Malaika becomes first Pakistani girl to win Medal at Asian Judo Championship

Web Desk
PESHAWAR: Pakistani judoka Malaika Noor has carved her name into the country’s sporting history by clinching a silver medal at the Amman Asian Open Judo Championship 2025, making her the first-ever Pakistani woman to secure a medal at an Asian-level judo competition.

The 20-year-old rising star competed in the 52kg category, showcasing exceptional skill, speed, and determination throughout the tournament. She impressed fans and experts alike with her confident performances, particularly her commanding victory over Jordan’s Raneem Aljazazi in the semi-final. The win not only guaranteed her a podium finish but also underscored Pakistan’s growing presence in international judo.
In the final, Malaika faced a tough Saudi opponent and battled fiercely. Despite her best efforts, she narrowly fell short of clinching the gold, ultimately finishing with a well-earned silver medal.
Malaika’s achievement has been hailed as a historic breakthrough for women’s judo in Pakistan. Known for her consistent performances, she had earlier represented the nation at the World Junior Judo Championship in Dushanbe last year, where she showed similar promise against tough global competition.
The Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF) praised her accomplishment, calling it a milestone moment. “The President of Pakistan Judo Federation, Col. Junaid Alam, along with the entire federation, extended heartfelt appreciation for her historic achievement,” the PJF said in a statement.

While Malaika was the star of the tournament, three other Pakistani athletes also delivered encouraging performances. Noor Khan, representing Balochistan and Pakistan Navy in the 60kg category, won his opening bout against Jordan’s Mohammad Almashaqbeh before falling to Burundi’s Raoul Brillant Nganji in the next round.
Similarly, Muhammad Abbas Khalil had a bright start in the 73kg category, defeating Jordan’s Khader Alwraikat, but his run ended in the pre-quarterfinal after a loss to Lebanon’s Ghady Moussa.
Adding to the optimism was a 17-year-old debutant from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who displayed remarkable potential. Competing in his first international event, he beat Jordan’s Mohammad Almseden in the opening round before being eliminated by Bahrain’s R. Poltoratskii in the Last 16.
Malaika’s silver medal marks a turning point for Pakistan’s presence in Asian judo, especially in the women’s division. Her breakthrough not only boosts the morale of fellow judokas but also raises hopes of greater recognition and investment in the sport within the country.

Edited by Sumayyah Ahmad

Reporter/Editor

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