The National Games’ Weightlifting competitions have seen unique circumstances, with the whole family participating, Geo News reported. 15-year-old weightlifter Madiha Zubair won a silver medal in the 86kg category, lifting 129kg, representing Pakistan Railways. In her competitors was her mother, Zahira Zubair, who lifted 108kg while representing the Pakistan Army. Madiha’s father, Zubair Manzoor, an international weightlifter, is also set to compete on Tuesday, representing Pakistan Police.
Hailing from Lahore, Madiha grew up around weightlifters as her father, mother and grandfather are weightlifters, she told the media. Sharing her joy on her achievement, she added that she wishes to represent Pakistan internationally like her grandfather, Olympian Muhammad Manzoor. Muhammad Manzoor represented the country in the 1976 Olympics and won a bronze medal at the Asian Games.
Expressing her maternal emotions, Zahira also shared her happiness over her daughter’s win in the national games. Zahira could not win a medal, but happily competed with her daughter. Zubair, too, expressed happiness and wished that all family members earn medals and represent their country and family on all platforms.
The family’s connection to the sport is widespread, as Madiha’s paternal uncle, Zohaib and paternal aunt, Saima, are also weightlifters and are participating in different weight categories in the National Games.
