In the blistering heat of Jacobabad, a city in Pakistan’s Sindh province known for its extreme temperatures, a group of young women is defying societal norms and environmental challenges to pursue their passion for sports. Among them is 17-year-old Rehana Jamali, a goalkeeper who proudly recounts her team’s recent success, securing second place in the All Sindh Women Hockey Tournament. This achievement is even more remarkable considering they were the youngest of the seven participating teams.
The journey to this victory was anything but easy. Training during the peak summer months, when temperatures soared to 52°C, took a toll on the players. “We were training when the heat was at its worst,” Jamali admits, acknowledging how the extreme conditions affected their performance.
In small towns like Jacobabad, women are expected to maintain a certain level of invisibility, avoiding activities that might draw attention. This cultural norm poses a significant barrier to women who wish to participate in sports. Exercising in public, especially while wearing attire like T-shirts and track pants, can be uncomfortable and even controversial for many women. A 2022 study highlighted that nearly 90% of Pakistani women and girls do not engage in sports or physical activities due to religious and cultural restrictions, lack of parental permission, and inadequate facilities.
Erum Baloch, a 32-year-old schoolteacher and former hockey player, understands these challenges all too well. As the founder of the Stars Women Sports Academy, the only women’s sports academy in Jacobabad, she is determined to provide a safe space for young women to train and excel in sports. The academy, which Jamali is a part of, operates free of charge. Baloch personally covers the expenses for transportation, bottled water, and even oral rehydration salts for the 30 to 40 girls who train there.
However, the obstacles extend beyond cultural and economic barriers. The rising temperatures caused by climate change have made it increasingly difficult for the athletes to perform at their best. The astroturf they play on absorbs more heat than grass, making the playing conditions even more challenging. “The heat is unbearable, and we are unable to run fast,” says 19-year-old Haseena Soomro, another athlete at the academy.
Baloch has tried to mitigate these challenges by scheduling practice sessions in the late evening, from 6 PM to 9 PM. However, this adjustment has introduced new difficulties. The city’s frequent power outages mean that even after practice, the athletes struggle to cool down or rest properly at home. Additionally, social constraints make it challenging for girls to stay out after dark, with some families expressing concerns about their daughters’ reputations and future marriage prospects.
The lack of proper facilities further exacerbates the situation. Baloch dreams of having an air-conditioned indoor facility, which would provide much-needed relief during the sweltering summer months. She also advocates for consistent support from the government in the form of stipends to cover transportation, nutrition, and healthcare for the athletes.
Despite these hurdles, the young women of Jacobabad continue to push forward, driven by their love for sports and the support of dedicated mentors like Baloch. Their perseverance in the face of adversity is a testament to their strength and determination. As they continue to break down barriers, these athletes are not only changing their own lives but also paving the way for future generations of women in Pakistan to follow in their footsteps.
