PMYP chief Rana Mashhood pledges full support for combat sports after historic Asian Games milestone
PMYP chief Rana Mashhood pledges full support for combat sports after historic Asian Games milestone
By Nawaz Gohar ; Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, has affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to empowering young athletes following an unprecedented string of international victories in Ju-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
The PMYP Chief met with top athletes and high-ranking officials from both federations to celebrate a historic milestone: Pakistan has secured its first-ever qualification for the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games 2026, powered by a spectacular Silver Medal performance at the recent Asian MMA Championship.
The national Ju-Jitsu and MMA squads have been on a phenomenal run, bringing home a haul of Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals from various international platforms. The meeting served as both a celebration of these triumphs and a strategic planning session for the future.
During the session, Tariq Ali, Secretary General of the Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation and the South Asian Ju-Jitsu Association, delivered a comprehensive briefing to the Chairman. He outlined:
The meticulous preparation strategies behind the recent medal sweep. A definitive, long-term roadmap for athlete development. Upcoming international fixtures and the blueprint for keeping Pakistani fighters on the podium.
Responding to the briefing, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan lauded the fighters for defying the odds and bringing pride to the nation. He emphasized that the PMYP is actively shifting gears to ensure emerging talent in non-traditional sports receives the spotlight and resources they deserve.
“Our youth have proven that they can dominate the global stage when given the opportunity,” Chairman Rana Mashhood stated. “The Government of Pakistan will continue to provide full, unrestricted support and encouragement to our Ju-Jitsu and MMA athletes at every level. We are committed to fueling their journey so they can keep hoisting the green crescent and star high on the international stage.”
The proactive engagement from the PMYP has injected fresh enthusiasm into the sports community. Zulfiqar Ali, President of the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation, expressed his deep gratitude for the Chairman’s hands-on approach. He noted that such high-level recognition acts as a massive morale booster for young sportsmen and women who often train under challenging circumstances.
Also present at the occasion was the PMYP Sindh Coordinator, signaling a unified, nationwide push to scout and nurture combat sports talent from the grassroots level upward. With the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games 2026 now on the horizon, Pakistan’s fighters are no longer just participants—they are officially contenders.
