Muhammad Shafique Raja
ISLAMABAD, Oct 20 (APP):The Marka-e-Haq 2nd Asian Masters Weightlifting Championship and World Masters Grand Prix 2026 opened at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, on Tuesday with a lively and colourful opening ceremony attended by athletes, officials, dignitaries, participants and fans from several countries.
The vibrant ceremony featured a warm welcome for the participating delegations, while the participants and fans enjoyed the festive atmosphere and the spirit of international sports.
Parliamentary Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination Kiran Imran Dar, who was the chief guest welcomed the participating delegations and congratulated Pakistan Masters Weightlifting Association (PMWA) President Arshad Khan Turk for organising the international event.
“Pakistan is delighted to welcome all the participating athletes and officials. I congratulate Arshad Khan Turk for his commitment and hard work in making this international championship possible. Organising an event of this scale requires dedication, perseverance and a strong belief in the power of sports to bring people together,” she said.
Dar extended a special welcome to the Indian delegation and expressed hope that its members would return home with pleasant memories of their stay in Pakistan.
“I especially welcome our Indian guests and hope they will experience the warmth and hospitality of the Pakistani people. I want them to return to their country with sweet memories and share with their fellow citizens how warmly and wholeheartedly the people of Pakistan welcome their guests,” she said.
She said sporting events could build bridges between nations, promote mutual understanding and strengthen people-to-people contacts beyond political and geographical boundaries.
Secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani also welcomed the delegations and said the championship would strengthen sporting ties among participating countries.
“We are pleased to welcome all the athletes, officials and distinguished guests to Islamabad. We hope you will enjoy Pakistan’s hospitality and take back wonderful memories of your visit. Such international gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to develop friendships and strengthen sporting relations among participating countries,” he said.
Wani said the competition would showcase the strength, determination and experience of masters weightlifters.
“I am confident that spectators will witness exciting competitions during the championship. Masters athletes are an inspiration because they demonstrate that commitment to fitness, discipline and competitive sport can continue throughout life. I wish all the participants the very best and hope they enjoy a memorable and successful competition,” he added.
PMWA President Arshad Khan Turk said organising the championship had required extensive planning, coordination and sustained effort.
“Organising this championship has been a challenging undertaking, requiring sustained effort, coordination and determination. Bringing international athletes and officials together in Pakistan is a significant achievement, and I am grateful to everyone who supported us in making this event possible,” he said.
He described the championship as a watershed moment for weightlifting in Pakistan, saying it would enhance international engagement, raise the profile of masters weightlifting and encourage greater participation in the sport.
“I consider this championship a watershed moment for the development of weightlifting in Pakistan. It is not merely a competition; it is an opportunity to demonstrate our organisational capacity, strengthen international sporting relations and encourage a new generation to embrace weightlifting and physical fitness,” Arshad Khan Turk added.
Organised by the PMWA in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board, the championship will continue until October 25 and feature around 250 masters weightlifters from 21 participating countries.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
