This year Pakistan is making a mark by its consistent efforts and dedication. In special Olympics 2023 Berlin, they managed to bag 11 gold, 29 sliver and 40 bronze medals. They are welcomed with love and respect on the airport.
Pakistani athletes have returned home with 80 medals from the Special Olympics 2023 World Games held in Berlin from June 17 to 25, a statement issued by Special Olympics Pakistan said. 7,000 Special Olympics athletes and unified partners from approximately 190 countries competed in 26 sports at the tournament, which takes place every two years. The athletes were supported by more than 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers.
“After winning a total of 80 medals with 11 gold, 29 silver, and 40 bronze medals in the Special Olympic World Games played in Berlin, Germany from June 17 to 25. The Pakistani squad has returned home,” the Pakistan Special Olympics said in the statement.
“Upon arrival at Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad airports, the officials of Special Olympics Pakistan and the relatives and fans of the athletes welcomed them with full national spirit.”
Gold Medalists
Pakistani gold-medal-winning athletes like Saifullah Solangi, Usman Qamar, Umair Kayani, Faiza Nasir, Naheen Khan, Muhammad Luqman, Zainab Ali Raza. National athlete Sana, the torchbearer of the opening ceremony of the World Games, said that they had gone to Berlin “with the spirit of winning for Pakistan.”
SOP Adviser Yasmin Haider said that the games were the biggest event in the world in terms of special athletes and volunteers. However, she noted that the Pakistani athletes’ enthusiasm was visible.
“As the representatives of Pakistan in Berlin. They not only impressed the athletes of all the countries participating in the games with their message of love and peace. But they also impressed especially the organizing committee of the World Games,” said Haider.
She added that SOP Pakistan would take all “possible steps to continue this journey of success in the future as well”.
Ahead of the event, PM Shehbaz Sharif extended his heartfelt wishes to the 87-member team of differently-abled athletes representing Pakistan in the international competition.