Pakistan On one hand, for the Champions Trophy, it was seen spending crores of rupees on the stadiums, on the other hand, their own country players are selling Jalebi on the road. It is being talked about by Mohammad Riyaz of Pakistan, who was once a shining star of football and he represented Pakistan in the 2018 Asian Games. But today he is selling his family by selling Jalebi on the roadside. This story shows the lack of support for sports in Pakistan, even if the Prime Minister has promised help.
Had to leave football for livelihood
Riyaz hoped that after the Prime Minister’s promise, the situation of sports in Pakistan would improve. But time passed and nothing has changed. He did not find any other way to earn money, so instead of playing football, he decided to make and sell jalebi. Riyaz said, ‘I expected after the Prime Minister’s announcement, but the delay became unbearable. Without income, I had to work honestly to feed my family. So now I make Jalebi on the roadside, do not practice football.
Players do not get support in Pakistan
Riyaz, 29, is a resident of Hungu and has also played for a big corporate team like K-electric. They blame the previous government, which banned departmental sports. He believes that this decision was wrong and it damaged many players. Riyaz says that the support of departments is necessary because sports are not given priority in the society. They think that when the youth see them struggling, how will the desire to play football in them.
Riyaz had the ability to play in Europe
Many sports officials are angry at the plight of players like Riaz. Taimur Kayani, who was once a advisor to the Minister of Sports Cooperation, said that it is sad to see a talented player like Riyaz selling Jalebi. He said that Riyaz had the ability to succeed in Europe. Kayani appealed to the Prime Minister to remove the people who did not help the players and make sure that the top players can re -do what they love.
Needs change for sports
Riyaz’s story highlights the plight of sports in Pakistan. If the players do not get support, then the sports talent of the country will continue to be wasted. The government and society need to promote sports together, so that players like Riaz can enhance their talent and illuminate the name of the country.