Pakistan wrestler Gulzar wins bronze medal at Islamic Solidarity Games 2025

Staff Report

LAHORE: Wrestler Muhammad Gulzar raised the Pakistani flag in the 97 kg category as he won the bronze medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh on Friday. Pakistan managed to win five medals in these games with one gold by javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, one silver by javelin thrower Yasir Sultan, and three bronze medals by Faitma Zahra and Qudratullah and now wrestler Gulzar. Muhammad Gulzar defeated the Afghan wrestler Iqbal Ahmed in the repechage round and then won the bronze medal by knocking out Turkish wrestler Rifat E. Gidak in the fall position with 5-4 points. After winning the medal, Gulzar announced that he would dedicate his medal to the Pakistan Army’s Operation ‘Banyan-e-Marsoos’. He says that this victory is for the homeland, its defenders and martyrs. The Pakistan Wrestling Federation organised a three-month intensive training camp in Gujranwala where coach Inam Butt provided full guidance. “We learned a lot in this camp, and Allah Almighty rewarded us for our hard work,” Pakistan Wrestling Federation President Arshad Sattar said on the occasion. “This victory is a source of pride for the entire Pakistan. We are also grateful to the Pakistan Sports Board and the Pakistan Olympic Association for their full support for this event. It was possible with their cooperation.” Secretary General and National Coach Inam Butt congratulated Gulzar and his family and said, “Gulzar’s success is the result of hard work, dedication and excellent training. This moment is historic for Pakistan wrestling. Pakistan also fielded Inayatullah, who missed out on 74 kg quarterfinals, when he lost to Bahrain’s Magomedrasul Asluev. Muhammad Abdullah also represented Pakistan in the 65 kg event,but he lost to Uzbekistan’s Umidjon Jalolov 10-0 in the round of 16.