Makhtoum blasts UAE administration

Shooting gold medallist Ahmed al Makhtoum, who beat India’s Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore to win the United Arab Emirates’ first-ever Olympic medal last month, has quit over lack of support from his country.

“Instead of asking me why I quit, why don’t you call up the leadership of this country? I am sure they won’t even answer your telephone,” Al Makhtoum said on Tuesday. “I have sacrificed a lot, nearly for a decade, to win this medal for my country. But what did it give me? Absolutely nothing.”

Al Makhtoum, a member of Dubai’s ruling family, won gold in the men’s double trap shooting last month in Athens. He was given a reception by Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on his return from the Games.

“There is no change in their (officials’) attitude or thinking. Look at other countries and see how they treat their sporting heroes,” Al Makhtoum said. “Here there is no change, no support and I don’t see things changing.” (Reuters)