Pakistan shines at 2024 Asian MMA Championship

LAHORE: The 2024 Asian MMA Championship saw a strong performance from Pakistan, with fighters Eman Khan and Bano Butt each capturing gold in their categories.

In the women’s atomweight division, Bano Butt secured a gold medal by defeating Kazakhstan’s Gulnaz Abdrakhmanova in the final. The victory followed a knockout win over India’s Khushboo Nishad in the semi-finals.

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Meanwhile, Eman Khan secured her gold in the senior women’s flyweight category with a first-round victory over Dinara Ayapova from Kazakhstan.

Eman Khan attributed her win to extensive preparation over the past three years and praised Butt for her achievements. She expressed hopes for further advancement in Pakistan’s MMA scene.

Bushra Ahmed, who advanced to the finals on technical grounds, ultimately lost to Kazakhstan’s Adel Makhametova and earned a silver medal.

In the men’s divisions, Pakistan faced setbacks. Zeeshan Akbar, Shahab Ali, and Abdul Manan did not win their matches. Akbar fought a Kyrgyz opponent but was unable to secure a victory after three rounds.

Ali was defeated by Kazakhstan’s Neimat Assadov in the lightweight category, while Manan lost in the flyweight final.

Pakistan secured six medals: two golds and four silvers. Kazakhstan and Tajikistan topped the medal standings with seven golds each, while Bahrain clinched three golds. Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan each won two golds.

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This year’s Asian MMA Championship was hosted in Pakistan for the first time. It also marked the return of the Brave Combat Federation to the country after a six-year hiatus.

The event was held from August 18 till August 22, featuring competitors from 12 countries and over 180 fighters.