Haider Ali laments lack of acknowledgement

KARACHI: Haider Ali, the nation’s most decorated para-athlete, has spoken about the challenges he faces in gaining recognition for his achievements in para-sports.

In an exclusive interview with The News, Ali said that he feels his contributions and successes have largely gone unacknowledged in Pakistan.

Ali, the only Pakistani athlete to qualify for five Paralympic Games, has brought home four medals: a gold in the discus throw at the 2020 Tokyo Games, a silver in the long jump at the 2008 Beijing Games, and two bronze - one in the long jump at the 2016 Rio Games and the other in the discus throw at the 2024 Paris Games.

Beyond the Paralympics, his international medal tally includes multiple golds from the World Para Athletics Championships and the Asian Para Games, where he has excelled in various events, including discus and javelin throws.

“I have won four medals for Pakistan in the Paralympics, yet I have not received the recognition that I truly deserve,” Ali lamented, drawing attention to the disparity between his accolades and the rewards afforded to other athletes, particularly Arshad Nadeem.

“Arshad received more than the sports policy, and rightly so, while I didn’t even get what was due according to the policy. If I received even a third of what Arshad was awarded, I would be satisfied.” The athlete credited his achievements to the unwavering support of his family. “Competing at international level while living in Pakistan is a daunting task,” he said, adding that without support of his family, it wouldn’t have been easy for him.

Haider expressed frustration over the lack of support and resources available to para-athletes in Pakistan.

“Winning medals requires both hard work and resources, but the facilities here are nearly non-existent. As a WAPDA employee, my salary barely covers training expenses.” He also lamented the absence of adequate sponsorship.

“Internationally, the Paralympics are treated with the same respect as the Olympics, and other countries reward their para-athletes on par with Olympians. Unfortunately, that is not the case in Pakistan,” Ali said.

He recalled a significant moment in his career when he received recognition from former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi after his bronze medal win in Rio, stating, “That was the only occasion a Prime Minister called me. However, after winning in Paris, despite promises, I have yet to hear anything.

“When I returned from Paris, I was invited by Rana Mashood to his office where I was promised a meeting with the Prime Minister, but it has been two months without any updates,” he added.

“I was happy to see Arshad’s grand welcome; I won my medal on the same ground,” he said. “I had hoped I would be celebrated similarly. While I am pleased for Arshad, I feel I have not received the recognition I deserve.”

Despite the hurdles he faces, Ali remains committed to representing Pakistan and hopes that one day para-athletes will receive the respect and recognition commensurate with their accomplishments. “I will continue to strive for my country,” he said.