Haider Ali: Unsung Hero of Pakistan Sports

Haider Ali is an all-round para-athlete who created history for Pakistan multiple times in the Paralympic Games; winning a gold in Tokyo (2020), silver in Beijing (2008) and a bronze in Rio (2016) and Paris (2024).

Pakistan has won a total of four medals; all claimed by Haider Ali.

The 39-year-old, who has hemiparesis on the right side since birth, was the only athlete participating from Pakistan in the recently-concluded Paralympic Games in Paris.

Haider secured the Tokyo gold and Paris bronze by competing in men's discus throw but earned his and Pakistan's first two Paralympic medals in Beijing and Rio in long jump instead.

While Haider has always been proud of representing Pakistan, he struggles to receive the attention other gold medalists usually gets from the people and the media.