Latest news with #ShahzaibRind
Arab News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan PM takes notice of ‘unjustified delay' of cash reward, support for boxer Shahzaib Rind
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar this week apologized to Karate champion Shahzaib Rind for the 'unjustified delay' of a monetary reward and financial support the fighter said the government had promised to provide him, sharing that the prime minister has taken 'serious notice' of the incident. Rind made history in September last year when he won the World Karate Combat Light Heavyweight Championship, beating Brazil's Luiz Victor Rocha in the final in Singapore. The remarkable feat made him the first person from Pakistan to win the world title. Following his achievement, Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari presented Rind a cheque of Rs100 million [$352,600] while as per reports, former federal minister Sardar Yaar Muhammad Rind announced he would give Rind 25 acres of land. Rind took to social media platform X on July 23, saying that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promised him a sum of Rs5 million [$17,630] and Rs80 million [$282,080] to support his training camp and upcoming fights. However, the Pakistani fighter said it was 'all a lie, I never got a penny from them.' 'Dear Shahzeb, there seems to be some miscommunication,' Tarar wrote to Rind on X on Saturday. 'We sincerely apologize for this unjustified delay, sportsmen like you are our real heroes and we value your achievements.' The minister acknowledged that Rind had brought honor to the country and made everyone proud through his achievements. 'The Prime Minister has taken serious notice of this inordinate delay and rest assured, it will be sorted out immediately, inshallah [god willing],' Tarar added. He said Sharif had instructed authorities that such mistakes must never happen again. 'We regret this unjustified delay and the inconvenience caused,' he added. Dear Shahzeb, @RindhShahzaib There seems to be some miscommunication. We sincerely apologise for this unjustified delay, sportsmen like you are our real heroes and we value your achievements. You have brought great honour to the country and made us all proud. The Prime Minister… — Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) July 26, 2025 Rind responded by thanking Tarar, saying he appreciated Sharif taking notice of the incident. 'Inshallah, with your support, we can continue to uplift and inspire the next generation of champions,' he wrote. Thank you for your kind message and acknowledgment. I truly appreciate the Prime Minister's attention to this matter and his commitment to supporting athletes like myself. Representing Pakistan on the world stage is an honour, and I will always give my all for our country.… — Shahzaib 'KING' Rind (@RindhShahzaib) July 27, 2025 Rind, who hails from the impoverished southwestern Balochistan province, won his first martial arts title in 2011 after claiming victory in a provincial-level competition. His first national title came in 2019 when he triumphed at the National Games in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. During the two-and-a-half years of an undefeated Karate Combat career, Rind has fought fighters from North America, Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, France and India.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Karate Combat champ Shahzaib Rind putting Pakistan on combat sports map: 'We are not less than anyone'
Pakistan's representation isn't typically prominent at combat sports outings, but at recent Karate Combat events the country's flags have waved proudly. That's because of Shahzaib Rind. He's perhaps not a household name internationally quite yet, but his accomplishments are well known among those back home. The Karate Combat lightweight champion, Rind said the attention from Pakistan has surprised him and been quite humbling. He's long felt supported but it was taken to the next level when he won title gold in September and went back to the locker room to retrieve his phone. "Everyone was messaging me: the president of Pakistan, the prime minister of Pakistan, the chief minister," Rind recently told MMA Junkie. "Everybody is telling me congratulating me, tweeting me. It was a big thing. It was just a dream. Everyone was calling me. I just blew up." The party was only getting started. When Rind returned back to his homeland, things were even crazier. "(I) went back to Pakistan and had no idea when I went to the airport I saw thousands of people were watching and waiting for me at the airport," Rind said. "It was early in the morning. The chief minister, the head of the state was there. All of the politicians were there. The roads were blocked for me. Everyone was waiting because I was about to cross the road. The city was totally blocked and it was such an amazing experience. I never had an experience like this. Everyone was coming to take selfies with me. They were so happy. It was a big thing for them and me too. We won the world title. It's the biggest thing one can ever imagine. It was such an amazing experience. This thing gives me more motivation to become the greatest of all time. This is just the beginning. We have a long way to go." According to Rind, Pakistan has never laid claim to a native champion at his level of accomplishment. He's proud to be the first Pakistani world champion and hopes to pave the road for the next generation to realize they too can hold gold if they put in the work. "I'm the first Pakistani world champion," Rind said. "I made history and became two-time world champion. You saw the flags that were all in that arena, because I'm representing my country. There are a lot of fighters who just fight for themselves. But I am here for my country. I am here to represent my country and I'm here to show the world, the Pakistani people and the fighters from Pakistan, we are not less than anyone. We can do anything. In Pakistan, in sports in general, we do not have a lot of athletes and we do not have a lot of big names. So it was my dream, when I came to America, my first dream, to become a Pakistani world champion and represent my country all over the world and show the world we have talent. "We have a lot of talent. We can do anything. It's a big message for everyone, especially for the youngsters. They think because some people say Pakistan is not a very developed country. Yes, that is true. But we have a lot of talent. We have a lot of talent to offer. That's why you saw a lot of Pakistani people. They are so emotionally connected with me because I'm their fighter and they love me. All the time, if I go fight in Singapore, if I fight in any corner of the world, they will be here and they will support me always." Eventually, Rind plans to make his way over to MMA. He's eager to test his hand in a more popular combat sport, but has conditions. As a proud Karate Combat representative, he wants his first MMA bout to take place not in a cage – but in the pit. "Yeah, I have a great idea about MMA," Rind said. "I'd love to fight in MMA because I want to... show the world what my skills are. I can do anything. ... I'm the best representation of Karate Combat, so I want to fight in MMA – but in Karate Combat. It's going to be something new. In Karate Combat, you see the Karate Combat pit. It's different. If you fight there with a former UFC world champion or whoever is best in MMA, I can fight them in the Karate Combat pit and it's going to be amazing. In the Karate Combat pit, MMA is going to be nasty because we don't have anywhere to run. It's a pit and you can do a lot of stuff. It's going to be an amazing thing." This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Karate Combat champ Shahzaib Rind putting Pakistan on combat sports map: 'We are not less than anyone'
USA Today
06-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Karate Combat champ Shahzaib Rind putting Pakistan on combat sports map: 'We are not less than anyone'
Pakistan's representation isn't typically prominent at combat sports outings, but at recent Karate Combat events the country's flags have waved proudly. That's because of Shahzaib Rind. He's perhaps not a household name internationally quite yet, but his accomplishments are well known among those back home. The Karate Combat lightweight champion, Rind said the attention from Pakistan has surprised him and been quite humbling. He's long felt supported but it was taken to the next level when he won title gold in September and went back to the locker room to retrieve his phone. 'Everyone was messaging me: the president of Pakistan, the prime minister of Pakistan, the chief minister,' Rind recently told MMA Junkie. 'Everybody is telling me congratulating me, tweeting me. It was a big thing. It was just a dream. Everyone was calling me. I just blew up.' The party was only getting started. When Rind returned back to his homeland, things were even crazier. '(I) went back to Pakistan and had no idea when I went to the airport I saw thousands of people were watching and waiting for me at the airport,' Rind said. 'It was early in the morning. The chief minister, the head of the state was there. All of the politicians were there. The roads were blocked for me. Everyone was waiting because I was about to cross the road. The city was totally blocked and it was such an amazing experience. I never had an experience like this. Everyone was coming to take selfies with me. They were so happy. It was a big thing for them and me too. We won the world title. It's the biggest thing one can ever imagine. It was such an amazing experience. This thing gives me more motivation to become the greatest of all time. This is just the beginning. We have a long way to go.' According to Rind, Pakistan has never laid claim to a native champion at his level of accomplishment. He's proud to be the first Pakistani world champion and hopes to pave the road for the next generation to realize they too can hold gold if they put in the work. 'I'm the first Pakistani world champion,' Rind said. 'I made history and became two-time world champion. You saw the flags that were all in that arena, because I'm representing my country. There are a lot of fighters who just fight for themselves. But I am here for my country. I am here to represent my country and I'm here to show the world, the Pakistani people and the fighters from Pakistan, we are not less than anyone. We can do anything. In Pakistan, in sports in general, we do not have a lot of athletes and we do not have a lot of big names. So it was my dream, when I came to America, my first dream, to become a Pakistani world champion and represent my country all over the world and show the world we have talent. 'We have a lot of talent. We can do anything. It's a big message for everyone, especially for the youngsters. They think because some people say Pakistan is not a very developed country. Yes, that is true. But we have a lot of talent. We have a lot of talent to offer. That's why you saw a lot of Pakistani people. They are so emotionally connected with me because I'm their fighter and they love me. All the time, if I go fight in Singapore, if I fight in any corner of the world, they will be here and they will support me always.' Eventually, Rind plans to make his way over to MMA. He's eager to test his hand in a more popular combat sport, but has conditions. As a proud Karate Combat representative, he wants his first MMA bout to take place not in a cage – but in the pit. 'Yeah, I have a great idea about MMA,' Rind said. 'I'd love to fight in MMA because I want to… show the world what my skills are. I can do anything. … I'm the best representation of Karate Combat, so I want to fight in MMA – but in Karate Combat. It's going to be something new. In Karate Combat, you see the Karate Combat pit. It's different. If you fight there with a former UFC world champion or whoever is best in MMA, I can fight them in the Karate Combat pit and it's going to be amazing. In the Karate Combat pit, MMA is going to be nasty because we don't have anywhere to run. It's a pit and you can do a lot of stuff. It's going to be an amazing thing.'
Arab News
27-01-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Pakistan's Shahzaib Rind successfully defends lightweight title at Karate event in Florida
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Karate fighter Shahzaib Rind successfully defended his lightweight title against former three-time world champion Edgars Skrivers, defeating him 7-0 at the Karate Combat (KC) 52 event in Miami, the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation (PMMAF) announced on Sunday. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The KC52, a professional full-contact karate league, is part of a global karate MMA series featuring skilled fighters in action-packed competitions. Rind, who hails from the impoverished southwestern Balochistan province, won his first martial arts title in 2011 after claiming victory in a provincial-level competition. His first national title came in 2019 when he triumphed at the National Games in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. During the two and half years of an undefeated Karate Combat career, Rind has fought fighters from North America, Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, France and India. 'In a stunning display of skill and determination, Rind has claimed his second championship title after a hard-fought victory against Edgars Skrivers,' the PMMAF said. 'The intense showdown unfolded on Friday in Miami, captivating audiences with its electrifying energy and showcasing the best of competitive spirit.' The statement said Rind delivered an 'extraordinary' performance that kept his fans excited throughout the match, adding that his 'dedication, relentless training, and remarkable skill' had solidified his position as one of the top contenders. 'Rind's triumph is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work,' the sports body said. 'As fans celebrate this incredible achievement, they eagerly await what the future holds for this rising star.' The Pakistan Embassy in New York congratulated Rind on defending his title. 'Heartfelt congratulations to MMA fighter Shahzaib Rind, the brave son of Pakistan who hails from Balochistan, on defending his lightweight title in Miami, Florida, USA and becoming the world champion for the second time,' the embassy said on X. 'Shahzaib Rind dedicated his victory to the people of Pakistan.' Heartfelt congratulations to MMA fighter Shahzaib Rind, the brave son of who hails from Balochistan, on defending his lightweight title in Miami, Florida, USA & becoming the world champion for second time. Shahzaib Rind dedicated his victory to the people of Pakistan. — Pakistan Consulate General New York (@PakinNewYork) January 27, 2025 Rind boasts a combined Wushu and Kickboxing record of 75-4, the majority of which was attained while training himself by watching YouTube videos. He is currently training under Asim Zaidi at the renowned Goat Shed gym in Miami. Zaidi is the president of Karate Combat, a brand that promotes the first professional full-contact karate league, hosting worldwide events since April 2018.
Express Tribune
27-01-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Shahzaib Rind defends lightweight title at Karate Combat 52 in US
Listen to article Pakistani karate fighter Shahzaib Rind successfully defended his lightweight title with a dominating 7-0 victory over former three-time world champion Edgars Skrivers at the Karate Combat (KC) 52 event in Miami, Florida, the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation (PMMAF) announced. The KC52 event, part of a global professional full-contact karate league, brought together elite fighters for a thrilling showcase of skill and competition. 'In a stunning display of skill and determination, Rind has claimed his second championship title after a hard-fought victory against Edgars Skrivers,' the PMMAF said in a statement. The federation lauded Rind's 'extraordinary' performance, crediting his dedication, relentless training, and remarkable skill for his triumph. Rind's record of 75-4 in combined Wushu and Kickboxing highlights his relentless pursuit of excellence. Remarkably, much of his early training was self-taught through YouTube videos. He now trains under Asim Zaidi at the prestigious Goat Shed gym in Miami. Zaidi, also the president of Karate Combat, has been instrumental in promoting the league, which has hosted worldwide events since 2018. The Pakistan Embassy in New York extended its congratulations to Rind, praising his achievement as a proud moment for the country. 'Heartfelt congratulations to MMA fighter Shahzaib Rind, the brave son of Pakistan who hails from Balochistan, on defending his lightweight title in Miami and becoming the world champion for the second time,' the embassy said in a post on X. Rind dedicated his victory to the people of Pakistan, further solidifying his reputation as a national hero. Fans and supporters eagerly anticipate the next chapter in his remarkable journey, with his triumph standing as a testament to perseverance, hard work, and the indomitable spirit of a rising star. Hailing from Balochistan, Rind began his martial arts journey by claiming his first title at a provincial competition in 2011. His rise to national recognition came in 2019 when he won the National Games in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Over his undefeated two-and-a-half-year career in Karate Combat, Rind has faced top fighters from North America, Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, France, and India, cementing his status as a formidable competitor.
