Latest news with #SpecialOlympicsPakistan
Express Tribune
16-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak Swimming Fed stress on clean sport
A group photo of the participants at the Pakistan Swimming Federation's Good Governance in Sports, Anti-Doping, and Training for Technical Officials seminar with the federation's CEO Majid Waseem, Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan and President of Sindh Women's Swimming Association Ronak Iqbal Lakhani, President of Pakistan Women's Swimming Association Yasmin Ahmed, POA Associate Secretary General Tehmina Asif among others. PHOTO COURTESY: ORGANISERS In preparation for the 35th National Games and the South Asian Games 2026, the Pakistan Swimming Federation, in collaboration with the Pakistan Women's Swimming Association, Sindh Women's Swimming and Sindh Swimming Association, organized a three-day seminar focusing on Good Governance in Sports, Anti-Doping, and Training for Technical Officials. The seminar was held at the National Sailing Center and highlighted the importance of sports development, leadership, the creation of a positive sporting environment, and athlete-centered decision-making. Notable participants included CEO of Pakistan Swimming Federation and Vice President of Pakistan Olympic Association Major (R) Majid Waseem, Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan and President of Sindh Women's Swimming Association Ronak Iqbal Lakhani, President of Pakistan Women's Swimming Association Yasmin Ahmed, POA Associate Secretary General Tehmina Asif, PSF Finance Secretary Muhammad Atif Shafiq, coaches, former and current national swimmers, association members, and federation representatives. On the topic of anti-doping, Dr. Lubna Sabtain, Vice Chairperson of the POA Medical Commission, delivered an in-depth session on doping control, the importance of nutrition, and the rules and regulations of WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). During the workshop for technical officials, Major (R) Majid Waseem trained participants on the responsibilities of officials in competitions, rules and regulations, and duties across various levels including timekeeping, judging, and refereeing, combining theoretical learning with practical exercises to meet international standards. Major Waseem also expressed his gratitude to StormFiber CEO Danish Lakhani for sponsoring the seminar, stating that support from the private sector for such events is a positive step forward. Ronak Lakhani emphasized that athletes are role models, and it is our responsibility to provide them with opportunities and make them aware of their rights. She noted that the seminar was highly beneficial for swimming officials, coaches, and swimmers, and expressed hope that participants would share the knowledge they gained with their respective sports communities. Commenting on good governance, Muhammad Atif Shafiq said that in the modern era, both officials and athletes must fully understand and fulfill their responsibilities. The seminar concluded with the distribution of souvenirs to the experts.
Express Tribune
17-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak Special Olympics squad returns after impressive show
The enthusiasm and determination of Pak athletes in Special Olympics in Turin fetched them as many as 11 medals. PHOTO: SOP Pakistan's squad, which won 11 medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, returned home on Monday to a warm welcome at the Karachi Airport. Associate Secretary General of Pakistan Olympic Association Tehmina Asif, along with officials from Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP) and the family of the athletes besides several fans received the squad. They were greeted with flower garlands in celebration of their remarkable achievement in the Special Olympics. Gold medalists Moazzam Iqbal, Afaq Khan, Abdul Saboor, and Minahil Asim expressed their pride in representing Pakistan, stating that they participated in the games with the sole aim of winning for their country. They credited their success to their hard work, the guidance of their coaches, SOP's support, and the prayers of the entire nation. Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan, Ronak Lakhani, emphasized that winning medals in such a mega event is a significant honor for Pakistan. She highlighted that the team had been preparing for the Winter Games for the past five years, and the athletes reached the victory stand by delivering their best performances. She also acknowledged the crucial role of the coaches, whose dedication and excellent training helped the athletes achieve this milestone. Tehmina Asif, Associate Secretary General of POA, noted that the World Winter Games featured some of the best teams from around the world, yet the enthusiasm and determination of Pakistani athletes were extraordinary. She added that in Turin, the athletes not only showcased their sporting skills but also served as ambassadors of Pakistan, spreading messages of love and peace, leaving a lasting impression on players from other countries. Tehmina also congratulated the athletes' parents for their unwavering support in encouraging their children to pursue sports.
Express Tribune
17-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak athletes shine at SO World Winter Games finale
The Special Olympics Pakistan contingent along with chairperson Ronak Lakhani at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Closing Ceremony in Turin, Italy. PHOTO CREDIT: SOP The 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games, held in Turin, Italy, have come to an end. The next World Winter Games will take place in Chile. During the closing ceremony, the World Winter Games torch was extinguished, and the Special Olympics flag was handed over to Emilia Ríos, the Subsecretary of Sports for the Republic of Chile, the host country for the next games. The World Winter Games lasted for eight days, with nearly 1,500 athletes from 103 countries participating. The closing ceremony featured a musical program that delighted the athletes. Despite the ongoing snowfall in the stadium, they enthusiastically performed various dances and exchanged jackets, badges, and souvenirs. The Pakistani contingent also participated in the event with great enthusiasm. Alongside Special Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Lakhani and officials, the athletes sang patriotic songs, including "Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan." The event concluded with a spectacular fireworks display. The national contingent will return to Pakistan on Monday morning via a private airline, traveling through Abu Dhabi. Previously, on the penultimate day of the games Pakistan's Muneeb Ur Rehman won the gold medal. Mongolia's Amarjargal secured the silver, while China's Mingjun Hong took the bronze. In the men's 400-meter snowshoeing race, Abdul Saboor from Pakistan clinched the gold medal, while Romania's Lonut Petrisor finished second and Macau's Chi Fong took third place. In the women's 400-meter snowshoeing race, Pakistan's Minal won the gold medal, followed by Latvia's Adriana Maleca in second place and Chinese Taipei's Yi Jhen Chen in third. Pakistan finished the event with a total of 11 medals, including 6 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze. Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan, Ronak Lakhani, congratulated the athletes, coaches, Head of Delegation Farkhanda Jabeen, the social and media department's Taha Tahir and Saad Asif, team doctor Bilal Mateen, and SOP sponsors. She praised the remarkable achievements of the Pakistani athletes, highlighting their perseverance and national spirit despite the freezing weather in Turin. She expressed confidence that the athletes would continue their winning streak in future international events. Earlier, Pakistan also took a silver medal in women's 100 x 4 relay in the snowshoeing event.
Express Tribune
16-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Muneeb and Abdul Saboor grab gold medals for Pak
Gold medallist of the cross-country race Muneeb ur Rehman, who won two events at the Special Olympics World Winter Games poses with the head of delegation Farkhanda Jabeen, Taha Tahir and coaches Shumaila Erum along with Muhammad Saleem. PHOTO COURTESY: SOP In the men's 100-meter cross-country skiing race at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, Pakistan's Muneeb Ur Rehman won the gold medal. Mongolia's Amarjargal secured the silver, while China's Mingjun Hong took the bronze. In the men's 400-meter snowshoeing race, Abdul Saboor from Pakistan clinched the gold medal, while Romania's Lonut Petrisor finished second and Macau's Chi Fong took third place. In the women's 400-meter snowshoeing race, Pakistan's Minal won the gold medal, followed by Latvia's Adriana Maleca in second place and Chinese Taipei's Yi Jhen Chen in third. Pakistan finished the event with a total of 11 medals, including 6 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze. Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan, Ronak Lakhani, congratulated the athletes, coaches, Head of Delegation Farkhanda Jabeen, the social and media department's Taha Tahir and Saad Asif, team doctor Bilal Mateen, and SOP sponsors. She praised the remarkable achievements of the Pakistani athletes, highlighting their perseverance and national spirit despite the freezing weather in Turin. She expressed confidence that the athletes would continue their winning streak in future international events. Earlier, Pakistan also took a silver medal in women's 100 x 4 relay in the snowshoeing event. They performed well in the minus one degree Celsius temperature and a heavy snowfall at Sestriere in Turin. SOP athletes make Pakistan proud at the Games Afaq Khan won Gold for Pakistan in 100m snowshoeing race at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin on Friday. The Special Olympics Pakistan athletes have won three gold medals so far in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing events till Firday, while Muneeb and Abdul Saboor add more medals to the gold medal count. Pakistani athletes have also added one silver and two bronze medals, making a total of six medals on the tally. Meanwhile, Ahmed Al Jailani Ahmed from UAE got silver and Amarbold Munkhdul of Mongolia finished with a bronze medal in 100m snowshoeing race behind Afaq. The SOP are fielding 10 athletes in Turin. This is the first time after 2017 that the World Winter Games are taking place. In the men's 4x100-meter snowshoeing relay race, Canada's team won the gold medal, while Pakistan's Moazzam Iqbal, Abdul Saboor, Muhammad Afaq, and Ali Raza secured silver. China's athletes finished in third place. In the women's 4x100-meter snowshoeing relay, Canada took first place, while Pakistan's Iqra Akram, Tabassum Nasir, Shah Guloon, and Manahil finished second, winning the silver medal. Chinese Taipei secured the bronze.
Express Tribune
15-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Afaq grabs gold for Pakistan in Turin
Special Olympics Pakistan athlete poses at the podium with others at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin with his gold medal. PHOTO COURTESY: SOP Afaq Khan won Gold for Pakistan in 100m snowshoeing race at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin on Friday. The Special Olympics Pakistan athletes have won three gold medals so far in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing events. Pakistani athletes have also added one silver and two bronze medals, making a total of six medals on the tally. Meanwhile, Ahmed Al Jailani Ahmed from UAE got silver and Amarbold Munkhdul of Mongolia finished with a bronze medal in 100m snowshoeing race behind Afaq. The SOP are fielding 10 athletes in Turin. This is the first time after 2017 that the World Winter Games are taking place. Pak athletes continue their successful run In the men's 4x100-meter snowshoeing relay race, Canada's team won the gold medal, while Pakistan's Moazzam Iqbal, Abdul Saboor, Muhammad Afaq, and Ali Raza secured silver. China's athletes finished in third place. In the women's 4x100-meter snowshoeing relay, Canada took first place, while Pakistan's Iqra Akram, Tabassum Nasir, Shah Guloon, and Manahil finished second, winning the silver medal. Chinese Taipei secured the bronze. On the final day of the event, the 400-meter race will take place, featuring Pakistan's Moazzam Iqbal, Saboor Ahmed, and Ali Raza in the men's category, while Iqra Akram and Manahil will compete in the women's race. Governor of Sindh pay tribute to Special Olympics Pakistan Governor of Sindh, Kamran Khan Tessori, has praised Pakistani special athletes Moazzam Iqbal and Muneeb ur Rehman for winning gold medals at the ongoing Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy. He stated that these athletes, with their determination as strong as mountains, have made the entire nation proud by raising the Pakistani flag high in the world of sports. Their achievement proves that with continuous hard work and a passion for winning for the country, success can be achieved. Governor Tessori also paid tribute to Special Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Lakhani for her efforts in supporting athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities. He appreciated her humanitarian services for the special athletes. Squash legend Jahangir Khan congratulates Special Olympians Squash legend Jahangir Khan congratulated the athletes on their medal victories, calling them role models for the entire nation. He emphasized that the Special Olympics Pakistan team, especially the coaches, have been preparing the athletes with great national spirit for the past five years, and today their hard work has been rewarded with gold medals. He also praised Ronak Lakhani's contributions, calling them exemplary at the national level. The coaches of gold medalist Muneeb ur Rehman in cross-country skiing, Shumaila Aram and Muhammad Saleem, and the coaches of Moazzam Iqbal, the snowshoeing gold medalist, Irfan Anwar and Aram Abdul Majeed, expressed their happiness over the athletes' outstanding performances.
