Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The third day of the Treet 8th World Taekwondo President’s Cup (Asian Region) wrapped up at the Jinnah Sports Complex in Lahore Cantt, featuring high-intensity finals across four senior Kyorugi weight categories. Athletes from Thailand, South Korea, Iran, and Uzbekistan captured top honors in a tightly contested showcase of martial arts excellence.  In the women’s division, Thailand’s Chatekan clinched the gold medal in the 53kg category, leaving Iran’s Nachafi Shaparak with the silver. South Korea expanded its medal tally in the women’s 67kg class as Hong Yu-rim delivered a stellar performance to secure gold, while Uzbekistan’s Sobirjonova took home silver.The men’s categories saw equal intensity on the mats. Iran’s Mehdi Haji outpointed South Korea’s Jung Woo to win the 63kg gold medal. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s Jasurbek dominated the 80kg division to earn gold, edging out Jordan’s Saleh, who finished with the silver medal.Evaluating the tournament's impact, Lt. Col. (R) Waseem Ahmad Janjua, Chairman of the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF), emphasized the vital experience local athletes are gaining on home soil. He noted that hosting an event of this scale in Lahore provides invaluable international exposure and serves as ideal preparation for national fighters ahead of the upcoming Asian Games.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Pakistan made a flying start to the World Taekwondo 8th President’s Cup (Asia Region) 2026, claiming three gold medals on the opening day of the prestigious championship at the Jinnah Sports Complex Lahore on Monday.The hosts delivered an impressive performance in the poomsae competitions, collecting three gold, three silver and nine bronze medals to establish themselves among the leading nations on the opening day. Korea secured two gold and one silver, while Iran won three silver and three bronze medals.The championship opened with a colourful and vibrant ceremony that showcased Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage alongside the traditions of taekwondo. Ali Mustafa Dar, Adviser to the Chief Minister Punjab on AI and Special Initiatives, attended as chief guest and formally inaugurated the event.Cultural performances representing Pakistan’s provinces and Azad Jammu and Kashmir added colour to the ceremony and received an enthusiastic response from athletes, officials, guests and spectators. The performances also provided international participants with an opportunity to experience Pakistan’s diverse cultural traditions.Talking to The Nation, Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) Chairman Col (R) Waseem Ahmad Janjua said: “Our three-gold opening-day haul reflects Pakistan’s growing strength in poomsae and gives us an encouraging start to the championship. Competing against leading international athletes is also providing our players valuable world-class exposure.”The PTF chairman added, “Hosting an event of this scale demonstrates Pakistan’s ability to stage major international competitions and further strengthens the country’s position on the global taekwondo calendar.”Col Waseem also thanked World Taekwondo, the Asian Taekwondo Union, Headquarters 4 Corps, the Punjab government and other stakeholders for their support in staging the championship. He expressed his gratitude to Treet Corporation, the title sponsors, along with other corporate partners and supporting organisations, for their valuable contribution and continued support in making the prestigious event a success.The G3 taekwondo event has brought together a large contingent of international athletes, coaches, referees, technical officials and administrators from across Asia and other regions. Teams from Afghanistan, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Chinese Taipei, Chile, Ecuador, Egypt, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Palestine, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan, along with the World Taekwondo Refugee Team, are competing in Lahore.In addition, 28 Pakistani teams are taking part, underlining the scale and significance of the championship for the country's domestic taekwondo structure. According to the PTF, the event has attracted 869 athletes and officials, including 347 international athletes, 163 international officials, 263 Pakistani athletes and 96 Pakistani officials.The strong international participation has provided Pakistani athletes with a valuable opportunity to compete against high-level opponents on home soil and gain exposure to international standards of competition. The championship is being conducted under the technical supervision of World Taekwondo Technical Delegate Rajendran Muthusamy, with World Taekwondo-appointed technical officials and referees overseeing the competitions to ensure strict compliance with international rules and regulations.With the opening-day poomsae events setting the tone, attention now turns to the remaining competitions, where Pakistani athletes will look to build on their promising start and add further medals to the country's tally.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: A rising martial arts athlete, Hamza Omar has won the gold medal for Pakistan in the 8th Asian Taekwondo Open Championships (Grade 2), recently held in Indonesia. He outclassed Richard Hanusovski from Slovenia in the final in two consecutive rounds to win the top honour.According to an official of Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF), the international championship was held from 3 to 5 August 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia, where Hamza Omar Saeed delivered an excellent performance in the Men’s +87 kg category, winning the gold medal and raising Pakistan’s flag high.Hamza Omar performance:Round of 16: Hamza Omar beat Manjeet Singh Rathore of IndiaQuarterfinal: Humza Omar beat Aiden Staley of AustraliaSemifinal: Hamza Omar beat Izar Fadihullah of IndonesiaFinal: Hamza Omar beat Richard Hanusovski of SloveniaThe President, officials, coaches, and Taekwondo community of the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Hamza Omar Saeed, the national coaching staff, and his family on this historic achievement.

Abu Dhabi (Sports News): Pakistan made a remarkable mark at the 2026 World Ju-Jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi, with national athletes delivering outstanding performances on the world stage.Former Asian Champions Abu Huraira and Muhammad Ammar created history by winning two gold medals in the Masters Duo and Duo Show categories. It was Pakistan’s first-ever participation in the Masters category at the World Championship, making this achievement even more special.Adding another honour for Pakistan, young athletes Muhammad Yousaf and Muhammad Umar secured the bronze medal in the Under-21 Duo category with an impressive display of skill, teamwork and determination.The duo will continue their campaign tomorrow in the Duo Show category, where they will once again represent Pakistan. The nation hopes for another outstanding performance and further success.The championship is being held from 1–9 August 2026 at Mubadala Arena, Abu Dhabi, featuring more than 1,500 athletes from around the world.Khalil Ahmed Khan, Chairman Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation, congratulated the athletes and praised their dedication, saying these victories are a proud moment for Pakistan and an inspiration for the next generation.

Islamabad (PR): Pakistan Taekwondo playrs and officials departed for South Korea to participate in an International Training Camp and five prestigious international taekwondo competitions.The tour aims to provide valuable international exposure, enhance technical skills, and strengthen Pakistan's preparation for upcoming major international events.The delegation is led by Seng Ho Choi (Head Coach).Names of players: Ameer Hamza, Adil Hussain, Aqdus Ullah Qadeer, Usman Sial, Mohammad Sarmad Waheed, Zeena Sheraz, Maryam, Fahad Ali

Islamabad (PR): Grand Master Shihan Raja Khalid Mahmood Janjua has become the first Pakistani-American martial artist to receive the Hall of Fame Award for the fourth time in the United States,Raja Khalid Mahmood Janjua is a prominent Pakistani martial arts expert, coach, and the first Pakistani Kusion Karate Master to be inducted into the US Martial Arts Hall of Fame.According to information received from the United States of America, on March 21, 2026, in Costa Mesa, California, United States, Raja Khalid received the honor of receiving the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.Remember that this is not just an award but a journey of a lifetime, reflecting the spirit of true Kusion for more than four decades.Raja Khalid Mahmood Janjua, Pakistan's prominent martial arts expert, coach, and the first Pakistani Kyokushin Karate Master, while speaking on the occasion said, "From Pakistan to the global stage, I am proudly carrying the legacy of my great Rajput."He said, "This is a matter of pride for my nation, my country, Pakistan, it is truly a great honor," but I want to make it clear that "I did not achieve this alone."He said, "This honor came with the grace and blessings of Allah Almighty, the prayers of my beloved parents, teachers, who were my strength, especially the prayers of my parents, family, who were like a shield behind me."He said that from the first day of my martial arts till today, my guardian parents, family and teachers, have been my supporters and well-wishers all over the world.He added, "This award is as much yours as it is mine." This recognition, responsibility, mission is more than a legacy. He concluded that Qiqsion is not just a style, "it is a way of life", I will continue to teach until my last breath.It should be remembered that this award was received in 1980 by a teacher who is an American citizen, the award was received by Grand Master Shihyan Raja Khalid Mahmood Janjua for the fourth time in the America Hall of Fame

KARACHI (Sports News): Zulfiqar Ali and Saad Ullah Khan have been elected as President and Secretary General, respectively, of the Sindh Mixed Martial Arts Association (SMMA) for the term 2026–2029.The elections were held during the Elective General Council Meeting on Saturday at Dewa Complex, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, under the chairmanship of the President, Zulfiqar Ali.The electoral process was conducted transparently in the presence of official observers from key sports governing bodies, including Maraj Mohammad Khan (Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation – PMMAF), Mohammad Asghar Baloch (Sindh Olympic Association – SOA), and Mr. Ismail Shah and Fareed Ali (Sindh Sports Board – SSB). Representatives from all affiliated divisions of the association actively participated in the proceedings.During the meeting, the General Council also unanimously approved the SMMA Activity Calendar for 2026–2027, along with other important agenda items aimed at strengthening the sport’s structure and outreach across Sindh.Office Bearers of SMMA (2026–2029)Patrons:Brig (R) Jahangir AhmedTariq AliChairman: Iqbal QureshiVice Chairman: Syed Rehan HashmiPresident: Zulfiqar AliSenior Vice President: Noor Ullah KhanVice Presidents: Rashid Qureshi, Ayesha Tasneef, Zubair Khan, Raza Ullah KhanGeneral Secretary: Saad Ullah KhanAssociate Secretaries: Kainat Arif, Wazir SheikhTreasurer: Ahmed AliDirector Media: Naseem RajputDirector Public Relations: Sajid HasanDirector Technical: Dilawer Khan SannanExecutive Members: Faima Irfan, Amna Ali, Atif Ali, Ali SherCommitteesAthlete Commission Chairman: ShahzaibAnti-Doping Committee Chairman: Dr. Ucksy MallickMedical Committee Chairman: Dr. Abid KhanTechnical Committee Chairman: Dilawer Khan SannanWomen Committee Chairman: Maria KhanMedia Committee Chairman: Naseem RajputEthics Commission Chairman: Mohammad AliCoaches Committee: Imran Qasim

Nabeel Ahmed becomes new president of Pakistan Taekwondo FederationAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Executive Committee and General Council Meetings of the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) unanimously approved the name of Col Nabeel Ahmed, as the new president of the PTF here on Thursday.According to a spokesman for PTF, the Executive Committee and General Council Meetings took place on Thursday, and officials from federations of different departments participated through both physical and Zoom.During the meeting, Lt Col (R) Raja Wasim Ahmed, Ex-President of the PTF, nominated Colonel Nabeel Ahmed Rana as President PTF in the Executive and General Council. Each member of the province, departments, and services gave their verdict and approved his name during the Executive and General Council, reflecting comprehensive consensus and unity within the federation.

Lahore (Sports News): Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation (PAKMMAF) is set to compete at the IMMAF Asian Championships in Lebanon, where nearly 400 athletes from 18 countries will participate in one of the continent’s foremost combat-sports tournaments. Pakistan will be represented by two world medalists — Shahab Ali and Abdul Manan — both of whom secured podium finishes at the 2025 IMMAF World Championship in Georgia, the largest MMA event in the world.The delegation will also include the team manager and PAKMMAF President Omar Ahmed, who serves on the Executive Board of the IMMAF Asian Federation. Pakistan currently holds the No. 3 ranking in Asia, a notable achievement given the region’s dominance in global mixed martial arts.In a transformational move for Pakistan’s MMA future, PAKMMAF recently signed a three-year strategic partnership with BRAVE Combat Federation, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The agreement will bring international BRAVE CF events to Pakistan and provide Pakistani fighters direct access to one of the world’s most powerful MMA platforms. The venture represents a major step in sports diplomacy and positions MMA to develop domestic commercial value similar to the success of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).PAKMMAF President Omar Ahmed highlighted the broader opportunity MMA presents to young athletes: "Mixed martial arts offers Pakistani athletes a direct pathway to international careers. What we have achieved with extremely limited resources proves the enormous untapped potential of this sport.”

Islamabad (Sports Desk): Dr. Asra Waseem from Pakistan Elected as Member; Isra Waseem (Pakistan) and Dmytro Tron (Ukraine) Elected as Athletes Commission Representative Speakers*The Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) has officially announced the successful completion and results of the Athletes Commission Election 2025. The newly elected members will serve their term until 2028, in alignment with the JJIF Board’s electoral cycle.The JJIF Athletes Commission plays a pivotal role in representing the interests of Ju-Jitsu athletes worldwide. Two elected members of the commission hold full voting rights as members of the JJIF Board, ensuring athletes’ perspectives are directly integrated into the federation’s policy and decision-making processes.Elected Members – JJIF Athletes Commission (Term: 2025–2028)Isra Waseem – PakistanMehran Sattar – IranDmytro Pernykoza – UkraineAnna Fuhrmann – AustriaGary Hensley – USAMarianne Gaviño – MexicoThe elections were open to all international Ju-Jitsu athletes who have participated in JJIF-recognized competitions over the past four years. Voting took place on November 3, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand.Following the election, during the Athletes Commission’s internal session, Isra Waseem (Pakistan) and Dmytro Tron (Ukraine) were elected by a simple majority vote as the Athletes Commission Representative Speakers. Their election marks an important milestone in strengthening the bridge between the JJIF leadership and athletes across all member nations.Khalil Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation, extended his congratulations to Dr. Asra Waseem, stating:“It is a matter of great pride for Pakistan that our athlete has been elected as a member of the JJIF Athletes Commission at the international level. Dr. Asra Waseem represents not only Pakistan but the entire South Asian region, serving as an inspiring role model for female athletes worldwide.”Tariq Ali, Secretary General of the South Asian Ju-Jitsu Regional Association and the Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation, added:“This is a historic and positive development, as it marks the first time Pakistan and the South Asian region have secured representation within JJIF’s international body. Dr. Asra Waseem’s inclusion will bring significant benefits to athletes across the region and further strengthen Pakistan’s presence on the global Ju-Jitsu platform.”The newly elected commission embodies JJIF’s commitment to transparency, integrity, inclusion, and effective athlete representation. This milestone represents a major step forward in promoting unity, progress, and the global development of Ju-Jitsu.