Maria is the first Pakistani athlete, who will assist international Olympic committee in the development of women sports policy.
In an interview to a private publication, she said that it was a great privilege for her to facilitate international Olympic committee.
“I will represent Pakistan in the Olympics arena and will raise my voice for Pakistani sports in the Olympics Committee,” she said.
“The Olympics are a big platform and Pakistan should focus on them on priority basis so that our athletes, swimmers, boxers and other players can excel.” She added, “It’s not only me or Malala Yousafzai, every woman in Pakistan has a story of courage to tell. I believe that we can bring Pakistan out of the darkness if all women work together. I appreciate all those women who work for Pakistan,” Quoting Founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah, she said that nations cannot progress until and unless their women work with their men shoulder to shoulder.
Hockey is the national sport of Pakistan, even though Cricket is far more popular. She said that however Squash is the only sport, in which Pakistan has been most successful. “We will not be able to come out of darkness if we miss the chance today. We will have to support our women on both the national and the international level,”
She added,
“Coming forward is not an easy goal for women in this country; however, if men support them, making progress will be so much easier for the women.”
Maria then took to social media and shared her enthusiasm saying that she considers her appointment as sports commissioner by the IOC as a huge milestone and motivated other women to take participation in sports.
