- With encouragement and support, youth can emerge as strong golfers on national platforms
Interview with Mr. M. Ayub Khan, Executive Director Ishtiaq Textile Mills Ltd
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Ayub Khan: Some children grow up with a natural drive to excel in every competition and I am one of them. From a teen age, I was deeply active in academics, sports, and student politics. As a result, I earned a degree in Textile Engineering, achieved outstanding positions in cricket, hockey, and table tennis, and was elected President of the student body in my final year of engineering.
When I began my professional career, I progressed quickly. By the age of 27, after only three years in the industry, I was heading a textile mill. At 33, while still employed, I started my textile knitting business. At 36, I ventured into construction by developing a 500-square-yard home as a business project. At 42, I co-founded a new textile mill in Nooriabad, and at the age of 49, I acquired and operated an existing textile mill in partnership. In addition, I have been actively involved in trading and continue to work as a textile consultant to this day. I was born in a middle class family with no business background.
As for sports, I remain as passionate as ever. Although I no longer play cricket, hockey, or table tennis, I now dedicate myself wholeheartedly to golf and continue to play regularly with the same commitment and enthusiasm.
PAGE: What is your perspective about interest in golf in Pakistan?
Ayub Khan: In Pakistan, opportunities to play professional golf are very limited because the country is economically constrained, and constructing golf courses is an extremely costly project. As a result, it is nearly impossible to promote golf at the school and college level due to unavailability of golf courses for students.
PAGE: How would you comment on golf as a sport for only the privileged?
Ayub Khan: In Pakistan, golf is generally played by those who are financially well resourced , as it is an investment-intensive sport that everyone cannot afford.
PAGE: Please let us know about the golf tournaments/competitions?
Ayub Khan: In Pakistan, golf events are primarily conducted through three platforms: monthly tournaments organized by golf clubs for their members, tournaments held under the Pakistan Golf Federation, and events arranged by private organizations for promotional activities. Unfortunately, Pakistan does not currently host international golf tournaments.
PAGE: What is your vantage point about youth playing golf?
Ayub Khan: I believe golf can play a transformative role for our youth by instilling discipline, patience, and strategic thinking. Although access to the sport is still limited in Pakistan, the interest is growing. With the right encouragement and support systems, our young generation has the capability to emerge as strong golfers on both national and international platforms.