Islamabad to welcome around 250 athletes from 21 countries for six-day international event
Pakistan is set to host around 250 athletes from 21 countries at the Marka-e-Haq 2nd Asian Masters Weightlifting Championship and World Masters Grand Prix 2026, with the six-day event scheduled to run from October 20 to 25 at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.
Organised by the Pakistan Masters Weightlifting Association (PMWA) in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), the championship will bring together masters weightlifters and senior international sports officials, providing a platform to promote the sport and strengthen Pakistan’s presence on the international sporting calendar.
The participating countries listed in the event material 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 said the championship represented an important opportunity to promote masters weightlifting and build stronger sporting links with other countries.
“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.
PSB initiative aims to promote sports economy
The championship is also part of a broader effort to promote Pakistan’s sports economy through international competitions and related economic activity.
The Pakistan Sports Board conceived the idea of holding such events last year to explore the economic potential of sports and attract international sporting competitions to the country. Arshad Khan has worked towards translating the initiative into a major international weightlifting event.
“The Pakistan Sports Board conceived the idea of holding such international events last year to promote the sports economy. We are grateful for its vision and collaboration, and we are committed to turning that vision into practical initiatives through international sporting competitions,” Arshad Khan said.
He said international sporting events could create opportunities for sports tourism, hospitality and transport while showcasing Pakistan’s ability to host competitions involving athletes and officials from different countries.
“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.
International weightlifting figures to feature
The event’s promotional material features several prominent international weightlifting officials, including Asian Weightlifting Federation President Al Mana Mohamed Yousef, Saudi Arabian Weightlifting Federation President and AWF General Secretary Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi, Denise Offermann, and Asian Masters Weightlifting Association President Mohammad Kabiri.
Beyond elite competition, masters weightlifting promotes fitness, discipline and active participation in sport across different age groups. The championship is expected to encourage greater interest in masters sports and strengthen sporting exchanges among participating nations.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for 12:30 pm on Tuesday, October 20, at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.
Looking ahead, Arshad Khan expressed hope that the championship would pave the way for further international competitions in Pakistan.
“We hope this championship will mark the beginning of many more international competitions in Pakistan. Our aim is to promote masters sports, encourage people to remain physically active throughout their lives and create a sustainable environment for the growth of the sports economy,” he said.
The event is expected to provide another opportunity to showcase Pakistan’s sporting infrastructure and build momentum for international competitions that can benefit both sport and the wider economy.
