In the world of sports, few journeys are as demanding and inspiring as those of mixed martial artists. For Pakistan, a country where mainstream sports often struggle for funding, the rise of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is nothing short of remarkable.
At the heart of this revolution stands the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation (PAKMMAF), which has once again proved its resilience by self-funding a 10-member contingent to Europe for the IMMAF World Championships 2025. This global event, often described as the Olympics of combat sports, will host over 700 fighters from 60 nations.
And yet, while other federations in Pakistan routinely depend on government subsidies or state resources, PAKMMAF has shown that grit, credibility, and international goodwill can fuel a campaign without a single rupee of official support. Every ticket, every training camp, every ounce of preparation has been privately raised. This is not just participation; this is history in the making.
### Building Champions Against the Odds
The Pakistani squad boasts seven fighters, including two women—Bano Butt and Marwa Kashani—alongside promising male athletes Ayan Hussain, Abdul Manan, Sajid Kareem, and Shahab Ali. Four of them are already reigning Asian champions, carrying the weight of medal hopes for the nation.
Guided by seasoned coach Nasir Khan and led by PAKMMAF President Omar Ahmed, the team embodies both potential and purpose. At the pre-departure briefing, Omar Ahmed’s words rang with conviction:
> “Our athletes are not just here to participate; they are here to win. We expect four to five gold medals.”
Competing against the world’s best builds belief, resilience, and a sense of belonging among the elite. This confidence is not misplaced. Pakistan’s fighters are coming off rigorous international training, from Thailand to Bahrain, and are now stepping onto a stage where exposure itself is a victory, but medals are the mission.
### Women Leading the Charge
Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of this campaign is the rise of Pakistani women in combat sports. Bano Butt, who spent two months training in Thailand, carries not just the hopes of medals but the dream of inspiring a new generation of female athletes. Her words cut with clarity:
> “My mission is simple: to win gold for Pakistan.”
Women’s participation in MMA is growing, and Bano aims to show that it’s a sport of empowerment, resilience, and self-defence.
The absence of young star Eman Khan, hospitalised just days before departure, is a setback—but her spirit remains part of this journey, a reminder of the fragility and determination embedded in the fight game.
### Fighters’ Resolve
From Abdul Manan, who declared,
> “I was close before, now I want gold,”
to Shahab Ali, bracing himself for a tough opening clash against an Azerbaijani opponent, the squad exudes hunger. Each fighter carries a personal battle story, but together they form a national statement:
**Pakistan belongs on the global MMA map.**
### Why This Matters
Since 2022, PAKMMAF has built the sport from scratch, largely ignored by state authorities. Today, its fighters walk into the most prestigious MMA tournament not as underdogs, but as medal contenders.
Their journey is not just about trophies; it is about proving that Pakistani athletes, when given the platform, can compete—and conquer—on the world stage.
This is what resilience looks like.
This is what patriotism feels like.
This is Pakistan MMA’s fight for recognition, fought not just in the cage, but against the very odds of neglect.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346813-self-funded-pakistan-fighters-march-to-the-immaf-world-championships