Barefoot Badminton: From Pakistan to Gaza, A Smash of Solidarity

Barefoot Badminton: From Pakistan to Gaza, A Smash of Solidarity

Barefoot Air Badminton: From Pakistan to Palestine – Saima Batool and International Coach Raziuddin’s Message of Solidarity

By: Shahid Ulhaq, Sports Philanthropist

Sports: The Most Powerful Tool for Social Development

In the lush green surroundings of Islamabad’s F-10 sector, former badminton Player and highly educated athlete Saima Batool introduced Barefoot Air Badminton to Pakistan for the very first time a few years ago.

This was a time when the sports landscape of the country was plagued by political interference and apathy, but Saima Batool’s vision brought a fresh ray of hope.

According to the United Nations, sports are one of the most powerful tools for creating positive change and harmony in society. With this belief, Barefoot Badminton Academy not only took the initiative to promote the sport but also committed to instilling in the younger generation a sense of responsibility, patriotism, and awareness of basic ، social values.

Recently, Barefoot Badminton Academy organized a remarkable event to express solidarity with the children of Palestine, especially those in Gaza. The event was attended by the Ambassador of Palestine and a large number of children. On the occasion, Saima Batool raised her voice against global injustices and appealed to the United Nations and relevant authorities to take concrete steps and increase pressure on Israel to end its oppression.

International Badminton Coach Raziuddin also attended the event. His own academy is dedicated to using badminton as a means to raise social awareness among children. He praised the humanitarian initiative taken by Saima Batool and Barefoot Badminton Academy, and offered full cooperation between both academies to achieve their shared goals. He stated that if the power of sports is channeled in a positive direction, it can play a revolutionary role in promoting peace, harmony, and development in society.

The ceremony concluded with an emotional moment when the winning players presented their medals to the Palestinian children. The sight moved everyone to tears. The Palestinian Ambassador expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Pakistan, especially to Saima Batool and Barefoot Badminton Academy, saying that he would always remember Pakistan’s spirit and would continue to regard the Pakistani people as brothers until Palestine achieved complete freedom.

This event is proof that sports are not merely about winning matches or lifting trophies, but also about delivering messages of humanity, social consciousness, and peace. Barefoot Badminton Academy, along with Saima Batool, International Coach Raziuddin, and his academy, stand as shining examples for society.

On this Independence Day, I appeal to all top Pakistani sports stars to follow in the footsteps of Saima Batool and Raziuddin—using sports as a tool for social development, and leveraging their fame and influence for such noble causes. If our national heroes play an active role in humanitarian work, we can become a global example not only in sports but also in service to humanity.

About the Author:
Shahid Ulhaq is a senior sports journalist, writer, and former fitness coach of several national teams. He is the founder and chairman of the YouTube channel SPOFIT and the Sports & Fitness Association of Pakistan. He has played a prominent role in promoting sports and fitness at the international level and holds a unique position in Pakistan’s sports development, event management, and youth training. His vision is to make sports a means of social improvement and peace.

Contact Number: +92 333 516 1425 ; Email: spofit@gmail.com ;  SPOFIT YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@spofit