Iqra Jillani in Asian games making Pakistan proud by setting records. Pakistan’s accomplished sports climber, Iqra Jillani, has set her sights on making history for her nation at the upcoming Asian Games scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China, from September 23.
At 25 years old, Iqra, who holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and works in the energy sector in Islamabad, is one of the five climbers chosen to represent Pakistan in the Asian Games. Her fellow team members include Amani Jannat, Fazal Wadood, Zaheer Ahmed, and Abuzar Faiz.
Iqra Jillani in Asian Games Words
“We have dedicated ourselves to intensive training for the past three months under the guidance of the Pakistan Sports Board and the Alpine Club of Pakistan. All the athletes are performing at their peak during our training sessions,” emphasized by Iqra Jillani in Asian Games.
“Our collective aim is to elevate Pakistan’s status in climbing by clinching medals at the games and striving to secure a place among the top three countries,” Iqra added.
Sports climbing was introduced to the Asian Games in 2018 and is set to make its second appearance this year. The climbing event is scheduled to take place between September 28 and October 2, with athletes from various countries competing for six gold medals.
Iqra and Amani are trailblazers as the first Pakistani women to participate in the Asian Games climbing event. In the previous edition of the Asian Games, where climbing made its debut, Pakistan was represented by two male athletes – Mushahid Hussain and Sajid Aslam.
“It is a source of great honor and pride for me to represent Pakistan in the Asian Games,” enthusiastically declared by Iqra Jillani in Asian Games.
While hoping for improved results, Iqra acknowledged the tough competition ahead, notably from countries like China, Indonesia, and Japan.
She shared her passion for mountain climbing and trekking, citing Naila Kiani as her role model and recounting her trek to the K2 base camp last year.
Regarding the relationship between mountaineering and sports climbing, Iqra highlighted their differences. While both enhance fitness and endurance, sports climbing demands specific skills like scaling artificial walls within set time limits, contrasting with the more open-ended nature of mountaineering. She emphasized the importance of dedicated practice for sports climbing.