The 24-year-old wants to represent Pakistan on international stage

Parkour, the sport that started in Pakistan almost a decade ago, is still an unknown phenomenon in the country. The game features top-level physical activities like running, gymnastics, jumping, climbing, rolling, swinging and strength training.

It is actually a French sport, possibly founded by a French actor, film choreographer and stunt coordinator David Belle in the late 1990s.

In the game, the athletes attempt to get from point A to point B in the fastest and most efficient way possible, without assisting equipment and often performing artistic-gymnastic manoeuvres. The roots of the game come from military obstacle course training and martial arts. It can be done alone or with teammates.

The game has grown in stature and marked its debut in the 2022 World Games in the United States. Many practitioners have also been featured in films and advertisements. Although the sport is famous in western countries, especially European, the game is also gripping Pakistan gradually.

One of the best parkour players, also known as traceurs, in the country is Ammad, who wants everyone to refer to him as Ammad Parkour. The multitalented individual from Hazara won a Wushu gold medal in the 2014 National Games and two silver medals in jiu-jitsu in the 2015 National Games.

The 24-year-old joined a parkour group, which had 12 members when he first got to know about the sport. Now, Ammad, who is a tailor by profession, has his own group that he leads and manages.

Despite limited facilities and less time, the traceur tends to take out time and practice it in the rough areas of Quetta.

“I was fascinated when I first saw boys doing it. Initially, I thought it was all fake, but when I saw it in real, I was intrigued,” said Ammad while talking to Bol News. “I joined a parkour club and started performing stunts. We named the 12-member team, Hazara Parkour.”

As they performed different tricks, they used to shoot videos and upload them on the internet. One of those videos went viral in 2013 and gained 35,000 shares and views in millions. This gave a boost to the group’s confidence and they become even more dedicated to what they did.

Ammad knew the basics of parkour as he was an established martial artist but he learned further from YouTube videos and the regional online community of parkour artists in Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Iran, where they exchange tips and tricks to get better at their sport.

Ammad and his men have been performing for the past many years at different events, including the Army wushu championship (2015-2019 consecutively), the opening ceremony of all Pakistan T20 Cricket Cup in Quetta, the Opening ceremony of Jiu Jitsu National Games and others.

Just like other sports, parkour also doesn’t have support from the government at the regional or national level. Many individuals are quitting the sport because they don’t see any future in it.

“Many individuals are leaving as there is no support or appreciation from the government,” he said. “If given the opportunity, we can do well at the Asian level.”

He, like many other athletes, complained that they do not have any facilities in the country. This game is dangerous and is very prone to injuries. Ammad and his teammates often suffer painful injuries as unlike other parkour players in the world, who practice it in purpose-made gyms, they train in open grounds with no safety.

Ammad suffered a life-threatening injury when he jumped from a three-story building only to affect his spinal cord. Doctors recommended him a three-month bed rest. He did not have any insurance, so he had to bear all the expenses himself.

“We have suffered many injuries as we train in the open. We need a gym where there are mats for safety as athletes can sustain injuries while practising,” he said, adding that they can do wonders if proper facilities are given.

In fact, they can still get the better of countries like Iran and India in online competitions.

Ammad revealed that his family also doesn’t support him much and calls him crazy for following his passion, which is full of risks.

“Many people leave this sport because they do not get much support from their loved ones,” he said. “My family also doesn’t support me and calls it craziness. The reason is there’s no proper insurance and anyone practising it is almost bound to get injured.”

The sport has allowed Ammad to be a part of different Pakistan films, including Ali Zafar-starrer Teefa in Trouble, and advertisements but he now refrains due to remuneration issues.

For the last three years, Ammad has been trying to get the sport registered with the Pakistan Sports Board, but to no avail. “We are not registered despite making so many efforts. I won’t take names but a few Members of the National Assembly and Members of the Provincial Assembly have promised me to get it done, but still no result.”