ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Oct, 2026) North Punjab emerged champions of the 9th National Mas-Wrestling Championship 2026, securing the top position with 88 points after thrilling contests among 16 teams from across Pakistan here at Hamidi Hall, Pakistan Sports Complex.Islamabad finished runners-up with 86 points, while South Punjab secured third position with 57 points in the championship organised by the Pakistan Mas-Wrestling Federation (PMWF). The event featured competitions in 15 weight categories, comprising eight men’s and seven women’s events, showcasing the strength, skill and competitive spirit of the country’s emerging athletes.The closing ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Chairman of the Kashmir Committee Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Pakistan Mas-Wrestling Federation Chairman Nawab Furqan Khan, Olympian Sadaf Siddiqui, Pakistan Sports Board Deputy Director General Muhammad Saeed, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in Pakistan Aybek along with other dignitaries and sports personalities.In the women’s competitions, Tayyaba Zubair from Wapda claimed the 55kg title. Islamabad’s Khadija secured gold in the 60kg category, Mariam Sharif in the 65kg event, Saiqa Riasat in the 70kg category and Ayesha Dilshad in the -75kg event. Iqra Naseeb of Islamabad won the 75kg-plus title after defeating Ayesha Khan of Balochistan in the final.In the men’s events, North Punjab’s Sadaqat Ali won gold in the 60kg category, Zohaib Virk in the 65kg event and Usama Butt in the 75kg category. Central Punjab’s Fawad Ali secured the 70kg title, while Aurangzeb won gold in the 80kg category. Wapda’s Muhammad Asim claimed the 90kg title, while South Punjab’s Ahmad Cheema won gold in the 105kg category and Muhammad Ahmad triumphed in the 105kg-plus event.Speaking on the occasion, PMWF Chairman Nawab Furqan Khan said that Mas-Wrestling is a traditional strength sport closely associated with our brotherly country, Kyrgyzstan.The sport is gaining momentum in Pakistan, and our vision is to provide athletes with greater opportunities at international competitions, including World Championships, and establish Pakistan among the leading nations in this discipline. Beloud