Excellence is the fine line that separates athletes, turning Olympic dreams into reality. Every fraction of a second faster, every centimeter farther is perfection crafted over years, culminating in a moment of athletic supremacy. This is the essence of the Olympics, and seven of Pakistan’s finest athletes will embody this spirit at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Though seven may seem a small number for a nation of nearly 250 million, these athletes represent the hopes and dreams of a country with a rich but fading sporting legacy. Lets celebrate their achievements and cheer them on as they strive to etch their names in history.
Arshad Nadeem — Athletics
Men’s Javelin Throw: August 6, 8
Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s javelin star, has made remarkable strides on the international stage. With a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a silver at the 2023 World Athletic Championships, he’s already proven his mettle. Having joined the elite 90-meter club, Nadeem aims to surpass his personal best of 90.18m and clinch an Olympic medal, a feat not achieved by a Pakistani athlete in 35 years.
“Every time I compete, I’m challenging myself,” Nadeem says. His recent 84.21m throw at the Paris Diamond League signals his readiness to take on the world’s best.
Faiqa Riaz — Athletics
Women’s 100m: August 2
Faiqa Riaz will have just 12 seconds to make her mark, but that’s all she needs. The 24-year-old sprinter is chasing the national record, having unofficially clocked 11.70 seconds earlier this year. Transitioning from hockey to athletics in 2017, Riaz has become Pakistan’s fastest woman, driven by her family’s unwavering support. “It’s always been my dream to compete in the Olympics,” she says, ready to race alongside her idol, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
Gulfam Joseph — Shooting
10m Air Pistol Men: July 27 | 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Event: July 29
Gulfam Joseph returns to the Olympics with renewed confidence. After placing ninth in Tokyo 2020, the 24-year-old aims for a podium finish in Paris. With top-notch training facilities and dedicated support from the shooting federation, Joseph is determined to elevate Pakistan’s presence in the sport.
Kishmala Talat — Shooting
10m Air Pistol Women: July 27 | 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team: July 29 | 25m Pistol Women: August 2
Kishmala Talat, the first Pakistani woman to directly qualify for the Olympics, will compete in three events in Paris. Her recent success at the Asian Shooting Championships has boosted her confidence. Talat aims to pave the way for more female athletes in Pakistan, believing in gender equality as a key to winning championships.
Ghulam Mustafa Bashir — Shooting
Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol: August 4
Veteran shooter Ghulam Mustafa Bashir is set for his third Olympics, with a bronze medal from the 2022 World Championships under his belt. Ranked 18th globally, Bashir’s rapid rise in shooting is extraordinary. He hopes to inspire the next generation of shooters, emphasizing the importance of passing on the torch to keep the sport alive in Pakistan.
Jehanara Nabi — Swimming
Women’s 200m Freestyle: July 28
Jehanara Nabi, the flag-bearer alongside Arshad Nadeem, will compete in the 200m Freestyle. Her consistent national record-breaking performances and training at Thanyapura in Thailand have prepared her for this moment. Nabi’s Olympic debut will be a testament to her hard work and her family’s early support in her swimming career.
Ahmed Durrani — Swimming
Men’s 200m Freestyle: July 28
At 18, Ahmed Durrani is the youngest in the contingent, ready to break the national record again in Paris. Inspired by his idol Haseeb Tariq, Durrani has his sights set on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. His dedication, training rigor, and supportive family have been pivotal in his journey to the Olympics.
These seven athletes exemplify dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. As they step onto the global stage in Paris, they carry the hopes of an entire nation, aiming to reclaim Pakistan’s sporting glory.
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