The World Cup winning captain, Imran Khan, who founded his political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) 4 years after hanging his boots in 1992, is aiming for the Prime Minister’s seat.
If he becomes a Prime Minister, Imran Khan will be the first sportsman in the history of the world to achieve the feat.
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Let’s have a look at some of the popular professional sportsmen who also proved that they could succeed in their political careers as well.
Imran Khan
Having struggled 22 years to fight the likes of Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari and other eminent political leaders, Imran Khan is finally on the verge of becoming the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Before politics, Imran led Pakistan to World Cup triumph in 1992 and changed the dynamics of Pakistani cricket forever with his inspirational captaincy. Even to this day, young cricketers and captains try to follow in his footsteps to improve their game and the team’s performance.
Bill Bradley
Inducted into the Hall of Fame having won an Olympic Gold medal with USA basketball team, Bill Bradley served as a Senator from New Jersey from 1979 – 2000.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Is there anything Arnold cannot do? From being a pro bodybuilder winning Mr Universe aged 20 to a successful writer, actor and an investor, Arnold has a stellar portfolio. In addition, the 70-year old was the Governor of California from 2003-11.
Sachin Tendulkar
Considered as the greatest batsman of all time, Sachin Tendulkar accepted the offer to join the upper house of Indian Parliament in 2012.
Jesse Ventura
Another Hall of Fame in professional wrestling, Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura held the offices of Mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and later the Governor of Minnesota.
Kriti Azad
Kriti Azad was a part of the World Cup winning squad in 1983. The former cricketer has served as a member of Indian Parliament twice from Darbhanga.
Sanath Jayasuriya
Considered as the Father of modern cricket, Sanath Jayasuriya is a renowned cricketer from Sri Lanka who has served as a Deputy Minister of Postal Services as well as the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.
Manny Pacquiao
5 times boxing champion from the Philippines, Pacquiao turned to politics in 2007 as a Congress candidate.
Garry Kasparov
Former World Champion in Chess, winning the global event at the age of 22, Kasparov and his political party is considered as the opposition to Vladimir Putin’s administration. He was to run for the Presidential race but had to withdraw due to some terms and conditions.
Sebastian Coe
With 4 Olympic medals to his name, Coe has set 11 world records in his career. He was UK’s Conservative Party’s MP from 1992-1997.