No recognition in Pakistan for Paralympian Haider

Rio Games bronze-medallist feels unappreciated by PSB

KARACHI: Despite Paralympian Haider Ali’s bronze-winning exploits at the Games in Rio this year, the 31-year-old athlete is still awaiting any form of recognition from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).

The Nation Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Pakistan held a press conference at the Islamabad Press Club yesterday, highlighting Haider’s feat in Rio — where he claimed bronze in the long jump T37 category — and asserted that the athlete’s achievements should be recognised the same way as those of Olympians.

“Haider has won this medal and has made the country proud. All we want now is for him to receive the same level of recognition and respect as other Olympians do,” NPC Secretary and founding member Imran Jamil Shami told The Express Tribune after the press conference.





Haider, who suffers from cerebral palsy, a permanent movement disorder, is the only Pakistani to win any medal at the Paralympics, having also claimed silver at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics in the same category.

Shami also highlighted the fact that Haider is just one among many from the country who can do wonders at the international stage.



“We have a lot of talented athletes in the country. We wanted to send more Paralympians at the Rio Games this year but couldn’t due to lack of funds,” he said before further adding that the PSB should come forward to assist NPC host the South Asian Para Athletics Championship next year.

“We’ve got the approval from the South Asia Paralympic Committee and all the South Asian countries are willing to send their athletes to Pakistan. We’re requesting the PSB to assist us in hosting this championship. It will not only boost the confidence of the Paralympic athletes but it will be crucial in building a soft image of Pakistan,” he concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 29^th, 2016.

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