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Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak weightlifters win 8 golds at Asian Masters Championship
The members of Pakistan team pose with their medals at the Asian Weightlifting Masters Championship 2025. PHOTO COURTESY: PMWA Pakistani weightlifters grabbed eight gold medals, at the inaugural Asian Masters Weightlifting Championships that concluded in Doha on May 31. The weightlifters bagged 11 medals in total. This was a 100 percent result for Pakistan. The Pakistan Masters Weightlifting Association (PMWA) fielded a squad of 11 athletes, including three women. The championship was featuring 145 athletes from 25 countries, with the biggest contingent coming from Iran. "It has been the best performance we could look for because we really couldn't predict the results as this was just the first edition of the Asian Masters Championships," the PMWA secretary Rashed Malik told this correspondent. "We formed this association because we understand that our athletes and the country need international events, so we can participate in them and also host them and that adds to the economy of the country as well. "But mostly, we are independent of the Pakistan Olympic Association, the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation, etc. "Our body is affiliated with the International Masters Weightlifting Association, which used to be a part of the International Weightlifting Federation but after the mutual understanding and the consent of the main world body, the new organisation was formed to help the weightlifters who were retired, or veterans, or who are 30-years and above to compete. "Because there have been many cases where weightlifters ended up dying young as they were not getting the activity they needed once they left the professional sphere." Currently, the PMWA is in the process of getting affiliation with the Pakistan Sports Board and the ministry. Meanwhile, the resounding success of the athletes will only help further the cause. Among women, Sybil Sohail won the gold medal in 59 Kg. Nadia Maqsood (87 Kg category) was also declared the best women's weightlifter of the 1st Asian Masters Weightlifting Championships with another gold medal for Pakistan. Among men, Rasheed Khan won the gold medal in 89 Kg. Kashif Rehan was declared the winner in M-45 102 Kg. Maqsood Amjad Rathore was the gold medallist in 96 kg, and Furqan Anwar was the winner of the 89 Kg M-30 category. Muhammad Iqbal won the gold medal in the 102 Kg M-35 event, and Umer Rasool Lone got the title of the 96 Kg M-35 category. The remaining two athletes received bronze medals, Abdul Malik in the 109 Kg M-50 event and Usman Amjad Rathore in the 109 Kg M-35 category. Malik also emphasised that PMWA athletes, like those from Balochistan, get the chance to compete again as they are often left behind due to systemic issues in Pakistani sport.
Express Tribune
10-05-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
35th National Games rescheduled for December
Global warming and climate change is forcing Pakistani sports calendars to change exceedingly. On Friday, the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) announced that the 35th National Games will be held from December 6-12 instead in May 2025 after they had a detailed meeting with meeting with Chief Minister Sindh on May 7 in Karachi. The Games were postponed on the advice of the Sindh Government in an announcement last month, which stated that the severe heat wave is making it difficult for the athletes to continue training and eventually competing at the Games that are taking place in Karachi after 2007. Karachi has been experiencing high temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius since April. "We had originally chalked the National Games to take place in May because in previous editions that were held in Karachi, in 1997 and 2007, they took place in May-June," The POA Secretary Khalid Mahmood told this correspondent. According to the press release, the high-level meeting in Karachi with the Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah was attended by a delegation of the POA led by its President Arif Saeed, with Senior Vice President Fatima Lakhani, Secretary General Muhammad Khalid Mahmood, and Ahmed Ali Rajput, Secretary General of the Sindh Olympic Association. "The heatwave was there, and the temperatures began to rise, so we decided that nothing is more important than the well-being of the athletes. That is paramount. The Sindh Government advised us, and we have to trust them because they are the best judge on this matter. The Chief Minister of Sindh has taken complete ownership of the Games," explained. Mahmood also highlighted the need to reschedule the sports calendars, keeping two things in mind. "The two important thigs are to schedule training sessions in a way that athletes do not bear the brunt of the heatwaves and so keeping the training for the evnets and the scheduling of the events have to be such that we are not harful for the athletes and the weather is good so they can train and play, and yes, the climate change and this global warming is affecting our calneders and athletes in a big way." To tackle the challenges, he added that the POA has notified its Environment Commission to supervise the situation for the next four years. Meanwhile, he added that CM Sindh Shah has given a complete assurance of help with further assistance in budgeting for the 35th National Games, too: "He has assured that if we need more, he will sanction the amount we need." He said the National Games used to cost between Rs 20 to 25 crores. However, the cost is now almost Rs 50 crore with 7000 athletes competing in the Games due to rising costs of transport and other amenities for all the participants, including the officials. The venue for the Games will remain the same, KMC Sports Complex, but the Sindh Government has promised upgrades to the facilities. "The Chief Minister emphasized his commitment to sports and athlete development, and assured that comprehensive arrangements will be made for the safety, comfort, and high-performance environment of all participants. He instructed the concerned departments to provide top-tier accommodation, medical services, transportation, and to ensure compliance with international standards for all competition infrastructure and equipment, for which Secretary of the Sports & Youth Affairs Department Abdul Aleem Lashari will be the focal person. Among key announcements, the Chief Minister declared the construction of a new, state-of-the-art swimming pool and the procurement of advanced electronic timing and scoring systems,' read the press release.
Express Tribune
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
35th National Games postponed till Dec
Most of the grounds and facilities at sports complexes in Karachi are far from ready to host 35th National Games. PHOTO: APP Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah met with a delegation of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) to finalise preparations for the 35th National Games 2025, which the CM announced that Karachi would host from December 6 to 13. Sindh will host the National Games after a gap of 18 years. Earlier, the National Games were scheduled to start from May 1. after 18 years hosted by Sindh. However, due to extreme heat in the city and other reasons, it was decided to postpone National Games. The meeting was held at the CM House, and attended by the POA delegation led by its President, Arif Saeed, Senior Vice President Fatima Lahori, Secretary General Khalid Mehmood, and Sindh Secretary Ahmed Ali Rajput. Also present was Sports Secretary Aleem Laghari, who gave a briefing on the preparations, logistics, and planning for the games. CM Shah pledged full cooperation to ensure the games are organised to international standards, directing relevant departments to provide essential facilities to athletes, including training, medical care, transportation, and modern infrastructure. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the POA, the Government of Sindh, and the Sindh Olympic Association (SOA) to establish a coordinated framework for organising the games. According to Organising Secretary Ahmed Ali Rajput, around 10,000 male and female athletes, officials and others from across the country will participate in National Games to be held at 21 different venues. A total of 2760 athletes from provincial teams and 5600 from departmental teams will participate, along with 1200 technical officials and 132 veteran athletes. Water pipelines CM Murad, while presiding over a meeting to review the progress of the K-IV Augmentation Project, expressed serious concern over a burst water line at Karachi University and instructed the water board to repair it and restore the water supply immediately."This is unacceptable, that every day one or the other water transmission line bursts, ultimately the citizens have to suffer, therefore it must be resolved once and for all," he said. At the outset of the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed his dissatisfaction and directed the water board to conduct a comprehensive survey of all old lines and develop a five-year plan for their repair/replacement. "The water board needs to strengthen its system," he emphasised. Reviewing the progress on the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (K-IV Augmentation Works, KWSSIP-II), the Chief Minister emphasised the strategic importance of the project in addressing Karachi's chronic water shortage and urged all relevant agencies to remove administrative bottlenecks immediately.
Express Tribune
07-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
POA marks 'Peace Through Sports Day'
On the occasion of "Peace Through Sports Day" observed globally on April 6 under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee and the United Nations, The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), Softball Federation of Pakistan, Pakistan Karate Federation and various sports federations in Pakistan organized special events. President of the Pakistan Olympic Association, Arif Saeed, said, "Today, we join the global community in celebrating the International Day of Peace through sports. It is a powerful symbol and global message of peace, inclusion, and solidarity through sports. Through our events and initiatives, we are committed to promoting these values by empowering youth, strengthening communities, and fostering national unity." He further added, "On behalf of the Olympic family, I encourage all athletes, coaches, officials, and citizens to hold up the white card and stand together for peace." POA Senior Vice President Fatima Lakhani stated, "Sports are a powerful means to bring people together and build peace. It fosters friendship and draws lines of respect across borders. We must play our part in promoting a healthy lifestyle and making sports widely accessible." POA Secretary General Muhammad Khalid Mahmood said that the purpose of observing Peace Through Sports Day is to spread the message of peace around the world through sports. The POA and all affiliated federations, by raising white cards, reaffirm their commitment to spreading the message of peace and love from this land to the entire world. Associate Secretary General of POA, Tehmina Asif, emphasized that Pakistanis are a sports-loving nation and that sports are an essential tool for peace and reconciliation. She said that through sports, people from different cultures, religions, nationalities, and languages can come together on one platform to spread the message of peace globally. At a special event organized by the Softball Federation of Pakistan, President Asif Azeem highlighted the role of sports, while Special Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Lakhani said, "The participation of foreign teams in various international events, including the recently held Champions Trophy in Pakistan, is clear evidence that Pakistan is a safe country for sports activities." Senior Vice President of the federation, Professor Dr. Farhan Essa, said, "When people take part in sports, they learn to respect the dignity of their opponents, values of teamwork, tolerance, fair play, and adherence to rules." On this occasion, participants raised white cards to reaffirm the message of peace through sports.
Express Tribune
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
SOP medallists receive cash awards
BEST WISHES: Municipal Commissioner Noor Hassan Jokhio along with Syed Foundation President Wasim Hashmi, and the officials of Dar-ul-Sukoon being presented a souvenir along with Mumtaz Ali Zardari, Rafiq Sheikh, and Asim Ali Khan. PHOTO COURTESY: ORGANISERS The Municipal Commissioner of Saddar Town, Noor Hassan Jokhio, stated that special children are an integral part of our society. Allah has endowed them with immense potential, and these children have demonstrated their talents on the sports fields, bringing pride to Pakistan worldwide. Recently, our national heroes, who won six gold medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Turin, Italy, have proven that their abilities are no less than others, raising Pakistan's stature on the global stage. He made these remarks during a ceremony held at Dar-ul-Sukoon, an institution dedicated to the care of children with mental disabilities, under the auspices of Syed Foundation. The event was attended by Tamina Asif, Associate Secretary-General of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), Bony Bornation, Manager of Dar-ul-Sukoon, Syed Wasimuddin Hashmi, President of Syed Foundation, and a large number of special children. Municipal Commissioner Noor Hassan Jokhio expressed his happiness in participating in the celebrations of the special children, emphasizing that such events inspire further motivation among these children. In recognition of the Special Olympics Winter Games national medalists, Saddar Town will organize a ceremony where they will be awarded cash prizes. Tamina Asif, Associate Secretary-General of the POA, said that she salutes the tireless efforts of the Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan, Ronaq Lakhani, Syed Foundation President Wasim Hashmi, and the officials of Dar-ul-Sukoon for their dedication to serving special children. She further emphasized that the Pakistan Olympic Association will continue to extend its full support to ensure special athletes have equal opportunities to participate in sports. Syed Foundation's President Wasim Hashmi remarked that Dar-ul-Sukoon has undoubtedly set an example at the national level for its outstanding work. The institution not only focuses on the care of special children but also regularly organizes various events for their recreation. He announced that Syed Foundation will soon be hosting a sports festival for special children.
