Pakistan has made a significant mark at the 2026 World Ju-Jitsu Championship held in Abu Dhabi, bringing home two gold medals and a bronze, showcasing the country's growing prowess in this martial art. The event, which runs from August 1 to August 9 at the Mubadala Arena, has seen participation from over 1,500 athletes worldwide, making it one of the largest tournaments of its kind.
In a historic achievement, former Asian champions Abu Huraira and Muhammad Ammar clinched gold medals in the Masters Duo and Masters Duo Show events. Their victories are particularly noteworthy as they represent Pakistan's first-ever titles in the Masters division at the World Ju-Jitsu Championship, marking a significant milestone for the nation in this competitive arena. This was also Pakistan's inaugural entry into the Masters category, highlighting the country's expanding involvement in international ju-jitsu.
The success of Huraira and Ammar underlines the steady improvement of Pakistani athletes in recent years, driven by participation in regional and continental competitions that have honed their skills. Furthermore, the team added to their medal tally with a bronze medal from Muhammad Yousaf and Muhammad Umar in the Under-21 Duo category. Their performance was characterized by exceptional technical precision and teamwork, which stood out against a formidable international field.
Looking ahead, Yousaf and Umar are set to compete again in the Under-21 Duo Show event, with hopes of further enhancing Pakistan's medal count at this prestigious championship. The ongoing tournament not only serves as a platform for showcasing talent but also reflects the dedication of the athletes and the support of the Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation.
Khalil Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation, expressed pride in the athletes' accomplishments, calling their victories a source of inspiration for aspiring sportspeople in the country. He emphasized the hard work and discipline demonstrated by the athletes, stating, "These victories demonstrate the dedication, discipline, and hard work of our athletes. They have made the nation proud on the world stage."
Tariq Ali, the Secretary General of the federation, echoed this sentiment, noting that the results are indicative of the consistent progress of Pakistani athletes on the international stage. He remarked, "These historic achievements are the result of years of commitment by the athletes, coaches, and the federation. They show that Pakistan's ju-jitsu programme continues to move in the right direction."
Ammar, reflecting on his victory, shared his aspirations for the future, stating, "This was my last event; I wanted to retire after a victory, not as a loser, and now I want to pursue my career as a coach and referee." He described winning the medal as a dream come true, emphasizing the hard work that led to this achievement. With the championship still ongoing, the Pakistani team remains optimistic about their potential for further success.
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