Paralympian Haider Ali departs for Paris Games

Haider Ali, Pakistan’s only athlete competing in the Paralympic Games, and his coach Akbar Ali, have left for Paris. Haider Ali will represent Pakistan in the F37 division of the discus throw competition on September 6.

Almost 4,000 athletes representing 170 nations will participate in the event exhibiting their talents despite their physical disabilities. The opening ceremony for event will be held on August 28.

Haider Ali is competing in the Paralympics for the fifth time. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Haider won a gold medal in discus throw with an impressive throw of 55.26 meters.

He had also previously participated in the long jump and won a silver in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics as well as a bronze medal in the 2016 Rio Paralympics. However, he was not able to participate in the 2012 London Paralympics due to injury.

Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) announced on August 13 that Haider will once again represent Pakistan on the international forum, stating “It is our honour to send Haider Ali to the Paralympic Games once more. Due to his extraordinary talent and determination, we consider him a strong candidate for another medal. We are sure that he will bring honour to the country.”