Islamabad, December 31,2024: From cricket to field hockey, weightlifting to MMA, Pakistan’s sports journey in 2024 was a rollercoaster of emotional highs and lows, showcasing remarkable achievements and heartbreaking setbacks. Here’s a summary of the year’s most memorable moments across various sports:
Golden moments
Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic glory:
Javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem made history in August, clinching Pakistan’s first Olympic gold medal in the discipline with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters. His achievement brought pride and numerous accolades to the nation.
Nooh Dastgir’s Commonwealth triumph:
Weightlifter Nooh Dastgir Butt secured gold at the Commonwealth Games in South Africa in October, lifting an impressive 370 kilograms to become Pakistan’s first powerlifting gold medalist.
Shehroze Kashif’s Mountaineering feat:
At just 22, Shehroze Kashif became the youngest Pakistani to summit all 14 of the world’s tallest peaks, known as the “eight-thousanders.” His journey is an inspiration for adventurers worldwide.
Haider Ali’s Paralympic success:
Paralympian Haider Ali earned a bronze medal in the Men’s Discus event at the Paris Paralympics, adding to his tally of four medals—Pakistan’s only achievements at the Games.
Sohail Sisters shine in Weightlifting:
Cybil and Veronica Sohail dominated in South Africa, each winning four gold medals in their respective categories during a major weightlifting championship.
Shahzaib Rind’s Karate championship:
Hailing from Balochistan, Shahzaib Rind won the World Karate Combat Light Heavyweight Championship, defeating Brazil’s Luiz Victor Rocha in a thrilling finale.
Anita Karim’s MMA victory:
Anita Karim, Pakistan’s pioneering female MMA fighter, secured a swift victory over Italy’s Adriana Fusini in January, cementing her status as a trailblazer in martial arts.
Team Triumphs
Blind T20 World Cup victory:
Pakistan claimed their first Blind T20 World Cup title, defeating Bangladesh in December to coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Field Hockey resurgence:
Pakistan reached the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final for the first time in 13 years but lost to Japan in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw.
Cricket milestones:
After a disappointing ICC T20 World Cup exit, Pakistan’s men’s cricket team bounced back, winning historic series against England, Australia, and South Africa, ending the year on a high note.
Bismah Maroof retires:
Former women’s cricket captain Bismah Maroof retired in April, leaving a legacy as Pakistan’s top run-scorer in ODIs and T20Is, with 3,000+ and 2,500+ runs, respectively.
As the year ends, Pakistan’s sports stories of perseverance, triumph, and heartbreak resonate deeply, showcasing the nation’s potential on the global stage.
