Pakistan’s high jumper Shehroz Khan delivered a disappointing performance in the athletics high jump event, failing to secure a medal for the country at the ongoing Islamic Solidarity Games Shehroz managed a jump of 2.08 meters, finishing in fourth place and missing out on the podium in Prince Faisal bin Fahad Stadium, Riyadh. Uzbekistan’s Amir Nagaev claimed the gold medal with an impressive jump of 2.15 meters.

Turkey’s Yasir Kuduban, also clearing 2.15 meters but with fewer successful attempts, secured the silver medal, while the athlete from Oman earned the bronze with a jump of 2.13 meters. Shehroz’s below-par performance has once again raised questions about the transparency of the selection process. 

The high jump trials for the Islamic Games, held in August under the supervision of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), were won by Army athlete Ahmed Faraz. Despite this, the PSB overrode the trial results and included Shehroz Khan’s name for the Islamic games, even though he did not participate in the trials. This decision had already raised serious concerns within athletics circles prior to the team’s departure. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)