Shahzaib Rind’s recent victory in the global karate league has created a stir in his home province of Balochistan, resulting in a hero’s welcome upon his return.
Shahzaib was warmly greeted by fans and officials upon his arrival in Balochistan on Tuesday.
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, along with provincial officials and a large crowd of supporters, welcomed Mr. Rind at the airport following his success at the Karate Combat Championship. He achieved the title of ‘Karate Combat World Lightweight Champion’ by defeating all six of his opponents.
After landing, the athlete was escorted to the Chief Minister’s House, where CM Bugti congratulated him on his outstanding achievement and assured him of the government’s full support. Provincial Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar and CM’s Advisor on Sports and Youth Affairs Meena Majeed, among others, commended Mr. Rind for his remarkable accomplishments.
In his message, Mr. Rind expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, contrasting it with the “disappointment” he felt from a lackluster welcome in Islamabad. He reflected on the challenge of facing one of the toughest opponents in his recent match, attributing his victory to sheer “determination.” He noted that his karate journey began at a small club and highlighted his goal of creating more opportunities for the youth.
Meanwhile, Rana Mashood, chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, hailed Mr. Rind as a “national hero,” emphasizing that his victory is a point of pride for the nation.
At a ceremony held at Balochistan University of Information Technology Engineering and Management Sciences, he likened Mr. Rind to Olympic medalist Arshad Nadeem and mentioned that the prime minister would invite him upon his return to Pakistan from the US.