Haider Ali, Pakistan’s star para-athlete, has once again made his country proud by winning a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics. Competing in the discus throw event, Haider achieved a throw of 52.54 meters, securing the third position on the podium. This victory holds great significance as Haider Ali has now won a complete set of medals for Pakistan at the Paralympics – gold, silver, and bronze.
A Trailblazer for Pakistan
Haider Ali’s contribution to Pakistan’s Paralympic history is remarkable. He became the first Pakistani athlete to win medals in the Paralympics, starting with a silver medal in the long jump at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. This was the first-ever Paralympic medal for Pakistan, setting the stage for future successes. In 2016, he earned another bronze in long jump at the Rio Paralympics.
However, it was in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics where Haider made headlines by switching to discus throw and winning a historic gold medal for Pakistan. His success in both long jump and discus throw has cemented his status as Pakistan’s greatest Paralympian of all time.
Consistent Success in Major Competitions
Throughout his career, Haider Ali has proven to be a consistent performer on the international stage. Apart from his four Paralympic medals – one gold, one silver, and two bronzes – Haider has also shone in other international events. He won a silver medal at the Para World Championships and has claimed a total of 6 medals in the Asian Para Games, including 4 golds and 2 bronzes. With 11 medals for Pakistan in total, Haider Ali’s achievements are a testament to his dedication and hard work.
Pakistan’s Performance in Paris Paralympics
Unfortunately, Pakistan’s overall performance at the Paris Paralympics hasn’t been very strong, with the country currently sitting in 74th place in the medal standings. Haider Ali’s bronze is the only medal Pakistan has won so far. In contrast, neighboring India has had its best-ever Paralympics, winning a total of 26 medals, including 6 golds, 9 silvers, and 11 bronzes. Indian athletes like Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, and Praveen Kumar have brought home golds, making India a force to reckon with in these Games.
