Dubai – August 2025:
Pakistani judoka Malaika Noor has carved out a historic achievement by winning a silver medal at the Amman Asian Open Judo Championship 2025, becoming the first Pakistani woman to stand on the podium at an Asian-level judo event.
The 20-year-old, competing in the 52kg category, impressed with her skill and composure throughout the competition. After overpowering Jordan’s Raneem Aljazazi in the semi-final, she advanced to the gold medal bout where she faced a strong Saudi opponent. Despite putting up a spirited fight, Noor narrowly missed the top prize and had to settle for silver—a milestone moment both for her and for Pakistan’s sporting history.
This achievement is being hailed as a turning point for women’s sports in Pakistan, particularly in martial arts and contact disciplines where female representation has long been limited. Malaika’s success is expected to inspire a new generation of young women to pursue competitive sports at the highest level.
Noor is no stranger to the international stage. She represented Pakistan at the World Junior Judo Championship in Dushanbe in 2024, steadily building her reputation as one of the country’s most promising athletes.
The Pakistan Judo Federation, led by President Col. Junaid Alam, praised her breakthrough performance. “This is a proud moment for the nation. Malaika’s medal is not just a personal triumph but also a beacon of hope for our future athletes,” he said in a statement.
Other Pakistani judokas also showcased promise at the Amman event.
- Noor Khan, 18, competing in the 60kg category, defeated Jordan’s Mohammad Almashaqbeh before losing to Burundi’s Raoul Brillant Nganji in the next round.
- Muhammad Abbas Khalil progressed past Jordan’s Khader Alwraikat in the 73kg category but was knocked out in the pre-quarterfinal by Lebanon’s Ghady Moussa.
- A 17-year-old debutant from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also impressed, winning his first-round fight against Jordan’s Mohammad Almseden before falling to Bahrain’s R. Poltoratskii in the Round of 16.
Malaika Noor’s silver medal not only raises Pakistan’s profile in international judo but also symbolizes the growing momentum of female athletes breaking barriers in the country. Her journey underlines both the potential of Pakistan’s youth and the importance of sustained investment in sports development.
