Pakistan’s first female mixed martial arts fighter Anita Karim has missed her scheduled fight in Abu Dhabi after her visa application was rejected denying her the chance to compete at UAE Warriors 67 on January 31.
Karim had trained intensively for months preparing for what would have been her second fight in three weeks but delays in the visa process forced organizers to replace her at the last moment. In a statement on social media she called the development a “sad moment” noting that administrative hurdles can disrupt an athlete’s momentum career and opportunity to represent Pakistan internationally.
Her manager Yasir Mushtaq said organizers had waited nearly a week for visa approval but with no resolution a replacement fighter had to be arranged. He also appealed to authorities including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to streamline processes so elite Pakistani athletes can compete abroad without unnecessary obstacles.
Anita Karim has long been a trailblazer breaking barriers for female athletes in Pakistan’s conservative sporting environment and earning recognition on the international MMA stage. Her absence is being felt across the MMA community highlighting the challenges athletes face off the field in addition to competition inside the cage.
Supporters hope that timely action will allow Karim and other Pakistani fighters to travel for future events ensuring that talent and hard work are matched by administrative support.
