Haider Ali secures bronze for Pakistan in Paris Paralympics

Pakistan’s ace Paralympian Haider Ali secured a bronze medal for his country in the men's discus throw F37 final on Friday in Paris.

The 39-year-old, who was the sole participant from Pakistan in the ongoing Games, covered a distance of 52.54 meters at the jam-packed Stade de France Track.

Tolliboy Yuldashev of Uzbekistan stayed on top with a throw of 57.28 meters, his personal best, to win the gold, while Jesse Zesseu of Canada grabbed the silver with 53.24 meters.

Haider, who had won the gold medal in the Tokyo Games three years ago, failed to defend his title. Following an exciting start where he stayed on top for the first two rounds with a score of 52.28 meters, Haider committed four fouls and was soon overtaken by his opponents.

Haider Ali in action during men's discus throw F37 final at Stade de France Track Reuters

It was the day of the Uzbek stout athlete Tolibboy who exhibited fine skills and pulled off his personal best to clinch his maiden Paralympics gold with a throw of 57.28m.

The bronze in Paris is Haider’s fourth medal for Pakistan in the Games. Previously, he won gold in Tokyo (2020), bronze in Rio (2016) and a silver in Beijing (2008).

Pakistan has won a total of four medals in its 32-year-long Paralympic history, all bagged by Haider.