Pakistan’s most searched sports stars of 2024 revealed

Google has released a list of the most searched personalities and topics in Pakistan for 2024, based on trends from billions of searches conducted throughout the year.

While Iranian-born French photographer Abbas Attar topped the list of the most searched personalities overall, the most searched sports personality in Pakistan this year was a surprise to many, as it wasn't a cricketer, but a Pakistani athlete.

Arshad Nadeem, the javelin thrower, gained the top spot for the most searched sports personality in Pakistan. Nadeem made history by winning the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with a throw of 92.97 meters.

This achievement not only earned him the gold but also set a new Olympic record, surpassing the previous record of 90.57 meters set by Norway's Andreas Thorkildsen at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

With this victory, Nadeem brought Pakistan its first Olympic gold medal in 40 years, the last one being won by the Pakistan men's hockey team in 1984.

The next most searched sports personality in Pakistan was a cricketer, but not the usual names like Babar Azam or Shaheen Afridi. Instead, it was Pakistani spin bowler Sajid Khan.

Khan gained significant attention for his brilliant bowling performance against England in October 2024, where his efforts helped Pakistan win the Test series.

His exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.

The third most searched sports personality in Pakistan was former cricket captain Shoaib Malik. Malik had been in the spotlight following his second marriage to actress Sana Javed in January 2024, which fueled media interest around him.