GENERAL PERCEPTION OF MALE STUDENTS OF ISLAMIC INSTITUTE REGARDING AWARENESS, SPORTS PARTICIPATION, AND SPORTS FACILITIES IN THE PROVINCE OF PUNJAB

Abstract

This study explores the general perception, awareness, sports participation, and availability of sports facilities among male students enrolled in Islamic institutes (madaris) in Punjab, Pakistan. While sports are widely recognized for their contribution to holistic development, enhancing physical health, mental well-being, and social skills, their integration within religious educational institutions remains limited. Rooted in a curriculum that prioritizes spiritual and intellectual instruction, many Islamic institutes often overlook physical education, despite Islamic teachings that historically encourage physical fitness and sportsmanship. A quantitative research design was employed, using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 1,000 students enrolled in various levels of the Dars-e-Nizami curriculum across 10 divisions of Punjab. The questionnaire assessed students’ general perception of sports, awareness of its benefits, participation levels, and access to facilities. Data analysis using SPSS Version 25 revealed significant but weak correlations among general perception, awareness, sports participation, and sports facilities. Demographic factors such as age, locality, and educational level were found to significantly influence students’ perceptions and participation. Findings showed that students generally hold positive views toward sports, with 62.1% strongly agreeing that sports improve health and 80.8% reporting regular physical activity. However, actual participation is hindered by limited institutional support, lack of scheduled sports breaks, inadequate facilities, and absence of professional guidance or sports scholarships. The study concludes that while Islamic teachings support the importance of physical activity, cultural norms, institutional neglect, and infrastructural limitations suppress student participation. It recommends the integration of structured physical education into madrassa curricula, the development of sports infrastructure, regular sports events, and awareness campaigns to align physical fitness with Islamic values. These measures can bridge the gap between awareness and action, fostering balanced development among male madrassa students.