LAHORE (Web Desk): Pakistan’s first professional women’s MMA fighter, Anita Karim, has been forced to withdraw from her scheduled bout in Abu Dhabi after failing to obtain a visa in time.
Anita Karim was set to compete in a Mixed Martial Arts fight on January 31 in Abu Dhabi, but due to ongoing visa issues, she was unable to travel. As a result, the event management invited another fighter to replace her.
Expressing her disappointment, Anita said she had trained for several months in preparation for the fight, but visa complications prevented her from competing. She added that another fight was scheduled within three weeks, and such administrative hurdles can seriously damage an athlete’s career.
She emphasized that visa-related issues for athletes should be addressed seriously, as they directly impact professional growth and international representation.
Speaking on the matter, Anita Karim’s manager Yasir Mushtaq confirmed that she would not be able to participate in the fight. He explained that the event organizers had set a visa deadline, but the visa was not issued before that date. According to him, the organizers waited for a week before finalizing a replacement.
Pakistan's first female MMA fighter Anita Karim makes history
Yasir Mushtaq further stated that Anita is deeply disappointed. He revealed that her next fight is scheduled for April and appealed to Mohsin Naqvi to intervene and help resolve her visa issues to safeguard the career of Pakistan’s first female MMA fighter.