With Imran Khan as PM, Pakistan athletes hope for 'tabdeeli' in struggling sports scene

Newly elected Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan promised "tabdeeli" (change) during his intense election campaign and its cash-strapped athletes are now heavily relying on the former cricketer to revive the struggling sport scene in the country.

Olympic sports in Pakistan have been facing acute shortage of funds and recently its hockey team threatened to pull out of the ongoing Asian Games due to non-payment of daily allowances.

The country's tennis team arrived here only a day before the competition and that too without a captain and coach. The shooters, too, are not able to give their best due to lack of funds.

"The expectations are definitely high from Imran Khan. I have voted only for the second time in my life. He has been a champion sportsperson. He knows what it takes to be a successful sportsperson," Pakistan tennis veteran Aqil Khan told PTI before a practice session here.

"I am confident he will do good for Pakistan sport but then he has so many other pressing issues to deal with. We will have to wait and see."
"I am (a) huge fan of Imran Khan. Inshallah, he will take the country forward. People have high expectations from him."