Sports Bulletin Report
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF) and its affiliated units celebrated World Judo Day across Pakistan on October 28th, commemorating the birthday of Jigoro Kano Shihan, the founder of judo, with the International Judo Federation's theme of "Wellbeing." This year, World Judo Day emphasizes "wellbeing," a holistic concept that extends beyond the tatami to every aspect of life. Judo, as a practice, promotes physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing, enhancing our quality of life. For over thirteen years, the PJF has been organizing World Judo Day to celebrate judo and the values it instills in society.
The PJF held the 17th Men’s and 10th Women’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inter-District Judo Championship at the Lala Rafique Sports Arena under the auspices of the District Government and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Judo Association. Matiullah Khan, Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs KP, was the chief guest, accompanied by Pir Abdullah Shah, Additional Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs KP, and Saleem Raza, Director of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate. International athletes Malaika Noor and Mohammad Abbas also attended.
Malaika recently became the first Junior female athlete from Pakistan to compete in an IJF event, while Mohammad Abbas showcased an impressive performance at the Asian Cadet & Junior Championship in Korea. PJF Secretary General Masood Ahmad, officials, and players joined the celebrations on October 28, embracing the theme of “Wellbeing.”
In the Inter-District Championship, various districts from KP participated, including Lakki Marwat, Kohat, Swat, Abbottabad, Mardan, and Peshawar. Abbottabad claimed the women’s title with 85 points, followed by Lakki Marwat with 60 points. In the men’s category, Khyber District took first place with 93 points, while Peshawar finished second with 87 points.
In Islamabad, the Islamabad Judo Association (IJA) celebrated by organizing an event with school students, who participated in cake cutting and received certificates. South Asian Gold Medalist Hamid Ali also joined the festivities.
Following PJF’s instructions, the Sindh Judo Association held a World Judo Day event at the Gymnasium Hall in Karachi Coaching Center. Sindh Judo Association Secretary Mohammad Rafique and their judokas participated enthusiastically. Also in Sakhar were celebrated WJD along with Female Judoka (a district of Sindh).
The Punjab Judo Association organized celebrations in Gujranwala District, with a large number of male and female judokas taking part. Secretary Punjab Judo Association Qamer Shakeel joined the students in cake cutting.
World Judo Day was celebrated nationwide in a befitting manner, with the Pak-Army National Champion and Pak-WAPDA Runner-up teams also marking the occasion with a cake-cutting ceremony. Numerous male and female judokas across the country actively participated, learning about the history of judo and embracing its values.
