The Slow Rise of Archery in Pakistan’s Sporting
Explore the rise and challenges of modern archery in Pakistan — from its deep cultural roots to the inspiring athletes fighting for recognition in a sport that demands patience, precision, and quiet strength.
An Ancient Tradition, A Modern Revival
By all accounts, archery is a sport that transcends time — a relic of human survival that has evolved into a modern pursuit of discipline, focus, and quiet strength. Once the province of warriors, hunters, and kings, today, it is experiencing a remarkable revival, and not just among the young or the adventurous. Increasingly, adults and mature enthusiasts are embracing archery as a sport that demands more than physical agility — it calls for mental clarity, patience, and a profound connection between mind and body.
In the 19th century archery clubs mushroomed in England tha paved the way for its inclusion in the Olympics, where it found a permanent place in 1972. Today, archery thrives as both a professional and recreational sport worldwide, governed by World Archery.
In Pakistan, archery has long been embedded in cultural traditions, particularly among the Pashtun tribes, where the traditional game of Makha has been practiced for generations.
However, as an organized modern sport, archery only gained a foothold in 1996 with the establishment of the Pakistan Archery Federation (PAF) in Lahore. The PAF, affiliated with the World Archery Federation in 2005, has since worked to promote the sport nationally, though its progress has been slow and fraught with obstacles.
A Sport Fighting for Recognition
Pakistan’s archery scene has steadily grown, driven by grassroots initiatives, increasing awareness, and international exposure. Despite being overshadowed by cricket and hockey, archery has gained some traction, particularly after Pakistan’s participation in events like the South Asian Games.
Schools and sports academies have begun introducing archery, aiming to foster young talent. But while the sport’s presence is increasing, its development remains stunted by structural challenges, financial constraints, and lack of institutional support.
Inside Pakistan’s Growing Archery Network
In Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, small but dedicated archery clubs are training the next generation of athletes. These institutions include:
• Pakistan Archery Federation (PAF): The official governing body, yet struggling with funding and hurdles.
• Provincial Archery Clubs: Local training centers working with limited resources.
• University and School Programs: Slowly incorporating archery to encourage youth participation.
Despite these efforts, the path to international success remains difficult. Athletes eyeing competitions like the Asian Archery Championships face significant barriers that threaten their ambitions.
The Roadblocks Hindering Progress
For Pakistan’s archers, the journey is anything but smooth. The sport’s infancy means it faces challenges at nearly every level:
Financial Struggles: Unlike cricket, which enjoys corporate sponsorships, archery receives minimal funding. High-quality equipment, such as recurve and compound bows, can cost thousands of rupees, making the sport inaccessible to many.
Government Apathy: Pakistan’s sports ministry has shown little interest in archery. Without state investment, the burden of progress falls entirely on individual athletes and small private clubs.
Public Perception: Archery lacks the widespread appeal of cricket and hockey. Without mainstream recognition, corporate sponsorships and television coverage remain scarce, further limiting opportunities for growth.
The Athletes Carrying the Torch
“Four years ago, when I started at the university’s archery range, there were only 20 or so archers in the entire country. It was a new thing. It still is. Earlier, archery was only practised in the Pakistan Army. Says Rashid Masud (the top archer in Sindh, featured in the National Games, ranked 10th in 2021)
Despite these challenges, a few standout archers have emerged, proving that Pakistan has untapped talent.
Tanveer Ahmed, a visually impaired archer, made history by winning Pakistan’s first-ever medal at the World Archery Para Championships, securing silver in 2022. He followed this up with gold medals at the Para Archery World Ranking Event in the Czech Republic and the 1440 Double FITA Round in Belgium in 2024.
Dr. Bakhtawar Khalid Kayani became the first blind Pakistani woman archer to compete at the World Games in 2023, marking a significant moment for female athletes in the sport.
Meanwhile, national-level competitors like Maaz, Abdur Rehman and Rashid Masud, showcasing the growing talent pool within the country. Yet, these athletes largely train without adequate facilities or support, relying on personal resources and sheer determination.
What Needs to Change?
For Pakistan to establish itself as a serious contender in international archery, a multi-faceted approach is essential. Increased investment, both from government funding and private sponsorships, is crucial to making the sport accessible to a wider range of athletes. Grassroots development should be prioritized by integrating archery into school and college sports programs to nurture talent from an early age.
Additionally, greater media coverage through television and digital platforms can enhance visibility, attracting sponsorships and inspiring new talent. Lastly, structured training programs must be implemented to create a clear pathway from amateur to elite competition, ensuring that Pakistan’s best archers are prepared for the international stage.
Since archery is skill-base because unlike sports that prize sheer physical endurance, archery values concentration, breath control, and emotional regulation — skills that often sharpen with age. Thus the age limit shouldn’t apply to competitions.
In a world increasingly obsessed with speed and noise, perhaps what we need is not another race to run, but a moment to pause, aim, and release — with grace.
Archery, an ancient tradition woven into Pakistan’s cultural fabric, is struggling to survive in the modern sports arena. Who are the fearless archers defying the odds? What keeps this elegant yet demanding sport alive against all obstacles? Step into the world of Pakistan’s forgotten warriors and discover a story of passion, perseverance, and a fight to bring archery back to the nation’s heart.
