Islamabad became the center of Pakistan’s climbing world on February 15, 2026, when Mir Abu Zar Faiz stunned spectators by setting a new national speed climbing record. With a blistering time of 5.73 seconds, he raised the bar for athletes across the country and highlighted Pakistan’s growing presence in sport climbing.
The Speed Climbing Time Evaluation took place at the Pakistan Sports Complex under the supervision of the Alpine Club of Pakistan. Officials including Najeeb Ullah Khattak, Head Coach Faiz Ali, and Jury President Mushahid Shah praised all competitors for their skill and determination. Faiz’s performance stood out as exceptional and confirmed his status as the fastest climber in the nation.
This achievement reflects years of discipline and focused training. Faiz began climbing as a passion, but he soon turned it into a competitive career. He is a three time consecutive National Speed Climbing Champion from 2022 to 2024 and has broken the national speed record multiple times before this latest feat.
His previous record of 7.31 seconds, set during the National Sport Climbing Championships in 2023, was already considered remarkable. By cutting his time down to 5.73 seconds, Faiz demonstrated not only personal improvement but also the rapid progress of speed climbing standards in Pakistan. The margin of improvement shows how elite athletes continue to push physical limits through advanced training methods.
Competitors Huzaifa Imran and Zaheer Ahmad also delivered strong performances in the Islamabad evaluation, finishing second and third respectively. Their climbs showed that Pakistan’s talent pool in sport climbing is expanding and becoming more competitive each year.
Speed climbing requires explosive power, technical precision, and mental focus. Climbers race up a standardized 15 meter wall, aiming to reach the top in the shortest possible time. The sport gained worldwide attention after its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Since then, countries across Asia have invested more in structured climbing programs and youth development.
Faiz’s record comes at a pivotal moment for Pakistani sports. His success sends a strong signal that athletes from the country can compete at high international standards. More importantly, it inspires young climbers to pursue the sport with confidence.
Mir Abu Zar Faiz’s 5.73 second climb is more than just a national record. It represents dedication, progress, and the rise of a sport that continues to gain momentum in Pakistan.
