DISABILITY is not a hurdle when you want to achieve your goal. This was proved by Haider Ali, a para-athlete who made Pakistan proud by winning a gold medal at Tokyo Paralympic Games in discus throw. People should learn from him. His determination and hard work should be a lesson for all of us.

Haider Ali, who hails from Gujranwala, suffers from cerebral palsy. Despite the malady, Tokyo was not the first time he won a medal at the Paralympics. He won a bronze medal at the Rio Paralympic Games in 2016 and a silver medal at the Beijing Paralympic Games in 2008. However, his previous medals were for long jump. This, again, shows the diversity of his talent.

At Tokyo, Haider Ali achieved a 55.26 metre throw. The official Paralympics Games account on social media said the attempt was a “personal best” for Haider Ali, which is remarkable, and underlines his ability to rise to the occasion.

The government should give him the highest civilian medal for the pride he has given us all. Proper attention should be paid to all the talented players so that they may participate in such prestigious events across the world.

Maria Nissar
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 10th, 2021