(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistani Triathlete Shahrez Khan Qualifies for Ironman 70.3 World Championship 2025
October 6, 2025
Pakistani triathlete Shahrez Khan has achieved a major milestone by qualifying for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship 2025, set to take place on November 9, 2025, in Marbella, Spain. With this feat, Shahrez becomes only the second Pakistani to reach this prestigious stage, following in the footsteps of Khurram Khan.
A Historic Qualification for Pakistan
The Lahore-born athlete secured his qualification after a 7th-place finish in his age category at the Ironman 70.3 race in Puerto Princesa, Philippines. The race tested endurance and willpower, featuring a 1.9 km swim, 90 km cycling leg, and 21.1 km half marathon, all under the punishing tropical heat.
“Crossing that finish line and realizing I had qualified — it was overwhelming. A moment of pure pride for Pakistan,” said Shahrez.
Currently, he ranks among the top 5% of Ironman athletes worldwide in the All World Athlete (AWA) category, reflecting his consistency and global standing.
From Aitchison to Oxford: A Journey of Passion and Perseverance
Shahrez, the son of Aleema Khan and nephew of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has carved a distinct sporting identity of his own. An Aitchison College alumnus, he excelled in athletics, football, and swimming from an early age.
His passion deepened during his university years at the University of Western Ontario, and later at Oxford University, where he completed his MBA from Said Business School. At Oxford, he joined the cross-country team and trained daily on the scenic Christ Church Meadows.
Currently, Shahrez leads the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for Simba Global, a multinational textile supplier — balancing corporate leadership with elite athletic training.
Building Pakistan’s Endurance Sports Culture
Shahrez’s Ironman journey began in 2022, after completing a demanding half marathon in Islamabad. While running and swimming came naturally, cycling posed a fresh challenge. To adapt, he built a dedicated indoor training setup — his self-described “pain cave” — in Lahore to train during the city’s smoggy months.
His routine included Bagh-e-Jinnah runs, DHA Phase 7 cycling, and intense brick workouts (back-to-back cycling and running) to prepare for race-day fatigue. During peak season, his training reached up to 18 hours per week.
Much of this progress, Shahrez credits to Dr. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed, CEO of ACTIVIT and Director at National Hospital DHA Lahore, who has been instrumental in guiding his journey. Together, they are cultivating Pakistan’s next generation of endurance athletes by hosting cross-country camps at Aitchison College and promoting fitness and sports education.
“We aim to inspire a generation stuck in sedentary lifestyles. Sports build discipline, resilience, and clarity,” they shared.
