Karachi, The University of Central Punjab emerged as the dominant force in the 10th All Pakistan HEC three-day karate championship, clinching the gold medal at the event hosted by Dow University of Health Sciences. The University of Lahore and the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences secured the second and third positions, respectively, showcasing martial arts as a discipline of character building.
According to Dow University of Health Sciences, the championship, held at the Ojha Campus Gymnasium, was a testament to the discipline and character-building aspects of martial arts. Twelve out of the sixteen teams in the girls’ event were from educational institutions across Pakistan, including the University of Lahore, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Central Punjab, University of Haripur, Bahauddin Zakaria University, and Punjab University. The boys’ event saw the University of Punjab taking the top spot.
The championship illustrated martial arts’ emphasis on discipline and character, rather than just competition. With 16 teams participating, including 12 from outside Karachi, the event brought together a diverse range of talents. Female students from various universities, including The University of Punjab, Superior College Lahore, Kinniard College Lahore, University of Haripur, Lahore College for Women, University of Management and Technology Lahore, Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam, Arid University Rawalpindi, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore, and the University of Lahore, competed alongside four teams from Karachi.
The men’s championship echoed the success of the women’s, with the University of Central Punjab securing first place, followed by the University of Lahore and Superior University. The event showcased remarkable performances across various weight categories in individual Kumite and Kata events, with universities like UVAS, UCP, UMT, Iqra University, IoBM, Arid Agriculture University Faisalabad, and Punjab University clinching top honors.
The tournament not only highlighted the athletic prowess of the participants but also emphasized the role of universities in promoting sports and physical education. The successful organization of the event at Dow University, under the aegis of HEC Pakistan, marks a significant contribution to the development of martial arts in the country’s academic institutions.