Pakistan’s sole Paralympian Haider Ali departs for Paris Games

Haider Ali, Pakistan’s only athlete participating in the upcoming Paralympic Games, has left for Paris along with his coach, Akbar Ali.

The Games will officially begin with an opening ceremony on August 28.

Haider Ali, who hails from Gujranwala, will represent Pakistan in the F37 category of the discus throw event, scheduled for September 6.

Over 4,000 athletes from 170 countries will compete in the Games, showcasing the talents of athletes with various physical disabilities.

This marks Haider Ali's fifth appearance at the Paralympics. He won a gold medal in the discus throw at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics with a throw of 55.26 metres.

Previously, he secured a silver medal in long jump at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and a bronze medal in the same event at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

Unfortunately, he was unable to compete in the 2012 London Paralympics due to injury.

On August 13, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Director General Yasir Pirzada announced that Haider Ali, the gold medalist from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, will once again represent Pakistan in this year's Paralympics.

During his meeting with Haider, Pirzada said Ali's exceptional talent and dedication, expressing confidence in his potential to clinch another medal for Pakistan in the Discus Throw event.

"We are honored to send Haider Ali to the Paralympics once again. His exceptional talent and dedication make him a top contender for another medal, and we are confident that he will make Pakistan proud again," Pirzada stated.