By Sohail Imran | July 6, 2025

COLOMBO: Pakistan’s rising karate talent, Huzaifa Arshad, brought pride to the nation by winning a gold medal in the cadet individual kata category at the ongoing South Asian Karate Championship in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Competing in the Under-10 division, Arshad demonstrated outstanding skill and discipline to secure the top podium finish.

Just a day before, Pakistan’s Areesha Nadeem earned a silver medal in the Under-21 below 50kg category, further adding to the country’s medal tally.

The championship features athletes from six South Asian countries: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.

So far, Pakistani athletes have won a total of nine medals at the event — including one gold, one silver, and seven bronze — placing the country fifth in the overall standings.

India currently tops the table with 59 medals (23 gold, 24 silver, and 12 bronze), followed by Nepal with 50 medals (21 gold, 9 silver, 20 bronze). Host Sri Lanka is in third, also with 59 medals but fewer golds (16 gold, 20 silver, 23 bronze). Bangladesh ranks fourth with 24 medals, comprising three gold, seven silver, and 14 bronze.

As the competition continues, Pakistani athletes remain hopeful to climb higher in the rankings with more strong performances.