Pakistan’s Participation at the Summer Olympic Games, 1948 to 2016: A Social Development Theory Approach

Abstract

Based on the existing literature, it is clear that the Summer Olympic Games since 1896 have been carefully evaluated, with detailed statistical records compiled accordingly. However, documentation and historical analysis of the Summer Olympic Games is lacking for some nations. In particular, a number of post-colonial and non-Western countries have a relatively low Olympic profile. This is the case with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which has a distinctive position in regard to its geography and its system of religious and cultural values. Although it is well-known that Pakistan began to participate in the Summer Olympic Games in 1948, the year after its independence was gained, few attempts have been made to explain why it has won a limited number of medals. In an effort to address this gap in existing knowledge, this paper adopts the perspective of social development theory, with the aim of describing and analyzing the historical background of Pakistan’s participation in international sporting events, mainly focusing on the Summer Olympic Games. The paper will therefore expand understanding of a series of problems faced by this Islamic country against the background of its elite sports development.