Mohammad Haris Jamal is an eight-year-old young runner and an unofficial World Champion in Backyard Ultra at the age of seven. He also has several unofficial running records at a very young age.
Haris has been involved in mountain activities since the age of three. Every year, during his three-month summer school vacation, he spends time in the mountains and takes part in outdoor and adventure activities.
Last year, Haris attempted to reach Khusargang Summit, but unfortunately, the summit could not be completed. This year, after completing his training, he again went to Khusargang with the goal of reaching the summit.
Unfortunately, during the expedition, his father became seriously unwell at around 5,700 meters, while they were still some distance below the 6,064-meter summit. Because of his father’s condition, they had to turn back.
From there, Haris started running and continued all the way towards Shigar. This is another unofficial record by Kharis. His GPS watch contains the complete tracking data and timing, and the Sky Adventure team was also present during the expedition.
Haris is only eight years old, but his courage, dedication and achievements deserve encouragement and recognition.
His mission is much bigger than just running.
Haris wants to promote sports and adventure tourism among children in Pakistan. In today’s technology-driven world, he wants children to spend less time on mobile phones, laptops and screens and more time participating in sports, physical activities and outdoor adventures alongside their education.
He wants parents to take their children to the mountains and other outdoor areas so that children can experience nature, adventure and healthy physical activities.
Haris also wants to highlight an important issue in Pakistan: many schools and colleges do not have proper playgrounds or sufficient opportunities for children to participate in sports. Young athletes often do not receive the encouragement, recognition or support they deserve.
Despite his achievements and the records he has already accomplished, no major institution, sports organization or government body has come forward to properly recognize or encourage him. Until today, the greatest support and encouragement he has received has come from his father.
There are many institutions in Pakistan that say they are promoting sports, running and young athletes. But when a young child like haris achieves something extraordinary, where are those institutions?
