Life has become very hectic for Pakistani people who are passing through the worst economic conditions. The common man is running from pillar to post to make both ends meet. Against this backdrop, the good news is rare. But thank God, our special and the differently-abled have made the entire nation happy by winning laurels for the country in the just-conclude 16th Special Olympic World Games in Berlin, Germany, in which 6,500 athletes from 176 countries participated in 36 different sports.

These special players have shown their skills and abilities to the world during competitions, these players have proved that they are second to none on the field of play, they are true heroes, winners of hearts, their intentions, abilities, skills and determination and morale showed strength like rocks, the passion and dedication of these athletes during the World Games was visible, their enthusiasm and passion was proving that they are the heroes of the world, those who ignore them should change their traditional thinking.

They have proven that due to their abilities, they are invincible, the meetings of players from other countries during the games were seen as a sign of global unity, 54 male and 33 female players of Pakistan participated in eleven sports, including athletics, badminton, basketball, bocce, cycling, football, hockey, powerlifting, swimming, tennis and table tennis. Pakistan won 10 gold medals in this mega event. Pakistan’s Saifullah Solangi won two gold medals in the powerlifting event.

He won a gold medal by lifting 90 kg in the back squat and another in the 115 kg deadlift. Usman Qamar won a gold medal in a 5 km road race in the cycling event. Nasir and Naheen Khan won the gold medal in the women’s double unified event, Pakistani players won the gold medal in badminton, Muhammad Luqman of Pakistan won the gold medal in the 100-meter race in athletics, Usman Qamar and Zainab Ali Raza won the gold in the cycling event.

Upon the arrival of the national team at the Berlin airport, Deputy Head of Mission of Pakistan Embassy Amjad Lodhi, and Head of Justice Helpline Europe Mian Mubeen Akhtar welcomed the team.

Upon arriving at the hotel from the airport, the Mayor of Central Berlin, Stefanie Rumlinger, in a meeting with the Pakistani team, said that Germany has its place in the world in terms of sports. It is an honour for us to host the Special Olympic World Games; sports connect hearts. I am very happy to see the Pak athletes here.

The head of the team, Ronak Lakhani, thanked the mayor and her entire team. Later, the players of the Pakistani team were given a tour of various historical places by the organizing committee in Berlin. They were taken to the Berlin Wall, the German Parliament, the Museum of the Future, the main railway station, Berlin’s largest central park and a school for special children.

On the occasion of the visit to the Berlin Wall, special children were informed about the historical background of the Berlin Wall, which was built in 1961 and demolished in 1990. Players and officials took photos and selfies with the historic Berlin Wall. Arise Grand Show was also organized for the players in Berlin’s biggest theatre. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany, Dr. Muhammad Faisal organized a welcome ceremony for the Pakistani squad at Pakistan House Berlin.

Pakistani Athletes participating in the Games took part in the parade at the capacity Olympia Stadium.

Pakistani athlete Sana got the honour of being one of the torchbearers of the opening ceremony. She walked around the ground with the torch. Be the centre of attention, the national athletes performed well in the event. It is necessary to start preparations now for the next Games in Italy in 2025, with the recognition of their feats at both the public and private levels of the athletes winning medals.

Berlin Olympics’ grand success was the result of the collective efforts of SOP officials, coaches, athletes, and unified partners

I would also like to make it a point that the winning of a great number of medals in Berlin was the result of the collective hard work and dedication of the Special athletes and those associated with Special Olympics Pakistan as key officials, associates, and coaches can be gauged from the fact that they have won 80 medals in total and 10 gold medals, which is a big deal. The role of SOP officials, athletes, their unified partners, coaches and volunteers was instrumental as they worked hard with all their hearts for four years so that this contingent can participate in the Games and win medals for the country.

“A huge credit goes to SOP chairperson Ronak Lakhani because she has been working tirelessly, and her team as well. The SOP worked hard for four tireless years which bore fruit and won Pakistan 80 medals including 10 Gold medals.

The contribution of  Taha Tahir, National Director SOP; Ms Farkhanda Jabeen National Sports Director and Assistant Head of Delegation; and  Ms Shamaila Iram - Assistant Head of Delegation - Sports Manager Federal, to the success of Special athletes is also enormous as they were a full part of the rigorous training which was given to special athletes for the last four years, no matter what the circumstances were. This is a collective effort indeed in which everyone from top to bottom was involved. One would also shower special praise on athletes and their families who regularly brought the players to the training, even during Ramadan.

The athletes, including gold medallists powerlifter Saifullah Solangi, cyclist Usman Qamar, javelin thrower Umair Kayani, shuttlers Faiza Nasir and Naheen Khan, sprinter Muhammad Luqman, cyclist Zainab Ali Raz and sprinter Sana who was also the torchbearer at the opening ceremony, consider it an honour for them to participate at the Games and win laurels for the country. And they are quite focused on Winter Olympics 2025 to take their performance to the next level and increase the tally of their medals in the coming Olympics which are scheduled for 2025.

Published in The Daily National Courier, July, 04 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.