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Pakistan has traditionally had limited representation on the global combat sports stage, but that is changing thanks to Shahzaib Rind. The reigning Karate Combat lightweight champion makes waves internationally while proudly flying the Pakistani flag at major events.
Although not yet a widely recognized name worldwide, Rind has gained immense popularity in his home country. The overwhelming support he has received since capturing the Karate Combat title in September has been both humbling and inspiring.
"Everyone was messaging me: the president of Pakistan, the prime minister of Pakistan, the chief minister," Rind shared in a recent interview. "Everybody is congratulating me, tweeting me. It was a big thing. It was just a dream. Everyone was calling me. I just blew up."
His homecoming was nothing short of spectacular. Upon landing in Pakistan, Rind was met with thousands of fans who gathered at the airport in the early morning hours. Government officials, including the chief minister, were present, and entire roads were blocked as people eagerly awaited his arrival.
"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," he recalled. "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."
Rind takes immense pride in being the first Pakistani fighter to achieve a world championship title at this level. He hopes his journey will inspire a new generation of Pakistani athletes to pursue combat sports and believe in their potential.
"I’m the first Pakistani world champion," Rind said. "I made history and became a two-time world champion. You saw the flags that were all in that arena because I’m representing my country. A lot of fighters just fight for themselves. But I am here to represent my country and show the world that Pakistani people and fighters are not less than anyone."
While firmly established in Karate Combat, Rind has his sights set on eventually transitioning to MMA. However, he wants to make his debut in a unique setting—inside the Karate Combat pit.
"Yeah, I have a great idea about MMA," Rind explained. "I’d love to fight in MMA because I want to show the world what my skills are. … 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."
With his growing success, Rind is not only putting Pakistan on the combat sports map but also paving the way for future generations to dream bigger and achieve more.
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