Pakistani judoka Malaika Noor has etched her name in history by winning the silver medal at the Asian Open Judo Championship 2025, becoming the first Pakistani woman to secure a medal at an Asian-level judo competition.
Competing in the minus 52kg category, the 20-year-old displayed remarkable skill and resilience, defeating opponents from three different countries to reach the final. Her impressive run included a semi-final victory over Jordan’s Raneem Aljazazi.
In the final, Noor fought bravely but was edged out by her Saudi rival in a closely contested bout, settling for silver.
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“This is a proud moment for Pakistan and women’s sports in the country,” said Col. Junaid Alam, President of the Pakistan Judo Federation, while congratulating her on the milestone.
Noor, who also represented Pakistan at the World Junior Judo Championship in Dushanbe last year, has emerged as one of the country’s most promising judokas. Her consistent performances across both national and international competitions continue to raise hopes for future success.
Other pakistani performances
Three other Pakistani judokas also competed in Amman and advanced to the pre-quarterfinals:
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Noor Khan (60kg) – representing Balochistan and Pakistan Navy, defeated Jordan’s Mohammad Almashaqbeh before falling to Burundi’s Raoul Brillant Nganji.
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Muhammad Abbas Khalil (73kg) – outclassed Jordan’s Khader Alwraikat but later lost to Lebanon’s Ghady Moussa.
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17-year-old debutant from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – impressed in his first international appearance by defeating Jordan’s Mohammad Almseden before being knocked out by Bahrain’s R. Poltoratskii.
Despite missing out on podium finishes, the performances of these athletes were seen as encouraging signs for Pakistan’s growing presence in international judo.
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