Judo champion Sabrina Filzmoser arrives in Pakistan

KARACHI: On the invitation of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), four-time World Judo Champion Sabrina Filzmoser has reached Pakistan. She is visitng Pakistan as part of her “Judo for Peace” initiative.

Filzmoser’s peace-themed journey will commence on 22nd May 2025 with a symbolic cycling departure from Sea View, Karachi, covering a challenging route across Pakistan to Skardu, and onward, to the K-2 Base Camp, from where she will begin her ascent of K-2.

Sindh Olympic Association’s (SOA) Secretary General Ahmed Ali Rajput and other officials welcomed Filzmoser, presenting her with commemorative shields and the traditional Sindhi gift, Ajrak.

She plans to traverse a challenging route across Pakistan, including the city of Skardu and onward to the K-2 base camp, from where she aims to summit the world’s second-highest peak.

Filzmoser stated that judo is a Japanese sport. This extraordinary expedition blends the sport with environmental advocacy, gender empowerment, and peace-building, reinforcing the message that Pakistan is a peaceful country.

Filzmoser is no stranger to bold initiatives. In 2023, she cycled from Islamabad to K2 Base Camp II, and in 2022, she journeyed from the coastline to the Everest Base Camp—eventually summiting Mount Everest under the banner of “Judo for Peace.”

Despite the extreme heat in Sindh and Punjab, she remains committed to her mission, highlighting her message of peace through perseverance. Since 2023, she has also served as an honorary brand ambassador of Takbeer Judo Club and is a strong advocate of women’s empowerment through self-defense training.

During her journey, Filzmoser will visit various judo clubs along the way to scout young talent and will meet with officials from the Pakistan Olympic Association and Pakistan Sports Board in Islamabad.