Pakistan again made a significant mark on the international sporting stage, clinching two gold medals at the Asian MMA Championship 2024. The country’s athletes showcased exceptional skill and determination, outperforming their competitors from across the continent.
Team Pakistan shined at the Asian MMA Championship 2024, held at the DHA Sports Complex in Lahore. Two of the country’s female fighters, Eman Khan and Bano Butt, each won gold medals in their respective categories.
Bano Butt secured her gold medal in the senior women’s atomweight category by defeating Kazakhstan’s Gulnaz Abdrakhmanova. Earlier, Bano had shown her strength by knocking out India’s Khushboo Nishad in the semifinals.
Eman Khan also brought glory to Pakistan by winning her match against Kazakhstan’s Dinara Ayapova. Eman won the gold by submitting her opponent with a rear-naked choke in the first round. After her victory, Eman expressed her joy and dedication, mentioning how she had trained hard for more than three years to achieve this success.
Meanwhile, Bushra Ahmed, who earned direct qualification into the final round on technical grounds, came up short against Kazakhstan’s Adel Makhametova and thus, had to settle for a silver medal.
Challenges in the Men’s Category
While the women fighters brought home gold, the men’s team faced challenges. Zeeshan Akbar, Shahab Ali, and Abdul Manan all fought bravely but fell short in their matches, each securing silver medals instead. Their victories have not only brought immense pride to Pakistan but have also elevated the country’s standing in the world of mixed martial arts.
Overall Performance
Pakistan ended the championship with a total of six medals—two golds and four silvers. Kazakhstan and Tajikistan led the medals table with seven golds each, followed by Bahrain with three golds. Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan both secured two gold medals.
Historic Event for Pakistan
The Asian MMA Championship 2024 was significant for Pakistan, being the first time the country hosted the event. It featured over 180 fighters, 120 officials, and 120 technical staff, making it one of the biggest sporting events in Pakistan’s history.
The Asian MMA Championship is a prestigious tournament that attracts top-tier fighters from various nations. Pakistan’s success in this competition is a testament to the growth and development of the sport within the country, as well as the hard work and dedication of the athletes and their training teams.
