MUHAMMAD WASIM. PHOTO: FILE
Speaking to The Express Tribune, the Quetta-based pugilist said he hopes his province will become the first to be declared the polio-free region in the country. “I want to see Balochistan as the first Pakistani province to be pronounced as polio-free.”
The boxer said lack of awareness among people is one reason why they don’t allow their children to get vaccinated against such a crippling disease. “I request religious leaders to disseminate messages regarding polio and advise all parents to vaccinate their children to protect their future,” he said.
Waseem added: “I am a sportsman, and I know the importance of being healthy. It is a blessing that most diseases these days are preventable; hence, we should benefit from vaccinations rather than questioning them.”
The pugilist also said it was sad and worrying that Pakistan is named among two countries in the world where polio is still endemic. The flyweight stated that he lacked words for describing how it felt making his province and his country proud.
“I am very happy that I made my province and my country proud,” he said. “I cannot explain the feeling when I received the championship belt.”
Waseem also sent a message to youngsters of the province to persist in the face of adversity, and never give up on their dreams.
“I used to run on the streets of Quetta because there wasn’t any proper stadium or gym for me to train,” he said, urging the provincial government to provide better facilities to young and emerging talent.
“Even before my Silver Flyweight title match, I faced financial crisis. However, it was my dream to represent Pakistan on such a big platform and I did it,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 30th, 2016.
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