Qalandar trials unearth talented gems

Qalandar trials unearth talented gems

From unpolished gems to national glory: Pakistan's youth deliver big in talent hunts and global arenas

Asher Butt

Pakistan’s sporting pulse is beating louder this July, not through megastar headlines, but through the determined rise of its youth — in volleyball courts, cricket grounds, and even weightlifting platforms abroad and so on snooker table. What began as trials in dusty fields and rigorous training camps is now translating into podium finishes and historic breakthroughs.

 

Volleyball’s young titans crush india, eye asian crown

In Thailand, the U16 boys’ volleyball squad scripted a compelling narrative. Their straight-sets demolition of India wasn’t just a semifinal win — it was a symbolic shift in youth dominance in Asian volleyball. With Junaid’s thundering spikes and Faizan’s lethal blocks, Pakistan not only entered the final against Iran, but also punched a ticket to the FIVB U17 World Championship 2026. The team, unbeaten across six matches, embodies the grit and strategy that Pakistan has long yearned for in youth development.

 

Strength lifting medals in Thailand: Breaking new ground

Another understated but powerful moment came from Pattaya, where Pakistani strength lifters bagged medals in the World Championship. Rao Zafar Iqbal Advocate and Chaudhry Ashraf’s silver finishes, along with Urooj Kiran’s double bronze, showed how strength sports — often on the margins — are finally finding visibility. The announcement of strength lifting’s inclusion in the 2026 World Nomad Games adds further weight to Pakistan’s global sporting presence.

 

Sindh’s cricket trials: Dreams uncorked in Hyderabad and Benazirabad

Back home, Lahore Qalandars and the Prime Minister’s Youth Program are quietly revolutionizing access to cricket. In just four days across Hyderabad and Shaheed Benazirabad, more than 14,000 boys and girls turned up — not for photo ops, but for genuine chances to be seen. With over 60 players selected for next-stage grooming, the initiative is changing the narrative: from talent lost in rural pockets to talent propelled into the national pipeline.

 

What these wins mean

These aren’t isolated victories. They reflect:

An evolving, inclusive sporting landscape

Institutional collaboration (PMYP, PVF, Qalandars, international federations)

Talent recognition across gender, geography, and disciplines

The task ahead? Sustain the momentum. Build on infrastructure, coaching, and athlete welfare to ensure these young achievers aren’t just flashes of brilliance — but the foundation of Pakistan’s sporting future.