Latest news with #InternationalMMAChampionship
Express Tribune
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Pakistani kickboxer Agha Kaleem KOs opponent in 15 seconds to win Championship
Pakistan's rising kickboxing star Agha Kaleem delivered a thunderous statement at the World Professional Kickboxing Championship, knocking out Azerbaijan's Revan Musayev in just 15 seconds. The win caps off a dominant performance by the 24-year-old from Quetta, who has become one of Pakistan's most promising combat athletes despite overwhelming odds. The TKO came early in the opening round and left no room for doubt as Kaleem's hand was raised in front of a stunned crowd. The championship bout adds to Kaleem's growing international résumé. Just two months earlier, he secured a silver medal in the 51kg category at the IFMA World Muaythai Championships, where he controversially lost in the final to a Croatian opponent. 'I did not lose. They made me lose. The referee showed partiality in the final,' Kaleem said at the time, while still expressing pride in bringing home a medal. Born in Quetta and now based in Baldia Town, Karachi, Kaleem's story is the epitome of resilience. Despite his international success, he has spent years selling parathas and tea at a roadside stall to support himself. His fortunes began to shift in 2023 after support from singer Ali Zafar and former cricket captain Shahid Afridi, who backed him during his journey to winning the International MMA Championship last year. 'Alhamdulillah, I won the international MMA championship,' Kaleem wrote in a post tagging Zafar. Zafar replied: 'Amazing! Believed in you all the way. So proud.' With yet another medal under his belt and a record-breaking knockout to his name, Agha Kaleem is fast becoming a symbol of Pakistani grit — a fighter in every sense of the word.
Express Tribune
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Pakistan's Agha Kaleem wins silver at IFMA World Muaythai Championship
Pakistani kickboxer Agha Kaleem secured a silver medal in the 51kg category at the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) World Muaythai Championship on Tuesday. Kaleem delivered strong performances throughout the tournament but fell short in the final against a Russian opponent. Following the match, he posted on social media, thanking Shahid Afridi foundation. He also stated that winning the silver medal was just the start. The IFMA World Muaythai Championship featured competitors from 40 countries and is considered one of the highest levels of competition in the sport. Despite the loss, Kaleem expressed gratitude for bringing home a medal for Pakistan. Originally from Quetta and now residing in Baldia Town, Karachi, Kaleem supports himself by selling tea. Despite his achievements in kickboxing and MMA, financial struggles forced him to work at a local food stall. However, he later received support from singer Ali Zafar and former cricket captain Shahid Afridi, which helped him compete at the international level. Kaleem previously won the International MMA Championship in 2023. After his victory, he shared his gratitude on social media, tagging Ali Zafar, who responded, 'Amazing! Believed in you all the way. So proud.'
