The Paralympics 2024 officially commenced with a dazzling opening ceremony in Paris on August 28. This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in the global sporting calendar, following the successful conclusion of the Olympics earlier this month.

Pakistan’s sole representative at the Paralympic Games this year is Haider Ali, a distinguished athlete who has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent. Accompanied by his coach, Akbar Ali, Haider is set to make his mark on the world stage. His qualification for the Paris 2024 Paralympics came after an outstanding performance at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, where he secured the gold medal in discus throw with a remarkable throw of 51.23 meters.

Haider, hailing from Gujranwala, will compete in the F37 category of the discus throw event on September 6. This appearance will be Haider’s fifth at the Paralympic Games, highlighting his long-standing commitment and excellence in para-sports. His gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics with a throw of 55.26 meters was a historic achievement, making him the first Pakistani to earn a gold medal in this event.

In addition to his Tokyo triumph, Haider has a notable history of success. He won a silver medal in the long jump at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and a bronze in the same event at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. An injury prevented his participation in the 2012 London Paralympics.

Haider has consistently demonstrated resilience and skill throughout his career.

The 2024 Paralympics feature over 4,000 athletes from 170 countries, showcasing the remarkable capabilities of individuals with diverse physical disabilities. This year’s games are set against the backdrop of an impressive performance by Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem in the Summer Olympics. The javelin thrower made headlines by securing a gold medal with an Olympic record throw of 92.97 meters, finishing ahead of India’s Neeraj Chopra and Grenada’s Anderson Peters.

The Paralympic torch’s journey began at Stoke Mandeville, London, a historic site where the concept of the Paralympic Games originated. On August 24, the flame was lit next to the English hospital where the idea for the competition was first conceived. British Paralympic athletes Gregor Ewan and Helen Raynsford had the honour of lighting the flame — amid rainy conditions.

Raynsford was the first Paralympic champion in para-rowing and Ewan is a seasoned competitor in wheelchair curling. The Paralympic movement, which traces its roots back to 1948 when German neurologist Ludwig Guttmann organised sports events for injured war veterans at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, has evolved into a global phenomenon impacting millions of lives.

The flame’s journey included a passage through the Channel Tunnel, where it was carried halfway by 24 British torchbearers before being handed over to 24 French torchbearers in Calais. The flame continued its journey across France, traveling through Calais, Arras, Amiens, Louviers, and Chambly before reaching Paris and the Olympic cauldron in the Tuileries Gardens.

This year’s Paralympics feature around 4,400 athletes competing in 549 events across 18 sites, including such iconic venues as the Grand Palais, Château de Versailles, and Stade de France. The games promise to be a showcase of sporting excellence and inspirational performances.

The National Paralympic Committee of Pakistan (NPC Pakistan), established in December 1998, is the recognised body representing Pakistan at the International Paralympic Committee and other international organisations. NPC Pakistan is dedicated to promoting and managing sports for individuals with disabilities, aiming to foster sporting excellence and inclusion.

Since their debut at the Paralympic Games in 1992, Pakistan have consistently participated in every Summer Paralympics. We have won three medals to date — one silver, one bronze, and one gold — all achieved by Haider. Pakistan’s first Paralympics medal came in 2008 when Haider secured a silver medal in the F37/38 category of the men’s long jump. Although his final jump of 6.44 meters was a joint world record with Tunisian athlete Farhat Chida, Haider’s fewer valid jumps led to a silver finish. He was also fourth in the men’s discus throw F37-38 event.