By Khushbakht Siddiqui and Sarmad Sameer
Malam Jabba, a small town in Swat is home to the only ski resort in Pakistan.
Tourists come from different parts of the world for the scenic beauty of the peak and for the marvelous shows displayed by skilled skiers. A tea stall welcomes these tourist sitting in cold and snow with warm pakoras and tea.
What the tourists fail to notice is that the person behind the counter is an 8-time gold medal winner, and a national skiing champ Asmat Ali.
Asmat Ali, who is now 30, has been enthusiastic about skiing since he was a little boy. He dedicated his life to polish this sport.
The skiing champ has been taking part in professional competitions since 2002 and has 35 medals to his name from both national and international competitions, out of which 8 are gold medals.
He’s had a long career with great achievements. Sadly, those achievements haven’t rewarded him with what he truly deserves, thanks to the government’s negligent attitude towards honoring our heroes.
Even then, his intensely patriotic demeanor hasn’t stopped him from dedicating all of his winnings to his country. He wants to represent Pakistan in international events but according to him – his financial reach is limited.
The government’s appalling behavior towards their national heroes, did not succeed in subsiding the love Asmat Ali has for his country.
He continues to bring the government’s attention towards the field of sports. He added that shifting the government’s focus on skiing would result in increased tourism for the country.
Asmat says that to the country he belongs, it is not necessary for talent to always cash into merit. He said that since he is poor, he does not have the opportunity to become a part of the national team.
He said:
If I do get the opportunity to join the Pakistan team, I am confident that I will hone my skills and make my country proud.
Today, Asmat Ali, a small village man, is considered one of the best snowboarders and one of the best skiiers in the country. He sometimes showcases his talent at the request of visiting tourists.
This is not the first time national heroes got neglected. The government is responsible for so many wasted talents, and of lives ruined. Heroes like Asmat Ali love their country and will continue to do so. Perhaps one day the government or the civil society might wake up and give this man his dues that he so richly deserves.