By: Shehneela Mazhar
Hammad Muhammad Baig, a passionate Global UGrad alumnus from the PUAN KP chapter, spearheaded an innovative Alumni Small Grant (ASG) project titled “Play for Peace – All Pakistan Inter-Club Basketball Tournament,” aiming to foster peace and unity through sports. The impact of this remarkable initiative was evident, with a total of 400 direct beneficiaries, comprising 300 males and 100 females, and 2150 indirect beneficiaries, including 1750 males and 400 females.
Hammad’s journey in community development spans 8 years, during which he witnessed the transformative power of sports. His dedication to inclusivity and empowerment drives him to create opportunities for marginalized groups, particularly women, in the world of sports. His vision revolves around designing programs that reduce barriers, provide equal access, and create welcoming environments for women to thrive.
The primary purpose of the “Play for Peace” project was to promote peace, unity, and community building through sports, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #16. The tournament provided a positive and inclusive space where young individuals from diverse backgrounds engaged in friendly competition, honing crucial life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and fair play. The motto, “Bringing Youth Back to the Playgrounds,” underscored the significance of recreational spaces in enhancing the physical and mental well-being of young people.
Hammad chose the basketball tournament for its potential to make a significant impact on local talent development, encouraging community engagement and promoting physical activity. By collaborating with various clubs and institutes, the project facilitated networking, talent scouting, and potential future opportunities for participants, further contributing to the growth of basketball within the province.
The project’s most significant outcome was the convergence of females from the conservative region of KPK and teams from the merged areas of the province under one roof, fostering a sense of unity and empowerment. Though the event’s scale was limited due to time and funding constraints, it achieved more for basketball development in one month than other entities could in a whole year.
Testimonials from beneficiaries echo the profound impact of the tournament. Sana Liaqat, a teacher from Peshawar, expressed her delight at witnessing her students play in a facility where they felt safe and welcomed, advocating for more events promoting girls’ participation. Waheed Afridi, a coach from Jamrud in Khyber Merged District, emphasized how the tournament reignited a competitive spirit among his players and hoped for more opportunities for teams from remote areas to participate.
Collaborating with the U.S. Mission and PUAN was a pivotal factor in the project’s success. The U.S. Mission’s commitment to promoting sports and cultural exchange programs provided invaluable technical expertise, resources, and logistical support, while PUAN’s active engagement and network of alumni facilitated key connections and a collaborative approach to organizing the tournament.
Through the “Play for Peace” project, Hammad Muhammad Baig demonstrated that sports can be a powerful tool for transforming communities and building bridges of understanding. The impact of this initiative will continue to resonate, inspiring others to embrace the potential of sports as a catalyst for positive change.
