Why and how did Pakistani runners reach Seychelles? And why were only “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans echoing on the island?

Seychelles in East Africa is one of the world’s most beautiful wonders — an island that very few people knew about. But when Seychelles announced a 22-kilometer Nature Trail Run in Mahé, the eyes of runners from all over the world turned toward Seychelles, including Pakistani runners. However, compared to runners from other countries, reaching this island seemed quite challenging for Pakistanis.

Also Read: Pakistan’s Historic Victory at the Mahé Seychelles Nature Trail

To highlight Pakistani runners on this beautiful island at the global level, Vaga Tales, through Tourism Seychelles, took a commendable initiative that made this journey possible for them. After approval from Tourism Seychelles, Vaga Tales not only ensured participation for one or two but for six professional runners in this adventure trail run. Along with them, three journalists were also given the chance to explore and experience the trail, so the world could see that Pakistan is second to none — it also has immense talent.

Why did this 22-kilometer Nature Trail in Mahé become the center of attention worldwide? And why did it spark special interest among Pakistani runners?

The reason is that this trail is overflowing with the beauty of nature — dense greenery, a thick forest whose deep silence brings peace, rugged rocks hidden within the mountains as if they are nature’s priceless treasure, and everyone wanted to claim this treasure. It felt as though missing out on it would be like losing one’s breath.

On the other side, the roaring waves of the Indian Ocean — the towering waves, the crystal-clear blue water flowing alongside these mountains — seemed to loudly narrate the story of Seychelles’ beauty, calling out: Look, come and see how magnificent nature’s colors are! Here, nature reveals itself in a completely unique way.

And then, runners are always drawn to tough challenges. Pakistani runners, too, wanted to experience this rare and adventurous trail running.

When the runners began running along their designated paths, the enchantment of those trails often made them pause, as if saying: “Where are you rushing? It’s time to enjoy the beauty of these breathtaking views.”

Crossing the massive, rugged rocks became an exciting stage of the run, while the steep slopes in several areas — slippery and treacherous — posed a truly technical and challenging test for the runners.

Yet, despite the difficulty, everyone was enjoying the adventure of this dangerous but thrilling sport.

Of course, the convenience and access to this nature trail were made possible by Vaga Tales and Seychelles Tourism, but crossing its dangerous paths depended entirely on each runner’s own courage, determination, and passion.

When Pakistan’s top runner Waqar Ahmed completed the race and secured first position, the joy was beyond words. Gradually, the rest of the runners reached the finish line — among them were Umer Zaman, Muzammil Shehzad, Anum uzair, Neelab Kayani, Zaira, Mohsin Ijaz, and Faizan Lakhani.

With this remarkable success, the air was filled only with chants of “Pakistan Zindabad!” Pakistan also claimed the second, fourth, and fifth positions.

That moment was so beautiful — as everyone kept praising Waqas, the number one Pakistani runner, along with the others again and again. Every moment, the skies of Seychelles echoed with the triumph of Pakistani runners.

It was the very first time for these Pakistani runners, who with every step, were bringing victories home for Pakistan.

In a special conversation, Kiran, the driving force behind Vaga Tales, shared that she had a strong desire to do something special for Pakistan — to accomplish something that would make Pakistan’s name resonate on everyone’s lips around the world. When she learned about the Seychelles Nature Trail, it seemed like a perfect opportunity. She decided that maximum participation of Pakistani runners must be ensured. By coordinating with Tourism Seychelles, she made this possible for Pakistan.

Truly, Kiran — the soul of Vaga Tales — is that rare gem who quietly showers love on her homeland and stands as a helping hand in the successes of her fellow countrymen.

On the islands of Seychelles, from Mahé to Praslin and La Digue, every day we heard talk of Pakistan’s achievements. Again and again, praises for Pakistan were sung in Seychelles. There is certainly no shortage of talent in Pakistan, and if other institutions, like Vaga Tales, also provide the right opportunities to this talent, then Pakistan’s name will continue to shine brightly across the world.