By Syed Muhammad Yaseen Hashmi
In a nation where cricket has long reigned supreme, General (Retired) Muhammad Akram Sahi has quietly but powerfully rewritten the script for Pakistani athletics. Since assuming leadership of the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) in 2011, General Sahi has steered a transformative journey—reviving a fading sport, nurturing raw talent, and propelling Pakistan to the global athletic stage.
At a time when athletic infrastructure was in decay and international relevance a distant memory, General Sahi stepped in with a bold vision: to ignite the potential of Pakistan’s youth through sport. He championed the modernization of training systems, lobbied for upgrades to neglected facilities like Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad, and introduced global best practices for coaching and performance standards.
One of the most defining outcomes of his leadership has been the meteoric rise of Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s javelin star. Recognizing Arshad’s promise early on, General Sahi not only helped secure his placement with WAPDA but also provided his first professional javelin gear. These foundational supports led to history in Paris 2024, where Arshad clinched Pakistan’s first Olympic gold medal in athletics with a record-breaking 92.97-meter throw, ending a 40-year Olympic gold drought.
But Sahi’s support for Arshad was more than technical—it was deeply personal and cultural. Following Arshad’s Olympic victory, he facilitated the athlete’s Umrah pilgrimage, honoring the spiritual dimension of the moment and reinforcing a model of leadership that is both holistic and human.
His work, however, has never focused on one star alone. From implementing nationwide talent hunts and regional coaching workshops to taking a zero-tolerance stance on doping, Sahi has rebuilt the athletic ecosystem from the grassroots up. His programs aim to develop talent with integrity, ensuring that Pakistan’s future champions compete clean and confident on the world stage.
General Sahi’s influence is also international. In 2024, he became the first Pakistani elected Vice President of the Asian Athletics Association, a milestone that gave Pakistan a seat at the table of continental sports governance. His active participation in global commissions has seen him advocate for athlete rights, champion anti-doping reforms, and push for transparent governance across Asia.
In a country yearning for sporting heroes and global recognition, General Sahi has reimagined what leadership in sports can achieve. His work has bridged administrative foresight with personal mentorship, lifted Pakistan out of athletic obscurity, and given millions a reason to believe in the power of discipline, vision, and national pride.
From overlooked fields to Olympic podiums, General Akram Sahi’s legacy is a story of hope, honor, and historic transformation.
