The year 2024 has been a rollercoaster for Pakistan’s sports, filled with inspiring victories and heartbreaking setbacks. From track and field to cricket and mountaineering, here’s a snapshot of Pakistan’s performance in various sports as the year comes to a close.
ARSHAD NADEEM: A Golden Moment
Pakistan’s most remarkable sporting achievement came in August when Arshad Nadeem secured Olympic gold with a record-breaking javelin throw of 92.97 meters. This historic feat earned him the distinction of being the first Pakistani to win an Olympic gold in javelin, catapulting him to national stardom.
CRICKET: Mixed Fortunes
The cricketing year began with heartbreaks for fans. In the ICC T20 World Cup in June, Pakistan exited in the first round after a shocking loss to the USA and arch-rivals India. Adding to the woes, Pakistan suffered its first-ever home Test series defeat to Bangladesh, losing 2-0 in September.
However, the green shirts rebounded impressively later in the year. They defeated England 2-1 in a Test series at home and made history by beating Australia 2-1 in an ODI away series—ending a 22-year drought. Pakistan capped off the year by becoming the first team to whitewash South Africa 3-0 in an away ODI series in December.
FOOTBALL: Struggles
Pakistani football faced another challenging year as the men’s team failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, there was a silver lining as the team reached the second round of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifications for the first time. This milestone came after a historic 1-0 aggregate win against Cambodia in the first round.
SNOOKER: Mohammad Asif’s Record Triumph
Veteran cueist Mohammad Asif claimed his third IBSF World Snooker Championship title in November, equaling the record held by India’s Pankaj Advani. Rising stars Awais Munir and Mohammad Hasnain also made waves, winning the Asian 6-Red Snooker Championship and the Asian U21 Championship, respectively.
WEIGHTLIFTING: Nooh Dastgir Butt’s Triumph
Nooh Dastgir Butt brought glory to Pakistan by winning gold at the Commonwealth Games in South Africa in October. Lifting a staggering 370 kilograms in his first powerlifting competition, he became Pakistan’s first-ever powerlifting gold medalist, earning the prestigious Pride of Performance award.
MOUNTAINEERING: Shehroze Kashif’s Historic Feat
Shehroze Kashif became the youngest Pakistani to summit all 14 of the world’s highest peaks—known as the “eight-thousanders.” At just 22 years old, he completed this monumental achievement by conquering Shishapangma in Tibet.
PARALYMPICS: Haider Ali’s Brilliance
Haider Ali added another medal to his illustrious Paralympic career by winning bronze in the Men’s Discus competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. With a throw of 52.54 meters, the 39-year-old secured his fourth Paralympic medal, contributing to Pakistan’s legacy in the global event.
SOHAIL SISTERS: Weightlifting Glory
Cybil and Veronica Sohail, sisters and weightlifting champions, won a combined total of four gold medals at a championship in South Africa in August. Competing in the 52- and 57-kilogram categories, they excelled in squat, bench press, deadlift, and total categories.
FIELD HOCKEY: A Resurgence
Pakistan’s hockey team showed signs of revival by reaching the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia for the first time in 13 years. Despite a spirited performance, they lost to Japan in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
BLIND T20 WORLD CUP: A Historic Win
Pakistan lifted the Blind T20 World Cup trophy for the first time, defeating Bangladesh by 10 wickets in December. The victory coincided with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and marked a milestone for the hosts in a tournament India did not participate in due to political tensions.
