Introduction
In 2024, Pakistan experienced a surge of good news and hope in the realm of sports, with athletes surprising the world with their achievements across various disciplines. Despite limited resources and a lack of focus on non-cricket sports, Pakistani athletes managed to win international accolades, showcasing their resilience and talent. This article highlights the moments that brought joy and pride to Pakistan in 2024.
Haider Ali: A Paralympic Legend
The Paralympic Champion
Haider Ali stands out as Pakistan’s most successful individual athlete. Competing at the bustling Stade de France in Paris, he secured his fourth Paralympic Games medal, a bronze in the discus throw category F37, despite battling the flu on the day of the event. Haider’s remarkable journey, which began in Gujranwala’s waterlogged grounds, has seen him win four medals, including one gold, one silver, and two bronzes, across five Paralympic Games.
Arshad Nadeem: Javelin Thrower Extraordinaire
Breaking Records and Winning Gold
Javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem made headlines by breaking the Olympic record with a monstrous 92.97-meter throw, winning the gold medal at Stade de France. This historic achievement brought Pakistan its first Olympic medal in 32 years and its first gold in 40 years. Arshad’s performance left his competitors, including India’s Neeraj Chopra, stunned and set a new benchmark in the sport.
Muhammad Asif: Snooker Champion
A Historic Triumph
Muhammad Asif became the first Pakistani to win the World Championship title three times in the International Billiards and Snooker Federation’s history. Defeating Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou in the final held in Doha, Asif added another chapter to his illustrious career, having previously won the championship in 2012 and 2019.
Nooh Dastgir: Powerlifting Prodigy
Overcoming Challenges
Despite missing the Paris Olympics due to internal politics at the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation, Nooh Dastgir made a remarkable comeback. He won the Strongman competition in May and later secured seven gold medals and a bronze at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship. In December, Nooh set an Asian record with a 400-kg squat in the +120 kg category at the Asian Powerlifting Championship.
Ali Ilyas: Cycling Champion
Making History
Ali Ilyas became the first Pakistani cyclist to win an Asian title. His impressive performance at the Asian Road Cycling Championship saw him win two gold medals. He completed the individual time trial in 27 minutes and 18.142 seconds and won the road scratch race in 1 hour and 26 minutes.
Muhammad Waseem: Boxing Return
A Triumphant Comeback
Boxer Muhammad Waseem made a victorious return to international boxing by defeating Jaba Memishishi in Malta via technical knockout. After a two-year hiatus and a management change, Waseem is determined to reclaim his world title and aims to hold an international bout in his hometown Quetta.
Squash: Youth Dominance
Rising Stars
Pakistani squash saw a resurgence led by young talents. Ibrahim Zeb and Yahya Khan won gold medals in the U15 and U17 categories at the Junior Squash Championships in Melbourne. Sisters Mahnoor and Mehwish Ali also claimed gold medals, contributing to Pakistan’s impressive haul of five gold medals in the tournament.
Honourable Mentions
Hockey: Moments of Joy
Despite administrative challenges, Pakistan hockey had its moments of glory, finishing second at the Azlan Shah Cup and reaching the final of the Junior Asia Cup.
Sohail Sisters: Powerlifting Prowess
Twinkle Sohail and her sisters Sybil and Veronika dominated the Asian Pacific African Combined Powerlifting Championship in South Africa, winning 15 gold medals. They continued their success at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in October.
Anita Karim: MMA Victory
MMA fighter Anita Karim defeated Italy’s Adriana Fusini via submission in the One Championship One Friday Fights in January, adding another victory to her impressive record.
Taekwondo: Historic Achievements
Pakistan made history at the Asian Open Taekwondo Championships, winning eight medals, including three golds. Amir Khan also secured a gold medal at the Heroes Taekwondo Championships in Thailand.
Baseball: Bronze Medal Triumph
Pakistan’s blind baseball team won a bronze medal at the WBSC Blind Baseball World Cup in England. The regular team triumphed at the UAE Classic Baseball title in November, defeating the hosts 12-1.
Volleyball: Championship Glory
Pakistan won the Central Asian Volleyball Championship title, defeating Turkmenistan in the final. The junior team also impressed by securing a bronze medal at the Asian U18 Championship and qualifying for the 2025 World U19 Volleyball Championship.
Rowing: Female Rowers Shine
Karachi Boat Club female rowers bagged a silver medal at the Grand Moscow Regatta, finishing second behind a Russian club, marking a proud moment for Pakistan.
Tennis: New Leadership
Aisamul Haq Qureshi was elected president of the Pakistan Tennis Federation, marking a new era for Pakistani tennis.
Mountaineering: Historic Summits
Mountaineer Sultana Nasab became the third Pakistani woman to summit K2, while Sirbaz Khan became the first Pakistani to summit all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters. Shehroze Khan also made history by becoming the youngest Pakistani to achieve this feat.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Haider Ali’s achievements in Paralympic Games?
Haider Ali’s achievements in the Paralympic Games are monumental as he is the only Pakistani athlete to win four Paralympic medals, showcasing his resilience and dedication despite limited resources and support.
2. How did Arshad Nadeem make history in javelin throw?
Arshad Nadeem made history by breaking the Olympic record with a 92.97-meter throw, winning Pakistan’s first Olympic gold medal in 40 years and setting a new benchmark in javelin throw.
3. What are Muhammad Asif’s accomplishments in snooker?
Muhammad Asif is the first Pakistani to win the World Championship title three times in the International Billiards and Snooker Federation’s history, highlighting his exceptional talent and consistency.
4. What challenges did Nooh Dastgir overcome in powerlifting?
Nooh Dastgir overcame internal politics and limited support to win seven gold medals at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship and set an Asian record with a 400-kg squat at the Asian Powerlifting Championship.
5. How did Ali Ilyas make history in cycling?
Ali Ilyas made history by becoming the first Pakistani cyclist to win an Asian title, demonstrating incredible speed and endurance at the Asian Road Cycling Championship.
Conclusion
The year 2024 was a remarkable one for Pakistani sports, with athletes achieving historic milestones and bringing joy and hope to the nation. Their success stories serve as an inspiration, showcasing the potential and talent that exists in Pakistan despite the challenges they face.
