From classrooms to combat arenas, Pakistani girls continue to break barriers. Bano Kausar’s historic win is a powerful reminder that when given the chance, women from even the most modest backgrounds can rise to global heights.
Key highlights of the achievement:
- Bano Kausar won gold in the 48kg Ju-Jitsu Contact event at the 9th Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship 2025 in Jordan.
- She defeated India’s Richa Sharma in the final and Thailand’s Sugun Nutchayafrom in the semifinal.
- Pakistan’s self-sponsored team of six secured four medals despite limited resources.
Pakistani athlete Bano Kausar won the gold medal in the 48kg Ju-Jitsu Contact event at the 9th Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship 2025, held in Amman, Jordan. She defeated India’s Richa Sharma in the final, standing on the top podium alongside athletes from India and Thailand on May 25, 2025.
Bano’s victory followed her semifinal win against Thailand’s Sugun Nutchayafrom, further establishing her position among Pakistan’s top martial artists. This was her first participation in the event.
Pakistan competed in the championship with a small, self-sponsored team of six athletes, three men and three women, due to financial constraints. Despite the challenges, the Pakistani team secured four medals.
Winners: Gold: Bano Kausar (48kg Ju-Jitsu Contact event); Bronze: Kainat Arif and Isra Waseem (Duo Women and Show Women categories); Bronze: M. Ali Rashid and M. Yousaf Ali (Duo Men event).
Bano Kausar is also an Asian MMA champion. Her performance reflects the ongoing efforts of the Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation (PJJF), which continues to train athletes despite limited resources. Coaches like M. Altaf have played a pivotal role in preparing athletes like Bano Kausar.
Bano Kausar’s win marks a historic moment for Pakistan in international Ju-Jitsu competition.
Banu Butt’s gold isn’t just another line in a record book. It’s a symbol of possibility. A woman from Pakistan, standing tall on the highest podium, defeating seasoned international fighters. This moment matters. It shows that when Pakistani athletes get a shot they don’t just participate. They win. With more support, better facilities, and visibility, there’s no telling how far talents like Banu can go.
Her story is proof: belief, dedication, and passion can push through any barrier.