(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan MMA Federation Sends 10-Member Squad to Europe for IMMAF World Championships 2025
LAHORE: Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation (PAKMMAF) has once again created history by sending a 10-member national contingent to Europe for the IMMAF World Championships 2025 — one of the world’s largest and most prestigious MMA tournaments, often referred to as the “Olympics of combat sports.”
The championship will bring together more than 700 athletes from over 60 countries, making it the ultimate stage for emerging MMA fighters to showcase their skills.
Privately Funded Campaign
What makes this achievement remarkable is that the entire campaign is privately funded. Unlike most sporting bodies, PAKMMAF raised every rupee through sponsorships and partnerships, covering expenses for travel, training, accommodation, and participation without government support.
Pakistan’s Squad
The squad includes top male and female fighters:
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Ayan Hussain
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Abdul Manan
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Sajid Kareem
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Shahab Ali
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Bano Butt
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Marwa Kashani
They will be coached by Nasir Khan and led by PAKMMAF President Omar Ahmed. Four members are reigning Asian champions, bringing strong medal hopes.
Aiming for Gold
At a pre-departure press conference, Omar Ahmed expressed high expectations:
“Our athletes are not just going to participate — they are going to win. We believe Pakistan can secure four to five gold medals.”
He added that competing on the global stage will give the fighters invaluable confidence and experience:
“Exposure at this level shows them they belong among the world’s elite.”
Rising Stars to Watch
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Bano Butt, who trained for two months in Thailand, is determined to inspire women in combat sports:
“My mission is clear — I want to win gold for Pakistan. Women’s participation in MMA is rising, and I hope to encourage others to join.”
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Shahab Ali, after a three-month training camp, is prepared for a tough first fight against Azerbaijan:
“Representing your country is every fighter’s dream. I’m ready for the challenge.”
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Abdul Manan, a silver medallist at the Asian Championships, is hungry for gold this time:
“I was close before. Now, with the Federation’s support, I feel ready to go all the way.”
International Participation
Pakistan’s Ismail will also represent the country at the Brave Combat Federation (BRAVE), while Rizwan Ali, recently trained in Thailand, is set to compete in BRAVE’s upcoming event in Bahrain.
Unfortunately, female fighter Eman Khan, originally part of the squad, was hospitalised earlier this week and will miss the championship.
Building MMA in Pakistan
Since 2022, PAKMMAF has been working tirelessly to promote MMA without government funding. According to Omar Ahmed, this participation marks a decisive step:
“The IMMAF World Championship is of Olympic stature. Our presence here is about putting Pakistan on the global MMA map.”
