The selection trials for the Lahore Division Women’s Weightlifting team were successfully held at the Elite Training Center, Nishtar Park Sports Complex, under the patronage of the Punjab Sports Board. The event marked another important step in preparing for the Khelta Punjab Pink Games 2026, a flagship initiative to promote women’s sports across the province.

The trials were inaugurated by Madam Nuzhat Jabeen, Chairperson of the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation, who was joined by a distinguished panel of technical officials including former international masters weightlifter Maryam Aqeel Shah, alongside experts Nazia Parveen, Hira Khan, Abdullah Sohail Butt,Maryam Aqeel Butt, Hafiz Imran Azizi,Amna Barber,Naila Maqsood Butt and others.

Their presence underscored the importance of transparency and professionalism in the selection process. Over 25 female athletes from Lahore, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, and Sheikhupura participated in the trials, competing in the two primary disciplines of weightlifting: the Snatch and the Clean & Jerk. The process was closely monitored by DSO Tariq Khanzada, Tanveer Shah, and Aqeel Javed Butt, Secretary of the Punjab Weightlifting Association, ensuring fairness and credibility.

Following rigorous competition, eight athletes were chosen to represent Lahore Division in their respective weight categories: 48kg: Staish Suleman, 53kg: Iman Fatima, 58kg: Fatima Shahid, 63kg: Rukhsar Patras, 69kg: Aeyat Mubarak, 77kg: Rukhsar Aftab, 86kg: Humaira Iftikhar, +86kg: Fiza Asif, Team Management.

The squad will be guided by an experienced management team: Coach: Maryam Aqeel Butt, Manager: Abdullah Sohail Butt In their closing remarks, Madam Nuzhat Jabeen and DSO Tariq Khanzada congratulated the selected athletes, praising their strength and determination. They emphasized that the Pink Games 2026 provide a vital platform for female athletes to showcase their talent and inspire future generations.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)