Paralympic gold

After coming back empty-handed from the Olympics, Pakistan has now had the privilege of winning its first-ever gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Games after athlete Haider Ali stood position in discus throw competition. Ali’s furthest throw, which won him the medal, was at 55.26 meters — almost 3 meters longer than Ukraine’s Mykola Zhabnyak. He has indeed made us proud and his victory highlights the need for rejuvenating the sports industry for persons with disabilities (PWDs). One hopes that he becomes a role model for such future youngsters.

It is important to celebrate such achievements and, with the same token, acknowledge the plight of PWDs in Pakistan. It is extremely distressing to know that our Olympians have to run from pillar to post for funding to participate in different events for the country. The same happened with Ali when he, along with another athlete, was outright refused to be sent to the competition by the federal government. In the end, it was the Punjab government that agreed to pay for their tickets. The provincial government also announced Rs2.5 million for Ali for winning the medal. And then PTI members had the audacity to congratulate him on social media! The PM is guilty of dereliction of duty for failing to aid and strengthen our athletes, especially those who represent Pakistan in international events.

All this accentuates that PWDs continue to suffer in Pakistan. Acts that have been enacted for their rehabilitation and welfare have not been implemented in spirit. PWDs have limited job opportunities and limited access to the city due to their restricted mobility, coupled with unfriendly infrastructure, especially in public spaces. Yet, they continue to excel when given the opportunity. People in general need to be sensitised to their needs. It is the job of the rulers to support them at all forums and provide them with the facilities they need. As of now, they are failing miserably at it.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6^th, 2021.

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