Pakistan’s sporting scene witnessed an electrifying finale as the National Games concluded on Saturday, with international stars Hanzala Dastagir Butt and Mahoor Shahzad delivering memorable performances. Pakistan Olympic Association president Arif Saeed described the event as “one of a kind,” celebrating the participation of 11,000 athletes from across the country.
Hanzala Dastagir Butt Dominates Weightlifting
Wapda’s rising star, Hanzala Dastagir Butt, showcased his strength and precision in the men’s 110kg weightlifting category, lifting 157kg in the snatch and 193kg in the clean and jerk, totaling an impressive 350kg.
The 23-year-old, inspired by his elder brother Nooh Dastagir Butt’s Commonwealth Games success, is now aiming for a medal at the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2026.
“I take inspiration from him that one day I’ll also win a medal for Pakistan at that stage, and set a new record,” said Hanzala.
Coach Ali Aslam praised his team’s dedication, citing a 52-day training camp as a key factor in their success. The men’s weightlifting team collected four golds, along with one silver and one bronze, securing the overall trophy.
Mahoor Shahzad Triumphs in Badminton
Badminton sensation Mahoor Shahzad continued her dominance, winning the women’s singles title for the third time despite juggling motherhood.
“My daughter is only 18 months now. Even at the international level, players take almost two years off as a maternity break. I made my comeback a bit quicker,” Mahoor shared after her victory over Army’s Alja Tariq.
Her resilience and performance solidified her status as a national sporting icon and the poster athlete of the Games.
Memorable Matches and Team Showcases
The men’s singles badminton final was an all-Wapda affair, with Irfan Saeed defeating M. Ali Larosh in a closely contested match, while Army emerged dominant in doubles events:
- Men’s Doubles Gold: Raja Hasnain & Raja Zulqarnain (Army)
- Women’s Doubles Gold: Ammarah Ishtiaq & Alja (Army)
- Mixed Doubles Gold: Hasnain & Ammarah (Army)
Army also excelled in other sports, including table tennis, baseball, men’s hockey, and shooting, while Wapda showcased strength in women’s events.
Table Tennis Highlights
- Women’s Singles Gold: Hoor Fawad defeated Haiqa Hasan 3-0
- Men’s Singles Gold: Ahmad Sajid triumphed 3-2 over Shah Khan
- Mixed Doubles Gold: Punjab’s Owais & Kulsoom won 3-1
Shooting Highlights
- Men’s 50m 3P Rifle Individual: Navy’s Aqib Latif
- Team Gold: Army’s Mohammad Uzman, Din Muhammad & Sarfraz Gul
- 25m Centre Fire Pistol Individual: Army’s Umer Farooq
- Team Gold: Navy’s Maqbool Hussain, Abdul Quddus & Zafar Iqbal
- Double Trap Individual: Army’s Farrukh Nadeem
- Double Trap Team Gold: Army
Baseball and Hockey
Army defeated Wapda 9-7 in baseball and clinched the men’s hockey title 2-1 against Navy, with Mohammad Owais scoring both goals.
Football
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) secured the football final 1-0 against Army, with Samad Khan netting the decisive goal, cementing their reputation on the national stage.
National Games: A Celebration of Pakistan’s Sporting Spirit
The National Games brought together athletes from across Pakistan, highlighting the country’s depth of talent in multiple disciplines. Pakistan Olympic Association president Arif Saeed emphasized the scale and importance of the Games:
“Nothing is bigger than the National Games for the sporting fraternity of Pakistan. An event of this scale, that brings the whole country together, is one of a kind.”
The Games not only showcased elite performances but also offered a platform for aspiring athletes to make their mark and represent Pakistan at international events, including the Olympics.
Conclusion
As Pakistan’s National Games concluded, the performances of stars like Hanzala Dastagir Butt and Mahoor Shahzad inspired the next generation of athletes. With Army and Wapda leading the medal tallies and PAF making strides in football, the country’s sporting future looks bright. The Games reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to nurturing talent and celebrating athletic excellence nationwide.