Karachi —In a landmark achievement, Pakistan has been selected to host two major international weightlifting championships in 2025 — the World Masters and the Asian Masters Weightlifting Championship. This dual hosting is being hailed as a massive win for Pakistan’s sporting image on the global stage.
The Asian Masters Weightlifting Association confirmed that Pakistan will organize both the men’s and women’s competitions, and the World Masters event will carry the prestigious “Grand Prix” title — reserved for top-tier international tournaments.
The events will take place in Islamabad in February 2026, drawing more than 500 athletes from all seven continents. The capital city will serve as a global arena for the strongest men and women in the sport.
A Proud Moment for Pakistan
President of the Pakistan Masters Weightlifting Association, Arshad Khan, called it a historic moment, crediting the country’s recent success at international events — including a 10-medal haul at the Asian Masters in Qatar — for building global confidence.
“Winning the hosting rights for both the World and Asian Masters is a proud moment. It’s a result of our athletes’ hard work and Pakistan’s improving international reputation,” said Khan.
Global Confidence on the Rise
Arshad Khan also emphasized that international trust in Pakistan’s ability to host global events has grown due to its improved security image, citing the successful Operation “Bonyan al-Marsous” and the unshakable defense provided by Pakistan’s armed forces.
“The world is watching, and they now see Pakistan as safe, capable, and ready to host on the biggest stage.”
With two mega events on the calendar, Pakistan is set to flex its muscles — both in sport and in global stature.