Pakistani Athletes Excel at Seychelles Nature Trail Challenge 2025

Pakistani athletes distinguished themselves at the Seychelles Nature Trail Challenge 2025 on Saturday, successfully navigating one of the region’s most demanding mountain courses. Their resilience and stamina earned them global recognition.

Waqar Ahmed’s Record-Breaking Performance

Waqar Ahmed, from Chitral, achieved a significant victory by completing the 22-kilometer race in a record time of two hours, 11 minutes, and 30 seconds. This sets a new benchmark for the course.

He outperformed a competitive international group on the steep, rough terrain of Mahe Island, solidifying his status as one of the event’s top contenders.

Umer Zaman, representing Islamabad, finished shortly after in 2:14, securing second place. Muzammil Shahzad, also from Islamabad, finished fourth overall, contributing to Pakistan’s strong presence in the men’s division.

Women’s Division Highlights

Pakistani women runners also left a mark. Anum Uzair of Lahore was the fastest female finisher from Pakistan, completing the course in 4:24. Neelab Kayani from Islamabad was the second-fastest Pakistani woman. Zaira Syed was recognized for completing the challenging race, which tested both endurance and resolve.

Nine athletes in total represented Pakistan at the event. Among the participants were journalists. A sports editor successfully completed his first trail run, and another journalist also completed the race. Both were lauded for their efforts on the global stage.

National Acclaim

The team’s performance received widespread praise back home. A federal minister lauded the runners’ achievements, describing them as ‘a tremendous source of national pride.’

He specifically acknowledged Waqar Ahmed and Umer Zaman for their podium finishes and celebrated the contributions of the women athletes, stating that “by thriving on one of the planet’s most difficult trails, our runners have demonstrated that Pakistan’s skill is unparalleled.”

Acknowledgements

The organizers were also commended for hosting a successful event. The Seychelles Tourism Department was appreciated for its meticulous planning and hospitality. The coordination and support provided to international athletes were also recognized.

The Seychelles Nature Trail Challenge 2025 represented more than just a race for Pakistan; it symbolized determination and perseverance, showcasing the nation’s spirit across the challenging trails. It also highlighted the commitment of Pakistani athletes to excel internationally.