The ongoing Global Pandemic has affected several main events worldwide; 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo being one of the most significant one. Teams and individuals practice years after years to be able to represent their countries in this biggest international sporting event. However, unprecedented times like these demoralizes many sportsmen who had their whole year planned out. On the positive side, the event that was originally scheduled from 24th July to 9th August 2020, has now been rescheduled to 23rd July to 8th August 2021.
Among several nations, Pakistan is also in line to participate in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. This event will be Pakistan’s eighth overall appearance in Summer Olympics. Unfortunately, four times World Champion, Pakistan’s Hockey Team failed to qualify for the main event. This was the second consecutive instance Hockey Team could not make the cut. This meant that slim hopes of a medal in the games now relied on the shoulders of individual athletes. Anyhow, these qualified athletes have to wait another year before testing their luck in the most prestigious sporting event.
The number of athletes who have qualified for the main event is currently six, and the list shall be updated as more athletes seal a spot until next year. These athletes will represent Pakistan in Shooting, Equestrian, and Athletics.
Najma Parveen will compete for women’s 200 meters track event. She also participated in the same event back in 2016, completing the race in 26.11 seconds.
Arshad Nadeem will represent Pakistan in Men’s Javelin Throw. His record through in South Asian Games 2019 earned him a direct spot in the Olympics.
Usman Khan became the first Pakistani Equestrian Rider to qualify for the Olympics. Usman and his horse Azad Kashmir qualified for the Olympics through their performance at the Wallaby Hill last December.
Muhammad Khalil Akhtar was indeed the first athlete to qualify for Tokyo Olympics. He qualified for Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event after promising performances in the World Shooting Cup at Brazil.
Ghulam Mustafa Bashir will also represent the country in Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol Event. He finished 18th in the same category during the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Gulfam Joseph became the third Pakistani Shooter to qualify for the Olympics in Men’s 10m Air Pistol Event. His performance in South Asian Games and Commonwealth Games and earned a place in the Tokyo Olympics through the Olympic quota.
These promising athletes have the support and prayers of the nation to perform outstandingly in the main events of the Olympics. Hopefully, the list will have a few more qualifications until next year.
