Pakistan's sporting journey in 2024: triumphs and tribulations

 Pakistan's sporting journey in 2024: triumphs and tribulations

Arshad Nadeem’s gold highlights year of mixed fortunes

Asher Butt 

The year 2024 witnessed a rollercoaster ride for Pakistan's sports enthusiasts, with moments of sheer brilliance and gut-wrenching disappointments across various disciplines. While challenges in cricket, hockey, football, and more tested the nation's mettle, a historic achievement by Arshad Nadeem at the Paris Olympics brought immense pride and a much-needed beacon of hope.

 

A golden moment in the Olympics

Arshad Nadeem etched his name in history, winning Pakistan’s first-ever individual gold medal in 40 years at the Paris Olympics with an Olympic record throw of 92.97 meters. His performance not only ended a 32-year medal drought but also placed him among the global elite in athletics. Nadeem’s extraordinary feat was the highlight of Pakistan’s otherwise underwhelming Olympic participation, where most athletes fell short of expectations.

 

Cricket: a year of contrasts

The cricketing year was marked by mixed fortunes. Pakistan secured notable ODI series wins, including a historic victory against Australia after 22 years and a first-ever whitewash of South Africa on their soil. However, these achievements were overshadowed by setbacks in other formats.

 

The Test side faced unprecedented challenges, including a first-ever series defeat to Bangladesh and a historic loss at home. The ICC T20 World Cup added to the woes, with Pakistan failing to advance beyond the group stages for the first time. The team’s inconsistency, leadership struggles, and poor form left fans yearning for better results.

 

Struggles in hockey and football

Hockey, Pakistan's national sport, continued its decline. The men’s team failed to qualify for the Olympics for the third consecutive time and fell short in key tournaments, including the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, despite glimpses of promise.

 

Football offered similar heartbreaks. The men’s team’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup was a significant disappointment, though a historic win over Cambodia in the AFC qualifiers provided a rare silver lining. On the women’s front, the SAFF Women’s Championship highlighted the gap in competitiveness, with the team struggling against regional powerhouses.

 

Bright spots in snooker

Snooker proved to be a rare area of success. Veteran Mohammad Asif secured his third IBSF World Snooker Championship, while emerging talents like Mohammad Hasnain showcased Pakistan's potential on the global stage. These victories offered a glimpse of hope in a challenging year.

 

Looking ahead

Pakistan's 2024 sporting narrative underscores the need for investment in grassroots development, better infrastructure, and strategic planning. As the countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins, and with renewed focus on international competitions, the country must channel its resilience to turn challenges into opportunities.

 

Arshad Nadeem's golden triumph remains the defining moment of the year, symbolizing the power of dedication and perseverance in the face of adversity.