Pakistan wins 22 medals in South Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan made history at the South Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship 2026 in Dagana, Sri Lanka, delivering a stunning clean sweep of all Duo category podiums across Adult, Under-18, and Under-16 divisions to finish second overall on the medal table with 12 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze medals — 22 in total, according to information made available here by Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation on Sunday.
In a performance that left judges and spectators in awe, Pakistani pairs dominated every Duo discipline so completely that they faced only each other for top honours, leaving regional rivals to compete for bronze. The achievement marks one of the most commanding performances by a Pakistani team in any martial art at the regional level.
In the Adult Duo events, M. Ali Rashid and M. Yousuf Ali claimed gold in Duo Men/Classic, while Ali Rashid paired with Dr. Isra Waseem to win gold in Duo Mixed. Kainat Arif and Isra Waseem took silver in Duo Women/Show, with Rishaal Khan and Abdullah claiming silver in Duo Mixed.
The Show System categories were equally dominant. In Adults, M. Yousuf Ali and Umer Yaseen won gold in Ju-Jitsu Show Men, Kainat Arif and Isra Waseem triumphed in Show Women, and Muhammad Ali Rashid with Isra Waseem claimed gold in Show Mixed.
Pakistan’s younger generation proved equally impressive. In Under-16 Ju-Jitsu Duo, Zunaira Zulfiqar and Sundus Ali claimed gold, while in the Under-18 category, Muhammad Abdullah Ali and Sundus Ali won gold, with Ibad ur Rehman and Muhammad Abdullah Ali taking silver.
Young athletes Rishaal Khan, Zunaira Zulfiqar Ali, Ibad ur Rehman, and Rashid Ali all delivered outstanding performances in the youth categories, signalling a strong pipeline of talent for future senior competitions.
Beyond the Duo sweep, Pakistan’s fighters also delivered in the Fighting and Ne-Waza categories. Muhammad Ali Rashid claimed gold at -62 kg, Abdullah won gold at -77 kg, Kainat Arif took gold at -57 kg, Rishaal Khan won silver at -48 kg, and Rishaal Khan also added a bronze in Youth Ju-Jitsu. Zunaira Zulfiqar secured a bronze medal at Under-16 -44 kg.
Khalil Ahmed Khan, Founder President of the Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation, described the achievement as a statement to the world. Despite financial restraints the performance of these young players is commendable, he said. “Winning both the gold and silver in all Duo categories is a feat rarely seen in any sport. The entire nation should be immensely proud of these champions.”
General Secretary Tariq Ali was equally emphatic. “When you control the entire podium in any category, you control the sport. Today, Pakistan controls Ju-Jitsu in South Asia,” he said.
Gold medallist Dr. Isra Waseem reflected on the emotional dimension of competing against her own teammate. “Training alongside my teammate for the gold medal match was emotional, but it proves that Pakistan has two world-class duos, not just one. We push each other to be better every single day,” she said.
The gold medal-winning duos have been recommended for the President’s Award for Outstanding Performance. The federation has also announced cash rewards for the medallists and plans to intensify preparations for upcoming World and Asian Championship events. The Federation extended its gratitude to the Pakistan Sports Board and the Pakistan Olympic Association for their support, and expressed hope that Ju-Jitsu would be included in the upcoming South Asian Games to be held in Pakistan — an opportunity, the federation believes, where its young champions would bring further glory to the nation. APP
