Pioneering Pakistan woman MMA fighter breaks barriers ... and arms

Pioneering Pakistan woman MMA fighter breaks barriers ... and arms
In this photograph taken on December 11, 2024, Anita Karim, a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, takes part in a training session at a club in Islamabad. (AFP/File)
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Updated 06 February 2025
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Pioneering Pakistan woman MMA fighter breaks barriers ... and arms

Pioneering Pakistan woman MMA fighter breaks barriers ... and arms
  • Anita Karim comes from Gilgit-Baltistan and is nicknamed ‘the arm collector’ due to her fierce performances
  • She originally trained in taekwondo and jiu-jitsu before discovering MMA at high school in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Growing up in the rugged northern reaches of Pakistan, Anita Karim honed her combat skills fighting with three older brothers who pulled no punches.

The bruising experience prepared her for a career in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) — blending Thai kickboxing, Japanese judo and wrestling — and she is now the nation’s pre-eminent woman fighter.

“The village where I come from, they support women fighters,” she told AFP. “But when I started MMA, they had no awareness of this sport.”

“They said it’s a men’s game exclusively and a woman cannot do that one,” the 28-year-old said.




In this photograph taken on December 11, 2024, Anita Karim (R) and Bushra Ahmed, mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters, take part in a training session at a club in Islamabad. (AFP/File)

Eight years ago she won the right to enter the ring, swiftly becoming Pakistan’s first internationally competing woman MMA fighter and appearing in Asia’s biggest promotion, ONE Championship.

“Now misogynistic comments and criticisms have stopped,” she said at her gym in the capital Islamabad, where she trains without heating in the octagonal “cage” where fighters face off.

It is unusual for women to take up sport in deeply conservative Pakistan, where it is often forbidden by families.

But Karim’s native Gilgit-Baltistan region — where female modesty codes are more relaxed — has become an incubator for women’s sport.

In October, two sisters from the region, Maliha and Maneesha Ali, brought back gold and bronze from a taekwondo competition in Indonesia.

Karim’s brother Uloomi, who became her coach after being on the receiving end of her blows, said support began at home.




In this photograph taken on December 11, 2024, Anita Karim (2L), a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, warms up with her brother and coach Uloomi (L) before a training session at a club in Islamabad. (AFP/File)

“When she showed the commitment, the dedication, we knew that she was going to make it,” said the 33-year-old, standing in their family-owned gym.

“We knew that she could take it and we did not have any issues with her training with any guy.”

Surprisingly timid outside the ring, Karim is at the head of a cohort of Pakistani female MMA fighters — five from Gilgit-Baltistan, according to the regional government.

“She’s shy, but when she enters the cage, it’s completely different,” said Uloomi, who has also competed in the sport.

Her speciality is the armlock, deployed with an agonizing all-body grip, which aims to force an opponent to “tap out” in submission before bones are broken or joints wrecked.

In 2022 she was pictured atop a podium in Pakistan with two opponents wearing slings on their injured arms — a performance that earned her the nickname “the arm collector.”

“They could have tapped to stop the fight, but they didn’t, so I went through with it,” she said.




In this photograph taken on December 11, 2024, Anita Karim (top) and Bushra Ahmed, mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters, take part in a training session at a club in Islamabad. (AFP/File)

In her hometown, Karim originally trained in taekwondo and jiu-jitsu before discovering MMA at high school in Islamabad — to the consternation of her community back home.

“A lot of people close to me criticized me, but that’s part of the game. Now they know how it works,” she said.

The message emanating from her hometown now is one of pride.

“The way she has made the name of Gilgit-Baltistan and all of Pakistan shine on the international level, serves as a lesson,” said the regional government’s sports chief Shah Muhammad.

After losing on her professional debut in 2018, where the referee refused to let her fight unless she raised her leggings above the knee, she moved to Thailand to train at an MMA academy.

She now earns a living from competition prizes, modest government grants and coaching at her Islamabad gym.

When she returns after competitions, small crowds gather to greet her at the airport and she is followed by a fledgling community of female fighters.

They too want to turn professional in a nation where only one in five women have jobs, according to United Nations figures.

“Anita is a role model for us,” said Bushra Ahmed, a few years Karim’s junior and out of breath as she trains alongside her, another woman and a dozen men.

Karim also wants to “give Pakistani women confidence and self-defense techniques,” with over 80 percent having been victims of public harassment, according to the UN.

Recently she “hit a man who was harassing me in a market in Islamabad,” Karim said.

“He left with his face stained with blood.”


Nico Williams fires Bilbao into Europa League quarters, Eintracht hammer Ajax

Nico Williams fires Bilbao into Europa League quarters, Eintracht hammer Ajax
Updated 14 March 2025
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Nico Williams fires Bilbao into Europa League quarters, Eintracht hammer Ajax

Nico Williams fires Bilbao into Europa League quarters, Eintracht hammer Ajax
  • A bullet Yuri Berchiche header from a corner gave the Basques a 2-0 lead in the 68th minute
  • Goals by Jean-Matteo Bahoya and Hugo Ekitike, as well as a Mario Goetze brace, handed Eintracht Frankfurt a 4-1 home win against Ajax

PARIS: Athletic Bilbao beat 10-man Roma 3-1 in their Europa League last-16 second leg on Thursday, while Eintracht Frankfurt put four past Ajax to book their place in the quarter-finals with a 6-2 aggregate win.
Euro 2024 winner Nico Williams grabbed a vital brace as Bilbao overturned a one-goal first-leg deficit to progress 4-3 on aggregate against the Italians.
The tie swung dramatically in the hosts’ favor in the 11th minute when veteran Roma center-half Mats Hummels received a straight red card for a last-man tackle on Maroan Sannadi.
Bilbao cranked up the pressure and finally found the breakthrough they were so desperately craving three minutes into first-half additional time.
Inaki Williams’ cross from the left traveled all the way across the box to his brother at the back post who shot first time, his goalbound effort taking a wicked deflection off Angelino to beat Mile Svilar.
A bullet Yuri Berchiche header from a corner gave the Basques a 2-0 lead in the 68th minute at the San Mames and Nico Williams grabbed a fine second eight minutes from time.
A 93rd-minute penalty by Leandro Paredes gave the Romans hope in the final seconds, but Bilbao held firm.
It was a better evening for fellow Italian capital club Lazio, who progressed 3-2 on aggregate against Viktoria Plzen.
Pavel Sulc levelled the tie for the Czechs shortly after half-time, but Alessio Romagnoli nodded in a corner with 19 minutes remaining to tie the score at 1-1 in the Stadio Olimpico and send Lazio through.
Elsewhere in the Europa League, goals by Jean-Matteo Bahoya and Hugo Ekitike, as well as a Mario Goetze brace, handed Eintracht Frankfurt a 4-1 home win against Ajax.
The German side progressed to the next stage with a 6-2 win over both legs.
Norwegians Bodo/Glimt lost 2-1 against reigning Europa Conference League champions Olympiakos in Athens, but went through 4-2 on aggregate.
Later, Premier League sides Manchester United and Tottenham have work to do if they are to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League when they host Real Sociedad and AZ Alkmaar, respectively.
Chelsea welcome Copenhagen to Stamford Bridge in the Conference League, also at 2000 GMT.
Enzo Maresca’s side hold a 2-1 first-leg advantage over the Danes as they seek to reach the last eight.


Mbappe returns to France squad as PSG’s Doue earns first call-up

Mbappe returns to France squad as PSG’s Doue earns first call-up
Updated 13 March 2025
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Mbappe returns to France squad as PSG’s Doue earns first call-up

Mbappe returns to France squad as PSG’s Doue earns first call-up
  • Mbappe, 26, was left out of the last two France squads by coach Didier Deschamps for the Nations League group stage in October and November
  • Deschamps said at the time that his decision to do without Mbappe was “for the best” due to the noise surrounding the striker

PARIS: Captain Kylian Mbappe returned to the France squad named Thursday for this month’s UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Croatia, as Paris Saint-Germain teenager Desire Doue earned a first call-up.
Mbappe, 26, was left out of the last two France squads by coach Didier Deschamps for the Nations League group stage in October and November.
The Real Madrid superstar was initially dropped because of fitness concerns, before later being left out amidst headlines about his private life.
Deschamps said at the time that his decision to do without Mbappe was “for the best” due to the noise surrounding the striker.
Mbappe has been in fine form for Real in the months since and has scored 28 goals in all competitions this season for the club he joined last year.
“I have chatted with him and I confirm what I already said a few weeks ago, that he will be the captain,” Deschamps said in response to questions about Mbappe’s ongoing role as skipper.
The versatile Doue, meanwhile, has been rewarded for his impressive club form.
The 19-year-old has scored or set up a total of 17 goals in 23 appearances since becoming a regular in the PSG side in mid-December.
Capable of playing as a winger as well as in midfield, Doue was outstanding after coming off the bench for PSG in Tuesday’s Champions League last 16, second leg against Liverpool, and scored the winning kick in the penalty shoot-out.
Signed by PSG from Rennes for a reported 50 million euros ($54.1m) in August, Doue was part of Thierry Henry’s France Under-23 team that won the silver medal at the Paris Olympics last year.
“He is not always a starter for his club but whenever he plays or comes on he has made a lot of progress,” Deschamps said.
“He is a very young player but he is an interesting one for us. I could have waited but I have called him up now because I think it is the right time.”
France face Croatia away in Split in the first leg of the quarter-final next Thursday, March 20, in a tie that is a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final won by Les Bleus.
The sides will clash in the second leg at the Stade de France on Sunday, March 23.
The winners will advance to the final four, which will take place in either Italy or Germany in June.
N’Golo Kante is the most notable absentee from the squad, with Deschamps revealing that the Saudi Arabia-based midfielder has been nursing a minor muscle injury.

Squad Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (Lille), Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Nice), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa/ENG), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan/ITA), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool/ENG), Jules Kounde (Barcelona/ESP), Benjamin Pavard (Inter Milan/ITA), William Saliba (Arsenal/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER)
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid/ESP), Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio/ITA), Manu Kone (Roma/ITA), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid/ESP), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue (all Paris Saint-Germain), Randal Kolo Muani (Juventus/ITA, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/ESP), Michael Olize (Bayern Munich/GER), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan/ITA)


Kimmich extends Bayern contract until 2029

Kimmich extends Bayern contract until 2029
Updated 13 March 2025
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Kimmich extends Bayern contract until 2029

Kimmich extends Bayern contract until 2029
  • Germany international Kimmich said he made his decision because Bayern is “the best environment to achieve my sporting goals”
  • “I feel at home here and I’m not finished yet“

BERLIN: Bayern Munich on Thursday announced Joshua Kimmich had signed a four-year extension to his contract that had been set to expire at the end of the season.
Germany international Kimmich said he made his decision because Bayern is “the best environment to achieve my sporting goals.
“There’s currently no better package of teammates, coaching staff and club environment for me to achieve maximum success. I feel at home here and I’m not finished yet.”
After Tuesday’s 2-0 win at Bayer Leverkusen sent Bayern through to the Champions League quarter-finals, Kimmich told reporters he was set to prolong his stay at the club.


After speculation he could leave Bayern in previous seasons, Kimmich has rediscovered his best form in midfield under Vincent Kompany, having played every minute in the Bundesliga until picking up a minor injury in February.
Kimmich, already the national team captain, is viewed as the successor to current Bayern skipper Manuel Neuer.
Sporting director Christoph Freund called the 30-year-old Kimmich “a driving force that will tirelessly drive Bayern forward in the future.”
Kimmich’s new contract is the latest in several extended deals in 2025 as Bayern seek to shore up their future, with Neuer, Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies all recently extending their contracts.
Kimmich signed for Bayern from Stuttgart in 2015 after a two-year spell at RB Leipzig and has made 429 appearances for Bayern, scoring 43 goals and providing 115 assists.
At Bayern, Kimmich has won eight Bundesliga titles and lifted the Champions League in 2020.
Kimmich has also played 97 times for Germany.
Eight points clear of defending champions Leverkusen, Bayern are on track to win back the Bundesliga title.
They will face Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals, with this season’s final to be held in Munich in May.


Esports World Cup Foundation announces multi-year partnership with Capcom

Esports World Cup Foundation announces multi-year partnership with Capcom
Updated 13 March 2025
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Esports World Cup Foundation announces multi-year partnership with Capcom

Esports World Cup Foundation announces multi-year partnership with Capcom
  • The Capcom Pro Tour and Street Fighter League integrated into the EWC ecosystem for the next three years

RIYADH: The Esports World Cup Foundation and Capcom have announced a multi-year partnership that integrates the Street Fighter e-sports ecosystem — Capcom’s Capcom Pro Tour and Street Fighter League — into the Esports World Cup for the next three years.

“Street Fighter has been at the heart of competitive gaming for decades, offering a pure test of individual skill, just you against your opponent,” said Fabian Scheuermann, chief games officer at EWCF.

“Its arcade roots created a social experience that still thrives today, from local communities to global arenas. Together with Capcom, we are creating new ways for fans and players to experience the game, while unifying the competitive ecosystem and ensuring the best players have a clear path to the biggest stage.

“Fighting games are a true test of skill, strategy, and resilience, and by bringing the Street Fighter 6 circuit to EWC, we are celebrating its legacy with a new generation of players and fans, strengthening its role in the wider gaming culture.”

As part of the agreement, the top eight players from Capcom Cup 11— the pinnacle of the Capcom Pro Tour (CPT)  — and 12 players from the Street Fighter League: World Championship, featuring elite competitors from Japan, the US and Europe, will earn direct qualification for the EWC 2025 Street Fighter 6 Finals.

An additional 10 slots will be awarded to winners of Capcom Pro Tour 2025 events, including Evo Japan and Vegas, CPT Combo Breaker, Blink Respawn, and CPT CEO, leading up to August 2025.

The remaining slots will be available to winners of professional and grassroots Street Fighter 6 events worldwide, including the EWC Last Chance Qualifiers in August 2025, culminating in 48 players competing on stage at the Street Fighter 6 Finals in Riyadh.

The partnership follows the previously announced return of Street Fighter 6 to EWC 2025, and kicks off on March 9, 2025 at the Street Fighter League: World Championship event in Ryogoku Kokugikan, Japan.

“Through the Capcom Pro Tour and Capcom Cup, Street Fighter has been a cornerstone of the e-sports scene for the past 10 years, celebrated for its fast-paced action, dramatic comebacks, and clutch moments that make it one of the most thrilling games to play and watch,” said Shuhei Matsumoto, producer, Street Fighter 6. “Our partnership with the Esports World Cup fosters an even deeper engagement between our players, fans and audiences worldwide. And this is just the beginning, together with EWC, we will continue to grow and innovate, and inspire the next generation of players.”

Street Fighter 6 made history as the first fighting game to join the inaugural Esports World Cup last summer, with qualifiers held around the world to enable grassroots participants to secure a spot on a pathway to the tournament. With 32 elite players from around the globe, the competition drew a viewing audience of more than six million. The event concluded with the dramatic EWC Street Fighter 6 Finals where the fighting game veteran, Zeng “Xiao Hai” Zhuojun, cemented his legacy with a dominant performance and a share of the $1,000,000 prize pool. 


Saudi clubs edge closer to success in AFC Champions League divisions

Saudi clubs edge closer to success in AFC Champions League divisions
Al-Hilal are targeting a record-extending fifth AFC Champions League title. (X/@Alhilal_FC)
Updated 13 March 2025
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Saudi clubs edge closer to success in AFC Champions League divisions

Saudi clubs edge closer to success in AFC Champions League divisions
  • With all Elite competition matches from the quarterfinals on taking place in Jeddah, few will bet against a Saudi side landing Asia’s premier club competition

RIYADH: Saudi clubs’ continued outstanding performances in the 2024/2025 AFC Champions League competitions underlined why for many people they remain favorites for the big prizes.

Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli have reached the quarter-finals of the main, “Elite” tournament, while Al-Taawoun made history by advancing to the semi-finals of AFC Champions League 2. These achievements show the growing strength of Saudi club football in Asia. Here are some of the highlights after the latest round of matches.

Al-Hilal’s big comeback win highlights dominance

Al-Hilal, after losing the away leg 1-0 to Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan, in the second leg in Riyadh on Tuesday night pulled off an outstanding comeback with a 4-0 victory that included goals from Hamad Al-Yami, Malcom, Salem Al-Dawsari and Nasser Al-Dawsari. With a spot in the quarterfinals confirmed, they will again be one of the favorites to take the trophy, and for a record fifth time.

Mahrez stars in solid Al-Ahli performance

Al-Ahli secured their quarterfinal place with a 2-0 win over Al-Rayyan in the second leg at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, having won the away fixture 3-1 in Qatar. Riyad Mahrez scored two late goals, helping the team to a comprehensive 5-1 win on aggregate. With Mahrez, Ivan Toney and Roberto Firmino providing the firepower, few teams would want to face Al-Ahli in the knockout stages.

Duran and Ronaldo help Al-Nassr cruise into quarterfinals

After a goalless first leg in Iran, Al-Nassr dominated Esteghlal in the last 16 return leg in Riyadh to win 3-0 and cruise into the quarterfinals.

Jhon Duran scored in the ninth and 84th minutes with Cristiano Ronaldo’s 27th minute penalty sandwiched in between. With all matches from the quarterfinals on taking place in Jeddah, it is difficult to see the next Champions League Elite winner not being from Saudi Arabia.

Al-Taawoun’s historic achievement

In AFC Champions League 2, Al Taawoun reached the semi-finals after beating Iranian club Tractor SC 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the second leg finished 2-2. The teams played out a 0-0 draw in Iran on March 4.

The win by Taawoun, who are eighth in the Saudi Pro League, shows that clubs from the Kingdom are competitive at both levels of this season’s AFC Champions League. Al-Taawoun will now face the UAE’s Sharjah in the semifinals.

With four teams still in contention, this could well be the year that Saudi clubs take full control of Asian football.