Islamabad — Pakistan’s five-member contingent delivered a landmark performance in Kyokushin Karate, returning from the Commonwealth International Kyokushin Karate Championship with three gold medals, three silver medals and two awards for Best Referee and Best Judge.
The two-day event in Uzbekistan drew competitors from more than 40 countries and showcased some of the toughest full-contact martial arts on the calendar. Representing the Rajaz Martial Arts & So Kyokushin Team Pakistan, the small squad outperformed expectations and secured Pakistan’s largest haul in an international Kyokushin Karate meet to date.
The team comprised official Shihan Babar Sohail Bhatti, athletes Laiba Rab Nawaz Janjua and Ayesha Aram among the women, and Sensei Ali Hassan and Abdullah among the men. In addition to the six medals, two Pakistani officials were recognized with Best Referee and Best Judge awards, underscoring Pakistan’s growing technical presence in Kyokushin Karate officiating.
For the first time in the country’s history two Pakistani female athletes stood atop the podium in Kyokushin Karate, a milestone celebrated across the martial arts community and seen as a significant moment for women’s sport in Pakistan. The victories reflect intense training, discipline and the rising standard of Pakistan’s Kyokushin Karate competitors.
The results build on earlier success, including a third-place finish at the Asian Kyokushin Karate Championship in Iran, showing consistent progress on the continental and global stage. Coaches and team officials say these achievements prove Pakistani fighters can compete with the best when given the chance.
Despite the success, athletes and officials raised concerns about limited sponsorship and minimal government patronage. Many talented players rely on self-financing, which restricts participation in international tournaments. Team representatives urged authorities to extend support comparable to that given to cricket and other major sports so martial arts athletes can access more training, travel and competition opportunities and bring further international acclaim to Pakistan.
