Pakistan Shines at Asian Bodybuilding Championship with Multiple Gold Medals

BANGKOK: Pakistani athletes continued their strong showing at the Asian Bodybuilding Championship 2025 in Bangkok on Saturday, adding two more gold medals to their haul, bringing the total to an impressive four.

Faizan Gul triumphed in the 170 cm Sports Physique category, while Bilal Ahmed clinched the gold in the 180 cm Sports Physique category.

Ijaz Khan had previously secured gold in the Masters category, and Farast Ali had emerged victorious in the 75 kg category.

The nation had already celebrated two gold medals on Friday. Farast Ali, from Multan, won the 75 kg category, while Ijaz Khan, 51, secured gold in the Masters category. Khan, representing Peshawar, also claimed gold in the 80 kg Masters division.

Sohail Anwar, the Secretary of the Pakistan Bodybuilding Federation, noted that Farast Ali earns his livelihood at a puncture repair shop in Multan.

Asian gold medalist Farast mentioned that this event marked his inaugural international bodybuilding competition.

First International Championship
  • “Competing against bodybuilders from various nations, including India, he achieved victory and secured the gold medal,” he stated.
  • Farast conveyed his passion for bodybuilding and overall fitness. This championship was his first experience participating in an international bodybuilding event.

Despite his humble circumstances, Farast was determined to pursue his dream.

  • “Despite working at a puncture repair shop and facing financial constraints that limited my ability to travel, I made my way to Islamabad for trials and earned a spot on the national team,” he explained.
  • “I operate a small shop near my home in Multan where I fix punctures. I couldn’t afford trips to other cities. I participated in the trials in Islamabad, was selected, and the Bodybuilding Federation generously sponsored my trip to Bangkok.”