In a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s martial arts scene, 20-year-old judoka Malaika Noor has won a historic silver medal at the Amman Asian Open Judo Championship 2025, becoming the first Pakistani woman to medal at an Asian-level judo event.
Pakistani judoka Malaika Noor has etched her name in the country’s sports history by clinching a silver medal in the women’s 52kg category at the Asian Open Judo Championship held in Amman, Jordan. Her stellar performance marks the first time a Pakistani woman has stood on the podium at a continental-level judo event.
The 20-year-old displayed remarkable technique and composure throughout the tournament, defeating Jordan’s Raneem Aljazazi in a dominant semi-final showing. Although she fell just short in the final against her Saudi opponent, her silver medal is being celebrated as a major milestone for Pakistani judo.
Malaika previously represented Pakistan at the World Junior Judo Championship in Dushanbe and has been recognized as one of the country’s most consistent and promising athletes in the sport. Her latest success has been widely lauded by the Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF).
“The President of Pakistan Judo Federation, Col. Junaid Alam, along with the entire federation, extended heartfelt appreciation for her historic achievement,” the PJF stated.
Other Pakistani athletes also showcased their potential at the tournament. Noor Khan (18), competing in the 60kg category, won his opening bout against Jordan’s Mohammad Almashaqbeh before losing to Burundi’s Raoul Brillant Nganji in the next round.
Muhammad Abbas Khalil delivered a strong start in the 73kg category with a win over Jordan’s Khader Alwraikat but was later defeated by Lebanon’s Ghady Moussa in the pre-quarterfinals.
A 17-year-old debutant from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also made an impression, winning his opening match against Jordan’s Mohammad Almseden before being eliminated by Bahrain’s R. Poltoratskii in the round of 16.
Despite not reaching the podium, these young athletes are being seen as bright prospects for the future of judo in Pakistan.
