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Martial Arts

MARTIAL ARTS - Judo 01 Jun, 2023

Judo News: Four times Olympian Sabrina Filzmoser to visit Pakistan

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD:-Sabrina Filzmoser, a four times Olympian martial art athlete, who is also Chairperson of the World Judo Athletes Commission, and Climate Ambassador International Judo Federation (IJF) will visit Pakistan for a K2 expedition under the Judo for Peace program.According to an official of the Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF), she will arrive in the capital city Islamabad on Friday (Jun 2, 2023), and will ride on a bicycle from Islamabad to K2 Base camp through Skardu before climbing K2, as she will start her journey on June 4 from Islamabad.It is pertinent to mention that she conquered Mount Everest in 2022 in a similar style, she rode a bicycle in India, and Nepal from the seashore to Everest base camp to climb the highest peak of the world, and was carrying the International Judo Federation (IJF) project symbol "JUDO FOR PEACE". On her way, she met various Judo Clubs and also established a new Judo Club near the base camp of Mount Everest in Nepal with the support of IJF.During his Pakistan visit, she will visit local judo clubs on the way to her destination for the promotion of judo. On her return, she consented to impart training to judokas at Islamabad. It would be the first time that a Judo personality of this stature will be visiting Pakistan to give tips to male and female judo athletes. She will brief to media about her expedition at a local hotel on June 3, 2023.

MARTIAL ARTS - Judo 28 May, 2023

Judo News: Upper Austria Grand Prix 2023 concludes , Japan on top

Sports Bulletin ReportLinz (Austria):-Japan players won three top positions in the 3-day Upper Austria Grand Prix 2023 that concluded here on Saturday, as the 5 five categories in play: -90kg, -78kg, -100kg, +78kg and +100kg were held on last day. The five gold medals were therefore distributed to Hungary, Brazil, Germany, Czechia, and Japan.In the end, Japan tops the medal rankings, followed by Germany who had a third fantastic day and France. In total, 23 countries were on the podium and 34 have at least one athlete in the top 7.Final Results (+100 kg)1. KRPALEK Lukas (CZE)2. KONE Losseni (GER)3. MARINIC Enej (SLO)3. SNIPPE Jelle (NED)5. SIPOCZ Richard (HUN)5. TATAROGLU Ibrahim (TUR)7. FIZEL Marius (SVK)7. SZCZUROWSKI Kacper (POL)Final Results (+78kg):1. TAKAHASHI Ruri (JPN)2. TAVANO Asya (ITA)3. STEVENSON Karen (NED)3. SANTOS Giovanna (BRA)5. LUCHT Renee (GER)5. CERIC Larisa (BIH)7. BULAVINA Ruslana (UKR)7. HOELLWART Maria (AUT)

MARTIAL ARTS - Int News 27 May, 2023

Matrix Fight Night-12 on July 1 at the Noida Indoor Stadium

Co-founders Ayesha Shroff, Krishna Shroff divulge the story behind Matrix Fight NightSports Bulletin ReportNew Delhi (India):-The Matrix Fight Night-12 will be held on July 1, 2023 at the Noida Indoor Stadium, Sector 21, New Delhi India, as since its inception in 2019, Matrix Fight Night (MFN) has established itself as the biggest Mixed-Martial Arts (MMA) promotion in India."In 2017, MFN truly became an idea. I had been following the sport of MMA for about 20 years and for one of the weekends, I took my mother along with me," Krishna recalled. "She sat there and experienced a live fight for the first time and was totally blown away. We got back and she was like, 'we have to do this because we could do so much better'. I immediately jumped on board. My brother fully backed the idea and we became a dream team," she further added. Ayesha Shroff further recalled the moment when she witnessed her first live MMA fight. "Tiger had the opportunity to be a part of a MMA team. He was obligated to attend an event but he was caught up and asked me to go in his place. Watching the show, I was hooked for life. There was nothing more exciting than watching a live fight.” For the Shroff family, the decision to go into the MMA route was a tough one, especially with cricket, football, and kabaddi seeing massive fan engagement in the country from sporting fans. To invest in a cricket or a football franchise or a league would have been a simpler path to follow. But the rebel streak in the mother-daughter duo kept them on the unexpected journey. "MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world but in India it has been an uphill struggle. Even after 11 shows, I still get asked the difference between MMA and WWE. If I was doing cricket, I would have people signing me blank checks. Here, we have to work show-to-show to get ourselves sponsors," Ayesha Shroff said.Krishna said:"Dad (Jackie Shroff) also did not understand the sport at first and it took him a couple of years to truly grasp the technicality of the sport and the vision. Now he is completely on board and supports us 100 percent. He even wakes up every Sunday at 7 AM to watch all the UFC fights and has become a fan of the sport." For the MFN co-founders, one of the critical reasons for starting MFN was to provide a platform for the Indian fighters who did not have ample opportunities to showcase their talent on a global scale. And now, as MFN enters its 12th edition, the MFN promoters are moving on with the same vision. "It never was a vanity project for us. The intention was always to give the Indian fighters what they truly deserve. The intention continues after 11 editions of MFN. All our focus is to get them to the next level," Ayesha Shroff said. "I have so much respect for these athletes. More than the physicality, it's their mental strength that really intrigues me. It is a blessing to be around these guys so up close and personal and feed off of that. It motivates me," Krishna added. The 12th edition of MFN is set to take place on July 1st at the Noida Indoor Stadium, Sector 21, and promises another cracking show. "MMA is a mind game. I believe to be an MMA fighter, you need to have a little extra. It takes a very special kind of person to get into the cage and have the door locked behind you, face your opponent and get into a beautiful and technical fight," Ayesha Shroff signed off.

MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 26 May, 2023

Taekwondo News: Pakistan 4 players to feature in World Championship

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI:-The 4-man national taekwondo team left for Baku to participate in the World Taekwondo Championship (G-14) scheduled to be held from May 29 to June 4, 2023 in the Crystal Hall Baku, Azerbaijan. South Asian Games gold medalist Haroon Khan, Hamza Umar Saeed, Shahzeb Khan, and Arbaaz Khan will take part in four different weight categories -58kg, -87kg, -54kg, and -68kg respectively. Arbaaz Khan. Umar Saeed will be head of the squad while Yusuf Karami will accompany the squad as the coach of the team. Ashfaq Ahmed will perform the duties of manager, and Faisal Butt as a trainer.Chairman, Higher Education Commission (HEC) Professor Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said:“There is immense talent in taekwondo in Pakistan, if these players are groomed more, surely our players will be at their best at international level.” President PTF Col. Waseem Janjua said:"The players got 17 days of training in Iran this month. Our players are fully fit physically and mentally and they will try hard to reach the victory stand by showing their hundred percent performance”.

MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 04 May, 2023

Inter-University Championship kicks off in Islamabad

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD:-Martial art athletes of Punjab University have won the title of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) All Pakistan Inter-University National Taekwondo Championship that kicked off here at NUCES FAST Campus.According to organizing secretary, Syed Aoun Abbas, the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences Islamabad is the host the HEC All Pakistan Inter University National Taekwondo Championship 2023 in with the collaboration of Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF). Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, Adam M Tugio Ambassador of Indonesia and Dr Waseem Shahzad, Director Campus NUCES Islamabad were the chief guests at the opening ceremony. Also, Syed Aoun Abbas Manager Sports FAST University, Irfan Sheeraz D.D sports HEC, Asif Assistant Director HEC were on the occasion. The championship will be concluded on May 6, 2023 at the same venue.Results (Gold Medals fights-Day-1):-54 Kg: Mohammad Azaad (Punjab University) beat Hassnat Alam (University of Central Punjab) -58 kg: Tayyan Yousaf (University of Central Punjab) beat Umer Dinn (Karakram International University)-74 kg: Saqlain Anjum (Punjab University) beat Abu Huraira (University of Lahore) -87 kg: Ibrar Khan (University of Central Punjab) beat Shazer Ahmed (Lahore Garrison University)-68 kg: Muneeb Khan (Punjab University) beat Amir Khan (University of Central Punjab)

MARTIAL ARTS - Judo 27 Apr, 2023

Judo News: JUA congress elects Junaid Alam its vice president

Sports Bulletin ReportPESHAWAR: President, Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF), Junaid Alam has been elected as the vice President of Judo Union of Asia (JUA) and Member Executive committee during JUA congress held in Kuwait on 26 Apri 2023.According to an official of PJF, Masood Ahmad re-elected as the member of JUA Education Coaching and Kata Commission. Obaid Al Anzi from Kuwait re-elected as President, Mukesh Kumar from India and Amal H.Abu .Shallak from United Arabs Emirates (UAE) elected as General Secretary and Treasurer respectively.These elections were held in Kuwait at same place where South Asian Regional Elections were held a day prior and Junaid was elected as President of South Asian Zone.These elections were supervised by Marius Vizer, President International Judo Federation (IJF) from Hungary, Yasuhiro Yamashita Head of Japan Olympic Committee and host of Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Head of European Judo Federation.President IJF as well as Obaid Al Anzi congratulated Junaid Alam and welcomed him on board at this elite forum of Executive Committee where world Judo giants are present. He is the only new entry at Asian vice presidential level in this term of 2023-2027.Later his excellency Malik Mohammad Farooq, Ambassador of Pakitan to Kuwait invited Junaid Alam at Pakistan Embassy and again congratulated him on his successful achievements in a row.Junaid Alam said:“It is a great honour but I take it as a big responsibility indeed. Yes this is an ideal time for Pakistan to give priority to this Olympic sport which offers highest numbers of medals of one type at stake.My current appointments from a club level to International level including IJF Military and Police commission, it will be injustice if my country is not benifitted.”"I strongly believe that this opportunity would be optimamly utilized once my own country's Judokas are the first beneficieries . But unfortunately the only impediment left in the way to victory is petty politics between various stakeholders of our country, which is infact basic reason of downfall of National sports".

MARTIAL ARTS - Judo 26 Mar, 2023

Georgia Celebrates a Job Well Done in Judo fixture

Sports Bulletin Report Tbilisi (Georgia): At the beginning of day 3 only Serbia, Mongolia or perhaps Germany or Uzbekistan looked capable of topping the leaderboard in a leapfrog-like takeover gazumping the hosts, but actually with a glance over the draw sheets it was pretty clear that Georgia had the delegation title sewn up. Their men were particularly strong at the back end of the tournament and the crowd increased their volume to match the size of the medal tally. We could talk ad infinitum about the energy of the Georgian men and their insatiable desire to fight to the bitter end. It’s always impressive, always entertaining and always produces drama, outstanding photos and an unrivalled atmosphere. Although Georgian National Day is held on 26th May annually, there was already a celebratory flavour in town today, thanks to the performances of local athletes who, delighted the spectators who had amassed in the Olympic Sport Palace. Georgia didn’t take all the medals though and some notable performances really stood out, particularly that of Anna-Maria Wagner. A return to grand slam gold for her after quite a lay-off shows how hard she has worked to regain a level that at one point dominated the -78kg category. She was clearly emotional and perhaps deserved to be as she made not one single mistake, looking every inch the champion as she stood above the recently unbeaten Italian.

MARTIAL ARTS - Ju-Jitsu 13 Mar, 2023

National Ju-Jitsu Championship to on March 17, 2023 in Peshawar

Sports Bulletin Report PESHAWAR: The 14th National Ju-Jitsu Championship will begin in Peshawar on March 17, as the three-day event will feature elite local athletes, including current Asian medalist, with Pakistan WAPDA defending their titles in the men’s and women’s category, respectively Secretary of Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation (PJJF) Tariq Ali said: “We want to make Pakistan proud in the field of JuJitsu. Hopefully, the event will produce new talent for Pakistan. “The championship will be contested in 30 categories in which the country’s top teams including Navy, Wapda, Police, all provinces, GB & Islamabad will participate.” “Pakistani ju-jitsu players have been performing consistently in international events including Asian and World Championships and winning laurels for the country. This championship is being organized keeping in mind the current year’s international events including Asian Games and Asian Beach Games in China, Asian Martial Arts Games in Thailand and World Combat Games in Saudi Arabia. The best players of this event will be picked up for further training and grooming to represent the country in these prestigious events.”

MARTIAL ARTS - karate 07 Mar, 2023

Japan Embassy Organizes Karate Workshop at Pakistan Sports Complex

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Japan here in cooperation with the Japan Karate Association (JKA) of Pakistan organized a Karate Workshop on Tuesday at the Hamidi Hall, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad. This workshop was held under the title of “7th JKA National Karate Camp” and Pakistani players from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Peshawar participated in the training workshop. The Workshop with the presence of Shina Katsutoshi, leading Karate player from Japan and JKA official instructor, 7th Dan (The levels consist of “Kyu (10 to 1)” and “Dan (1 to 10)”) offered opportunities for the participants not only to enhance their skills but also to explore the excitement of Karate as the Japanese martial arts. He was assisted by his co-instructors Kanda Osamu, Tanaka Junko as well as the instructors from JKA Pakistan during the workshop. ITO Takeshi, Charge d’ Affaires, Embassy of Japan in Pakistan together with the Deputy Director General (Technical) Mohammad Shahid Islam from Pakistan Sports Board inaugurated this one-day workshop. ITO witnessed the training sessions and expressed his gratitude to Shina and his team for arriving all the way from Japan to supervise and give valuable tips to the young karate learners in Pakistan. Later ITO presented certificates to the participants of the training camp. While appreciating the participants for showing their interest in the traditional Japanese martial arts of Karate, ITO said that the purpose of holding this karate training camp was to provide an opportunity to the Pakistani youth to learn “real” karate which requires courtesy as well as mental endurance together with physical strength. He hoped that this training opportunity would prove beneficial for them to further polish their karate skills and also further strength ties between Japan and Pakistan through cooperation in various sectors including sports. ITO also thanked Japan Karate Association of Pakistan for holding Karate Workshop in Pakistan.

MARTIAL ARTS - Ju-Jitsu 01 Mar, 2023

Pakistani athletes win 2 silvers in Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI: Pakistani athletes have demonstrated their tremendous skills by winning silver medal during the 7th Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship 2023 held from February 25 -28, 2023 at Bangkok, Thailand under the aegis of Ju-Jitsu Asian Union (JJAU). According to Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation (PJJF) General Secretary Tariq Ali, there were total 581 entries from 30 countries in this mega event, whereas, Pakistan just fielded only 3 players due to paucity of funds. Isra Waseem and Kainat Arif won a silver medal in the women’s category and Dilawer Khan Sannan and Isra Waseem took 5th in Mix category. Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation also received an award for best third National federation in the duo category in Asia. He said PJJF has extended their heartiest congratulations on this achievement of our talented players, who have always made our motherland proud at every international forum. “By the grace of Allah Almighty, our players have won these medals. Their hard work and dedicated training have paid off, they have proven their skills and won these medals. He also appreciated the hard work and commitment of PJJF coaches who trained the team and enhanced their skills and our champions have made us proud once again. Pakistani players outclassed and defeated all their best Asian teams in these categories.” He also thanked Pakistan Sports Board for providing National training camp for this mega event in Karachi Centre as it was very helpful for our national players. He added that India had made 30 entries into the championship whereas Kazakhstan and Thailand made 70 and 55 entries respectively. Their teams are being provided all possible facilities by the authorities. On the other hand, Pakistan who dominated as Asian champion from 2006 to 2017, despite lack of facilities or finances, is still bringing medals in each event wherever they participate which is quite incredible.