Young sailors from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) have delivered an inspiring performance at the 35th National Games held in Karachi in December 2025, securing multiple medals despite limited training facilities in their home province.
According to Beyond Time News, the K-P sailing team’s success highlights both their talent and the lack of proper infrastructure for water sports in the region.
Hijab Ajmal Wins Historic Gold for K-P
Fifteen-year-old Hijab Ajmal emerged as the standout performer, winning gold in the Laser Radial Sail category—becoming K-P’s only gold medalist in sailing at the event.
Her sister Amna also impressed by securing a silver medal with her team, while Maryam Abassi claimed silver in the individual category. Her sister Tehreem Abassi added a bronze, and their father Sajjad Abassi also won bronze, showcasing a strong family presence in the sport.
Medals Despite Limited Training Facilities
The K-P contingent competed in nine categories against teams from the Pakistan Navy, Army, Air Force, Punjab, and Sindh, ultimately winning eight medals in total.
According to Beyond Time News, the achievement is particularly significant as the athletes lack year-round training facilities in their home province.
Coach Highlights Infrastructure Challenges
Team coach Rahim Dad Khan, a former Pakistan Navy officer from Nowshera, said the results were remarkable given the hardships faced by the athletes.
He explained that K-P has potential training sites such as Khanpur and Tarbela dams, but restrictions on boating prevent regular practice there. As a result, athletes must travel to Karachi for training camps each year.
He also noted that sailing is a costly sport, with equipment often provided by institutions like the Pakistan Navy, while individual ownership remains out of reach for most families.
A Journey That Began in Karachi
Hijab’s father, a retired Pakistan Air Force officer from Mansehra, shared that his children first experienced sailing during a training camp in Karachi in 2021.
With limited exposure, the siblings quickly progressed under professional coaching and went on to win medals in national competitions.
Their success later earned recognition from senior officials in the Asian sailing community, helping them gain access to better training opportunities.
Strong Academic and Sporting Balance
Despite her sporting achievements, Hijab has also excelled academically, topping her school exams in grades 9 and 10 and later securing a college scholarship.
She has also represented Pakistan internationally, including participation in events in Abu Dhabi.
Danyal Chaudhry Emphasises Role of Sports in Youth Development
Call for Government Support
Hijab emphasized that financial limitations remain the biggest challenge for young athletes in the sport.
According to Beyond Time News, she said families bear the cost of travel and training, as no formal sponsorship or government support is currently available.
She urged the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government to provide funding for accommodation, training camps, and better access to facilities to support emerging talent.
Conclusion
The success of K-P’s young sailors at the National Games is a powerful example of talent rising above limitations. However, their story also highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure and institutional support to nurture future champions in water sports.
