LAHORE: The 4th Hafiz Salman Butt National Youth & Junior Weightlifting Championship, organized by the Punjab Weightlifting Association, concluded with resounding success at Lahore.
Featuring 82 athletes from 15 clubs, the event showcased the rising talent and future of weightlifting in Pakistan. In the Junior category, Waheeb Club (Chuburji) emerged as champions, securing the trophy with 74 points through a dominant performance that included 4 Gold and 1 Silver medal. A.R.T. Club finished runner-up with 56 points.
In the Youth category, Muslim Health Club (Shadbagh) claimed the winner’s trophy with 74 points, earning 2 Gold and 4 Bronze medals. Chaudhry Muhammad Amin Club (Gujranwala) followed closely as runner-up with 65 points, winning 3 Gold and 1 Silver medal.
The championship highlighted several standout performers from Lahore: Muhammad Shaheer Butt, Syed Azheer Ahmed, Abdul Hadi, Muhammad Sameer Khan, Hasnain, Ghulam Khan, Ali, Abdul Rafay (Punjab College), and Faizan Sufyan.
From Gujranwala: Muhammad Ahmed, Abdul Rehman, Moasab Sethi, Muhammad Arham, and Mujtaba Umair. From Faisalabad: Muhammad Ali Hussain and Saud Zia. These athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and strength, underlining the depth of talent across Pakistan’s weightlifting community.
The closing ceremony was marked by the distribution of medals, trophies, and certificates by Jabran Bin Salman, President of the Punjab Weightlifting Association. Distinguished guests included Madam Nuzhat Jabeen, Organizing Secretary Aqeel Javed Butt, renowned umpire Aleem Dar, and senior officials Muhammad Islam Natiq, Rashid Nadeem Butt, Sohail Javed Butt, Shakeel Mir, and Adeeb Akram.
A special moment came when President Jabran Bin Salman presented a Shield of Honor to Sohail Javed Butt (PRO, Pakistan Weightlifting Federation), recognizing his 40 years of voluntary service to the sport. This tribute underscored the invaluable contributions of individuals who have dedicated their lives to promoting weightlifting in Pakistan.
