Pakistani footballer-turned-powerlifter Zulfia wins gold medal in Dubai

Zulfia showing off new medal-winning skills

By Nasir Aijaz
AsiaN Correspondent

Islamabad: Pakistan women football team midfielder Zulfia Nazir has now set her eyes on winning laurels in powerlifting after winning a gold medal in Dubai.

Zulfia, who represented the Pakistan women football team in the SAFF Women Championship in 2014, is currently in Dubai where she has been playing football for a local club and works as a fitness trainer.

On Friday, she proved her mettle by winning a gold medal in the Desert Barbell Power Meet in Dubai.

Contesting in the under 52 kg weight category, Zulfia lifted 110 kilograms each in squats and deadlift. In the chest press category, she lifted 57.5 kilograms to win the gold medal.

She has now set her eyes on bringing laurels for the country in powerlifting and wants to compete in the Asian Championship.

“I want to play in Asian Championship. I know I can win titles for Pakistan. I have contacted people at the helm of affairs in Pakistan and hope that I will get a chance to represent my country,” she told a private TV channel from Dubai.

Zulfia was once a regular face in the Pakistan women football team, but uncertainty at the Pakistan Football Federation has kept footballers like her away from the scene.

However, she is still hopeful of wearing the green jersey once again.

“I haven’t quit football. I am playing for a local club here and I am very much in practice. It will be exciting to represent Pakistan in multiple sports,” Zulfia said while aiming to represent Pakistan in both football and powerlifting.