DTM 4th batch alumnus Umair Asif has an impressive record in using sport for development and peace in his terror-stricken home country of Pakistan.
Asif has been able to organize and implement several programs and policies aimed to promote development and peace after his education in the Dream Together Master Program.
He said that during his time in Korea he was able to witness a totally different concept of sport that was systematic and could be used for development. Since then, he thought about the issues and gaps in sport systems and tried to look for solutions.
Researching for solutions in his country, he wrote his thesis “‘Sport for Development and Peace’ and Violent Extremism” which later earned him the title of winner of the Best Thesis Award in 2017.
Asif stated, “Thanks to DTM’s support, I became the first Pakistani sport sociologist, but it is regrettable that sport for development is not well-known in Pakistan.”
Therefore, he transferred his theoretical and academic research to practical cases as he introduced the first sport management certification in Pakistan and proposed to the government to adopt sport for development and peace to prevent violent extremism in the long-term.
He stressed, “teaching positive values of sport is necessary to counter the reasons behind violent extremism engagement and involvement of youngsters by creating a bonding towards society.”
Among other activities, Asif organized a webinar with notable sport administrators around the world including DTM alumni contributing to discussion commemorating the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace on April 6, 2020.
Asif’s efforts in advocating development and peace has been recognized by several organizations by being nominated for the NPeace Award by UNDP Canada and 120 People under Age 40 award by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
