FRIDAY brought another medal for Pakistan in Paris this summer; this time at the Paralympics. Haider Ali, with his relentless drive for success, has ensured that Pakistan will end on the medals table at the end of the Paralympics. His bronze in the discus throw F37 category follows Pakistan’s first Olympic medal in 32 years less than a month ago, when javelin superstar Arshad Nadeem struck gold at the same Stade de France in the French capital. Thanks to Haider’s single-handed efforts, though, the country has not had to wait long for Paralympic medals. Born with cerebral palsy, which has caused muscle weakness in his left leg, this was Haider’s fourth medal across various disciplines in five appearances at the Paralympics. He began with a silver in the long jump on his maiden Games appearance in Beijing 2008 before claiming bronze in a different long jump category eight years later in Rio de Janeiro. His moment of ultimate glory came in Tokyo when he took up discus and struck gold. Defending his title in Paris, the 39-year-old did enough to bag third place.

Yet, his bronze speaks volumes of his longevity to compete at the highest level despite hailing from a country where there is little support for athletes, let alone para-athletes. That he has come so far is down to his own efforts more than any other factor. The Paris Paralympics are the only international event he has participated in this year; the paucity of funds meaning he was unable to compete at the World Championships. He trained in a field flooded with rainwater in his hometown of Gujranwala ahead of the Games. All that despite being awarded a Pride of Performance in 2021 after his Tokyo success. It also speaks volumes about our nation’s forgetfulness. Haider must be celebrated and supported for he has, on his own, given Pakistan a spot on the medals table.

Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2024