Rizwan Pathan was a beacon of hope in the martial arts and gymnastics world in Pakistan. Today, he finds himself amidst the hum of machines and the dust of a marble factory in Nowshera. The national medalist, whose medals shone like beacons of victory, has had to change his gym mat for a laborer’s toolkit due to financial difficulties. It is a bitter reality that many athletes in the country have to confront.
Pathan belongs to Bajaur District, and his journey to national recognition started with a spark of curiosity. “I saw a video of gymnasts in Mardan, and my fascination just grew,” he says. However, gymnastics require more investment in terms of money, so he shifted to martial arts. This decision brought him gold in the 2018 national martial arts championships, along with a number of provincial and local medals, which is a testament to his passion and hard work.
However, even with all these achievements, financial instability has been looming over his dreams. Living in his homeland means living amidst poverty, and the fact that he has to support his family became something he could not overlook. “Along with pursuing my passion, I had to take up the job of a laborer to sustain my family,” he says. The marble factory where he is employed, bustling with activity and noise, is a far cry from the medals that used to adorn his neck.
However, the spirit of Pathan remains unbroken. He still has dreams of playing for Pakistan at the international level and making Khyber Pakhtunkhwa proud. “If I am supported, I will become the best player and a proud name for my province and country,” he says. His plea for support is a reflection of a larger problem in Pakistan, where talented players are often left with the choice of survival or sport.
Pathan’s tale is a reminder that medals won’t put food on the table, and talent left unattended may wither away. However, his spirit shines as brightly as his gold medal. Even in adversity, his spirit remains unbroken. He hopes that with the right support, he might be able to leave the marble factory behind and return to the podium, where personal struggle can be transformed into national success.
Rizwan Pathan’s journey from national glory to marble factory labourer is not just a tale of hardship—it’s a call to action for sponsors, institutions, and the public to invest in the champions of tomorrow before their dreams crumble under the weight of daily survival.
