Former prime minister Imran Khan’s nephew, Shahrez Khan, has announced that he will not be able to participate in the upcoming Ironman 70.3 World Championship after being stopped from leaving Pakistan.
Taking to X, Shahrez revealed that his name has been placed on the passport control list, preventing him from traveling to Spain for the global triathlon event. He expressed disappointment, saying, “I’m not involved in politics; I’m an athlete, and my only goal is to represent Pakistan with pride.”
An Oxford University graduate, Shahrez Khan currently serves as the regional head at the global textile firm Simba Global in Australia. Alongside his professional career, he has built an impressive athletic record, competing in half marathons, duathlons, and 10K races.
Shahrez is the only Pakistani athlete to have qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship, which includes a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bike ride, and a 21.1 km half marathon. His dedication to fitness and discipline has earned him respect in the triathlon community.
Since 2022, Shahrez has competed in seven Ironman 70.3 events worldwide. He achieved 10th place in his category during the competition held in Mossel Bay, South Africa, last year. Before being barred from travel, he also participated in the run segment of the Ironman 70.3 race in Muscat, Oman.
Supporters on social media have voiced concern over the travel restriction, saying that sports should remain separate from politics. Shahrez’s disqualification from attending the Ironman 70.3 World Championship marks a major setback for Pakistan’s representation in international endurance sports.
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