ecuring a medal in the Paralympics is a formidable challenge, especially given the rigorous qualification standards. Nevertheless, Pakistan's Haider Ali has consistently demonstrated his unwavering commitment and dedication, proudly raising his nation's flag on the podium.

On September 6th, while he fell short of defending his gold medal, he once again proved himself as one of the top men's discus throwers in the special games. During the final, Pakistan’s sole competitor at the Paralympics faced a series of foul throws in his second, third, fourth, and fifth attempts. However, he made a remarkable comeback with a 52.54m throw in his sixth attempt, securing the bronze medal in the Men’s Discus Throw F37. This performance underscored his resilience and skill, qualities he has consistently exhibited throughout his career.

The 39-year-old athlete, who has cerebral palsy, came third, trailing behind Uzbekistan’s Tolibboy Yuldashev, who won gold with an impressive throw of 57.28m on his sixth attempt. Canada’s Jesse Zesseu secured the silver medal with a best throw of 53.24m.

Haider now holds a total of one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals after competing in five Paralympic Games — the only medals ever won by Pakistan.

In an interview with The News on Sunday, Haider expressed his delight at his success at the Paris Paralympics 2024. He said, "Thisachievement is more valuable to me because of the lack of training and financial resources." He dedicated his bronze medal at the Paralympics to the entire nation.Haider hopes to participate in more Special Games. "In the future, I am committed to raising the flag of Pakistan at every Paralympic platform and winning more medals for my country.

"Haider said the promises made after he won a gold medal in the Tokyo event were not fully realised, leaving him unprepared for the Paris Paralympics.

He said if he had better training opportunities before the Paris Paralympics, his hard work in the final could have turned the bronze medal into gold.

Haider said that he should be treated like Arshad Nadeem for his recent performance because winning a medal in the Paralympics has the same importance as winning a medal in the Olympics.

"Government and private institutions should announce awards for my recent achievement," Haider added.

"To increase Pakistan's participation in the upcoming Paralympics, we need to launch a talent hunt programme. Indian dominance in the recent Paralympics was due to significant investment in special sports."

In the Paralympics medal table, China led with a total of 94 gold medals, followed by Great Britain in second place with 49, and the USA in third with 36. India took the 18th position with seven golds. Pakistan stood 79th.

Haider made his international debut at the 2006 FESPIC Games in Kuala Lumpur, bagging one gold and three silver medals. He won a silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Games, where he made an impressive debut in the men’s Long Jump F37/38 with a jump of 6.44 meters.

However, he faced a setback in 2012 when an injury prevented him from participating in the London Paralympics.

At the Rio 2016 Games, he bounced back by clinching a bronze medal in the men’s T37 long jump, once again serving as the country’s sole participant and flag-bearer at the opening ceremony. Haider achieved his greatest success at the Tokyo 2020 Games, where he won gold in the Men’s Discus Throw F37.

His qualification for the Paris 2024 Paralympics was secured after an outstanding performance at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, where he won the gold medal in discus throw with an impressive distance of 51.23 meters.