Bahawalpur Division emerged as overall champions in weightlifting at the Chief Minister Punjab Pink Games, while Gujranwala secured second position and Lahore finished third, as the competition concluded with vibrant enthusiasm and record participation.
The weightlifting event of the Khelta Punjab Pink Games featured 58 female lifters from eight divisions of Punjab, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of women’s sports. Speaking to the media, Sohail Javed Butt, Media Coordinator of the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation, said the event reflected growing opportunities for female athletes in the province.
Medal Winners by Categories:
48 kg: Gold – Muskam Sajjad (Gujranwala), Silver – Sitaysh Suleman (Lahore)
53 kg: Gold – Eman Fatime (Lahore), Silver – Momina Afzal (Gujranwala)
58 kg: Gold – Maria Ghazanfar (Bahawalpur), Silver – Iman Nawaz (Faisalabad)
63 kg: Gold – Taqdees Qayoum (Sahiwal), Silver – Fatime Bibi
69 kg: Gold – Amsal Naseem (Gujranwala), Silver – Kandeel Bibi (Faisalabad)
77 kg: Gold – Eman Fatime (Bahawalpur), Silver – Rukhsar Aftab (Lahore)
86 kg: Gold – Ayesha Zaheer (Faisalabad), Silver – Eanan Gul (Rawalpindi)
+86 kg: Gold – Farheen Zahra (Bahawalpur), Silver – Fiza Asif (Lahore)
The event was inaugurated by former international weightlifter Rashid Nadeem Butt along with Secretary Punjab Weightlifting Association Aqeel Javed Butt. Prominent dignitaries including Rana Nadeem Anjum (Director Sports Punjab) and Jabran Bin Salman, President of the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation, attended the ceremony and praised the athletes’ performances.
Sohail Javed Butt expressed gratitude to chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar, and Director General Sports Punjab Khizer Afzaal for their visionary support in including weightlifting in the Pink Games. He termed the inclusion a milestone for the sport’s growth, opening new pathways for women at national and international levels.
Tournament organizers highlighted that the championship was entirely managed by women, symbolizing empowerment and inclusivity. The Pakistan Weightlifting Federation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting weightlifting and ensuring equal opportunities for athletes across Pakistan.
