Anita Karim, a native of the Hunza Valley in northern Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region, became Pakistan's first international female mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter in 2018. Six months into her training, Karim recounted an incident in 2017 where she inadvertently knocked her father unconscious during a grappling session in their living room. "Papa was stronger, and he pulled me down, but I had better technique, so I went behind him and applied a rear-naked choke – a martial arts chokehold – and counted the seconds until he was out," she said, laughing, during an interview in Islamabad in October 2025. He regained consciousness quickly.
Karim's journey highlights the challenges and triumphs of women in sports, particularly in regions where cultural norms can present obstacles. Her entry into the world of MMA signifies a shift in perceptions and opportunities for women in Pakistan. While she did not initially intend to break records, her dedication and skill have paved the way for future generations of female fighters in the country.
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