From the rugged mountains of Chilas, Gilgit-Baltistan, to the bright lights of Pakistan’s MMA cages, Muhammad Azeem Khan has carved his name into the sport’s history. At just 21 years old, Azeem has become the first fighter from the Diamer district to rise through the amateur ranks and earn recognition as the #1 featherweight amateur MMA fighter in Pakistan.

A Trailblazer from Diamer

Diamer, known more for its scenic landscapes and ancient rock carvings than combat sports, has never before produced a national-level MMA athlete. Azeem’s journey from this remote district to the top of Pakistan’s amateur featherweight scene is nothing short of groundbreaking. He not only represents himself but also carries the pride of Gilgit-Baltistan, inspiring a new generation of athletes who never thought global combat sports could be within their reach.

The Climb to the Top

Competing under the nickname “Killswitch,” Azeem has built an impressive amateur record. His relentless pressure, striking precision, and grappling control have made him a force inside the cage. His victories have steadily pushed him up the ranks, earning him national recognition and regional respect.

According to Tapology, Azeem now sits as the #1 ranked amateur featherweight in Pakistan, while also securing a spot in the top 10 of South Asia. For a fighter coming out of a region without big gyms, elite training camps, or widespread MMA infrastructure, his climb is a testament to raw talent, determination, and grit.

More Than Just Fighting

Azeem’s rise isn’t only about his personal career — it’s about opening doors. By breaking through at the national level, he is paving the way for athletes from Gilgit-Baltistan and other underrepresented areas of Pakistan to see MMA as a viable path. His story is one of breaking barriers, proving that champions can come from anywhere if the willpower is strong enough.

What’s Next

Still early in his career, Azeem has his eyes set on further dominating the amateur scene before transitioning into professional MMA. If his current trajectory continues, Pakistan could soon see its first internationally recognized featherweight contender from Diamer.

For now, Muhammad Azeem Khan remains a symbol of resilience, ambition, and regional pride — the number one amateur featherweight fighter in Pakistan, and the first to ever bring the name of Diamer District into the MMA spotlight.

Jashan Azadi Polo Festival Concludes with NLI Victory. A total of 15 teams participated in the Jashan Azadi Polo Festival, while teams from Chitral also participated for the first time. The NLI polo team defeated the Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts Polo Team in the final, scoring 4 goals to 3. Both teams had advanced to the final round by competing against various other polo teams. The match was a thrilling contest.

The match played at the Wahab Shaheed Polo Ground was watched and enjoyed by a large number of fans, a spectacular fireworks display was also performed at the end of the match.

A large number of fans from all districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Chitral, and from both domestic and foreign tourists, gathered at Wahab Shaheed Polo Ground to watch the final match. However, due to overcrowding, thousands were unable to enter. Some fans resorted to watching the match from the rooftops of nearby structures.

Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan attended the final match of Jashan Azadi Polo Festival at Wahab Shaheed Polo Ground as a special guest. On this occasion, he said that polo is the national sport of Gilgit-Baltistan and a part of our historical and cultural heritage. Concrete steps will be taken at the government level to make polo popular among the people and to promote long-standing traditions.

He expressed his appreciation for Chitral’s participation in the Jashan Azadi Polo Festival and commended Major General Kashif Khalil Force Commander Gilgit-Baltistan for successfully organizing the event. The Force Commander pledged to further enhance the Wahab Shaheed Polo Ground and expand the seating capacity to accommodate more spectators.

The Karakoram International University (KIU) in Gilgit recently celebrated International Mountain Day with a one-day wall climbing competition, which was organised in partnership with EVK2CNR. The competition showcased KIU’s commitment to providing students with top-notch sports facilities, including a state-of-the-art climbing wall.

The competition was divided into four categories: Category 1 for students aged 6 to 12; Category 2 for students aged 12 to 19; Category 3 for those aged 20 and over; and Category 4 for women of all ages. 22 male and female students took part in the competition, and the following students emerged as winners:

In the female category, Nasimane won first place, Saima Zahra took second place, and Alina Ali took third place. In Category B, Muhammad Abbas Mehdi won first place, Arshad Hussain took second place, and Ali Abbas took third place. In Category D, Muhammad Sami Zaib won first place, Hussain Sami took second place, and Ali Mantaha took third place. In Category E, Muhammad Ali won first place, Rahim Uddin took second place, and Zeeshan Abbas took third place.

The winners were recognised with shields and certificates from the chief guest, Dr. Khalil Ahmed, Dean of Life Sciences at KIU, and other distinguished guests.

The wall climbing competition on International Mountain Day not only highlighted the university’s commitment to sports and fitness, but also the importance of mountain conservation and appreciation for the unique beauty of mountain regions. Mountains play a crucial role in the lives of communities, providing them with vital resources such as water, food, and medicine. They also have cultural, spiritual, and recreational value.

Participating in outdoor sports like climbing has numerous benefits for mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength and endurance, and boost self-esteem. Encouraging young people to engage in outdoor sports and appreciate the beauty of mountain regions can also foster a sense of environmental responsibility and a commitment to preserving these fragile ecosystems for future generations.

KIU’s wall climbing competition on International Mountain Day was a thrilling celebration of the beauty and benefits of mountains, and a testament to the university’s commitment to sports and environmental responsibility.