Kulsoom Hazara is first female ‘karateka’ to represent Pakistan at international competitions
Karate as a sport has grown traction all over the world. We mostly witnessed Karate in movies associated with Chinese and Japanese culture.
Kulsoom Hazara, is young enthusiastic, passionate and determinant Pakistani karateka belongs to ‘Hazara Community’ located in Baluchistan.
Unfortunately, the series of deadly attacks targeting the Hazara community in Pakistan’s western Baluchistan province, which killed hundreds of members of the Shiite minority and almost every home of the community, had tolerated the brunt of terrorism and extremism.
Kulsoom Hazara is first female ‘karateka’ to represent Pakistan at international competitions. Despite of inadequate facilities and resources she is very optimistic about her future and vows of winning more medals for Pakistan.
She participated in the 2012 Asian Championship, squaring off against fighters from various Asian countries. She is national Karate champion since 2003.
She previously represented Pakistan in many international karate events like Islamic games, Asian and south Asian games and won many gold medals for Pakistan.
Kulsoom is only female player in Pakistan karate team who has hat-trick for wining 3 gold medals in 3 competitions and still holding her record.
Recently she took 2 gold medals in south Asian karate championship in new Dehli India and 3 gold medals in national games Lahore.
The 28 year old says, “I come from a conservative society but the support I got from my sister and her husband laid a strong foundation and it was their encouragement that drove me into this. I belong to the Hazara community but I carry on with this, knowing fully that our culture dictates our lives – where women are obliged to be modest and conservative”.
A precise look at her prestigious Karate career:
International:
- Participated in 4th women Islamic Games in Iran and secured 5th position (2005)
- Participated in 2006 (Colombo, Sri Lanka), 2010 (Dhaka, Bangladesh) and 2011(New Delhi India)
- South Asian games and has won 6 Medals (2 Gold + 4 Bronze)
National:
- Record 3 times National women Karate champion
- Two times National games Karate champion
She plays for WAPDA, a well-known department who has a good record of winning national championships in several sports.
Kulsoom Hazara is a true inspiration for every Hazara youth. We wish her best of luck for her upcoming challenges and future endeavours.