ISLAMABAD: Pakistani athletes have returned home with 80 medals from the Special Olympics 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.”
Pakistani gold-medal-winning athletes like Saifullah Solangi, Usman Qamar, Umair Kayani, Faiza Nasir, Naheen Khan, Muhammad Luqman, Zainab Ali Raza, and 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.”
“For this event, our preparations were going on for the last four years,” said Ronak Lakhani, the chairperson of the Special Olympics Pakistan.
“The role of athletes’ unified partners, especially the coaches, has been the most important in their success. With their tireless work and excellent training, the players have reached this point today. I also congratulate the parents of the players who have helped their children.”
“The enthusiasm of Pakistani athletes was visible during the event,” SOP Adviser Yasmin Haider said.
“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 the organizing committee of the World Games.”
