Pakistan’s top athletes showcased their prowess at the National Games, with weightlifter Hanzala Dastagir Butt dominating the men’s 110kg category and badminton ace Mahoor Shahzad claiming her third women’s singles title. The games concluded on Friday with stellar performances across multiple disciplines.
Hanzala Dastagir Butt Steals the Spotlight
WAPDA’s Hanzala impressed spectators at the YMCA Scouts Auditorium, lifting 157kg in the snatch and 193kg in the clean and jerk, for a total of 350kg. The 23-year-old is already eyeing the Commonwealth Games 2026, inspired by his older brother, Nooh Dastagir Butt, who won the +109kg title in 2022.
“I take inspiration from him that one day I’ll also win a medal for Pakistan at that stage, and set a new record,” Hanzala said.
Hanzala’s gold contributed to WAPDA’s haul of four men’s golds, alongside one silver and one bronze.
Team coach Ali Aslam, a former weightlifter, praised the athletes:
“All our athletes—Army, HEC—were fantastic. The 52-day training camp ahead of the Games paid off.”
Nadia Maqsood and Women’s Weightlifting Triumph
Three-time National Games athlete Nadia Maqsood won gold in the women’s 86kg, secured the masters weightlifting title, and was named best lifter at an international meet. She credited her achievements to years of dedication, inspiring her young son, who watched in awe.
Mahoor Shahzad Balances Motherhood and Badminton Glory
Olympian Mahoor Shahzad, still adjusting to motherhood, claimed the women’s singles title, defeating Army’s Alja Tariq after coming back from a game down.
“My daughter is only 18 months old. Even at the international level, players usually take a two-year maternity break, but I made my comeback faster,” Mahoor told Dawn.
Men’s Singles Drama
The men’s singles final was an all-WAPDA clash. Irfan Saeed staged a comeback to beat M. Ali Larosh 21-12, 21-19, securing his spot as a contender for the LA 2028 Olympics.
Doubles Titles Go to Army
Despite WAPDA’s strong singles performance, Army dominated the doubles events:
- Men’s Doubles: Raja Hasnain & Raja Zulqarnain beat WAPDA 21-15, 13-21, 21-15
- Women’s Doubles: Ammarah Ishtiaq & Alja defeated WAPDA’s Ghazala Siddique & Mahoor 21-12, 21-13
- Mixed Doubles: Hasnain & Ammarah overcame Larosh & Ghazala 21-19, 21-16
Army Extends Dominance in Other Sports
Army excelled in table tennis, baseball, and men’s hockey, while WAPDA shone in women’s events:
- Table Tennis: Hoor Fawad won women’s singles; Ahmad Sajid edged Shah Khan in men’s singles
- Mixed Doubles: Punjab’s Owais & Kulsoom defeated WAPDA 3-1
- Shooting: Army and Navy split honours across individual and team events
- Baseball: Army beat WAPDA 9-7
- Men’s Hockey: Army won 2-1 against Navy, with Mohammad Owais scoring both goals
- Football: PAF edged Army 1-0 in the final, with Samad Khan scoring the decisive header
“I hope my performances here and the National Games gold pave the way for national team selection,” Samad Khan said.
National Games: A Landmark Sporting Event
Pakistan Olympic Association president Arif Saeed praised the event:
“Nothing is bigger than the National Games for the sporting fraternity of Pakistan. We had 11,000 athletes participating. Maybe 5–15 of them will go to the Olympics. This event unites the whole country; it’s truly one of a kind.”
The National Games 2025 concluded with Pakistan’s athletes demonstrating exceptional talent, determination, and teamwork, highlighting the country’s growing strength in multiple sports disciplines.
FAQs
Who were the standout athletes at the National Games 2025?
Weightlifter Hanzala Dastagir Butt and badminton star Mahoor Shahzad were among the top performers, winning gold in their respective events.
How did Hanzala Dastagir Butt perform in weightlifting?
He lifted 157kg in the snatch and 193kg in the clean and jerk, totaling 350kg in the men’s 110kg category.
What achievements did Mahoor Shahzad accomplish?
Mahoor won her third women’s singles badminton gold, balancing her training with motherhood after an 18-month maternity break.
Which teams dominated doubles and team events?
Army dominated doubles events, winning men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles, and also excelled in table tennis, baseball, and men’s hockey.
How did WAPDA perform overall?
WAPDA shone in men’s weightlifting and women’s events, including Hanzala’s gold and Nadia Maqsood’s top performances.
Were there any notable performances in other sports?
Yes, PAF won football, Punjab captured mixed doubles table tennis, and Army and Navy shared shooting honours, showcasing strong competition across disciplines.
How significant are the National Games for Pakistani athletes?
The National Games are a significant platform for 11,000 athletes, providing opportunities to qualify for international events, including the Olympics, and uniting the country through sport.
Conclusion
The National Games 2025 highlighted Pakistan’s growing talent across multiple sports. Athletes like Hanzala Dastagir Butt, Mahoor Shahzad, and Nadia Maqsood delivered stellar performances, while teams like Army and WAPDA showcased depth and teamwork. Beyond the medals, the Games served as a critical platform for nurturing future Olympians and strengthening Pakistan’s sporting culture, uniting athletes and fans alike in celebration of national athletic excellence.
