60 girls attend Women’s Weightlifting Referee Course in Lahore

Around 60 girls from five divisions participated in a free Women’s Weightlifting Referee Course 2026 held at the National Weightlifting Club, Punjab Stadium, according to Punjab Weightlifting Association Secretary Aqeel Javed Butt.

The course was inaugurated by Chairperson Madam Nuzhat Jabeen, accompanied by former international weightlifter Madam Maryam Shah. The initiative aimed to train female officials in accordance with international standards and expand women’s participation in technical roles within the sport.

Pakistan Weightlifting Referee Association President Hafiz Imran Butt, who served as course director, briefed participants on the latest International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) rules. He also explained procedures for handling complex technical matters within the framework of official regulations.

Addressing the participants, he highlighted the importance of developing more qualified female referees across clubs to strengthen representation at national and international competitions in the future.

Rashid Nadeem Butt was also present at the event.