The International Mixed Martial Arts Championship commenced in spectacular fashion at the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Hall, Peshawar Sports Complex, featuring high-intensity bouts between athletes from Pakistan and Afghanistan. The championship has attracted a strong lineup of national and international-level fighters from both countries, marking a significant moment for combat sports in the region.
The event is being organized under the auspices of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mixed Martial Arts Association in collaboration with the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation. The Directorate General Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with the Pakistan Sports Board (Peshawar Center), is extending full administrative and logistical support. This coordinated partnership has ensured the successful execution of the championship in a professional and well-structured manner.
The championship was formally inaugurated by the Advisor to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sports and Youth Affairs, Taj Muhammad Khan Tarand, who was the chief guest on the occasion. He warmly welcomed the Afghan contingent and presented traditional Chitrali caps as a gesture of hospitality and cultural respect.
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent sports officials and dignitaries, including Director General Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Tashfeen Haider; Secretary KP Olympic Association, Zulfiqar Butt; Assistant Director Accounts Shah Faisal; President KP Jiu-Jitsu Association, Tahseenullah; President KP Mixed Martial Arts Association, Salahuddin Kamal; General Secretary Aali Gul Afridi; Organizing Secretary Nauman; Humayun Khan; Deputy Director Shakir Khan; Administrator Yousaf Afridi; and other distinguished guests.
Speaking at the inauguration, Advisor Sports Taj Muhammad Khan Tarand lauded the participation of Afghan athletes and termed the event a positive step toward strengthening sports diplomacy between the two brotherly Islamic countries. He stated that such exchanges not only enhance bilateral relations but also provide valuable international exposure to emerging athletes.
He further highlighted that the participation of both male and female athletes reflects the progressive development of sports culture in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to the promotion of sports and continuous support for athletes across all disciplines.
President KP Mixed Martial Arts Association Salahuddin Kamal and General Secretary Aali Gul Afridi, while speaking to the media, stated that the primary objective of the championship is to prepare athletes for upcoming international events, particularly the Asian Championships. They emphasized that Pakistan possesses exceptional talent, and exposure to international-level competition plays a vital role in enhancing technical skills and competitive performance.
They further announced that the KP Mixed Martial Arts Championship and the National Mixed Martial Arts Championship will soon be organized. These events are expected to serve as talent identification platforms, producing athletes capable of representing Pakistan at the GAMMA Asian Championship and other international competitions.
All bouts are being supervised by internationally licensed referees, Delor Khan Sinan and Abu Huraira, ensuring that the competitions are conducted in accordance with global standards and fair-play regulations.
The KP Mixed Martial Arts Association leadership extended special gratitude to the Advisor to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sports, the Director General Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the President of the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation, Zulfiqar Ali, for their invaluable support in the successful organization of the event.
They also appreciated the efforts of all technical officials, referees, and organizing committee members for ensuring a smooth, transparent, and high-quality championship environment.
Afghan athletes Najibullah, Khabib Delor, and Zakir Khan expressed their appreciation for the excellent arrangements and warm hospitality extended by the organizers. They noted that the championship promises highly competitive and exciting bouts throughout its duration.
The event is being widely recognized as a major milestone in the promotion and development of Mixed Martial Arts in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and is expected to further strengthen the region’s presence on the international MMA stage.
