rki.news

Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR, May 18 — Special athletes from the Kashmir Institute of Special Education (KISE), Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, won three silver medals at the National Special Olympics 2026 held in Islamabad, bringing pride and recognition to the region.
According to KISE Director Dr. Amjad Ansari, the three-member squad delivered an outstanding performance at the three-day national event organized by Special Olympics Pakistan from May 14 to 16 at the Sports Complex Islamabad. Athletes from all four provinces of Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, the federal region, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir participated in the competition, making it a highly competitive national event.
He said athlete Muhammad Shiraz won silver medals in the long jump and 400-metre race, while Faizan Shahzad secured silver in the 200-metre race. Another athlete, Mubeen, contributed in the relay event, helping the team achieve overall success and adding to the medal tally for the institution.
The closing ceremony was held at Jinnah Stadium Islamabad, attended by Special Olympics Pakistan CEO Ronak Lakhani and senior officials of the Pakistan Sports Board, where winning athletes were awarded medals amid applause and appreciation from participants and organizers.
On their return to Mirpur on Monday, the athletes received a warm and enthusiastic welcome at the Mangla Bridge gateway, where members of civil society, teachers, parents, journalists, and students showered them with flower petals and garlands in a celebratory atmosphere.
Dr. Amjad Ansari said the achievement reflects the talent, determination, and hard work of special athletes from AJK and announced that a grand ceremony will soon be held in their honor, attended by civil society representatives and sports officials from across the region.