The game of weightlifting has remained popular among the youth the subcontinent, particular in Punjab, even before the partition.

However after the partition the game further developed among the masses, youth and students in particular.

Although Pakistan Weightlifting Federation is working at the national level for the promotion of the game, yet Punjab Weightlifting Association (PWA), a unit of Pakistan Weightlifting Federation, is all out for promoting the game at the provincial level.

In this regard Punjab Weightlifting has been busy for finalising its best possible squad for the forthcoming National games, being held in Karachi from December 6.

As after such after merit-based trials held at Elite Training Centre in Lahore, Punjab weightlifting team was given the final shape. The trials had strong participation from over 52 male weightlifters representing Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Gujrat.

Top performers included Aamir Ali, Hamza, Danish Butt, and Muhammad Ahmad Butt from Lahore; Musab Sethi, Furqan Ahmed and Farhan Jamil from Gujranwala; and Usama from Faisalabad.

In the 60kg category, Farhan Jamil (Gujranwala) emerged victorious with a highest lift of 249kg, while Aziz Sarwar and Muhammad Sameer Khan from Lahore also impressed. Other winners were Musab Sethi (65kg, Gujranwala), Aamir Ali (71kg, Lahore), Hamza (79kg, Lahore), Furqan Ahmed (88kg, Gujranwala), Danish Butt (94kg, Lahore), Usama (110kg, Faisalabad), and Muhammad Ahmad Butt (+110kg, Lahore).

The Director General Sports Board Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhary took keen interest

In these trials to see that a strong Punjab weightlifting is raised for the National Games.

Aqeel Javed Butt, General Secretary of the Punjab Weightlifting Association,and coordinator Sohail Javed Butt played key role in the conduct of the trials.

Prior to the trials for the selection of Punjab weightlifting team for upcoming National Games, Punjab Weightlifting Association, in order to further promote the game, successfully organised the Inter- School and Inter College Weightlifting Championship 2025 during the Punjab Youth Games at the National Weightlifting Club at Nishtar Park Sports Complex in Lahore with over 65 young athletes competing across multiple weight categories.

The event highlighted the growing interest in weightlifting among students and offered a platform for emerging talent from across Punjab.

The championship was inaugurated by Abdul Sattar Rahi, Vice President of the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation, alongside Aqeel Javed Butt, General Secretary of the Punjab Weightlifting Association.

A total of 43 school athletes from 16 institutions and 22 college athletes from 5 colleges featured in the event.

Participating institutions included Quaid-e-Azam School, Government High School Sabzazar, DPS School, ASF School, Government Islamia Mohini Road, KAPS School Lahore, Yasir Educational Institute, Oasis School Gujranwala, Danish School Rajanpur, MSc School Gujranwala, and Lekol Mandial School.

Colleges that participated in the event included Government College Lahore, Punjab College Muslim Town, Punjab College City Campus, Superior College Gujranwala, and Danish College Rajanpur.

At the closing ceremony, Hafiz Imran Butt, Chief Executive of the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation, distributed medals and certificates to the winners, commending their discipline and performance.