ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s capital is set to become an international weightlifting hub as around 250 athletes from 21 countries gather in Islamabad for the Marka-e-Haq 2nd Asian Masters Weightlifting Championship and World Masters Grand Prix 2026, beginning on Tuesday.
The six-day event, running from October 20 to 25 at Liaquat Gymnasium in the Pakistan Sports Complex, will bring together masters weightlifters and senior international sports officials, offering Pakistan an opportunity to strengthen its sporting ties and showcase its capacity to host international competitions.
Organised by the Pakistan Masters Weightlifting Association (PMWA) in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), the championship is also expected to support sports tourism, hospitality and other related businesses.
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Athletes from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas to participate
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 told media that hosting the championship was a proud moment for the country and an important step towards developing masters weightlifting.
“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.
Sports tourism in focus as Islamabad hosts international event
Arshad said the championship reflected the potential of international sporting competitions to contribute to Pakistan’s sports economy.
He said the Pakistan Sports Board had conceived the idea of hosting such international events last year to promote sports-related economic activity.
“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 also expected to strengthen sporting relations among participating countries and encourage people of different age groups to remain physically active through masters sports.
International weightlifting figures 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.
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The opening ceremony is scheduled for 12:30pm on Tuesday at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.
Expressing optimism about future competitions, Arshad said the organisers hoped the championship would pave the way for more international sporting events in Pakistan.
He said the broader objective was to promote masters sports, encourage lifelong physical activity and establish a sustainable environment for the growth of the country’s sports economy.
