Lack of government support is a hindrance to weightlifting talent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Lack of government support is a hindrance to weightlifting talent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Sheraz Muhammad

by Ghani Ur Rehman

PESHAWAR: Secretary General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Weightlifting Association Shiraz Muhammad has emphasized that weightlifting is a popular sport in Pakistan but is severely neglected by the provincial government.

Talking to the media, he highlighted that where there is no dearth of talent, this talent is being wasted due to lack of facilities and government support.

Shiraz Muhammad pointed out that players in Peshawar and other districts lack the necessary equipment for training. The cost of weightlifting equipment is prohibitively high, with a set costing up to Rs 2 lakh. Despite these challenges,

the provincial association is striving to promote the sport through its own efforts. However, the absence of funds and basic facilities present significant obstacles.

Expressing a strong desire to organize more competitions in the province, Shiraz Muhammad expressed regret that the association has not received an annual grant from the sports department for the past three years. This financial constraint has effectively tied their hands,

preventing them from providing supplies to district associations or organizing events. A rod costs Rs 80,000, and a complete set costs more than Rs two lakh, making it impossible to adequately support the sport without financial support, he said.

Shiraz Muhammad also criticized the lack of awareness and cooperation on the part of District Sports Officers (DSOs), who often do not even know the number of sports clubs or association officials in their districts.

Weightlifting, a sport with a rich historical legacy and a symbol of strength and masculinity, requires significant physical strength and training. Although traditionally considered a male-dominated sport, it has seen an increase in the interest and participation of women globally, including in Pakistan.

Tracing the history of weightlifting, Shiraz noted that the sport dates back to ancient times and has evolved significantly over the centuries.

The first World Weightlifting Championships were held in London in 1891, and the sport has been included in the modern Olympics since its inception in 1896. Over the decades, various countries have dominated the game, with notable periods of dominance by the French, Germans, Egyptians, etc. American and Soviet athletes.

Weightlifting has deep roots in the Indian subcontinent, with athletes from this region achieving significant success even before the partition of India. However, despite the establishment of Pakistan Weightlifting Federation in 1953, the sport suffered after the establishment of Pakistan. The reasons are government disinterest

Shiraz Muhammad, an experienced bodybuilder and national champion, has been dedicated to promoting weightlifting in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since 2008.

Under his leadership, the provincial association has organized several courses and training sessions at the national and international levels. Despite the promising future of weightlifting in the province, lack of government patronage remains a major hurdle.

He urged the provincial government and sports department to release the due annual grant of Rs.4 lakh and provide necessary training equipment to the district associations.

Proper nutrition and regular training are vital for weightlifters, but the high cost of equipment makes it difficult to adequately support athletes. Urgent government intervention is necessary to ensure the talented weightlifters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa compete and succeed at the national and international levels.lead