Muhammad Riaz, a former Pakistani footballer who once represented the country at the 2018 Asian Games, has been invited to the Prime Minister House after a heartbreaking video of him selling jalebis went viral. The video revealed the tough reality faced by the 29-year-old athlete, who has been struggling to make ends meet after losing his job.
Riaz was previously employed by K-Electric’s football team, but his career took a hit when the club was disbanded due to a ban on departmental sports imposed by the previous PTI government. This decision left many athletes jobless, despite the government’s promise to restore departmental sports under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership. Unfortunately, Riaz, like many other players, continued to struggle, finding no stable source of income.
The viral video showing Riaz selling traditional sweets to support his family touched the hearts of many and sparked discussions about the challenges faced by Pakistani athletes. The clip quickly gained attention, prompting authorities to take notice of his situation. Recognizing the need to support national sports heroes, the government extended an invitation to Riaz, marking a step toward acknowledging the hardships faced by players who have brought pride to the country.
Riaz’s story sheds light on the broader issue of neglect faced by Pakistani athletes after retirement or job loss. Many sportsmen who have dedicated their lives to representing Pakistan often find themselves in financial crises due to a lack of long-term support systems. The government’s move to invite Riaz to the PM House is seen as a significant step in restoring dignity to struggling athletes and ensuring they receive the recognition and assistance they deserve.
This incident serves as a wake-up call for authorities to take concrete actions in reviving departmental sports and creating sustainable opportunities for players. While the invitation to the PM House is a positive development, many believe that long-term policies are needed to prevent such struggles in the future. Pakistan has immense sporting talent, and with proper support, athletes like Muhammad Riaz can continue to contribute to the nation both on and off the field.
His journey from representing Pakistan on an international stage to selling sweets on the streets highlights the urgent need for a system that values and supports sports professionals. The hope now is that this attention will lead to meaningful change, ensuring that no athlete who has brought pride to the country is ever left to struggle alone.
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