The first Gilgit-Baltistan Women's Sports Gala began today, October 5, despite intense opposition from local religious leaders who saw the event as 'un-Islamic.'
Prior to the event, religious leader Moulana Jalal Abid condemned it as "un-Islamic." He reportedly also objected to the event's location, which he described as an "Eid-gah for Muslims."
The Women's Sports Gala drew widespread condemnation because certain groups proclaimed women's sports to be against Islamic teachings.
Shams Lone, the chief minister's adviser in Gilgit Baltistan, had spoken out against the event, claiming that organizing a women's sports gala was un-Islamic. He had also stated that he would play a part in the event's cancellation.
The clergy of Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as the Food Minister, have said that they will use all available force to prevent the event from taking place. Threats and moral harassment, however, did not discourage female athletes from taking to the field to assert their right to play and live in freedom.
Hundreds of girls are now competing in the Women's Sports Gala in Gilgit Baltistan, despite objections from 'preachers of Islam.'
The event included cricket, basketball, tennis, badminton, squash, table tennis, and hockey and was held at the Lalik Jan Stadium in Gilgit Baltistan.
Previously, reports surfaced that the Gilgit Baltistan government has canceled the Women's sports gala 2022. However, such claims came down crashing today with the inauguration of the "Women's sports gala 2022"
Local female college students will participate in a wide range of sports competitions & other games.
It is managed by an all-female staff of working professionals and is led by women in each and every aspect. The chief secretary of Pakistan's Ministry of Gilgit-Baltistan declared that the event was being held "to empower and improve the confidence of the region's younger girls." Apart from sports, the festival will also promote entrepreneurship, local culture, clothes, local cuisines, and local goods.