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Martial Arts

MARTIAL ARTS - Int News 08 Aug, 2026

Asian Open Championships G-II: Hamza Omar Saeed earns gold medal

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.

MARTIAL ARTS - Ju-Jitsu 02 Aug, 2026

World Ju-Jitsu Championship: Pakistan earn 2 Gold and One Bronze Medal

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.

MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 10 Jul, 2026

Pakistan Taekwondo players visit to South Korea for international competitions

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

MARTIAL ARTS - karate 22 Mar, 2026

Shihan Raja Khalid Janjua becomes first Pakistani to receive the Hall of Fame Award

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

MARTIAL ARTS - Local News 05 Jan, 2026

SMMA elects Zulfiqar Ali, Saadullah its President and Secretary for next 4 years term

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

MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 01 Jan, 2026

Col Wasim Ahmed hands over Taekwondo Federation to Col Nabeel Ahmed

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.

MARTIAL ARTS - Int News 06 Dec, 2025

Pakistan MMA players leave for Lebanon for international fixture

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.”

MARTIAL ARTS - Ju-Jitsu 04 Nov, 2025

Athletes Commission Election: Ju-Jitsu International Federation Announces Results

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.

MARTIAL ARTS - Local News 03 Nov, 2025

PMAA and FJMU empower women through self-defense training workshop

LAHORE (PR): The Pakistan Martial Arts Association (PMAA), in collaboration with Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU), organised a transformative women’s self-defense workshop at the university campus. The workshop was co-hosted by the Business Incubation Center JIDAAT under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Taskeen Zahra. The initiative aimed to empower female medical students and young doctors with life-saving defense skills, situational awareness, and the confidence to protect themselves in challenging circumstances. Sempai Hanzla Mohiuddin, Zainab Sultan, Sumaiyya, and Sarah Yaqoob, who ensured the participants gained both technical mastery and confidence. The young women’s enthusiasm and determination were widely praised by trainers and faculty alike. A spectacular moment came when Zainab Tariq and Hafsa Fatima volunteered for a daring demonstration, lying still as Sensei Anwar Mohiuddin smashed a heavy stone placed on their stomachs with a sledgehammer, flawlessly breaking it. The act drew loud applause, symbolizing the courage and discipline cultivated through martial arts training. In his concluding remarks, Sensei Anwar Mohiuddin expressed sincere gratitude to the young organisers Mahnoor Shawal and Amna Tazeen, as well as the FJMU administration for their collaboration and support. He reaffirmed PMAA’s commitment to its National Self-Defense Training Mission, aimed at empowering women across Pakistan.

MARTIAL ARTS - Judo 06 Oct, 2025

World Junior Judo Championship: Japan on top on first day

Sports Bulletin ReportLima (Peru): Japan closed the first day at the top of the medal table but the performances from Brazil, Georgia and Uzbekistan confirmed that the competition remains fierce and global. The passion of Lima’s crowd and the energy of these young judoka promise three more days of exceptional action and perhaps a glimpse of future Olympic champions in the making. The first competitors at the 2025 World Junior Championships in Lima, Peru, had to rise early, very early in fact, as the opening contests of the tournament began at 7:30 a.m. sharp. Yet, the early start did little to faze them. Focused, prepared and hungry for success, nothing could stop these young judoka from setting off in pursuit of a world medal.From the very first bouts, the tone was set. There would be action, commitment and passion on full display on the tatami of the Coliseo Eduardo Dibós, and that’s exactly what unfolded. In an atmosphere worthy of the sport’s greatest stages, the junior athletes gave everything to advance through the rounds and keep their dreams alive.For many of the judoka, this was far from their first major test. A large number have already experienced the pressure of continental and international events and some are even regulars on the World Judo Tour. The very best among them, such as Tara Babulfath (SWE), have already earned medals on the senior world and Olympic stages. During the next three days, we will also see 27 judoka who have no record whatsoever on the international scene. The Lima worlds will be their very first competition at this level and, let's be honest, that must be something!The level of judo was therefore exceptionally high on day one, as athletes from around the globe brought their energy, precision and spirit to Peru. This opening day confirmed once again that the juniors are not only the future of the sport, they are already shaping its present.Results (day-1):48 kg, Sachiyo Yoshino (JPN) struck gold after an impressive performance, defeating Aitana Diaz Hernandez (ESP) in the final. Morgane Annis (FRA) and Laziza Haydarova (UZB) completed the podium with bronze medals.60 kg, Japan dominated once again, as Retsu Matsunaga took the title ahead of compatriot Yusei Adachi in an all-Japanese final. The bronze medals went to Jonathan Yang (USA) and Samariddin Kuchkarov (UZB).52 kg, Nicole Marques (BRA) claimed a magnificent world title for Brazil after a tense golden score win against Leomaris Ruiz (VEN). Tabea Nika Mecklenburg (GER) and Hako Fukunaga (JPN) secured bronze.66 kg category saw a stunning triumph for Tornike Gigauri (GEO), who overturned a score deficit to produce a spectacular ippon in the final against Abdullakh Parchiev (IJF). Bronze medals went to Shuntaro Fukuchi (JPN) and Mahammad Musayev (AZE).57 kg, Mio Shirakane (JPN) capped Japan’s golden day, winning by hold-down against Dana Abdirova (KAZ). The bronze medal position was shared by Gyovanna Andrade (BRA) and Asuka Ueno (JPN).57 kg category brought a dynamic mix of skill, strategy and surprises, with both Japan and Kazakhstan taking control of the field, ultimately. Brazil began the day with high hopes for its two strong representatives, Gyovanna Andrade and Bianca Reis. Both advanced confidently to the semi-finals, where Andrade faced Dana Abdirova (KAZ) and Reis met Mio Shirakane (JPN).