
Dr. Bakhtawar Khalid Kayani is poised to etch her name in history as she unfurls the Pakistani flag at the forthcoming World Games 2023, set to commence at the University of Birmingham arena. Dr. Khalid Kayani’s distinction lies not only in her representation of Pakistan but also as the first blind woman archer to do so.
Archery for visually impaired individuals is a relatively nascent sport in Pakistan. Dr. Bakhtawar Khalid Kayani’s strides in this arena are a monumental achievement, propelling the sport forward in the country.
As a V-2 archer, Dr. Bakhtawar Khalid Kayani’s participation not only marks her presence at the international event but also positions her to potentially become the first female Asian blind archer to showcase her expertise on this global platform tailored for visually impaired archers.
While Dr. Khalid Kayani prepares to make her mark, the World No. 2 in the men’s division, Mohammad Tanvir, is yet to depart for the UK. Secretary of Pakistan Archery Federation, Zulfikar Butt, expressed optimism that Tanvir’s visa would likely be granted by Monday.
Commending Dr. Bakhtawar Khalid Kayani’s commitment and journey, Zulfikar Butt stated that her participation serves as an inspiration and a catalyst for the advancement of sports in the nation. Acknowledging her resilience in surmounting challenges, he emphasized the joint efforts of the federation and her family in ensuring her participation in the prestigious event.
Organized by the International Blind Sports Association, the World Games offer Dr. Bakhtawar Khalid Kayani a debut platform to showcase her skills and bring glory to her nation. A dental student with academic accolades, Dr. Khalid Kayani’s life took an unforeseen turn due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, resulting in gradual loss of eyesight.
Determined to overcome this adversity, she realigned her path with the unwavering support of her family. Her journey led her from academia to the development sector and then into the public sector, where her potential for positive societal impact was recognized.
As the curtains rise on the World Games 2023 in Birmingham, Dr. Bakhtawar Khalid Kayani stands not just as an athlete but as a symbol of courage, resilience, and the unyielding human spirit. Her story resonates as an inspiration globally, illustrating the potency of determination in surmounting obstacles and transforming dreams into reality.