National medallist Rizwan Pathan, a martial arts and gymnastics athlete, is now working as a labourer at a marble factory in Nowshera after financial hardship forced him away from competitive sport. The situation highlights the challenges faced by talented athletes who lack sustained institutional support.
Pathan, who belongs to Bajaur District, said limited financial resources are the biggest barrier to his dream of representing Pakistan at the international level. Despite earning recognition at the national stage, he has struggled to cover training and living costs.
He won a gold medal at the 2018 national martial arts championships and also secured medals at several provincial and local competitions. However, he said his sporting journey began with gymnastics before financial constraints pushed him toward martial arts, which required fewer resources.
وہ چمپیئن جو دیہاڑی پر مجبور ہوگیا pic.twitter.com/TxWENxjxF6
— Kamran Ali (@akamran111) February 19, 2026Financial hardship faced by national medallist Rizwan Pathan
The national medallist Rizwan Pathan explained that ongoing poverty in his region left him with no choice but to take up daily-wage labour to support his family. He currently works at a marble factory in Nowshera to meet household expenses.
Despite these hardships, Pathan said he has not given up on his sporting ambitions. He appealed for institutional backing and private sponsorship to help him resume training and compete at higher levels.
“If I am supported, I will become the best player and make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan proud,” he said, stressing that talent alone is not enough without financial stability.
