Pakistani wrestler Mohammad Gulzar clinched a bronze medal in the 97kg wrestling category at the sixth Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh on Friday, dedicating his victory to the country’s armed forces. Gulzar secured the medal after a hard-fought win against Turkiye’s Rifat E. Gidak, prevailing 5-4 in the fall position. He had previously defeated Afghanistan’s Iqbal Ahmed in the repechage round to earn his place in the bronze medal contest.
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The gold medal in the category of Islamic Solidarity Games went to Iran’s Amirali Azarpira, who dominated Kazakhstan’s Rizabek Aitmukhan with a 5-0 victory. Despite strong competition, Gulzar’s determination and skill helped him stand on the podium, representing Pakistan with pride. Following his victory, he announced that he would dedicate the medal to the Pakistan Army’s ‘Banyan-e-Marsoos’ operation, expressing that the achievement was for his homeland, its defenders, and martyrs.
The Pakistan Wrestling Federation had organised a rigorous three-month training camp in Gujranwala to prepare athletes for the games, under the guidance of coach Inam Butt. Federation president Arshad Sattar praised the team’s efforts, saying that the hard work in the camp had paid off and that the medal was a moment of pride for the entire country. He added that the athletes’ dedication and perseverance were rewarded by Allah Almighty, reflecting the growing strength of Pakistan’s wrestling programme.
In other wrestling events, Pakistan’s Inayatullah narrowly missed the 74kg quarter-finals after losing to Bahrain’s Magomedrasul Asluev, while Mohammad Abdullah was defeated 10-0 by Uzbekistan’s Umidjon Jalolov in the round-of-16 in the 65kg category. Despite these setbacks, Gulzar’s achievement brought renewed focus and excitement to Pakistan’s participation in the games.
The wrestling bronze adds to Pakistan’s overall medal tally at the sixth Islamic Solidarity Games, which now stands at five. The nation’s haul includes a gold medal won by javelin superstar Arshad Nadeem, a silver medal by Yasir Sultan in the same event, and two additional bronze medals from boxers Fatima Zahra and Qudratullah. The combined success across athletics, boxing, and wrestling highlights Pakistan’s growing presence in multi-sport competitions and showcases the dedication of its athletes on an international stage.
Gulzar’s medal-winning performance also reflects the increasing investment in sports development within Pakistan. The intensive training camp and strategic coaching support demonstrate the commitment of sports authorities to prepare athletes for high-level competitions. This approach has not only helped wrestlers like Gulzar achieve international success but also inspired emerging athletes across the country to pursue excellence in their respective sports.
Beyond the medal, Gulzar dedication to the armed forces underscores the strong sense of patriotism and national pride shared by Pakistani athletes. By linking his victory to the sacrifices of military personnel, he has symbolically connected sporting achievement with broader national service and resilience. His win serves as a source of motivation for both fans and aspiring athletes, emphasizing that determination, disciplined preparation, and commitment can lead to success on the world stage.
As Pakistan continues to compete in the Islamic Solidarity Games, performances like Gulzar’s are crucial for building momentum and raising the profile of wrestling and other sports in the country. The nation’s athletes have demonstrated skill, courage, and perseverance, reinforcing Pakistan’s status as a competitive force in regional sporting events. Gulzar’s bronze medal not only adds to the country’s tally but also strengthens the spirit of sporting excellence and national pride for Pakistan.
