ISLAMABAD: Pakistani judoka Malaika Noor made history by winning silver at the Asian Open Judo Championship 2025. She became the first Pakistani woman to win a medal at an Asian-level judo event.
Noor, 20, competed in the 52kg category. She showed skill and resilience, defeating opponents from three countries to reach the final. In the semifinal, she beat Jordan’s Raneem Aljazazi.
In the final, she fought hard but lost narrowly to her Saudi rival. She secured silver.
“This is a proud moment for Pakistan and women’s sports,” said Col. Junaid Alam, President of the Pakistan Judo Federation.
Noor also represented Pakistan at the World Junior Judo Championship in Dushanbe last year. She has emerged as one of the country’s most promising judokas. Her steady performances at home and abroad give hope for more success.
Other Pakistanis also competed in Amman. Three athletes reached the pre-quarterfinals.
Noor Khan (60kg), from Balochistan and Pakistan Navy, beat Jordan’s Mohammad Almashaqbeh. He later lost to Burundi’s Raoul Brillant Nganji.
Muhammad Abbas Khalil (73kg) outclassed Jordan’s Khader Alwraikat. He then fell to Lebanon’s Ghady Moussa.
A 17-year-old debutant from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa won his first fight. He beat Jordan’s Mohammad Almseden but lost to Bahrain’s R. Poltoratskii.
Though they missed podium finishes, their performances showed promise. Pakistan’s presence in international judo is growing.