IN the wake of the Tokyo Olympics, which ended recently, there is a heated condemnation of the poor state of sports affairs in the country. Such criticism will lead us nowhere as the fundamental cause is not being highlighted, and that is the role of family and educational institutions in encouraging children to take part in sports.

Our pampered children, who have been spoiled by comfort, can be seen busy on cellphones playing video games, totally unaware of the actual world of physical sports. Furthermore, majority of schools in the private sector do not have sports facilities, such as playgrounds, equipment, coaches, etc., depriving the children of a highly essential and healthy activity.

In today`s competitive world, each sport demands the best of everything, from fitness to training facilities, and from coaches to financial payback. Mere talent is no longer relevant. We need to focus on a few sports and start developing athletes` nursery where young players can be groomed at the grassroots level. This I say because the best age to practise a sport is between 18 and 30 years.

Therefore, all stakeholders, be it family, school or government bodies, should put togetherajointapproachtoraise the level of various sports in the country.

Asad Aziz Sargodha