ISLAMABAD, Oct 20 (IN): Pakistan is set to welcome around 250 athletes from 21 countries for the Marka-e-Haq 2nd Asian Masters Weightlifting Championship and World Masters Grand Prix 2026, beginning Tuesday at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.The six-day international event, scheduled to run from October 20 to 25, is being organised by the Pakistan Masters Weightlifting Association (PMWA) in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). It will bring together masters weightlifters and senior international sports officials, highlighting Pakistan’s growing role in international sporting activities.The participating countries include Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Belarus, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Ecuador and Egypt.PMWA President Arshad Khan described the championship as a significant milestone for promoting masters weightlifting and strengthening Pakistan’s engagement with the international sporting community.
“Hosting the 2nd Asian Masters Weightlifting Championship and World Masters Grand Prix 2026 is a proud moment for Pakistan. With around 250 athletes expected from 21 countries, the event will provide an important platform to promote masters weightlifting and strengthen Pakistan’s links with the international sporting community,” he said.Arshad Khan said the initiative also reflected the potential of international sports events to contribute to Pakistan’s sports economy. The Pakistan Sports Board conceived the idea of hosting such international competitions last year to promote economic opportunities through sports.He noted that the championship could generate benefits for sports tourism, hospitality and related industries while presenting Pakistan as a capable destination for international sporting events.
“This championship is not just about weightlifting; it is also about creating opportunities for sports tourism, hospitality and other related sectors while showcasing Pakistan as a capable host of international sporting events,” he said.The event is expected to strengthen sporting relations among participating nations and promote active lifestyles among people of different age groups through masters sports.Prominent international weightlifting officials expected to attend include Asian Weightlifting Federation President Al Mana Mohamed Yousef, Saudi Arabian Weightlifting Federation President and AWF General Secretary Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi, international weightlifting chairperson Denise Offermann, and Asian Masters Weightlifting Association President Mohammad Kabiri.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for 12:30 pm on Tuesday at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.Expressing confidence in the future of international sports in Pakistan, Arshad Khan said the organisers hoped the championship would pave the way for further international competitions in the country.He emphasised that the broader objective was to promote masters sports, encourage lifelong physical activity and establish sustainable opportunities for the growth of Pakistan’s sports economy.
