Punjab Weightlifting launches free women’s referee course.

The Punjab Weightlifting Association (PWLA) is set to host a landmark initiative tomorrow with the launch of the Women’s Weightlifting Referee Course 2026 in Lahore. Scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, the program will take place at the National Weightlifting Club, Punjab Stadium, beginning at 4:00 PM.

This specialized course is designed to empower women in sports officiating and raise the technical standards of weightlifting across the province. By offering free participation, the PWLA aims to encourage maximum involvement from aspiring female referees, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder talent development.

The program will be coordinated by Ms. Nuzhat Jabeen, Chairperson of the Punjab Women’s Weightlifting Federation, while Hafiz Imran Butt, President of the Pakistan Weightlifting Referee Association, will serve as Course Director. Their leadership underscores the federation’s commitment to creating pathways for women to gain official certification and knowledge required to officiate at both national and international levels.

Officials have described the initiative as a significant step forward for female sports professionals in Pakistan, providing them with the tools to contribute meaningfully to the sport’s growth. With weightlifting gaining momentum as a competitive discipline, the inclusion of women referees is expected to strengthen the sport’s credibility and inclusivity.

The PWLA has called upon athletes, associations, and stakeholders to support this effort, which represents not just a training program but a broader mission to elevate women’s participation in sports governance.