Nine-year-old Kainat from Sindh stunned spectators at the 35th National Games on Monday by securing the bronze medal in the women’s 10,000-metre race, becoming one of the youngest competitors to shine at the event.
Running with maturity far beyond her age, Kainat completed the long and demanding distance in 48 minutes and 42.70 seconds.
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Her steady pace, determination, and courage drew appreciation from athletes, coaches, and fans watching at the venue.
Her journey to the starting line, however, was not smooth.
According to Geo Super, her coach revealed that officials initially refused to let her take part because she was too young for the event.
She was only allowed to compete after her coach submitted a written guarantee accepting full responsibility for her safety.
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“When she came to the track, she was removed from the starting line after being told, ‘You are too young, and we cannot permit you to run 10,000m’,” her coach claimed.
“I took full responsibility for her in writing that she is capable of doing it and she did it, not letting our heads down,” he added.
Despite the early setback, Kainat proved her capability with a disciplined run that earned her a place on the podium.
The gold medal in the event went to WAPDA’s Maria Bibi, who finished with an impressive time of 44 minutes and 21.40 seconds.
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Pakistan Navy’s Mumtaz Naimat claimed silver after completing the race in 47 minutes and 10.11 seconds.
Kainat’s performance, at just nine years old, became one of the most talked-about moments of the day, highlighting both her promise and her exceptional resilience.
