Pakistan’s national javelin champion, Yasir Sultan, has expressed deep frustration, revealing that government promises made to him following his victory have yet to be honored.
During a press conference in Lahore, Yasir shared his pride in fellow athlete Arshad Nadeem’s international success, saying, “I am proud that Arshad Nadeem has made the country’s name known worldwide. His achievements inspire all of us.”
Despite being the reigning national champion and securing a bronze medal at the Asian Athletics Championship in June 2023, Yasir voiced disappointment over the unfulfilled commitments from the government following his success.
“The prime minister announced a Rs5 million reward for my bronze medal in the Asian Athletics Championship, but I have yet to receive the money,” Yasir lamented. He added that despite multiple efforts to follow up on the promised reward, there has been no response from the authorities.
Yasir also expressed regret over the lack of support and competitive opportunities. “It is disheartening that I have not been given any competitions to participate in,” he stated. Despite his accolades and national standing, the javelin thrower feels sidelined, with no clear pathway for further development or international participation.
In a revealing moment, Yasir disclosed that he had received offers to represent other countries in javelin competitions. “I have offers to compete for several countries,” he remarked.
The national javelin thrower urged the government and sports authorities to fulfill their promises and provide the necessary support to help athletes like him continue to represent Pakistan on the global stage.
Yasir’s bronze medal at the Asian Athletics Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, last year marked Pakistan’s only medal in the event. He achieved a throw of 79.93 meters, trailing more than 10 meters behind Arshad Nadeem’s personal best, as the top thrower missed the competition due to injury.
Japan’s Roderick Genki Dean won the gold medal with a throw of 83.15 meters, while India’s DP Manu secured silver with a distance of 81.01 meters.
This medal was Pakistan’s first in the Asian Athletics Championship since 1991, when the country last reached the podium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Yasir’s performance placed Pakistan 17th in the medal standings out of 42 participating nations.
