In the rural parts of Punjab and Potohar regions of Pakistan lie a fervent passion for stone lifting, a centuries-old traditional sport. Ranging from modest to mammoth, the stones, weighing between 80kg to a staggering 400kg, pose a formidable challenge to contestants.
A video shared on Instagram by @overseespakistan showed many men, against the serene backdrop of rural life, lifting stones in different shapes and sizes as part of the annual stone-lifting championship.
Among them was Martins Licis, famous for his feats in strength athletics, and the winner of World’s Strongest Man competition in 2019. Licis embarked on a journey to the heart of rural Pakistan to observe this tradition. For him, witnessing the remarkable displays of strength was not only inspiring, but also served as a poignant reminder of the untapped potential that lies within Pakistan’s borders.
Licis envisions a future where Pakistan’s rich heritage of strength athletics is celebrated on the world stage. With talent abound and passion aplenty, he urges governments and sporting bodies to recognise the potential for athletes from these rural communities to shine on platforms like the Olympics.
Watch the video here:
One social media user wrote, “Similar compititions are also organised here in Punjab and other States.” Another use said, “My dad and his friends used to hold competitions in Nakyal, Kashmir every few months back in the day.”
The stone-lifting championship may be a local affair, but its impact reverberates far beyond the confines of rural Pakistan.
