At the 35th National Games, Pakistan witnessed two extraordinary sporting feats on Wednesday, highlighting the spirit and resilience of its athletes. The day’s glory was shared between 19-year-old swimmer Hamza Asif, who shattered a long-standing national record, and Olympian sprinter Faiqa Riaz, who claimed a historic third individual title.
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In the pool, the men’s 50m breaststroke final became the stage for a landmark achievement. Hamza, representing Wapda and training at the University of Tennessee, surged ahead of the competition, touching the wall first. When the digital clock flashed 29.99 seconds, it marked the first time a Pakistani swimmer completed the event in under 30 seconds. Rayan Awan, the previous national record holder, improved his personal best to 30.55 seconds, earning silver. The crowd erupted in celebration, acknowledging Hamza’s remarkable achievement. “My coach has worked hard on me, we’ve been training for this very event, and I was expecting the record,” Hamza said modestly, later adding another gold in the 50m freestyle to cap his day.
Meanwhile, under the blazing Karachi sun at the track and field stadium, Faiqa Riaz’s pursuit of excellence reached new heights. Already a double gold medalist in the 100m and 200m sprints, Faiqa turned her focus to the long jump. On her final attempt, she executed a flawless leap, landing at 5.52 metres. The announcement of the winning distance sparked jubilation as Faiqa celebrated her third individual title of the Games. She described the moment as a “do or die” effort, pushing herself to the limit to secure the gold.
Faiqa’s achievements reflect not just talent but the immense discipline required to compete at the highest level in multiple events. Balancing sprinting and jumping demands precise training, as sprinting requires raw speed while long jump calls for control and explosive power. Despite these challenges, she managed to excel in both disciplines, a testament to her dedication and skill.
The 35th National Games on this day symbolized more than victories; they highlighted the determination, preparation, and perseverance of Pakistan’s athletes. Hamza Asif and Faiqa Riaz showcased that with talent, rigorous training, and unwavering focus, historic milestones can be achieved, inspiring a new generation of sports enthusiasts across the nation. Their performances stand as a reminder of the potential within Pakistan’s sporting community and the heights that can be reached through hard work and commitment.
