Islamabad: In a major development for Pakistan’s sporting landscape, it has been confirmed that the World Weightlifting Festival will be held in February 2026, with Islamabad playing host to two international mega-events. The announcement has generated immense excitement among athletes, sports officials, and fans, as the country prepares to welcome participants from across the globe.
According to Maryam Sabzali, Head of International Affairs of Asian Masters Weightlifting, the upcoming events will feature the Masters Asian Championships and the World Masters Grand Prix Championships. Both competitions are considered prestigious fixtures on the international weightlifting calendar and will attract some of the finest lifters from around the world.
A Landmark Moment for Pakistan’s Sports
Hosting the World Weightlifting Festival is being hailed as a landmark achievement for Pakistan, particularly at a time when the country is making renewed efforts to revive international sporting activities. Over the years, Pakistan has successfully organized major events in cricket, hockey, and squash, but the staging of such a large-scale weightlifting competition is a first in recent memory.
More than 50 countries have already confirmed their participation, making it one of the largest gatherings of international athletes to take place in Pakistan in recent years. Officials expect hundreds of weightlifters to compete in different categories, from younger athletes to experienced masters.
The Competitions at a Glance
1. Masters Asian Championships
The Masters Asian Championships is a continental event that brings together weightlifters aged 35 and above from across Asia. It provides a platform for athletes who may no longer compete at the senior professional level but remain dedicated to the sport.
The competition will showcase a variety of weight categories, testing strength, endurance, and technique. For Pakistan, this event also represents an opportunity to integrate local masters-level athletes into the Asian weightlifting community.
2. World Masters Grand Prix Championships
The World Masters Grand Prix is a global event, drawing weightlifters from every continent. This competition highlights the longevity of weightlifting as a sport, demonstrating that athletes can continue to perform at high levels well into their middle ages and beyond.
The participation of world-renowned weightlifters will make the Grand Prix the centerpiece of the festival, drawing crowds, international media coverage, and potentially even tourism to Islamabad.
Why This Event Matters for Pakistan
1. Promoting Weightlifting in Pakistan
Weightlifting has long been overshadowed by cricket and hockey in Pakistan. However, with several Pakistani lifters recently gaining recognition at the Commonwealth Games, South Asian Games, and Asian Championships, the sport is experiencing a resurgence. Hosting the World Weightlifting Festival will give local athletes a golden opportunity to compete against international counterparts on home soil.
2. Boosting Sports Tourism
With more than 50 nations participating, the event is expected to bring in athletes, officials, journalists, and spectators from around the world. This influx of international visitors will not only boost Pakistan’s image as a sporting destination but also contribute to the local economy through tourism, hospitality, and cultural exchange.
3. Strengthening Pakistan’s Global Sports Profile
For years, security challenges restricted international sports in Pakistan. But in recent years, successful hosting of international cricket, football friendlies, and squash tournaments has restored confidence. Adding the World Weightlifting Festival to this list demonstrates Pakistan’s growing capacity to organize safe, high-profile global events.
Preparations Underway in Islamabad
To ensure the success of the festival, Islamabad is preparing to upgrade sports facilities, accommodation, and logistics for visiting delegations. Modern gymnasiums, training halls, and weightlifting platforms are being set up to meet international standards.
According to reports, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) is working in collaboration with the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation (PWF) to oversee preparations. Venues are being inspected to ensure they meet the requirements of the International Masters Weightlifting Organization.
Upcoming Delegation Visit
A five-member delegation from the World and Asian Masters Weightlifting Associations is scheduled to visit Pakistan in September 2025. The delegation, led by Dennis Offerman, Head of the International Masters Weightlifting Organization, will arrive in Islamabad on September 9.
Their visit will include:
- Inspecting the facilities prepared for the competition
- Meeting with Pakistani sports authorities and government officials
- Finalizing schedules and protocols for the championships
- Offering technical guidance to ensure smooth event management
This visit is expected to further strengthen collaboration between Pakistani organizers and international weightlifting bodies.
Pakistan’s Weightlifting Legacy
Though not traditionally considered a weightlifting powerhouse, Pakistan has produced several notable athletes in the sport:
- Talha Talib: A young weightlifter who rose to prominence with strong performances at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.
- Nooh Dastagir Butt: Gold medalist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Butt’s success brought global attention to Pakistan’s weightlifting potential.
- Hanif Butt and Muhammad Azam: Earlier generations of lifters who represented Pakistan with pride at Asian and international competitions.
The World Weightlifting Festival provides the perfect platform for these athletes and emerging lifters to showcase their abilities before a global audience.
International Weightlifting in Context
Weightlifting is one of the oldest Olympic sports, requiring immense discipline and physical strength. Globally, countries like China, Russia, Iran, and Kazakhstan have dominated the sport, but in recent years, nations such as India, Thailand, and the Philippines have also emerged as strong competitors.
The Masters-level competitions highlight a unique aspect of the sport: that strength and technique do not fade quickly with age. Instead, many athletes continue to lift competitively well into their 40s, 50s, and even 60s. This inclusivity makes the World Masters Grand Prix particularly attractive, as it embodies both competition and community spirit.
Impact on Future Generations
The presence of international athletes in Pakistan will inspire younger weightlifters and sports enthusiasts. By watching their heroes compete live, Pakistani youth will have role models to look up to, motivating them to pursue the sport professionally.
Coaches and trainers in Pakistan will also benefit from exposure to international standards of competition, techniques, and training regimes. This knowledge transfer could play a key role in improving Pakistan’s performance in future Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and even the Olympics.
Voices of Excitement
Sports officials and athletes across Pakistan have expressed optimism about the event.
- Maryam Sabzali described the festival as “a turning point for weightlifting in Pakistan.”
- Local lifters have called it a “dream come true” to compete against international stars without having to travel abroad.
- Fans on social media are celebrating the announcement, with hashtags like #WeightliftingInPakistan and #WorldWeightliftingFestival2026 already gaining traction.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to February 2026 begins, all eyes are on Islamabad. If successful, the World Weightlifting Festival could pave the way for Pakistan to host other global competitions in wrestling, gymnastics, and even larger Olympic qualifying tournaments.
The event also aligns with the government’s efforts to promote a positive image of Pakistan internationally by showcasing its ability to organize world-class sporting events.
Conclusion
The announcement of the World Weightlifting Festival in Pakistan is more than just a sporting event—it is a statement of progress, resilience, and ambition. With two mega competitions—the Masters Asian Championships and the World Masters Grand Prix—set to be staged in Islamabad, Pakistan is ready to welcome athletes from over 50 countries.
For Pakistani weightlifters, it is a chance to shine on home turf. For the nation, it is an opportunity to reassert itself on the global sporting map. And for fans, it is the promise of witnessing history unfold as Pakistan becomes the center of the weightlifting world in February 2026.
