By Syed Shahzad Bukhari
TANDO ALLAHYAR: Teams from Islamabad, Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took part in the 33rd All Pakistan Shotokan Karate Championship, which concluded after a series of highly competitive contests.
Athletes from across the country won gold, silver, and bronze medals, reflecting a strong and balanced level of competition. Masooma Pervez Korai, competing in the 25kg category, won gold in the fighting competition. She represented Sindh from Tando Allahyar district as part of the Eagle Karate Academy team, led by instructor Ajay Kumar and coach Syed Shahzad Bukhari.
The championship, organized by Pakistan Shotokan and Tenshinkan chiefs Bashir Butt and Javed Noor, was held at the Ferozwala Sports Complex in Lahore. Karate players from all four provinces competed in Kata and Kumite events, producing a number of exciting and closely fought matches.
In the boys’ 25kg fighting category, Syed Zainul Abidin secured gold after a closely contested bout, while Sultan Nasir claimed gold in the team Kata competition. Sameer Ajay Kumar and Shezan also won gold medals in their respective categories.
Other notable performances included Shezan Jatt, who won bronze in the spinning competition. In the girls’ spinning events, Syeda Riffat Bukhari, Syeda Kashf Bukhari, and Masooma Pervez each won bronze. In the 45kg category, Areej Nawaz won silver and bronze medals, while Saira Pervez took bronze in the 40kg category.
Abdullah Qaimkhani won silver in the 55kg competition, and Asim Qasim claimed bronze in the 40kg category, further bringing honor to Sindh. Athletes said such championships should be organized regularly across all provinces to promote healthy sports like karate. They added that these events help identify and nurture new talent, which could represent Pakistan internationally.
