LAHORE – After the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 forced the governments across the world to down the curtains on games, leaving people in mental distress, the year 2021 brought some ease as sporting events were allowed to resume.
In 2021, Pakistani sports-lovers are bursting with pride over some thrilling performances by our athletes, though they could not bring any trophies country. The world witnessed the classy performance of Pakistan from all-time favourite cricket to weightlifting and javelin throw in 2021.
Here are some moments in sports that made Pakistanis proud.
Stylish Pakistan break India hoodoo in T20 World Cup
On October 24, Pakistan handed a humiliating defeat to India as the Men in Green Shirts won the match by 10 wickets. In the 152-run victory chase, the most successful T20I pair of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam made a mockery of India bowling by punishing them to all parts of the park and making the spectators also run for cover as they overhauled the target without getting separated and with 13 balls to spare. It was for the first time in 27 years that Pakistan beat archrival India in a Cricket World Cup.
Pakistan failed to qualify for the final round after losing semi-final to Australia but the historic win against India shadowed this pain.
Javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem wins hearts at Tokoyo Olympics
It was almost for the first time that country’s attention diverted to another sports from cricket when Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem qualified for the final men’s javelin throw final at the Tokyo Olympics in August despite lack of training resources. Nadeem finished fifth, missing out on a podium spot, but he captured the hearts of the country with his tenacity throughout the competition.
Weightlifter Talha Talib makes heroic entry in Olympics
Pakistan’s young weightlifter Talha Talib secured 5th position in the final competition of weightlifting at the Tokyo Olympics. It has been 38 years since any Pakistani has competed in weightlifting sports in the Olympics. Despite he failed to grab bronze for the country, Pakistanis showered praises on him for being resilient and making them proud.
Haider Ali wins Pakistan first-ever Paralympics gold
The renowned discus thrower Haider Ali won the first-ever Gold medal for Pakistan in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Haider Ali won the gold medal in the F37 final with a personal best of 55.26 meters. His first two throws were ruled ineligible, nearly costing him a spot in the competition since he seemed to be suffering from the rain and puddles. With a throw of 47.84 meters, he nailed his third try.
Talha Talib makes Pakistan proud again
In December, weightlifter Talha Talib made Pakistanis proud again as he won the country’s first ever medal in World Weightlifting Championship being held in Uzbekistan.
Talib, who had also represented Pakistan at Tokyo Olympics earlier this year, bagged a bronze in snatch category in 67kgs competition.
