Healer behind Pakistan’s top athletes

LAHORE : In the months leading up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem was uncertain about competing due to a recurring leg injury. Behind his recovery and timely participation stood a healthcare professional who believed athletes deserved more than applause.

Registered Dietitian (RD) Rizwan Aftab Ahmed, Director at a private hospital in Lahore, not only supported Arshad Nadeem but also athletes like Nooh Dastagir Butt—winner of seven Commonwealth gold medals and a double gold in Uzbekistan—Shehroze Kashif, who scaled all 14 of the world’s highest peaks; Eman Falcon Khan, a force in MMA; Amin Mukaty, who redefined marathon limits with a historic Boston finish; Rizwan Ali, undefeated in MMA; Shahrez Khan, who qualified for the Ironman World Championship; and Usman Wazeer, known for his extended boxing streak.

Together, these athletes represent a new era of talent, passion, and national pride, powered by nutrition, medical care, and financial sponsorships provided through ACTIVIT, an initiative founded by Rizwan.

An Aitchison College alumnus, Rizwan earned his degree from Queen’s University in Canada and pursued postgraduate certifications in clinical nutrition and men’s health from Cornell University and Harvard Medical School. Despite his international education, his focus remains on improving healthcare access and strengthening Pakistan’s sports infrastructure to shine globally.

This vision materialised in September 2023, when Rizwan extended full-circle support to Arshad Nadeem—covering medical care, nutritional planning, and financial backing.

In a country where athletes are often celebrated only after success, Rizwan followed a different path—one shaped by his family’s legacy. On his maternal side, his fourth great-grandfather, Syed Ghulam Haider Shah, was a revered spiritual leader in Jalalpur Sharif; his grandfather, Iftikhar Ahmed Shah, represented Pakistan in the 1948 London Olympics; and his third great-grandfather, Raja Ghazanfar Ali Khan, was a key ally of Quaid-e-Azam in the creation of Pakistan.

On his paternal side, Rizwan’s lineage includes the legendary poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz as his great-uncle. His father Prof Dr Aftab Ahmed, was a pioneer of orthopedic surgery and established the first orthopedic wing at Services Hospital Lahore.

“My ancestors’ legacy is woven into my DNA—a heritage of spiritualism, patriotism, sports, artistic expression, and medical innovation that has touched countless lives. I am committed to honouring their contributions by lighting the path of excellence and welfare,” he said. Rizwan pledged to continue his services to the nation independently, without seeking help from anyone, including the government, as he believes this is his legacy—one that never dies.