Syed Nisa is redefining what it means to be an athlete in a community that once believed that sports were only for men.
The daily life for a Kalash woman revolves around fulfilling a lot of responsibilities: searching for water, preparing meals, taking care of cattle, agriculture and textile fabric. But a girl, about 20, is changing worldly, one goal at the same time.
Syed Nisa comes from Bamburet, one of the three villages in the impressive Kalash Valley. She comes from a family of six sisters, two brothers, one of whom died, and a father who works in the development sector with a non -profit organization.
Growing up, girls practicing sports, much less football, was beyond their imagination. That, however, changed in 2018 when his older sister showed him a video of a football match. “I was surprised,” he recalls Dawn.com. “I didn’t even know that Chitral girls could practice sports.”
That moment caused a fire inside her, and Kalash got his first football player. Meet Syed Nisa, who is not only redefining the word ‘athlete’ in a community that once believed that sports were only for men, but also inspires a new generation of girls in the land of the mountains.
The persecution
Nisa, a master’s student at the University of Management and Technology, is making waves in football. She plays for Chitral Women’s Sports Club and her university team.
But before getting involved in sports, Nisa’s life was very similar to that of other Kalash women, focused on daily tasks and family responsibilities. I knew little that I was waiting for a transformation to take place, and all that was needed was a clip of Karishma Ali, a pioneer soccer player from Chitral.
“Before I could realize, I had seen all the interviews and a game of yours,” Nisa recalls. “They motivated me to pursue athletics.”
Thus began a strength trip (both physical and mental), and determination, one that finally took her to a meeting with Karishma in Islamabad in 2019. For Nisa, it was a crucial moment.
“Both can practice sports and proud your community,” he says Karishma tells him. Shortly after, Nisa was invited to a soccer training camp at the Jinnah Sports Complex in Islamabad, marking the beginning of her trip as a athlete. He also joined the Karishma Ali Foundation (KAF), which allows young women to achieve their dreams and leadership potential through sports and physical activities.
After their steps, another 14 Kalash girls also decided to participate in the Kaf inaugural football camp in 2019. Although many faced challenges that led them to move away, four specific girls from the Kalash community continue to chase their football dreams, thanks to the incessant passion and inspiration of Nisa.
The defense
But Nisa’s journey has been nothing less than a loss up battle. In a deeply rooted society with gender roles, the idea that a girl plays football is not exactly welcome with an encouraging smile and a slap on the back.
“The community thinks that sport is not for girls,” he explains. “They believe that girls should focus on domestic studies and tasks.” And these beliefs also came into play when Nisa had to talk to her family about football. “They didn’t want me to play due to social pressure and false beliefs.”
However, he remained resolved, despite criticism and negativity. “It was difficult to accept all hate and bad comments,” he admits. “But I believed that one day they would understand the importance and benefits of sports.”
In these difficult times, Nisa found a cheerleader and supporter in her older sister who was next to her while sailing the challenges of pursuing her passion.
For Wazir, his father, the trial of the community and the challenges that came out of him were worrying. But, eventually, in the battle between ‘*log kya kahen gain’ [what will people say]* And Nisa’s passion, the latter won.
“Over time, I have seen its determination and strength,” Wazir shines. “His passion for football is not only to change his life, but also how our community sees women.
“Despite social pressure, now support her, knowing that sports will help her grow and inspire others,” he admitted.
The coach
In the midst of all this, Karishma has been a guide light for Nisa, after immediately recognized her potential and encourage her to pursue her dreams.
“When I met Nisa, I saw a spark in her,” Karishma recalls. “Come from the Kalash Valley, her trip is unique, but I really believe that with determination, she can break the barriers.
“I often tell her that she has the ability to not only make her family but the whole community proud,” she says.
Through the KAF, Karishma was advised to Nisa, providing training opportunities and helping her to take her first steps to the world of football. “Nisa’s trip is a powerful reminder of how sports can transform lives,” adds Karishma.
“I am proud to be part of its history and witness it to pave the way for other young girls in Kalash.”
The twelfth (wo) man
Sport has transformed Nisa’s life deeply. “Before becoming a player, I didn’t know who I was. I couldn’t even talk about my rights,” she says. “But sports made me strong and safe.”
Football, in particular, has become her passion, and she dreams of playing nationally and internationally, which represents both Pakistan and the Kalash community on the global stage.
But above all, their achievements are gradually changing the way their community sees the potential of women. “When I return to my town to perform sports sessions with young girls, I see a change,” he shares. “We talk to their parents about the importance of sports, and mostly we receive positive reactions.”
This changing mentality is a testimony of his perseverance and the power to lead with the example.
Today, she is a lighthouse of hope for young Kalash girls. Many have communicated with her, expressing their desire to play football. “It is a great achievement for me to see these inspired and anxious girls for pursuing sports,” he says, and adds that the goal is to empower young Kalash women through sports, showing them that they can achieve their dreams while they remain connected to their cultural heritage.
“Sport has a place to preserve the traditions of Kalash,” says Nisa. “If Kalash girls have opportunities and facilities to achieve their objectives, why would they move away from their community and culture? If they become athletes, they will understand the importance of their life and inheritance. Through this, they can connect with their roots and proud their community.”
For the elderly and the community leaders of Kalash, Nisa has a sincere message: “Please, encourage their daughters instead of discouraging them. Let them dream big and achieve their goals.”
She believes that change is possible and imagines a future in which more Kalash girls can practice sports, break barriers and prosecute their families and communities.
The way to glory
While looking towards the future, his message is simple but powerful: “It does not matter how difficult it is to take the first step towards change, it must take it and change the world breaking barriers.”
Your trip is far from finishing. She dreams of becoming a model to follow for girls, not only in her community, but in all Pakistan. “I want to show you that sport is a valuable option,” she says.
“One step can change your whole life. You have to take that step, stay faithful to your decision and never give up.”
Through its courage, resistance and unwavering determination, this Kalash girl is not only rewriting her own history, but also raided the way for future generations of women to dream of great and free themselves from social limitations. Its history is a powerful reminder that the change begins with a bold step, and that no dream is too great to achieve.
Image of heading: Syed Nisa in his traditional Kalash outfit. – Courtesy Syed Nisa/Instagram
