Haider Ali Wins Silver in Men’s Discus Throw at Asian Para Games
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan’s Paralympic champion Haider Ali secured a silver medal in the men’s F37 discus throw at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, on Wednesday, narrowly missing out on gold in a closely contested competition.
The 41-year-old athlete produced a best throw of 57.20 metres to finish second behind Uzbekistan’s Kudratillokhon Marufkhujaev, who claimed gold with an Asian Para Games record of 57.39 metres. India’s Haney secured the bronze medal with a throw of 57.04 metres.
The competition was decided by narrow margins, with just 19 centimetres separating Ali from the gold medal winner. Haney finished only 16 centimetres behind the Pakistani athlete.
Ali’s six attempts measured 51.63m, 56.51m, 54.98m, 53.65m, 57.20m and 54.45m. Both Ali and Haney recorded personal bests during the event, highlighting the competitive standard of the final.
Speaking to The Express Tribune from Nagoya, Ali expressed satisfaction with his performance and credited his achievement to dedicated preparation.
“Thank God I had worked hard and was rewarded,” he said, adding that he had spent a year preparing for the major international competition.
The silver medal adds another achievement to Ali’s distinguished career in para athletics. He won gold in the men’s discus throw at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and earned bronze in the same event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
His achievements also include a silver medal in the long jump at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games and a bronze medal in the event at Rio 2016. The Gujranwala-born athlete has additionally won four gold medals and two bronze medals at the Asian Para Games.
The world record in the men’s F37 discus throw stands at 59.75 metres, set by Uzbekistan’s Khusniddin Norbekov at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
Ali’s latest podium finish further strengthens his status as one of Pakistan’s most accomplished para athletes and adds another international medal to his impressive sporting record.
