THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LIMITED AWARENESS OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SPORTS AND THE ACHIEVEMENT LEVELS AMONG ELITE FEMALE ATHLETES

Abstract

The objective of the study was to explore the relationship between sports awareness and achievements among women athletes in Pakistan, focusing on active and retired players. The quantitative and qualitative approach was used to collect the data from female active and retired athletes, women sports administrators, and other sports authorities through convenience sampling, across the Pakistan. Results revealed that active athletes reported the longest playing experience (4.90 ± 2.90 years), while affiliations were largely informal, reflecting weak institutional structures. Participation was primarily at the national level (77.5%–85.7%), with limited international representation (14.3%–22.5%). Recognition was mainly through awards and medals, while leadership acknowledgment remained rare. Sponsorship patterns highlighted systemic inequalities, with retired athletes receiving more financial support (84.0%) compared to active athletes (35.0%) and administrators (24.0%). Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive association between awareness and achievements among active athletes (r = 0.601), while overall, a moderate positive correlation was observed (r = 0.443). Regression results showed that awareness explained 37.3% of achievement variance for active athletes (R² = 0.373, p = 0.001) and 8.4% for retired athletes (R² = 0.084, p = 0.031). Overall, awareness significantly predicted 61.1% of achievement variance (R² = 0.611, p = 0.001). These findings underscore awareness as a crucial determinant of women’s sporting success in Pakistan.

Keywords: Women Athletes, Sports Awareness, Achievements, Pakistan