Pakistan’s decorated para-athlete Haider Ali has appealed to the federal and Punjab governments to provide greater recognition and support to para-sports, saying that despite winning major international medals for the country, he has yet to receive the appreciation and backing he believes his achievements merit.
“I have always faced injustice in this regard. I have not received the love and government support that I should have been given,” Haider Ali said in a message following his silver-medal performance in the discus throw at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan.
The four-time Paralympic medallist urged authorities to recognise his accomplishments on a par with those of other celebrated Pakistani athletes, stressing that sustained institutional support was essential to help him continue competing at the highest level.
“Everyone can see the attention being given to sports in Punjab. I want the chief minister to extend similar attention to the National Paralympic Committee and para-athletes,” he said, also appealing to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure greater support for athletes with disabilities.
Ali pointed to his record of international success, including a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, a bronze at Paris 2024 and gold at the previous Asian Para Games. He noted that his earlier Asian Para Games gold was Pakistan’s only gold medal at that edition, yet he felt his achievements had not received adequate recognition.
Despite his disappointment, Ali acknowledged the Pakistan Sports Board’s cooperation and expressed gratitude to Pakistan WAPDA, his federation and the National Paralympic Committee for their support.
He also thanked the media for highlighting para-athletes’ performances, saying coverage helped motivate athletes and bring their achievements to the public’s attention.
The athlete revealed that an injury sustained during training had threatened his participation in Nagoya. He specifically thanked ACTIVIT CEO and Director National Hospital DHA Lahore, Rd. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed for facilitating his treatment, which enabled him to recover and compete.
“Thanks to the treatment, I was able to compete and win a medal for my country. I am deeply grateful to Rd. Rizwan and his team of specialist doctors for helping me recover, regain my fitness and deliver this medal-winning performance. They deserve immense credit for their invaluable support,” he said, adding that he had trained extensively in his hometown of Gujranwala to prepare for the continental event.
Looking ahead, Ali said his immediate ambitions included competing at the World Championships in Tashkent next year and qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics. He believes consistent preparation and adequate support can help him challenge for further international titles.
“I want the support of everyone to continue in the same way. Insha’Allah, the day is not far when we will win a world title and a medal at the Los Angeles Paralympics,” he said.
Ali urged government departments, sports organisations and potential sponsors to help him prepare for upcoming competitions, emphasising that his ultimate goal remained to bring further honour to Pakistan on the international stage.
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