The weightlifting competitions of the 35th National Games 2025 concluded at the Sindh Boy Scouts Auditorium Karachi last night with WAPDA and Pakistan Army emerging as the dominant forces in men’s and women’s events respectively. Ten teams from across the country – including Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Army, HEC, Police, Railways, and WAPDA – competed in the championship.
According to Focal Person Sohail Javed Butt Pakistan Army topped the women’s standings with 5 gold, 1 silver, and 7 bronze medals, showcasing depth and consistency across categories. WAPDA followed with 3 gold, 4 silver, and 8 bronze, while HEC managed two silver and two bronze medals. Army’s commanding performance reaffirmed its strength in women’s weightlifting.
In the men’s competition, WAPDA led the table with 4 gold, 1 silver, and 6 bronze medals, outpacing rivals. HEC secured 2 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze, while Army finished with 1 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze. Punjab also made its mark with 1 gold and 5 bronze medals, thanks to the emergence of a young star.
Key individual achievements
Furqan Ahmed Butt (Punjab): The 16-year-old from Gujranwala stunned the field in the 88kg category, lifting a total of 315kg (Snatch 144kg + Clean & Jerk 171kg) to win gold. He defeated seasoned lifters from WAPDA, Army, Railways, and HEC, earning praise as one of the brightest prospects in Pakistani weightlifting.
Talha Talib (Olympian): Returning after a three-year ban, Talha clinched gold in the 79kg category with a total of 330kg (150kg + 180kg). His performance was notable for being the highest proportional lift of the championship, marking a strong comeback.
Other gold medalists included Haider Sultan, Sameer Butt, Suba Khan, Furqan Anwar (88kg – 315kg), Hanzala Dastgir Butt (110kg – 350kg), and Abdullah Idrees Butt (110+kg – 302kg).
Punjab’s bronze medalists included Farhan Jamil, Musab Sethi, Hamza, and Muhammad Ahmed Butt.
The prize distribution ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Jibran Bin Salman (President, Pakistan Weightlifting Federation), Madam Nuzhat Jabeen, Nafees Ahmed, and Sheikh Muhammad Anwar. Khizar Afzal Chaudhry, DG Sports Board Punjab, congratulated the medalists and announced special prizes for their achievements.