Imran Nazir slams Pakistan sports authorities for sending only 10 athletes to Tokyo Olympics

Amidst all the uncertainties due to COVID-19, Tokyo Olympics got off to a sensational start on July 23 after a glittering opening ceremony. Athletes from a lot of countries are competing for glory in different sporting events. Asian countries have also sent a lot of their athletes for the Olympics. Among them China has sent the most, 777 athletes to compete followed by Japan (552).

Even India is not behind this time around with the country sending the largest contingent of 128 players to Tokyo for the Olympics. However, what caught the eye of many was the number of athletes Pakistan sent for the Olympic Games this year. The country sent only 10 athletes for the showpiece event and this has certainly not gone down well with many in Pakistan.

Former Pakistan cricketer Imran Nazir was sad to witness such a decline in the country’s sports and slammed the concerned authorities for the same. He compared the number of athletes Pakistan sent in 2012 London Olympics and expressed his displeasure. “This is actually sad. Just 10 athletes from a country of 220 million people. To everyone who is responsible for Pakistan’s such decline in sports , SHAME ON YOU!” he wrote in his tweet.

This is actually sad. Just 10 athletes from a country of 220 million people.

To everyone who is responsible for Pakistan's such decline in sports , SHAME ON YOU! pic.twitter.com/4qkqC1cj7N

— Imran Nazir (@realimrannazir4) July 24, 2021

Imran Nazir also puts out a tweet in support of athletes

Imran Nazir also questioned people who were questioning the sporting institutions for the decline in the sports in the country. He felt enough is not being done to help the athletes in the country and people should come forward to help them in achieving their dreams.

“Since everyone blaming institutions in control of sports in Pakistan, how many ppl here tk responsibility of supporting athletes in our country? Mention any athlete who needs financial assistance, let’s see if any group or individual can help them achieve their dreams,” he wrote in the second tweet.

Since everyone blaming institutions in control of sports in 🇵🇰, how many ppl here tk responsibility of supporting athletes in our country? Mention any athlete who needs financial assistance, let’s see if any group or individual can help them achieve their dreams. RT#Olympics

— Imran Nazir (@realimrannazir4) July 25, 2021

As far as Imran Nazir is concerned, he played 8 Tests, 79 ODIs and 25 T20 Internationals for Pakistan at the highest level. He didn’t get much of a chance after 2012 to don the green jersey for his country. He last played competitive cricket back in 2018.