Wellbeing is a holistic concept that extends beyond the tatami into every aspect of life. Judo, as a practice, promotes physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing, enhancing our quality of life. For over thirteen years, the PJF has been organising World Judo Day activities as a reminder of the values it instills in society.
The PJF held the 17th Men’s and 10th Women’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inter-District Judo Championship at the Lala Rafique Sports Arena under the auspices of the District Government and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Judo Association. Mr Matiullah Khan, Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs KP, was the chief guest, accompanied by Mr Pir Abdullah Shah, Additional Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs KP, and Mr Saleem Raza, Director of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate. International athletes Malaika Noor and Muhammad Abbas also attended.
Malaika recently became the first junior female athlete from Pakistan to compete in an IJF event, travelling to Dushanbe to attend the World Championships Juniors 2024, while Muhammad Abbas delivered an impressive performance at the Asian Cadet & Junior Championships in Korea. PJF Secretary General Masood Ahmad, officials and players joined the celebrations on 28th October, embracing the theme of ‘Wellbeing.’
In the Inter-District Championships, several districts from KP participated. The chief guest addressed the judoka, wishing them health and success on World Judo Day and congratulating all athletes and coaches. He highlighted that judo transcends physical activity, acting as an international language that bridges borders, cultural barriers and language differences. He noted that the judo bow symbolises mutual respect and that judoka gain valuable social skills and form meaningful relationships.
In Islamabad, the Islamabad Judo Association (IJA) celebrated by organising an event with school students, who participated in cake cutting and received certificates. South Asian gold medallist Mr Hamid Ali also joined the festivities.
Following PJF guidance, the Sindh Judo Association held a World Judo Day event at the Karachi Coaching Center. Sindh Judo Association Secretary Mr M. Rafique and their judoka participated enthusiastically. There were also celebrations in Sakhar, with WJD initiatives rolled out to support both male and female judoka.
The Punjab Judo Association organised celebrations in Gujranwala District, with a large number of male and female judoka taking part. Secretary of the Punjab Judo Association Mr Qamer Shakeel joined the students in cake cutting.
World Judo Day was celebrated nationwide with judoka across the country participating actively,