Pakistan’s Manesha Ali Wins Gold at IMMAF World Cup

Pakistani MMA fighter Manesha Ali secured a gold medal at the IMMAF World Cup in Luanda, Angola, after defeating Angola's Leonela Isabel Blaiye with a submission in the second round. Manesha, who trains at Brave Gym Lahore in Gilgit-Baltistan, won the bout with just 15 seconds left on the clock, catching Blaiye in a standing guillotine.

The fighter, known for her powerful performances, celebrated her victory with an emotional roar before dropping to her knees. Her sister, Maleeha, joined in the celebration as Manesha raised her hand in triumph. The IMMAF World Cup saw 15 top-ranked teams from around the world compete, featuring some of the strongest amateur MMA fighters.

Following her success, Manesha will focus on the Pakistan Open and aims to reach the IMMAF World Championships in Georgia, scheduled to commence on November 1. "I believe completely in my training and in the mentorship of Omar Ahmed," Manesha expressed in a statement released by the Pakistan MMA Federation. "In less than a year, I have developed enormously as a fighter, but this is only one step.

My eyes are now firmly set on the IMMAF World Championships in Georgia. The goal is to become world champion in IMMAF and be the first Pakistani female fighter in UFC." Omar Ahmed, chief of the Pakistan MMA Federation, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that it makes the challenges of running the sport in Pakistan worthwhile.

"Running a sports federation in Pakistan is extremely tough. There are policy challenges, administrative hurdles, and obstacles at almost every stage," Ahmed said. "But when you see one of our kids standing on top of an international podium, the Pakistan flag going up and the national anthem playing, everything becomes worth it. There is no better feeling."