By Our Correspondent: As football fans flock to Quetta’s Railway Ground for the ongoing Chief Minister Balochistan Gold Cup, many are missing the familiar faces of players who once electrified the stadium. Instead of competing on the field, several celebrated athletes are now performing security duties in police uniforms.
Among them is a player, a former defender of the Pakistan Police Football team. Standing guard on the sidelines, he watches the game he once played with pride. He stated that, It feels like my football career is slipping away before my eyes.
Hamza was part of the team that won the Balochistan Gold Cup in 2022 and later claimed victory at the National Games. Today, however, he and many of his teammates have been assigned to police stations, checkpoints and patrol units after sports activities within Balochistan Police were suspended in late 2025.
The athletes had joined the department through the Police Sports Programme, which recruited talented players to represent the force in national competitions. For decades, the programme produced footballers, boxers and martial artists who brought recognition to Balochistan and Pakistan.
Many athletes believe the decision has put years of hard work at risk. Some had left their studies or rejected other career options to pursue sports under the department’s patronage.
The impact extends beyond football. International boxers and karate champions are also performing regular police duties while awaiting permission to participate in overseas competitions.
Sports circles in Balochistan fear the move could discourage young talent and weaken the province’s sporting culture. While matches continue and stadiums remain full, many of the athletes who once inspired the crowds are no longer playing, they are standing guard.
