A five-member Pakistani delegation delivered a landmark performance at the two-day Commonwealth International Kyokushin Karate Championship in Uzbekistan, returning home with three gold medals and three silver medals against strong competition from more than 40 countries.
The Rajaz Martial Arts & So Kyokushin Team Pakistan was represented by Shihan Babar Sohail Bhatti as official and coach, and athletes Laiba Rab Nawaz Janjua, Ayesha Aram, Sensei Ali Hassan and Abdullah. Their combined efforts produced Pakistan’s best-ever medal haul in Kyokushin Karate at a global event.
Notably, two Pakistani female athletes claimed gold for the first time in Kyokushin Karate at this level, a milestone hailed across the martial arts community as a source of national pride. Pakistani officials also received recognition on the refereeing front, earning Best Referee and Best Judge awards, underscoring the country’s growing influence in international Kyokushin Karate circles.
The team’s success builds on earlier progress, including a third place finish at the Asian Kyokushin Karate Championship in Iran, reflecting steady improvement and commitment to the sport despite limited resources.
Athletes and officials cautioned that much of this participation was self-funded, with limited sponsorship and government patronage restricting wider talent development. They called on authorities to extend sustained support for Kyokushin Karate similar to that provided to more high-profile sports, so more Pakistani fighters can compete abroad and raise the national flag on international podiums.
