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LAHORE - Pakistan Navy dominated the All Pakistan Jashan-e-Azadi Open Gold Cup Canoeing Championship 2026, winning the overall title with eight gold medals and 60 points at Kingston College Canal, Lahore. Organised by Punjab Canoeing Association, the championship featured enthusiastic participation from teams representing Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Police, various departments and institutions, Punjab, Lahore District and several canoeing clubs from across the country. The Punjab team finished runners-up with two gold, six silver and three bronze medals, collecting 52 points, while Pakistan Police secured third place with two gold, two silver and six bronze medals for 51 points. Mangla Water Sports Club secured fourth position. At the concluding prize distribution ceremony, chief guests Mian Zaheer-ud-Din Babar and Zubair Ansari presented medals to the successful athletes and shields to officials. They praised the athletes for their performances and congratulated the Punjab Canoeing Association for successfully organising the national-level championship. The guests also acknowledged the efforts of Punjab Canoeing Association President Shahid Anwar Malik, Secretary Mehr Muhammad Munir, Vice President Chaudhry Akram, Joint Secretary Imran Gujjar, Deputy Secretary Atif Nazir, Aqeel Javed Butt and other office-bearers. They said regular national-level competitions were essential for providing young athletes with opportunities to demonstrate their talent, gain competitive experience and improve their skills. The participating athletes thanked the association for organising the championship and expressed hope that similar competitions would continue regularly to promote canoeing and raise the standard of the sport in Pakistan. Punjab Canoeing Association Secretary Muhammad Munir and Joint Secretary Imran Ali Gujjar thanked all participating teams, athletes and officials for their cooperation. They also expressed gratitude to Kingston College Principal and the college administration for their support in successfully hosting the championship.