The Pakistan Masters Weightlifting Association (PMWA) announced that Islamabad will host the World Masters Weightlifting Championship in February 2026. The event will be held in conjunction with the Asian Masters Championship and will feature over 500 athletes from all seven continents.
The World Masters Weightlifting Championship, held under the “Grand Prix” banner, will bring top male and female weightlifters together in Islamabad. This event is a big milestone for Pakistan, as it hosts one of its largest international sports events. At the same time, the Asian Masters Championship will showcase top talent, highlighting Pakistan’s growing role in world sports.
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PMWA President Arshad Khan called the event a “great honour” for Pakistan. He said, “It shows our success at the Masters level and raises our profile as a host.” Pakistan’s weightlifting team won 12 medals at the 2024 Asian Masters, proving their skill. Hosting this championship could attract 10,000 spectators and help local tourism.
A team of five people from the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) will visit Islamabad from September 9 to 12, 2025. They will check the venues and plans. The Pakistan Sports Board is upgrading places like the Liaquat Gymnasium to meet world standards. These steps aim to ensure the event runs smoothly and showcases Pakistan’s strong organisation.
Pakistan has hosted significant events in the past, such as the 2004 South Asian Games. But the 2026 championship will be its biggest yet. The country’s recent success in the Sydney Marathon, with Faisal Shafi setting a Guinness World Record, also shows its sports potential.