Makhtoum blasts UAE administration

Shooting gold medallist Ahmed al Makhtoum, who beat India8217;s Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore to win the United Arab Emirates8217; first-ever Olympic medal last month, has quit over lack of support from his country.

8220;Instead of asking me why I quit, why don8217;t you call up the leadership of this country? I am sure they won8217;t even answer your telephone,8221; Al Makhtoum said on Tuesday. 8220;I have sacrificed a lot, nearly for a decade, to win this medal for my country. But what did it give me? Absolutely nothing.8221;

Al Makhtoum, a member of Dubai8217;s ruling family, won gold in the men8217;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.

8220;There is no change in their officials8217; attitude or thinking. Look at other countries and see how they treat their sporting heroes,8221; Al Makhtoum said. 8220;Here there is no change, no support and I don8217;t see things changing.8221; Reuters