Pakistan's Dying Sports: Wrestling, Kabaddi, and Heritage Neglect 2026

Pakistan's Fading Arenas: The Silent Erosion of Traditional Sports

The roar of the crowd, the dust rising from the wrestling pit, the strategic breath-holding of a kabaddi raider – these are not just sounds and sights of sport, but echoes of Pakistan's rich cultural tapestry. Yet, these vibrant traditions are increasingly relegated to the annals of history, their arenas falling silent. In 2023, a Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) survey revealed a startling statistic: only 15% of Pakistani youth actively engage in traditional sports like wrestling and kabaddi, a precipitous drop from previous decades. This stands in stark contrast to the overwhelming popularity of cricket, which commands the attention of over 70% of the youth demographic. This article will delve into the systemic neglect that is allowing these vital cultural assets to wither, examining the economic, social, and national implications of this cultural erosion, and exploring the stark global comparisons that highlight Pakistan's missed opportunities.

Context and Background: A Legacy Under Siege

Pakistan is a land steeped in a history of robust physical culture. Wrestling, or 'Kushti', has been a cornerstone of South Asian athletic tradition for centuries, evolving from ancient Indian wrestling forms to its present-day iterations. Similarly, Kabaddi, a team sport requiring strength, agility, and strategic raiding, has deep roots in the rural heartlands of Punjab and Sindh. These sports are not merely pastimes; they are integral to the social fabric, often serving as focal points for community gatherings and celebrations. Historically, Pakistan has produced world-class wrestlers and kabaddi players who have brought international acclaim to the nation. However, the institutional framework meant to nurture and promote these sports has been systematically weakened. The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), tasked with the development of all sports, has historically prioritized a select few, primarily cricket, due to its immense popularity and commercial viability. This has led to a chronic underfunding of federations for wrestling, kabaddi, and other traditional sports. The Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) and the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) have consistently struggled with meager budgets, impacting everything from grassroots development and coaching to international participation. According to PSB data from 2024, the allocation for traditional sports federations constitutes less than 5% of the total sports budget, a figure that has remained stagnant for over a decade. This disparity in resource allocation creates a vicious cycle: lack of funding leads to poor infrastructure and limited coaching, which in turn reduces participation and talent identification, further justifying the low budgetary allocations. The narrative often presented is one of limited resources, but the reality is a skewed prioritization that actively sidelines these cultural pillars.

The Global Landscape: A Tale of Two Approaches

The neglect of traditional sports in Pakistan stands in stark contrast to the vibrant revival and commercialization of similar sports in other nations, particularly in South Asia. India's Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), launched in 2014, has become a multi-million dollar enterprise, attracting significant corporate sponsorship and television viewership. In 2023, the league's revenue was estimated to be over $100 million, with player salaries reaching unprecedented levels for the sport. This success is not accidental; it is the result of strategic investment, professional management, and a concerted effort to rebrand kabaddi as a modern, exciting spectacle. Similarly, wrestling, while not reaching the same commercial heights as kabaddi in India, has seen renewed interest through regional leagues and consistent international participation. Countries like Iran have consistently produced world-class wrestlers, dominating international competitions such as the Olympics and World Championships, largely due to a robust grassroots system, dedicated training facilities, and government support. For instance, Iran's wrestling federation receives substantial state funding, enabling them to send athletes to numerous international training camps and competitions annually. The International Wrestling Federation (UWW) rankings, as of April 2026, show Iran with 15 wrestlers in the top 10 across various weight classes, while Pakistan has none. This disparity is not due to a lack of inherent talent in Pakistan, but a systemic failure to cultivate and support it. The global sports market is increasingly recognizing the value of diverse sporting disciplines. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) actively promotes sports with rich cultural heritage, seeing them as crucial for global inclusivity and athlete development. While Pakistan's cricket team consistently ranks among the top teams globally (ICC Men's Test Rankings, April 2026: 5th; ODI Rankings: 6th; T20I Rankings: 7th), this success is built on decades of infrastructure and investment, a model that could, with adaptation, be replicated for other sports. The global comparison reveals that the decline of traditional sports in Pakistan is not an inevitable consequence of modernization but a direct result of policy choices and resource allocation.

Pakistan-Specific Implications: A Cultural and Economic Void

The neglect of traditional sports has profound implications for Pakistan. Firstly, it represents a significant loss of cultural heritage. These sports are not merely physical activities; they are repositories of local customs, values, and historical narratives. When they fade, a part of Pakistan's identity fades with them. The absence of robust wrestling and kabaddi programs means that a generation of youth is growing up disconnected from these ancestral traditions, potentially leading to a homogenization of culture and a weakening of national cohesion. Secondly, the decline impacts physical fitness and public health. Traditional sports, by their nature, promote rigorous physical activity and discipline. Their absence contributes to rising rates of sedentary lifestyles and associated health issues among the youth. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that Pakistan faces a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, partly linked to declining physical activity levels. Thirdly, it represents a missed economic opportunity. As demonstrated by India's Pro Kabaddi League, traditional sports can be commercialized, creating employment, attracting investment, and generating revenue. Pakistan could tap into this potential by developing its own professional leagues, promoting sports tourism, and creating pathways for athletes to earn a sustainable livelihood. The current situation, however, offers no such prospects. The Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) has reported that its national champions often struggle to find employment outside of the military or police forces, highlighting the lack of professional avenues. The absence of participation in major international events like the Commonwealth Games (last participation in wrestling in 2014, per PWF records) further stunts the growth of athletes and diminishes Pakistan's international sporting profile beyond cricket.

The systematic sidelining of Pakistan's traditional sports is not an oversight; it is a policy choice that actively impoverishes the nation's cultural capital and athletic future.

The Path Forward: Revitalizing Heritage Through Strategic Intervention

Reversing this trend requires a multi-pronged, strategic approach that moves beyond rhetoric and into concrete action. The primary bottleneck is financial. The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) must undertake a radical reallocation of its budget, significantly increasing the share for traditional sports federations. This is not merely about fairness but about recognizing the long-term value these sports bring. A minimum of 20% of the PSB budget should be earmarked for wrestling, kabaddi, and other indigenous sports, ensuring consistent funding for grassroots development, coaching academies, and international participation. The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) and Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) need professional management. This means bringing in individuals with expertise in sports marketing, event management, and athlete development, rather than relying solely on traditional administrators. These federations should be empowered to develop their own commercial leagues, attract corporate sponsorship, and leverage media rights. For instance, a Pakistan Wrestling League, modeled on successful international counterparts, could generate significant revenue and create professional opportunities for wrestlers. Furthermore, educational institutions, from schools to universities, must play a crucial role. Integrating traditional sports into the curriculum, establishing inter-school and inter-university leagues, and providing dedicated facilities are essential for grassroots revival. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) could mandate a certain level of participation or provision for traditional sports in all universities. International partnerships can also be leveraged. Collaborating with countries like Iran and India, which have successful models for wrestling and kabaddi, can provide invaluable technical expertise, coaching exchanges, and access to international competitions. The narrative must shift from viewing these sports as relics of the past to recognizing them as dynamic cultural assets with immense potential for national development and international engagement.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Pakistan's Sporting Soul

The fate of wrestling, kabaddi, and other traditional sports in Pakistan hangs precariously in the balance. They are not mere relics of a bygone era but living embodiments of national heritage, capable of fostering physical prowess, community spirit, and a unique sense of identity. The current trajectory, marked by systemic neglect and skewed resource allocation, is unsustainable and detrimental. The Pakistan Sports Board, federations, educational institutions, and the private sector must collaborate to reverse this decline. This requires a paradigm shift: from viewing these sports as low-priority activities to recognizing them as vital cultural assets with significant potential for social, economic, and international impact. The success stories from India and Iran offer a blueprint. By implementing strategic funding, professional management, and robust grassroots development, Pakistan can not only preserve its rich sporting heritage but also unlock new avenues for national pride, athletic excellence, and economic growth. The time to act is now, before the last echoes of these vibrant traditions fade into silence forever.