WAPDA Wins National Athletics Title as Maria Bibi Breaks 5,000m Record

KARACHI: The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) crowned an extraordinary campaign by securing the overall title at the 54th National Athletics Championship, powered by a record-breaking performance from distance runner Maria Bibi on the final day at the NED University tartan track in Karachi.

Maria delivered the highlight of the championship by setting a new national record in the women’s 5,000-metre event, crossing the finish line in 19 minutes and 02.00 seconds. Her stellar run eclipsed the previous national record of 19 minutes 04.05 seconds set by Rabia Ashiq back in 2012. WAPDA’s Nazia Ehsan secured silver with a timing of 19:49.50, while Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) Gonash Batool took bronze in 20:10.80.

Star sprinter Shajar Abbas also stamped his authority on the championship by completing a golden hat-trick. Abbas claimed the men’s 200m title in 20.75 seconds, adding to his earlier triumphs in the 100m sprint and 4x100m mixed relay. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Ataullah earned silver in 20.90 seconds, while HEC’s Haseeb Ahmed captured bronze in 21.40 seconds. WAPDA dominated the overall standings with 27 gold medals, including 17 gold, five silver, and five bronze medals in the men’s category, outclassing Pakistan Navy and HEC.

The Athletics Federation of Pakistan lauded the exceptional performances witnessed throughout the event, highlighting the rising standards in domestic track and field competitions. Officials confirmed that top-performing athletes from the national championship will now be evaluated for international training camps and upcoming Asian regional events.