Javed Iqbal
Correspondent
Syed Javed Iqbal is a distinguished and seasoned sports journalist with over two decades of excellence in the field of sports media. He has been a prominent figure on some of Pakistan’s leading news channels, including ARY News, Aaj News, and 24 News, earning widespread recognition for his insightful reporting and comprehensive coverage. Throughout his illustrious career, Syed Javed Iqbal has reported from the frontlines of some of the world’s most prestigious international sporting events. His coverage includes six ICC Cricket World Cups, the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, South Asian Games, World Table Tennis Championships, Volleyball World Cup, FIFA Confederations Cup, Japan Open, Champions Trophy, Pakistan Super League (PSL), and the Asia Cup in hockey. His assignments have taken him across the globe to countries such as the USA, Japan, Australia, England, France, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE. Known for his on-ground presence and in-depth analysis, Syed Javed Iqbal has earned national and international acclaim as a credible and authoritative voice in sports journalism.
Pakistan's 26-member contingent is set to leave for Italy to participate in the 16th Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 on Thursday evening.
The event will be held from March 8 to 16. The contingent will leave for Turin, Italy via Dubai on a foreign flight.
Pakistani athletes, despite limited resources, have undergone extensive training for the mega event. Their preparations included snow training in the northern regions of Pakistan and endurance training on Karachi’s beaches and roads to simulate conditions for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Speaking exclusively to Nukta, Special Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Lakhani said that it was a very difficult task for the athletes to prepare for the Winter Games.
“Pakistani special athletes have immense talent. Despite limited resources, the athletes have worked hard in the training camp,” she said.
They are hopeful that the athletes will perform brilliantly in the event. National athletes will participate in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Pakistan squad
The squad features 10 athletes (five male and five female), along with coaches, officials, medical personnel, and support staff. The delegation reflects a diverse representation of Pakistan, with participants hailing from Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Swabi, and Gilgit.
Pakistani athletes during the Special Olympics send-off ceremony held in KarachiSpecial Olympics Pakistan
This year’s Special Olympics World Winter Games will see over 1,500 athletes from 93 countries competing in eight sports, including Alpine Skiing, Figure Skating, Snowboarding, and Floorball.
Lakhani emphasized that the event is not just about competition but also about breaking barriers and promoting an inclusive society. She believes that Pakistan’s athletes are not only competitors but ambassadors of resilience and determination, proving that sports can unite and empower individuals regardless of challenges.
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