Pakistan’s cycling team continues to make strides on the international stage, adding two more medals to its tally at the Asian Road Cycling Championships 2025 in Thailand. Cyclists Rabia Gharib and Zainab Rizwan secured podium finishes in the women’s masters road race events, reinforcing Pakistan’s growing presence in the sport.
Rabia Gharib claimed gold in the 50+ age category, completing the 42.8 km race in 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 21 seconds. She was the only competitor in her category to complete the race, which secured her the top position and a historic gold medal for Pakistan. Meanwhile, Zainab Rizwan clinched bronze in the 40-44 age category, crossing the finish line in 1 hour, 15 minutes, and 13 seconds.
A Series of Successes for Pakistan
This is Zainab’s second bronze medal in the championships. Earlier, she finished third in the individual time trial (ITT) event, further solidifying her status as one of Pakistan’s most promising female cyclists. Rabia, too, had already made her mark in the competition by winning silver in the ITT event for her age group.
These latest victories follow Ali Illyas’ triumph in the men’s masters ITT event, where he secured gold for Pakistan. However, in the men’s elite competition, Ali finished 15th, highlighting the tough competition in the category.
Pakistan’s Rising Cycling Scene
Cycling in Pakistan has long been an underrepresented sport, but recent achievements at the Asian Road Cycling Championships indicate a shift in momentum. The country has been making steady progress in the discipline, with cyclists proving their mettle at regional and continental levels.
Women’s participation in professional cycling has especially gained traction over the past decade. Athletes like Rabia Gharib and Zainab Rizwan are paving the way for younger generations by demonstrating that Pakistani women can compete internationally and bring home medals. Their performances in Thailand reflect their dedication, as well as the growing infrastructure supporting cycling in the country.
The Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) has played a crucial role in training and developing athletes for international competitions. With limited resources but immense determination, the federation has helped Pakistani cyclists gain exposure and experience through participation in various events across Asia.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite these impressive victories, Pakistan’s cycling scene faces several challenges, including a lack of proper training facilities, sponsorships, and international exposure. Unlike other sports like cricket and hockey, cycling receives minimal funding, making it difficult for athletes to compete at the highest level.
However, with medals rolling in from international competitions, cycling is beginning to attract more attention. The success of athletes like Ali Illyas, Rabia Gharib, and Zainab Rizwan could potentially push authorities and private sponsors to invest in the sport. Improved infrastructure, professional coaching, and financial support could help Pakistani cyclists compete on par with their Asian counterparts.
More Competitions and Aspirations
The Asian Road Cycling Championships have been a significant confidence booster for Pakistani cyclists. These recent achievements will encourage the next generation to take up cycling professionally and work towards representing Pakistan on a global scale.
With the Asian Games and other international events on the horizon, the Pakistan Cycling Federation will likely focus on enhancing training programs, securing better equipment, and ensuring participation in more global competitions. If this momentum continues, Pakistan could soon emerge as a serious competitor in the cycling world.
For now, Rabia Gharib, Zainab Rizwan, and Ali Illyas have made their mark, bringing pride to Pakistan and inspiring a new wave of cyclists to chase their dreams on the road.
