Pakistan will host around 250 athletes from 21 countries at the Marka-e-Haq 2nd Asian Masters Weightlifting Championship and World Masters Grand Prix 2026, scheduled to begin at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex on Tuesday.
The six-day international event, running from October 20 to 25, is being organised by the Pakistan Masters Weightlifting Association (PMWA) in collaboration with Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), bringing together masters weightlifters and senior international sports officials in the federal capital.
The participating countries include Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Belarus, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Ecuador and Egypt.
PMWA President Arshad Khan told APP that the championship was an important step towards promoting masters weightlifting in Pakistan and strengthening the country’s links with the international sporting community.
“Hosting the 2nd Asian Masters Weightlifting Championship and World Masters Grand Prix 2026 is a proud moment for Pakistan. With around 250 athletes expected from 21 countries, the event will provide an important platform to promote masters weightlifting and strengthen Pakistan’s links with the international sporting community,” he said.
He said the initiative also reflected the potential of international sporting competitions to contribute to the country’s sports economy.
Pakistan Sports Board conceived the idea of holding such international events last year to promote the sports economy.
Arshad said that the championship could create opportunities for sports tourism, hospitality and related sectors while showcasing Pakistan as a host of international sporting events.
“This championship is not just about weightlifting; it is also about creating opportunities for sports tourism, hospitality and other related sectors while showcasing Pakistan as a capable host of international sporting events,” he said.
The event will help strengthen sporting relations among participating countries and encourage people of different age groups to remain physically active through masters sports.
International weightlifting figures likely to attend the event include Asian Weightlifting Federation President Al Mana Mohamed Yousef, Saudi Arabian Weightlifting Federation President and AWF General Secretary Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi, Denise Offermann, the chairperson of international weightlifting, and Asian Masters Weightlifting Association
President Mohammad Kabiri.
The opening ceremony will be held at 12:30 pm on Tuesday at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.
Expressing optimism about the future, Arshad Khan said, “We hope this championship will mark the beginning of many more international competitions in Pakistan. Our aim is to promote masters sports, encourage people to remain physically active throughout their lives and create a sustainable environment for the growth of the sports economy.”