Several top Pakistani bodybuilder athletes are all set for the Asian Bodybuilding Championship 2025 slated to be held in Thailand. They will represent the country after winning the National PSB Bodybuilding and Physique Championship held in Islamabad.
Pakistan has seen some of the best bodybuilders in the sport’s history, recurring champions such as Yahya Butt and last year’s national champion. The rise in the use of social media has greatly encouraged the younger generation to take up the sport of bodybuilding seriously, even with very limited financial support.
The sport of bodybuilding has transformed in the subcontinent from a traditional ‘Pehalwani’ style to a more dynamic industry which focuses on fitness and muscle building. With this change also came a change in the cultural perception of masculinity and good looks, from the broad ‘Pehalwani’ to a more defined and muscular one.
The Pakistan Bodybuilding Federation (PBF) as the organiser for this national event, had 122 athletes competing in 23 categories, including Senior, Junior, Masters, Athletic Physique and Sports Physique.
Bodybuilding: New and Emerging Sports Activities in Pakistan
Members of the World Bodybuilding Federation, Asian Bodybuilding Federation, and provincial affiliated bodies formed an organised reviewing panel. Their insights demonstrated the commitment and talent of the athletes.
Alongside other events, the Pakistan Sports Board sponsored an Anti-Doping Awareness Seminar. The PSB’s assistance was appreciated by PBF Secretary General Sohail Anwar who stated, ‘Everyone will watch our athletes and be proud of Pakistan.’
In attendance were PSB Organising Committee Chairman Saeed Akhtar and sports nutritionist Dr Nabeel. Their commitment substantiates the rising interest and support for bodybuilding in Pakistan.
Participating athletes are currently in training and are expected to perform well at the Asian Bodybuilding Championship. Like the athletes themselves, Pakistan looks forward to their achievement at the global stage, fostering more optimism
