Anushe Engineer, a journalist from Karachi, has made history as the first Pakistani to secure first place in the Young Reporters Writing category at the AIPS Sport Media Awards. This prestigious recognition was announced during the 2024 ceremony hosted in Rabat, Morocco.
Engineer received the award for her powerful and in-depth feature titled “It’s all or nothing for Arshad Nadeem in Paris,” which spotlighted the dedication and struggles of Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem. Her storytelling explored the immense pressure on the athlete as he geared up for the Paris Olympics—an event that would prove historic not just for Nadeem, but for Pakistan as a whole.
With an incredible 92.97-meter throw, Nadeem went on to win a gold medal, giving Pakistan its first Olympic gold in more than thirty years and the first outside of its hockey-traditional bastion.
Engineer emerged as the winner among three shortlisted finalists, surpassing strong entries from France’s Louis Boulay and Issy Ronald from the UK. Alongside the honor, she also received an AIPS scholarship, which grants her access to a major upcoming international sports event.
Reflecting on the award, Engineer expressed sincere surprise and appreciation, noting that her only goal had been to tell a compelling story. Her journalistic work, which spans topics from social justice to politics and sports, has steadily gained recognition for its depth and clarity.
This award marks a milestone not just in Engineer’s career, but also for the broader Pakistani media industry—highlighting the growing influence of local voices on the global journalism stage.
