• Latest
  • Trending

Pakistan’s forgotten national hero

August 3, 2016
Is Canada becoming the “new Pakistan” for India

Is Canada becoming the “new Pakistan” for India

September 29, 2023
Maldivians vote today in Presidential runoff election

Maldivians vote today in Presidential runoff election

September 30, 2023
Over 50 killed in blast at Pakistan rally to mark prophet’s birthday

Over 50 killed in blast at Pakistan rally to mark prophet’s birthday

September 29, 2023
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC)

WATCH: Sri Lanka Vs Bangladesh World Cup warm-up match (Live)

September 29, 2023
China

What China’s economic problems mean for the world

September 29, 2023
Haikun: Taiwan unveils new submarine

Taiwan unveils new submarine to fend off China

September 29, 2023
Cricket World Cup 2023

All the squads for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023

September 29, 2023
Anniversary of India-Lanka Technical Cooperation Programme celebrated

Anniversary of India-Lanka Technical Cooperation Programme celebrated

September 28, 2023
China presents its blueprint for a better world

China presents its blueprint for a better world

September 28, 2023
Saga of the takeover of Kandy seen through British eyes

Saga of the takeover of Kandy seen through British eyes

September 28, 2023
China presents its blueprint for a better world

China presents its foreign policy blueprint

September 28, 2023
Danushka Gunathilaka launches second bail bid

Danushka Gunathilaka found not guilty of sexual assault

September 28, 2023
  • About Us
  • Advertisements
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
Saturday, September 30, 2023
No Result
View All Result
NewsIn.Asia
  • Home
  • Around South Asia
    • All
    • Afghanistan
    • Bangladesh
    • Bhutan
    • China
    • India
    • Maldives
    • Myanmar
    • Nepal
    • Pakistan
    • Sri Lanka
    Is Canada becoming the “new Pakistan” for India

    Is Canada becoming the “new Pakistan” for India

    Maldivians vote today in Presidential runoff election

    Maldivians vote today in Presidential runoff election

    Over 50 killed in blast at Pakistan rally to mark prophet’s birthday

    Over 50 killed in blast at Pakistan rally to mark prophet’s birthday

    Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC)

    WATCH: Sri Lanka Vs Bangladesh World Cup warm-up match (Live)

    China

    What China’s economic problems mean for the world

    Haikun: Taiwan unveils new submarine

    Taiwan unveils new submarine to fend off China

    Cricket World Cup 2023

    All the squads for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023

    Anniversary of India-Lanka Technical Cooperation Programme celebrated

    Anniversary of India-Lanka Technical Cooperation Programme celebrated

    China presents its blueprint for a better world

    China presents its blueprint for a better world

  • World
    • All
    • Japan
    • Russia
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    China

    What China’s economic problems mean for the world

    Haikun: Taiwan unveils new submarine

    Taiwan unveils new submarine to fend off China

    Saga of the takeover of Kandy seen through British eyes

    Saga of the takeover of Kandy seen through British eyes

    Whatsapp. Image credits - AARN GIRI / Unsplash

    New features introduced in Whatsapp’s latest update

    This dish on Mugaritz's tasting menu is called "Technique: beef contrasts."

    This country has more of the world’s 50 best restaurants than any other

    Nepal

    Nepal breaks several T20I world records in Asian Games

    ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup

    How has ODI cricket changed since 2011?

    More than 100 dead, 150 injured in Iraq wedding fire

    More than 100 dead, 150 injured in Iraq wedding fire

    Biden’s campaign team to prevent him from falling

    Biden’s campaign team to prevent him from falling

  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Books
    • Gaming
    • Movie
    • Music
    • Series
    Jawan is releasing on 4000 screens internationally. It is the widest release for an SRK centric film (Credit: Red Chillies Entertainment)

    This actor is so huge his fans lined up at 4.30 a.m. to watch his new movie

    Instagram. Solen Feyissa @solenfeyissa / Unsplash

    New report reveals highest earners from Instagram posts

    Barbie

    Lebanon bans ‘Barbie’ movie

    How I came to love ‘Oppenheimer’ and still detest the bomb

    How I came to love ‘Oppenheimer’ and still detest the bomb

    Rajnikanth

    Back Offices in Chennai, Bengaluru declare holiday on August 10 for Rajnikanth’s ‘Jailer’ movie premiere

    Taylor Swift

    Taylor Swift Seattle concert generates seismic activity

    Actors Emily Blunt (L), Cillian Murphy (centre) and Florence Pugh (R) at the premiere of Oppenheimer. Image credits - Getty Images.

    Hollywood actors announce historic strike

    Hugh Jackman dons classic Wolverine suit in Deadpool

    Hugh Jackman dons classic Wolverine suit in Deadpool 3 first look

    David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan will star in the film, set to come out in 2025. Image credits - Getty Images

    Superman: Legacy finds its Superman and Lois Lane

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Science
    • Travel
    This dish on Mugaritz's tasting menu is called "Technique: beef contrasts."

    This country has more of the world’s 50 best restaurants than any other

    Biden’s campaign team to prevent him from falling

    Biden’s campaign team to prevent him from falling

    This dish on Mugaritz's tasting menu is called "Technique: beef contrasts."

    The world’s 50 best restaurants for 2023 revealed

    The Upper House (Hong Kong): This beloved Hong Kong classic sits above Admiralty's Pacific Place and features 117 luxuriously-designed rooms. Courtesy Upper House Hong Kong

    World’s 50 best hotels for 2023 revealed

    Indian government’s decision to delay the census raises suspicions, says Lancet

    Indian government’s decision to delay the census raises suspicions, says Lancet

    This airline wants you to travel without clothes

    This airline wants you to travel without clothes

    Sleep. Image credits - Priscilla Du Preez @priscilladupreez / Unsplash

    Diabetes risk increased by 19% due to one common sleeping habit, study finds

    Barcelona. Image credits - Logan Armstrong loganstrongarms

    The best ‘workcation’ cities for remote and hybrid workers around the world

    Child. Image credits - Ippei Naoi | Getty

    Netherlands, home to the world’s happiest kids—6 things parents here never do

    The roots of Chandrayaan 3’s success   

    The roots of Chandrayaan 3’s success   

    Trending Tags

    • Golden Globes
    • Mr. Robot
    • MotoGP 2017
    • Climate Change
    • Flat Earth
  • Tech
    Whatsapp. Image credits - AARN GIRI / Unsplash

    New features introduced in Whatsapp’s latest update

    iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus feature a gorgeous new and durable design, the Dynamic Island, a powerful 48MP Main camera, and A16 Bionic.

    iOS 17 release: See what’s new in iPhone features

    How to erase everything that Google and Facebook know about you

    How to erase everything that Google and Facebook know about you

    Apple

    France orders Apple to halt iPhone 12 sales

    iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus feature a gorgeous new and durable design, the Dynamic Island, a powerful 48MP Main camera, and A16 Bionic.

    Apple debuts iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus

    Apple will host its iPhone 15 launch event called “Wanderlust” in California CREDIT: APPLE INC HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

    iPhone 15 launch (Live)

    Trending Tags

    • Sillicon Valley
    • Climate Change
    • Election Results
    • Flat Earth
    • Golden Globes
    • MotoGP 2017
    • Mr. Robot
  • Coronavirus
  • Videos
  • Home
  • Around South Asia
    • All
    • Afghanistan
    • Bangladesh
    • Bhutan
    • China
    • India
    • Maldives
    • Myanmar
    • Nepal
    • Pakistan
    • Sri Lanka
    Is Canada becoming the “new Pakistan” for India

    Is Canada becoming the “new Pakistan” for India

    Maldivians vote today in Presidential runoff election

    Maldivians vote today in Presidential runoff election

    Over 50 killed in blast at Pakistan rally to mark prophet’s birthday

    Over 50 killed in blast at Pakistan rally to mark prophet’s birthday

    Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC)

    WATCH: Sri Lanka Vs Bangladesh World Cup warm-up match (Live)

    China

    What China’s economic problems mean for the world

    Haikun: Taiwan unveils new submarine

    Taiwan unveils new submarine to fend off China

    Cricket World Cup 2023

    All the squads for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023

    Anniversary of India-Lanka Technical Cooperation Programme celebrated

    Anniversary of India-Lanka Technical Cooperation Programme celebrated

    China presents its blueprint for a better world

    China presents its blueprint for a better world

  • World
    • All
    • Japan
    • Russia
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    China

    What China’s economic problems mean for the world

    Haikun: Taiwan unveils new submarine

    Taiwan unveils new submarine to fend off China

    Saga of the takeover of Kandy seen through British eyes

    Saga of the takeover of Kandy seen through British eyes

    Whatsapp. Image credits - AARN GIRI / Unsplash

    New features introduced in Whatsapp’s latest update

    This dish on Mugaritz's tasting menu is called "Technique: beef contrasts."

    This country has more of the world’s 50 best restaurants than any other

    Nepal

    Nepal breaks several T20I world records in Asian Games

    ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup

    How has ODI cricket changed since 2011?

    More than 100 dead, 150 injured in Iraq wedding fire

    More than 100 dead, 150 injured in Iraq wedding fire

    Biden’s campaign team to prevent him from falling

    Biden’s campaign team to prevent him from falling

  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Books
    • Gaming
    • Movie
    • Music
    • Series
    Jawan is releasing on 4000 screens internationally. It is the widest release for an SRK centric film (Credit: Red Chillies Entertainment)

    This actor is so huge his fans lined up at 4.30 a.m. to watch his new movie

    Instagram. Solen Feyissa @solenfeyissa / Unsplash

    New report reveals highest earners from Instagram posts

    Barbie

    Lebanon bans ‘Barbie’ movie

    How I came to love ‘Oppenheimer’ and still detest the bomb

    How I came to love ‘Oppenheimer’ and still detest the bomb

    Rajnikanth

    Back Offices in Chennai, Bengaluru declare holiday on August 10 for Rajnikanth’s ‘Jailer’ movie premiere

    Taylor Swift

    Taylor Swift Seattle concert generates seismic activity

    Actors Emily Blunt (L), Cillian Murphy (centre) and Florence Pugh (R) at the premiere of Oppenheimer. Image credits - Getty Images.

    Hollywood actors announce historic strike

    Hugh Jackman dons classic Wolverine suit in Deadpool

    Hugh Jackman dons classic Wolverine suit in Deadpool 3 first look

    David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan will star in the film, set to come out in 2025. Image credits - Getty Images

    Superman: Legacy finds its Superman and Lois Lane

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Science
    • Travel
    This dish on Mugaritz's tasting menu is called "Technique: beef contrasts."

    This country has more of the world’s 50 best restaurants than any other

    Biden’s campaign team to prevent him from falling

    Biden’s campaign team to prevent him from falling

    This dish on Mugaritz's tasting menu is called "Technique: beef contrasts."

    The world’s 50 best restaurants for 2023 revealed

    The Upper House (Hong Kong): This beloved Hong Kong classic sits above Admiralty's Pacific Place and features 117 luxuriously-designed rooms. Courtesy Upper House Hong Kong

    World’s 50 best hotels for 2023 revealed

    Indian government’s decision to delay the census raises suspicions, says Lancet

    Indian government’s decision to delay the census raises suspicions, says Lancet

    This airline wants you to travel without clothes

    This airline wants you to travel without clothes

    Sleep. Image credits - Priscilla Du Preez @priscilladupreez / Unsplash

    Diabetes risk increased by 19% due to one common sleeping habit, study finds

    Barcelona. Image credits - Logan Armstrong loganstrongarms

    The best ‘workcation’ cities for remote and hybrid workers around the world

    Child. Image credits - Ippei Naoi | Getty

    Netherlands, home to the world’s happiest kids—6 things parents here never do

    The roots of Chandrayaan 3’s success   

    The roots of Chandrayaan 3’s success   

    Trending Tags

    • Golden Globes
    • Mr. Robot
    • MotoGP 2017
    • Climate Change
    • Flat Earth
  • Tech
    Whatsapp. Image credits - AARN GIRI / Unsplash

    New features introduced in Whatsapp’s latest update

    iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus feature a gorgeous new and durable design, the Dynamic Island, a powerful 48MP Main camera, and A16 Bionic.

    iOS 17 release: See what’s new in iPhone features

    How to erase everything that Google and Facebook know about you

    How to erase everything that Google and Facebook know about you

    Apple

    France orders Apple to halt iPhone 12 sales

    iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus feature a gorgeous new and durable design, the Dynamic Island, a powerful 48MP Main camera, and A16 Bionic.

    Apple debuts iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus

    Apple will host its iPhone 15 launch event called “Wanderlust” in California CREDIT: APPLE INC HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

    iPhone 15 launch (Live)

    Trending Tags

    • Sillicon Valley
    • Climate Change
    • Election Results
    • Flat Earth
    • Golden Globes
    • MotoGP 2017
    • Mr. Robot
  • Coronavirus
  • Videos
NewsIn.Asia
No Result
View All Result
Home Around South Asia Pakistan

Pakistan’s forgotten national hero

Editor by Editor
August 3, 2016
in Pakistan
Reading Time: 2 mins read
3 0
A A

In this photo taken on June 23, 2016, former Pakistani Olympian Muhammad Ashiq poses in his auto-rickshaw in Lahore. Ashiq, who competed for Pakistan at the 1960 and the 1964 Olympics, now scrapes by as a rickshaw driver in the teeming eastern city of Lahore. / AFP PHOTO / ARIF ALI

Share on WhatsApp

Aug 3 – Pakistan’s former Olympian Muhammad Ashiq looks daily at the trophies he won in a glittering cycling career for Pakistan decades ago. “Perhaps most people think that I have died,” he laments.

“I just recall that I have shaken hands with… former Pakistani prime ministers, presidents, chief executives,” the 81-year-old tells AFP tearfully.

“Why and how they all forgot me, I cannot believe.” Ashiq, who competed for Pakistan at the 1960 and the 1964 Olympics, now scrapes by as a rickshaw driver in Lahore.

ADVERTISEMENT

He began his sporting career as a boxer, switching to cycling in the 1950s when his wife complained about his injuries.

He competed in Rome in 1960 and Tokyo in 1964 and though he won no medals, he was hailed as a national hero for Pakistan.

“I was so happy… I considered myself lucky to represent Pakistan in the Olympics,” he says. But when his cycling career ended, so did his luck.

In this photo taken on June 23, 2016, former Pakistani Olympian Muhammad Ashiq holds his medals as he posses at his residence in Lahore. Ashiq, who competed for Pakistan at the 1960 and the 1964 Olympics, now scrapes by as a rickshaw driver in the teeming eastern city of Lahore. / AFP PHOTO / ARIF ALI
In this photo taken on June 23, 2016, former Pakistani Olympian Muhammad Ashiq holds his medals as he posses at his residence in Lahore.
Ashiq, who competed for Pakistan at the 1960 and the 1964 Olympics, now scrapes by as a rickshaw driver in the teeming eastern city of Lahore. / AFP PHOTO / ARIF ALI

He took a PR job but left it for health reasons in 1977. He briefly drove a taxi and a van then bounced around several other small business ideas, but for the last six years has been reduced to driving a rickshaw, ferrying low-income passengers around Lahore’s bustling, choked streets.

He lives in a 450-square-foot house on which he owes more than Rs1 million — a near-insurmountable amount given his rickshaw salary of roughly 400 rupees per day.

His wife has passed away, and his four children no longer live with him, he says, adding he does not want to be dependent on them.

He used to hang his medals in his rickshaw, but not anymore.

Instead, the canopy is inscribed with a twist on the famous quote by former US President Calvin Coolidge: “Nations and states who forget their heroes can never be prosperous.”

When passengers ask him about the message, he says he tells them his story—using it as a cautionary tale for the poor in particular, whom he warns never to take part in sports.

His wife and four children begged him over the years to stop thinking about his fall in life, he said.

“Once my wife started weeping. I asked her why… She said she was just worried about my health.

“She told me to be happy all the time and forget those who forgot us. I said OK, and she became happy for a while.

“And after some period, she died.” That was two years ago. Now, he says, his hands shaking, he too prays for death.

“I pray… to meet my beloved wife in heaven. I think it is better to avoid this pathetic situation I have endured,” he says.

 – AFP

Related Posts

Over 50 killed in blast at Pakistan rally to mark prophet’s birthday
Around South Asia

Over 50 killed in blast at Pakistan rally to mark prophet’s birthday

September 29, 2023
Sri Lanka cricket
Afghanistan

Sri Lanka Cricket proposes ’’home’’ for Pakistan and Afghanistan teams

September 28, 2023
India vs Pakistan
Around South Asia

Fans barred from Pakistan World Cup warm-up over security fears

September 26, 2023
Veteran Pakistani umpire rubbishes fixing claims, reminds fans of India’s batting collapse against Sri Lanka
Around South Asia

Veteran Pakistani umpire rubbishes fixing claims, reminds fans of India’s batting collapse against Sri Lanka

September 19, 2023
Asia Cup 2023: Tickets for Asia Cup final now on sale
Around South Asia

Asia Cup 2023: Tickets for Asia Cup final now on sale

September 15, 2023
Asia Cup in Kandy : Sri Lanka asks homes to register as hotels fully booked
Around South Asia

Sri Lanka beat World No 1 Pakistan to qualify for Asia Cup final

September 15, 2023
  • Electricity

    Power cut schedule for today in Sri Lanka: Uninterrupted power supply

    60411 shares
    Share 24187 Tweet 15094
  • Registration open for National Fuel Pass

    6647 shares
    Share 2696 Tweet 1646
  • Foreign Currency Official Exchange Rates from Central Bank of Sri Lanka

    2097 shares
    Share 845 Tweet 522
  • 12 hour water cut in areas of Colombo

    817 shares
    Share 348 Tweet 195
  • WATCH : Yohani’s first live performance in India

    791 shares
    Share 329 Tweet 193
  • About Us
  • Advertisements
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

© 2022 All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Around South Asia
    • Afghanistan
    • Bangladesh
    • Bhutan
    • China
    • India
    • Maldives
    • Myanmar
    • Nepal
    • Pakistan
    • Sri Lanka
  • Around The World
  • Breaking News
  • Business
    • Exchange
  • Climate Change
  • Governance
    • Crime
    • Diplomacy
    • Defense
    • Human Rights
    • Politics
    • Strategic Affairs
  • Lifestyle
    • Books
    • Entertainment
      • Arts
      • Cinema
      • Gaming
      • Music
      • Movie
      • Series
      • TV
    • Health
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Travel
  • Culture
    • Ethnicity
    • Gender
  • Development news
  • Economy
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Coronavirus
  • History
  • National
  • Offbeat
    • Media
    • Music and arts across South Asia
  • Recommended
    • Headlines
    • Highlights
    • Top Picture
    • Top Story
  • Religion
  • Science
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Cricket
      • LPL
      • IPL
    • Tennis
    • Formula 1
    • NBA
  • Tech
    • Instagram
  • United Nations
  • Weather
  • World
    • Japan
    • Russia
    • United States
  • Videos

© 2022 All rights reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist