Viral Video: In the rural areas of Punjab and Potohar regions in Pakistan, there's a deep-rooted passion for stone lifting, an age-old traditional sport. From small to massive stones, weighing between 80kg to an astounding 400kg, contestants face a daunting challenge.?A video posted on Instagram by @overseespakistan showcased numerous men, set against the tranquil backdrop of rural life, participating in the annual stone-lifting championship, each grappling?with stones of various shapes and sizes.
Notably present among them was Martins Licis, renowned for his accomplishments in strength athletics, including winning the?World¡¯s?Strongest Man competition in 2019. Licis embarked on a journey to rural?Pakistan's?heart to witness this tradition.?For him, observing the incredible demonstrations of strength was?not only motivating but also served as?a poignant reminder of?Pakistan's?untapped potential.
Licis dreams of a future where?Pakistan's?rich heritage of strength athletics?is celebrated?globally. With abundant talent and?fervor, he calls upon governments and sporting bodies to acknowledge the potential for athletes from these rural communities to shine on platforms like the Olympics.
One social media user commented,?¡°Similar competitions are?also?organized here in Punjab and other States.¡±?Another shared,?¡°My dad and his friends used to hold competitions in Nakyal,?Kashmir?every few months back in the day.¡±
While the stone-lifting championship may be a local event, its impact extends far beyond the?borders of rural Pakistan.
The stone-lifting championship?not only?showcases the strength and resilience of rural Pakistan?but also?highlights the rich tapestry of cultural traditions embedded within the?country's?communities.?
As Licis champions the recognition of these athletes on the global stage, his journey signifies a bridge between the ancient traditions of strength athletics and the modern aspirations of international sporting acclaim, ultimately fostering a deeper appreciation for?Pakistan's?diverse heritage.
For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit?Indiatimes News.