Pakistani MMA Fighter Criticizes Government's Lack of Support After Victory Over Indian Opponent

Shahzaib Rind, a Pakistani mixed martial arts fighter, recently secured a 2-1 victory over his Indian counterpart at the Karate Combat 45 event in Dubai. However, upon his return to Quetta, Rind expressed disappointment in the government's lack of support for the country's sports heroes.

After his win, Rind raised both the Pakistani and Indian flags, stating that the purpose was to show that the fight was for peace and that the two countries are not enemies. "Pakistan's win over India was a victory for the entire nation," Rind stressed. "But there is not much support for the fighters, as we have to do everything by ourselves without any sponsorship."

Rind expressed regret that it was the government's "bad luck" that it did not support its heroes. He believes that if heroes are supported, they can become role models for the youth and motivate them to join sports. "My next target is to become the world champion, for which I have already started training," Rind said.

Why this matters: Rind's criticism highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes in Pakistan, where government support and sponsorship for sports remain limited. His victory over an Indian opponent also underscores the potential for sports to promote peace and unity between the two nations, despite their political tensions.

The Balochistan government did announce a series of rewards for Rind following his victory, including a government job, a cash prize of Rs. 2 million, and sponsorship for overseas training programs. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti praised Rind as the "epitome of pride for Balochistan and Pakistan" and vowed to nurture and support such gifted individuals. Rind expressed gratitude for the government's encouragement and promised to continue bringing glory to the nation.

Key Takeaways

• Pakistani MMA fighter Shahzaib Rind won over Indian opponent in Karate Combat 45 event.
• Rind raised both Pakistani and Indian flags to promote peace between the countries.
• Rind criticized lack of government support for Pakistani sports heroes and their struggles.
• Balochistan government rewarded Rind with a job, cash prize, and overseas training sponsorship.
• Rind's victory showcased potential for sports to promote unity between India and Pakistan.