By Sumayya
LUANDA, Pakistan mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Manisha Ali won the gold medal after defeating the host country’s fighter at the IMMAF World Cup held in Angola.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistan MMA Federation, Manisha Ali defeated Angola’s Leonila Isabel Blai by submission in the second round of the IMMAF World Cup final held in Angola’s capital, Luanda, to secure the gold medal.
With only 30 seconds remaining at the end of the second round, the exhausted Angolan fighter advanced while raining punches on Manisha.
However, Manisha, who trains at Brave Gym in Lahore and hails from Gilgit-Baltistan, demonstrated exceptional skill by trapping her opponent in a standing guillotine grip and securing a spectacular victory just 15 seconds before the end of the bout.
As soon as victory was announced, Manisha raised the slogan “Takbeer” and fell to her knees overcome with emotion.
Her sister, Maliha, who was among the spectators, also encouraged her. When the referee raised Manisha’s hand in the air, she could not control her emotions. A total of 15 top-ranked teams from around the world participated in the international tournament, featuring the world’s best amateur MMA fighters.
Manisha’s next target is the Pakistan Open, after which she will compete for the world title at the IMMAF World Championship beginning in Georgia on November 1.
