For four years, Faryal Farooq chased a national record that seemed just out of reach. Training from her hometown in Azad Jammu and Kashmir to the Pakistan Army camp, every throw brought her closer yet never beyond the mark of 38.21 meters.
On day two of the National Games athletics event, under a blazing December sun, that pursuit finally ended. After four unsuccessful throws, her coach Ashraf Ali offered a simple yet powerful encouragement: “Maan jao ga tmhain agar record tod diya” — “I will be proud of you if you break the record.”
Fueled by his words, Faryal stepped into the discus circle for her final throw. With precision and power, she spun and released the discus, sending it soaring well beyond the previous best.
Officials confirmed the new national record: 38.21 meters. The crowd erupted in celebration, marking the culmination of Faryal’s persistent four-year effort.
Her victory, however, highlights broader challenges faced by Pakistani athletes. Faryal stressed the lack of confidence, limited competitions, and insufficient training facilities for women athletes. She appealed for more events — at least three per year — to help competitors overcome fear and perform at their best internationally.
Faryal also pointed to inequities in sports support, citing javelin star Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic success as an example of what proper backing can achieve. Growing up in a town without proper grounds, she relied on department camps for training, underscoring the need for accessible local facilities.
For a brief, shining moment in the discus circle, Faryal Farooq transcended years of struggle and self-doubt. Her record-breaking throw was not only a personal triumph but a call for broader recognition and support for all athletes striving to reach their potential in Pakistan.
