Pakistan's sole medal hope at the Paralympics, Haider Ali met with the Pakistani ambassador in France, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad ahead of his campaign to defend his title on Friday (today).
After his meeting with Haider and his coach Akbar Mughal, the ambassador said there is a need for a change in perspective when it comes to understanding the importance of the Paralympics, which is the same as the Olympics.
"Haider Ali made Pakistan proud at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020/ 2021 by winning the gold medal in discus throw. He is a legend as you see his accomplishments over the years are so impressive, continuing and unmatched keeping in view the medals he has won in Paralympics 2008, 2016 and 2020 as well as other competitions around the world," he told this correspondent.
"Paralympics are as important as the Olympics, and I think that is the consistent and strong message that needs to go out. What we need to do is generate greater awareness among people, especially through public and private sectors and through media and to ensure that mega-events like Paralympics provide ample opportunities to athletes with special abilities to participate and perform their best." Mughal added that the ambassador had been very supportive of Haider and the Paralympics contingent including the young Chef de Mission Ahmad Shami.
"We felt really good at the embassy. The ambassador invited us and we gave him the technical details and information on Tuesday, his best wishes are with us, and the embassy staff will come to watch Haider's performance on Friday. Overall everything was great," said Mughal.
"I request the Pakistanis to pray that the weather stays bright and sunny for Haider and that we get another gold medal with Allah's help and make Pakistan proud again," concluded Mughal.
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