At the DA Zamzama Club hockey stadium in Karachi, cheers and applause filled the air as young gymnasts took center stage at the Urtaay Sitaray: All-Women Gymnastics Championship. Organized by Imkaan Welfare Organisation, the event offered a rare opportunity for girls and women across the city to display their gymnastics talent and gain early exposure to competitive sports.
Nine educational institutions participated, and the event drew teachers, classmates, and families, especially mothers who came to support their daughters. Some parents were active in sports themselves, highlighting a growing intergenerational interest in physical activity for women.
Student Athletes with Big Dreams
Ayesha Siddique, an eighth-grade student from Kiran Foundation in Lyari, spoke about her passion for sports like football and karate but acknowledged the challenge of balancing athletics with academics. Her classmate Maria Qaiser, on the other hand, said she excelled in academics but took up gymnastics primarily for fitness and fun.
For many young participants, gymnastics was a new venture that required courage and determination. Some had only begun with warm-up exercises, but their enthusiasm was undeterred.
Mothers Defying Norms
Parents, especially mothers like Reshma Pervez and Samira Baloch, shared how they faced familial resistance in encouraging their daughters’ involvement in gymnastics. Despite opposition from fathers and extended family members, these women stood firm, often finding strength in shared participation, attending the gym themselves, or actively supporting training schedules.
Reshma explained how her daughter Nimra now lives out the dream she once had. Samira spoke about ensuring her daughters, Mahi and Imaa, continue their training, regardless of social pressure.
Support from Fathers and the Community
Not all support came from women. Jafar Iqbal, a security guard at Imkaan Welfare Organisation, proudly watched his daughter Kiran and niece Aqsa perform. He spoke about how Imkaan gave his daughters a second chance at education and how he’s determined to ensure a better future for his younger daughters.
Training and Discipline at Imkaan Khel Centre
The Imkaan Khel Centre gymnastics team, known for their yellow uniforms and disciplined routines, stood out for their professionalism. Despite the event being for women, boys from the Khel Centre participated in a demonstration to kick off the championship.
Teacher Nasira Amin shared how students at the centre balance a packed schedule, attending gymnastics classes three days a week and academics on other. The centre also boasts a successful table tennis team competing in other tournaments simultaneously.
A Coach Who Understands the Journey
Coach Mohammad Furqan, who guided the gymnasts through their performances, understands their journey firsthand. Raised in Lyari, he defied his family’s disapproval of gymnastics, eventually earning medals at national competitions. His story now inspires a new generation of athletes.
Championing Inclusion and Identity
Among the schools participating, including well-known institutions like Foundation Public, Beacon Askari, and Wisdom House, the Imkaan team emerged victorious, demonstrating exceptional skill, discipline, and agility.
However, the celebration is bittersweet. As Imkaan Director Tahera Hasan points out, many of these children, especially those from Machhar Colony, are stateless and lack official identification, making them ineligible for national competitions.
The aim of the championship, she explains, is not just competition but inclusivity. She hopes to expand the event nationally, advocating for the right to identity and greater opportunities for these talented youth.