An Investigation of Misconception of Females’ Participation in Sports competitions in traditionalist Society of Pakistan

Abstract

This study has been undertaken to explore the misconceptions of female participation in sports competitions that normally exist in various traditionalist segments of Muslim society in Pakistan. The experiences revealed there has been a great influence of religion and the effectual impact of sociocultural conditions prevalent in various sections of the people living in rural and urban areas of the country. Most of the conservative religious scholars discouraged women’s participation in sports and physical activities in open playfields, though not popular among most of the female population, and declining athletes of both genders to compete in mixed gatherings, with reasonable consideration that both sexes may not mix up actually to disgrace their nobility and self-respect. The study articulated most of the prevalent misconceptions were based on false beliefs that conveyed a negative message in encouraging women’s sports competitions in the country; female contenders acquainted with the benefits of physical activities for sound health and in reshaping their bodies in fine shape that enhanced their perception for sports competitions, persuade moderate government officials related to sports organizations to realize productive measures to raise the maximum number of female participation in sports at national and international competitions.