Decorated Pakistani para-athlete Haider Ali called upon the federal administration and the Punjab government to offer better backing to para-sports. Following his silver-medal finish in the discus throw at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, he stated that he still lacks the appreciation warranted by his international victories.
"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.
The four-time Paralympic medallist requested that officials treat his accomplishments equally to those of other famous Pakistani athletes, pointing out that continuous institutional assistance is vital for him to keep competing at top levels.
"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, while also asking Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for increased backing for athletes with disabilities.
Ali highlighted his history of global success, mentioning a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, a bronze at Paris 2024, and gold at the prior Asian Para Games where his victory stood as Pakistan's sole gold medal. He felt those triumphs did not gain proper acknowledgement.
Even with his frustration, Ali thanked the Pakistan Sports Board for cooperating and expressed appreciation for Pakistan WAPDA, his federation, and the National Paralympic Committee.
He thanked journalists for featuring para-athletes, noting that media exposure inspires competitors and brings their successes to public notice.
The competitor shared that a training injury nearly kept him out of the Nagoya event. He credited ACTIVIT CEO and Director National Hospital DHA Lahore, Rd. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed, for arranging the treatment that let him heal and participate.
"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 trained hard in Gujranwala for the continental contest.
For the future, Ali stated that his near-term plans involve taking part in the World Championships in Tashkent next year and securing a spot for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics. He feels steady preparation and proper backing will help him chase more global 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 asked government agencies, sports bodies, and prospective sponsors to assist his preparation for upcoming tournaments, stressing that his main objective is bringing more honor to Pakistan internationally.
