This is with reference to the article “Rio Olympics: Nothing to rejoice about” (Aug. 22) by Abdulateef Al-Mulhim. I found the article very interesting in which the writer has raised valid questions. Like the writer, we also do expect the Saudi teams and athletes to perform well at international events like the Olympics and at least bring home a bronze medal.
We all know the size of Singapore and Fiji Island. Athletes from both countries earned Gold in Olympics. One wonders why athletes from a country like Saudi Arabia fail to achieve great feats in the world of sports. They should feel lucky to be pampered by such caring leaders who spare no effort to support the country’s sportsmen.
An athlete from the world’s smallest country, Nauru, with a population of only 9,488, said: “When you are from one of the world’s smallest countries you need to go out of your way to get noticed. Quite a long way, in fact. I had to make a lot of sacrifices. I had to fly overseas for competitions and was going up against all full-time athletes, which was really tough. I still have to do my job, go home carry out my duties as a husband and father, and squeeze in a few judo sessions.”
That athlete did not win any medal but the commitment for the sake of his country is praiseworthy. We expect the same commitment from the Kingdom’s athletes. They should leave no stone unturned to make Saudi Arabia proud. We all need to join hands to change the situation. — S.H. Moulana, Riyadh
An inspiring article
