Pakistan Sprinter Faiqa Riaz Targets Personal Best at Commonwealth Games 2026
Pakistan’s leading sprinter Faiqa Riaz says her primary goal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 is to improve her personal performance rather than focus on winning a medal.
The 26-year-old athlete acknowledged the strength of the women’s 100-meter field, which includes several internationally accomplished sprinters, and said her focus remains on delivering her best race.
Chasing a New Personal Best
Faiqa will compete in the women’s 100-meter event when the Commonwealth Games begin in Glasgow.
Her immediate target is to improve on her personal best of 12.49 seconds, which she recorded during the Paris Olympics. That performance stands as one of the fastest officially recognized times by a Pakistani woman in the event.
She is also aiming to move closer to Pakistan’s long-standing national record of 11.81 seconds, set by Naseem Hameed in 2010.
Dedicated Training Routine
To prepare for the Games, Faiqa has been following an intensive training schedule at Punjab Stadium in Lahore, where she trains several hours each day under the guidance of coach Fayyaz Ahmed, assisted by Gohar Shahbaz.
In an effort to increase competition during training, she has also participated in practice races against male athletes and taken part in additional training sessions outside Lahore.
Challenges for Athletics
Faiqa highlighted that athletics in Pakistan continues to face limited sponsorship opportunities, with much of her training and preparation supported through personal resources alongside institutional backing.
She noted that competing internationally provides valuable experience and helps athletes understand the level required to succeed on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan will also be represented at the Commonwealth Games by several other athletes, including Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem.
As Faiqa prepares for the competition, her focus remains on improving her timing, gaining international experience, and continuing her progress in one of athletics’ most competitive events.
