Pakistan capped off a historic run at the Asian Masters Weightlifting Championship 2025 by adding two more gold medals on the final day of the event, bringing the nation’s total gold medal count to eight and its overall medal tally to eleven.
The standout performance on the closing day came from Furqan Anwar, who dominated the 30+ age group, 89 kg weight category. Furqan showcased both power and technique, lifting a total of 315 kilograms—143 kg in snatch and 172 kg in clean and jerk—to secure the top podium finish for Pakistan.
Joining him in gold medal glory was Umar Rasool Lone, competing in the 35+ age group, 89 kg category. Umar impressed spectators with a total lift of 276 kg, composed of 121 kg in snatch and 155 kg in clean and jerk, earning Pakistan yet another gold medal.
Bronze Glory and a Family Legacy
Pakistan’s medal run also included a bronze medal win by Usman Amjad Rathore in the 35+ age group, 109 kg category. Usman lifted a combined total of 282 kilograms, placing third among a competitive field. Interestingly, Usman’s achievement added a generational flavor to Pakistan’s success story, as his father, Maqsood Amjad Rathore, had also clinched a gold medal on the opening day of the tournament.
This unique father-son duo brought pride not only through their individual performances but also through their shared legacy in Pakistan’s weightlifting history.
Medal Summary: Pakistan’s Champions
Pakistan’s final medal haul at the 2025 Asian Masters includes:
- 8 Gold Medals
- Furqan Anwar
- Umar Rasool Lone
- Rashid Khan
- Kashif Rehan
- Muhammad Iqbal
- Nadia Maqsood
- Saibal Sohail
- Maqsood Amjad Rathore
- 1 Silver Medal
- Neelam Riaz
- 2 Bronze Medals
- Usman Amjad Rathore
- Abdul Malik
This performance marks one of Pakistan’s best international showings in recent years at the Masters level, as athletes across various age brackets brought home accolades in multiple weight categories.
A Message of Strength and Resilience
The event, hosted in Doha, Qatar, brought together seasoned weightlifters from across the continent. Pakistan’s athletes not only demonstrated strength but also discipline, perseverance, and national pride. Each lift was met with loud cheers and standing ovations from spectators, especially when Pakistan’s flag was hoisted during medal ceremonies.
For many of the athletes, this competition was more than just about medals—it was about showing that age is no barrier to excellence in sports. With competitors ranging from their 30s to 60s, the Asian Masters Weightlifting Championship served as a powerful reminder of lifelong athletic potential.
Pakistan’s Weightlifting Federation praised the athletes and coaches for their hard work and commitment. Officials also emphasized the need for further investment in sports training facilities and international exposure for senior and masters-level athletes.
The victory in Doha is expected to inspire a new wave of interest in weightlifting across Pakistan, especially among older athletes and women, as the country continues to break barriers and earn international recognition.
With this commanding performance at the Asian Masters, Pakistan has firmly established itself as a rising force in the regional weightlifting scene—and perhaps, a contender for even greater honors on the global stage.
