WAPDA and Pakistan Army dominate weightlifting at 35th National Games

The weightlifting competitions of the 35th National Games 2025 concluded in Karachi, with WAPDA and the Pakistan Army emerging as the dominant forces in men’s and women’s events respectively, 24NewsHD TV reported on Saturday. 

According to the focal person, Sohail Javed Butt said ten teams from across the country, including Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Army, HEC, Police, Railways, and WAPDA, participated in the championship.

In the women’s competition, the Pakistan Army topped the standings with 5 gold, 1 silver, and 7 bronze medals.

WAPDA followed with 3 gold, 4 silver, and 8 bronze, while HEC secured 2 silver and 2 bronze medals. 

In the men’s events, WAPDA led the table with 4 gold, 1 silver, and 6 bronze medals. 

HEC managed 2 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze, while the Army finished with 1 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze medals.

Punjab also made a mark with 1 gold and 5 bronze medals.

Furqan Ahmed Butt (Punjab),  a 16-year-old boy from Gujranwala, stunned competitors in the 88kg category, lifting a total of 315kg (Snatch 144kg + Clean & Jerk 171kg) to win gold, defeating experienced lifters from WAPDA, Army, Railways, and HEC.

Talha Talib (Olympian) clinched gold in the 79kg category with a total of 330kg (150kg + 180kg).

Other gold medalists included Haider Sultan, Sameer Butt, Suba Khan, Furqan Anwar (88kg – 315kg), Hanzala Dastgir Butt (110kg – 350kg), and Abdullah Idrees Butt (110+kg – 302kg).

Punjab’s bronze medalists included Farhan Jamil, Musab Sethi, Hamza, and Muhammad Ahmed Butt.

The prize distribution ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Jibran Bin Salman (President, Pakistan Weightlifting Federation), Madam Nuzhat Jabeen, Nafees Ahmed, Sheikh Muhammad Anwar and others.

Khizar Afzal Chaudhry, DG Sports Board Punjab, congratulated the medalists and announced special prizes for their outstanding achievements.