GOING FOR THE GOLD

Imran Anwar Plays "Games" With Islamic Cultural Issues © 1996-2004

With the recent success of a Syrian woman athlete, a valid question does come up regarding women athletes from Muslim countries, or the lack of them.

Is it not a pity that the many talented women from Muslim countries cannot get a chance to be rewarded for their talent and to bring glory to their nations? If only they could compete unfetttered by the risk of offending some men.

I, for one, am certain that if Pakistan fielded a Field Hockey women's team it could be one of the top teams in the world as the Men's team HAS been. (I know it is hard to believe considering what a pathetic performance the MEN's team put up at the Olympics but they are World Champions and past Olympic Champions).

Similarly, I am sure long distance running, volleyball, and many other sports that do not necessarily require a 6' 6" height or the wearing of a bikini, could see women from Muslim countries like Pakistan, Iran, Syria, Libya, etc. compete and do well.

Pakistan could send Hockey player women who practise spending all day bent over sweeping the home. Saudi Arabia could send a Volleyball team practising at home with the heads of people beheaded in the public square. Libya could send in runners practising running away from Qaddafi's harem. Syria could send in high jumpers, having a lot of experience with the Golan Heights. Heck, Iran could send in a good fully chaddor clad team in target shooting. For practice they could be given the jobs of Firing Squads in Iran. :-)

But seriously, forgetting the above jokes (please call off the death squads), I had once made a list of the Olympic sports in which I felt that Pakistan could at least field a team or player. I am certain that other Muslim countries have even more talented people than Pakistan alone, and could win even more medals.

I do know of women's field hockey matches being played by women in track suits, and I am sure it could be worked out if a Muslim country was adamant, that its women's teams in such sports could compete in track suits. Sure, it would be hard to compete in gymnastics and diving, for example, but there ARE dozens of others sports women from such countries could initially focus on.

Let them prove their talents, and let them bring glory to their homelands. As they do, they will find people more willing to send in women's teams in other sports too.

This is Imran Anwar, in New York, signing off a few more OOOOOs!

Imran Anwar welcomes comments and emailed opinions. Even more, he welcomes names of newspaper editors you know who he can contact for his other, regular (semi sensible) writings to be published in. Death threats must be made on Form D99 with 3 copies. Parcel bombs must be clearly marked, and postage paid, and sent only to the address specified for this purpose.

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