lost his salary for 12 months

by Ghani Ur Rehman

PESHAWAR: Shahzad Islam, a pivotal figure in the development of table tennis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is currently grappling with severe challenges imposed by the sports department officials.

Despite receiving numerous job offers from various departments, Shahzad chose to dedicate his life to coaching in the sports department, with the sole aim of nurturing table tennis talents in the Swabi district and the entire Mardan region.

Shahzad, the only son of his parents, faces immense pressure from his family to secure a stable job to alleviate their financial struggles, especially since his father has been bedridden for many years.

Renowned for his gentle demeanor and exceptional coaching skills, Shahzad has been working at Bam Khel Sports Complex, Swabi, as a daily wage employee for many years, hoping to eventually secure a permanent coaching position in the sports department.

Throughout his career, Shahzad has conducted numerous coaching courses under the auspices of the Pakistan Table Tennis Federation and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Table Tennis Association. His efforts have produced players who have represented their region and province at national levels.

Shahzad’s unique coaching style and unwavering support for male and female players in the Mardan region and beyond have earned him the affectionate nickname “Ji Lala” from the officials, coaches, and players of the Table Tennis Federation. His integrity and respect for others have cemented his reputation as a beloved figure in the table tennis community.

However, despite his invaluable contributions, Shahzad has received little to no recognition from the sports department officials. He continues to coach players with the hope of receiving his monthly salary, but has been deprived of his wages for over a year.

The senior officials at the Sports Directorate of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Peshawar Sports Complex, ensconced in their comfortable offices, appear indifferent to the plight of coaches and daily wage workers who tirelessly work under harsh conditions.

The sports department, which relies heavily on the dedication of these coaches and daily wage employees, has shown little interest in addressing their basic rights, such as timely payment of salaries.

Instead, the focus seems to be on the personal gains of the officials, including acquiring higher scales, luxurious vehicles, and extensive privileges.

It is imperative that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur, intervenes to scrutinize the performance of the sports department. Given his background in squash coaching, the Chief Minister is well-aware of the challenges faced by players and the crucial role coaches play in their development.

Urgent attention is needed to ensure that the department fulfills its responsibilities towards its dedicated coaches and employees, who are the true backbone of sports development in the region.