Triumphs and Setbacks
2024 has been a year of mixed emotions for Pakistan’s athletes, marked by both incredible triumphs and heartbreaking setbacks across multiple sports. This review takes a closer look at the key sporting moments, from cricket to snooker, that defined the year.
Cricket: Triumphs and Tribulations
Cricket remains the beating heart of Pakistan’s sporting passion, but the year presented both highs and lows. The men’s team, after a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Australia in a Test series, entered the ICC T20 World Cup with hopes high but fell short. For the first time in T20 World Cup history, Pakistan faced group-stage elimination, marred by inconsistency in leadership and a string of disappointing losses.
However, Pakistan bounced back with a significant Test victory against England, marked by strategic innovations like dry pitches and industrial fans, which led to a 2-1 series win. Additionally, the national team broke a 22-year drought by defeating Australia in an ODI series on their soil. Yet, the women’s team had a year to forget, failing to impress in several international series.
Olympic Glory and Defeat
The 2024 Paris Olympics were a mixed bag for Pakistan. Arshad Nadeem’s historic gold in javelin throw, a first for Pakistan in 40 years, was the crowning achievement. Nadeem’s world-record-breaking throw was the only medal for Pakistan, overshadowing the struggles of other athletes like swimmers and shooters who failed to progress beyond the early rounds.
Hockey: A Year of Struggles
Pakistan’s hockey team, struggling to reclaim its former glory, failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics after another disappointing performance in the qualifiers. Their year included various tournaments, including the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, where they reached the final, but ultimately fell short to Japan in a penalty shootout.
Football: Small Wins, Big Disappointments
The year was also disappointing for Pakistani football, as the men’s team failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the team achieved a milestone by advancing to the second round of the AFC qualification, thanks to a historic win over Cambodia. The women’s team had a tough run in the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship, but youth teams made a positive impact at the Norway Cup, providing a glimmer of hope for the future.
Snooker: A Bright Spot
Snooker was one of the brighter spots for Pakistan in 2024. Mohammad Asif won his third IBSF World Snooker Championship, further solidifying his status as one of the country’s most successful cueists. Alongside him, Awais Munir and Mohammad Hasnain brought home prestigious titles, showcasing Pakistan’s growing strength in the sport.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s sporting year of 2024 was a rollercoaster, with the country’s athletes celebrating remarkable victories and enduring painful defeats. From the unforgettable gold of Arshad Nadeem at the Paris Olympics to the heartbreaks in cricket, hockey, and football, the year reflected both the potential and the areas needing improvement. As the countdown to major tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins, the nation looks forward to better performances and more glory on the global stage.
