35 years on, Olympic bronze medalist Hussain Shah still waiting for 'plot' announced by govt

Pakistani boxer Syed Hussain Shah, who won an individual bronze medal for the country at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, has revealed that he is yet to receive the housing plot promised by the government 35 years after his historic win.

In an interview conducted through a telephone call by Independent Urdu, Shah expressed his disappointment over the government's negligence.

"Despite the passage of 35 years, I did not get that plot, even though I had deposited 15,000 rupees at that time in connection with the registration of the plot," the publication quoted Shah as saying.

The boxer, who lives in Japan, was promised a residential plot in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Karachi by the then government. 

However, when he went to collect the plot, he was told that it had been occupied by someone else.

"I have not received that plot yet," Hussain Shah regretfully said. 

"I wanted to build my house and boxing club on the plot announced by the government for me, but my dream could not be fulfilled."

Apart from the housing plot, Hussain Shah also revealed that he did not receive other prizes and gifts announced for him, except for Rs25,000 from the Pakistan Sports Federation and a personal donation of Rs25,000 from a Pakistani citizen.

The Karachi Electric Supply Company, which was renamed as K-Electric after privatisation, had also announced a house as a reward, but it was never fulfilled.

The medalist further revealed that he was forced to flee Pakistan and move to Japan due to his financial strains and lack of government support.

After reaching Japan, Shah got an opportunity to train young boxers at an academy, which he accepted without "wasting any time".

Referring to the victory of Arshad Nadeem, who won Pakistan's first-ever individual gold medal at 2024 Paris Olympics, Shah said it's a matter of pride and honour.

"But please convey my message to Arshad Nadeem. I was also given a hero's welcome and rewards were announced for me too but I had to flee Pakistan," he added.

The Lyari-based sportsman's achievement remains a historic milestone for Pakistan as he was the first athlete to win an individual medal at the Olympic Games.