Haider Ali, Pakistan’s only athlete set to compete in the upcoming Paralympic Games, has departed for Paris, accompanied by his coach, Akbar Ali.
The much-anticipated Games will officially commence with an opening ceremony on August 28, where Haider Ali will represent his nation in the F37 category of the discus throw event, slated for September 6.
Hailing from Gujranwala, Haider Ali has been a beacon of hope and pride for Pakistan on the global athletic stage. His journey to international acclaim began at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, where he clinched a silver medal in the long jump. This remarkable achievement earned him a cash prize of Rs 100,000 from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), marking the start of a distinguished athletic career.
In 2016, Haider Ali once again brought glory to Pakistan, this time at the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he secured a bronze medal in the long jump. His continued success was recognized with a substantial cash reward of Rs 2,500,000 from the PSB, further cementing his status as one of Pakistan’s premier athletes.
Haider’s most significant triumph came at the 2021 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, where he won a gold medal in the discus throw, a first for Pakistan in the Paralympic Games. This historic victory was celebrated with another cash prize of Rs 2,500,000 from the PSB. His consistent performance on the global stage has made him a symbol of resilience and excellence.
In addition to his Paralympic success, Haider Ali has also shined at the Asian Para Games. At the 2018 event in Indonesia, he won gold medals in both the javelin throw and discus throw, along with a bronze in the long jump. These achievements were rewarded with a total cash prize of Rs 1,100,000 from the PSB.
Haider’s winning streak continued in 2019 at the World Para Athletics Championship in Dubai, where he earned a silver medal in the discus throw. That same year, he dominated the World Para Athletics Grand Prix Championship in China, securing gold medals in both the javelin throw and discus throw.
Most recently, Haider Ali added yet another gold medal to his impressive collection by winning the discus throw at the 2023 Asian Para Games in China. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to consistently perform at the highest levels have brought immense pride to Pakistan, making him an inspirational figure for athletes across the country.
As Haider Ali prepares to compete in Paris, the hopes of a nation rest on his shoulders. His remarkable achievements have already etched his name in the annals of Pakistan’s sporting history, and his participation in the upcoming Games is eagerly anticipated by fans and supporters alike.
