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From Slippers to Stardom: The Inspiring Journey of Pakistan’s Karate Champion Muhammad Ibrahim
by Ghani Ur Rehman
PESHAWAR: Muhammad Ibrahim, a renowned karate player from Peshawar, has rapidly ascended to the pinnacle of his sport, earning numerous provincial, national, and international accolades. His story, marked by overcoming poverty and limited education, is a testament to resilience and dedication.
From a young age, Ibrahim was passionate about karate. However, severe economic hardships forced him to abandon his education in the eighth grade and join the family business of making slippers to support household expenses. Despite these challenges, Ibrahim’s passion for karate never waned. In 2007,
he found solace and purpose while training under international player and qualified coach Khalid Noor at Safi Warrior Martial Arts Academy in Sadar, Peshawar. Through relentless hard work, Ibrahim transformed from a novice into a seasoned champion.
Ibrahim’s impressive achievements highlight his potential. He secured a gold medal at the South Asian Games in India and a silver medal in the team event at the South Asian Championships in Sri Lanka, demonstrating his prowess on the international stage. Domestically,
he dominated by winning consecutive gold medals at the National Games from 2018 to 2023, along with multiple gold medals at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U-23 and U-21 Games.
His outstanding performance earned him a position with Pakistan WAPDA. Speaking to the media, Ibrahim expressed gratitude for his coach, Khalid Noor, whose dedication helped him hone his skills. “I consider myself fortunate to have a coach like Khalid Noor.
His hard work and efforts brought out my potential. People now recognize me not just in Peshawar but across Pakistan,” he said. Ibrahim emphasized that hard work never goes unrewarded, attributing his success to perseverance and faith.
Despite his achievements, Ibrahim remains committed to his roots, continuing his slipper-making profession while training rigorously at the Peshawar Sports Complex.
His ultimate goal is to represent Pakistan in the SAIF Games. He believes martial arts not only keeps a person physically fit but also mentally strong.
Ibrahim’s story is a testament to faith and perseverance. Through sheer determination, he overcame numerous obstacles, earning admiration from family, friends, and fellow athletes. His resilience serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes nationwide.