Pakistan’s sports facility is in such a bizarre state that their football player has to sell ‘jalebis’ to make a living. Pakistan’s Muhammad Riaz was once a shining star in football, playing for Pakistan in the 2018 Asian Games. Today, he’s selling ‘jalebis’, a popular sweet, on the streets to support his family. This is a sad story of how sports in Pakistan have not been supported, even though the prime minister promised to help.
Had to leave football to earn a living
Riaz had hopes of seeing sports improve in Pakistan when he heard the prime minister’s promise. But time passed, and nothing changed. He had to find a way to earn money, so he chose to make and sell jalebis instead of playing football. “I was hopeful after hearing the prime minister’s announcement, but the delay had been unbearable. With no income, I had to find an honest way to provide for my family. That’s why I now stand at a street corner, cooking jalebis instead of practicing football.”
No Support for Athletes in Pakistan
Riaz, who is 29 and comes from Hangu, also played for K-Electric, which is a big corporate. He blames the previous government for banning departmental sports, which he thinks was a wrong decision that hurt many athletes. He believes support from departments is essential because society doesn’t put sports first. He wonders how young people will want to play football when they see him struggling to survive.
Riaz had potential to go to Europe
Many sports officials are upset about what has happened to athletes like Riaz. Taimoor Kayani, who once advised the minister for sports cooperation, said it’s sad to see someone as talented as Riaz, who could have succeeded in Europe, end up selling sweets. Kayani called for the prime minister to remove those who didn’t help athletes and make sure top players can go back to doing what they love.
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