As the world prepares for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Pakistan’s Haider Ali, a Paralympic champion and one of the country’s most accomplished para-athletes, is ready to make history once again. Many believe Haider Ali, who lives with cerebral palsy, could replicate Arshad Nadeem’s gold-medal performance in the Olympics and bring home another victory for Pakistan.
Journey from Gujranwala to 2024 Paralympic Stage
Haider Ali’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Born with cerebral palsy, Ali’s future as an athlete seemed improbable. However, his talent was first noticed at a sports camp in Faisalabad in 2005, where officials saw his potential as a para-athlete. With comprehensive training in long jump, discus throw, and other track and field events, Ali’s journey into the world of para-sports began.
His debut at the 2006 FESPIC Games in Kuala Lumpur was a turning point. He secured a gold and three silver medals, launching his international career. Over the years, Ali has consistently proven himself, winning multiple gold medals at the Asian Para Games and excelling in discus and javelin events.
Rising to Top despite challenges: Haider Ali
Haider Ali’s first taste of Paralympic success came at the 2008 Beijing Games, where he won a silver medal in the men’s long jump. His journey since then has been marked by determination and perseverance, despite recurring injuries, including a hamstring issue that forced him to switch from long jump to discus throw.
At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Ali finally achieved his dream of winning a gold medal in the men’s discus throw, becoming a national hero. Now, at Paris 2024, Ali aims to build on that success, carrying the hopes of a nation eager to see him repeat his golden performance.
Haider Ali impact on Pakistan
As the sole representative for Pakistan in the Paralympics, Haider Ali’s achievements have brought much-needed attention to para-sports in the country. The National Paralympic Committee of Pakistan (NPC) has played a crucial role in supporting Ali’s career, offering financial assistance, coaching, and international training opportunities.
However, para-sports in Pakistan still face significant challenges, including limited infrastructure and access to specialised equipment.
Paris 2024 Paralympics: Golden Opportunity
Despite these obstacles, the NPC is confident in Ali’s ability to deliver another stellar performance. “We’ve identified some technical issues in his throwing technique, but Haider has worked hard to overcome them,” said NPC Secretary Imran Jamil Shami. With a personal best throw of 55.26m, Ali is a strong contender in the field, closely trailing Ukraine’s Mykola Zhabnyak, who leads with a 55.71m personal best.
As Ali prepares for his fifth Paralympic Games, he remains focused on his goal of contributing to the para-sport movement in Pakistan and inspiring future generations of athletes.
Haider Ali’s daily challenge
Living with cerebral palsy, Ali faces challenges that many athletes never encounter. The condition, which affects movement and coordination, creates a physical hurdle in his right leg, yet Ali’s perseverance has allowed him to compete at the highest level.
Classified in the F37 category due to the weakness in his leg, Ali competes against athletes with similar impairments, ensuring a fair competition.
As Haider Ali sets his sights on Paris 2024, he continues to inspire millions. His journey from a young boy in Gujranwala to a Paralympic champion is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Like Arshad Nadeem, who brought home gold in javelin at the Paris Olympics, Ali has the potential to bring another golden moment to Pakistan.
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