After a gruelling summer camp held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, 16 Pakistani athletes qualified to represent Pakistan at the 17th International School Sports Federation (ISF) competition, for the first time.
The 2024 ISF competition is the largest in the event’s history, with an unprecedented 5,515 talented athletes from 71 countries, competing across 26 sports.
First held in 1974, the ISF Gymnasiade was founded to give young athletes a platform to compete and exhibit their skills at an international level. Over the decades, the event has grown into one of the most important global competitions for school-aged athletes, fostering a spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect across borders.
The Pakistan School Sports Federation General Secretary Irfan Ali Sulehri led the Pakistan team. The team comprised of Ali Saif, Nyle Asad Malik, Saif Hameed, Rafay Shahzad, Mohid Mirza, Hussain Chaddar, Qasim Nazir, Ismail Saeed, Ammar Raza, Hadi bin Arif, İsmail Tarar, Abdullah Khilji, Behram Khichi and Ayaan Arif.
Earlier, the Pakistan team was sent off by the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA). The young athletes visited the POA House and the Olympic Museum. President and Secretary General POA interacted with and encouraged the young athletes.
The President of the Pakistan Olympic Association, Syed Muhammad Abid Qadri Gillani wished the young athletes the best of luck for their participation at the 17th International School Games (ISF) Gymnasiade Bahrain 2024.
Despite limited resources and training facilities, young Pakistan athletes continue to compete at the global level. Paris Olympics 2024 saw Jehanara Nabi and Ahmed Durrani beat all expectations by performing well in the swimming competition.
