ISLAMABAD - Salman Ahmad, a Musclemania star, who stunned the world by clinching second position in Muscle Mania Universe Competition 2014 that held last month in Miami (USA) says his achievement has not got due recognition.
"I feel ignored and neglected. I've projected country's soft image abroad. Securing second position out of 300 bodybuilders from all over the world is something extraordinary. But to my utter disappoint I've not received the appreciation I deserved," he told APP on Friday.
Salman, 24 from Raiwind Lahore, is a natural bodybuilder athlete and spokesman for sports fitness and healthy lifestyle. A former student of University of Central Punjab (UCP), he won several competitions within Pakistan and now he is an international bodybuilding competition position holder. In the Muscle Mania Universe Competition, he took part in men's open category and became the first Pakistani bodybuilder who earned a position in such type of competition. He complained that not a single news channel recognized him and shown anything about him. "Our media has not highlighted my achievements. I feel disappointed," he added. Salman claimed that he was offered a job in the USA, but he chose to come back to Pakistan. He also pointed out some senior bodybuilders, including Masoom Butt and Atif Anwar who left Pakistan due to negligence and lack of support.
"Bodybuilding is an expensive sport which needs appreciation as well as support. All other countries support and sponsor their sportspersons but here we don't have enough facilities," he said.
He said he wanted to win Mr. World competition which is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas in September. If he does so, he will get Pro Card and become the 1st Pakistani Pro Card Holder in the history.