The Karate Combat 45 competition in Dubai concluded with a 2-1 victory for the Pakistani athlete after a tough battle that persisted until the third round. Shahzaib Rind, an “unstoppable” Pakistani athlete, credibly defeated India’s Rana Singh, securing the win for Pakistan. Karate Combat is an international professional martial arts league that arranges full-contact karate tournaments across the globe. The league hosts events that exhibit bouts between skilled fighters from different weight classes and countries.
Shahzaib Rind: beating all odds
Shahzaib Rindh, a three-time Pakistan National Wushu Champion, hails from Quetta, a city near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. According to Rindh, the city’s residents are prone to conflict, and he was a wayward child who used to get into a lot of fights. To discipline him, his parents sent him to a wushu Sanda club when he was nine years old. This proved to be a wise decision, as Rindh took to the training and embarked on a successful martial arts career.
Shahzaib Rind’s journey into martial arts was not without its challenges, as he navigated the rugged terrain of Balochistan’s training grounds with determination and resilience. “Training initially was tough,” Shahzaib recalled, his voice tinged with the echoes of past struggles. “Balochistan lacked proper facilities and structure for martial arts training.” Undeterred by the lack of resources, Shahzaib forged ahead, honing his skills outdoors, often training barefoot amidst the elements.
Education
Despite his commitment to martial arts, Shahzaib also pursued academic endeavors, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the Baluchistan University of Information Technology and Management Sciences. Reflecting on his academic journey, Shahzaib admits to being an average student, prioritizing his martial arts training above all else.
Career
Shahzaib Rind is a legendary Wushu fighter from Pakistan who has achieved the #1 ranking in his country. He has an impressive combined Wushu and Kickboxing record of 75-4, most of which he attained by training himself using YouTube videos. Shahzaib has achieved numerous remarkable feats in the world of martial arts, which have made him a prominent figure both nationally and internationally.
Rindh has competed in various combat sports disciplines, excelling in Wushu Sanda, boxing, and kickboxing. Shahzaib shared that his journey in Wushu and kickboxing began at a young age when he became a state champion. He went on to represent his country on the national team for eight years. During this time, his skill and determination earned him numerous accolades, solidifying his status as one of Pakistan’s premier martial artists. Rindh is currently focused on his upcoming kickboxing contest in Ho Chi Minh City. Although he has only competed once under these rules, he is confident in his abilities and believes that he can adjust easily. He explains that kickboxing and wushu Sanda are similar, with the only difference being that wushu Sanda includes throws.
Achievements
Shahzaib has won over 60 matches in Wushu Sanda and has represented Pakistan in international tournaments, becoming a South Asian Wushu champion. Shahzaib recounted that he earned several awards and medals, including those in prestigious tournaments such as the South Asian Championships, West Asian Championships, Paris Cup, and many others. He held the title of national champion for an impressive eight years.
Acknowledging the rapid evolution of martial arts, Shahzaib emphasized the importance of continuous learning in staying ahead in the sport. He explained that continuous learning is vital in martial arts, as sport evolves rapidly. He prioritized both education and training to excel in his field.
Partaking in Karate Combat 45 was a significant milestone in Shahzaib’s martial arts career. He shared that it was an incredible experience for him, marking the biggest card in Karate Combat history. The event featured renowned fighters and high-stakes title fights, with three thrilling matchups between fighters from Pakistan and India, adding an extra layer of intensity to the competition. Shahzaib remarked that being part of such a prestigious event was not only exhilarating but also a life-changing experience for him.
Shahzaib’s next target is to become the world champion, and he has already started training for the world title. The world championship is happening soon in Dubai, and Shahzaib is determined to bring Pakistan the world title.
