Khyber karate centre trains youth for national, int’l success despite limited resources

The Khyber Kyokushin Karate Centre was established in 1990 in a dilapidated, narrow building in Landi Kotal Bazaar. Initially, the centre aimed to protect local youth from drugs and engage them in positive activities, fostering a healthy community.

Over the years, the centre has not only achieved these goals but has also gained recognition by producing athletes who excel at both national and international levels.

In the past 34 years, more than 20,000 athletes have been trained at the Khyber Kyokushin Karate Centre.

Originally founded to keep the youth away from drugs, the centre now also plays a role in protecting the younger generation from crime and terrorism. In a society where drug use is prevalent and law and order are fragile, the centre’s self-sustained provision of a positive and healthy environment has grown in importance.

Hayat Nazir Shinwari, the founder of Khyber Kyokushin Karate Centre, told journalists that it was the first training facility of its kind across the tribal districts. He highlighted the extensive efforts behind the centre's success and its achievements.

"Several of our trainees have participated in international competitions and have won accolades," Shinwari said. He himself won a gold medal in the All Pakistan Karate Tournament in 1994 and has been serving as the Pakistan Branch Chief on behalf of Japan for many years.

Noor Aslam Shinwari, a trainee of the Khyber Kyokushin Karate Centre, told The Express Tribune that he represented Pakistan in a tournament held in Tokyo in April 2024. His outstanding performance earned him an international referee certificate from the Japan National Karate Association.

"An international karate tournament is scheduled to be held in Korea on 25 August 2024, and our team has been invited," Shinwari said. "While half of our team has managed to arrange visas and travel necessities through self-help, the lack of financial resources prevents the other half from participating, causing distress for our athletes."

Another athlete trained at the Khyber Kyokushin Karate Centre, Ghani Shinwari, won the Asia Cup held in Korea. Ghani mentioned that the centre's athletes have competed in international karate tournaments in Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand, bringing pride to Khyber District.

During the visit to the Khyber Kyokushin Karate Centre, reporters observed several athletes who initially suffered from bone and joint issues. Continuous karate practice has significantly improved their health, allowing them to compete on par with their peers.

However, the athletes at the Khyber Kyokushin Karate Centre express disappointment over the lack of recognition from the Pakistani government, despite their achievements being acknowledged internationally. "With government support, it won’t be long before hundreds of athletes from our centre participate in international karate competitions and bring honour to our country," they said.