Shayan Ali gets award of excellence

Islamabad
Shayan Ali, a resident of Rawalpindi, is the first Pakistani to master the art of Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art, and has been bestowed with ‘Award of Excellence’ by Pakistan Martial Arts Association (PMAA) in a ceremony held at the Brazilian embassy here.
The PMAA award was also given to Shayan’s student Fawaz Mir. PMAA President Anwar Mohiuddin was called upon in Brazilian embassy on the invitation of Brazilian Ambassador to Pakistan Claudio Lins and Deputy Head of Mission Jean Pierre Bianchi. Shayan Ali, president of the Pakistan Capoeira Academy, and his student Fawaz Mir accompanied the PMAA president.
The Brazilian ambassador lauded PMAA’s efforts for promotion of Brazilian traditional martial art in Pakistan. The PMAA president discussed the opportunities regarding promotion of Capoeira in Pakistan. Anwar Mohiuddin presented the draft of international Capoeira festival and sports-gala that is scheduled to be held in the beginning of next year. The Brazilian Ambassador expressed his jubilance over this and said, this festival will prove itself a milestone for the progress of Capoeira in Pakistan.
Brazilian Deputy Head of Mission Jean Pierre Bianchi at this juncture briefed the audience regarding history of Capoeira Martial Arts. He said that Capoeira came from Africa to Brazil and became the vital part of Brazilian culture. He further added, “Capoeira is not only a game but is also backed by scientific methods.” Fawaz Mir and Shayan Ali performed Capoeira in front of the audience.
Shayan Ali expressed his gratitude for the efforts of Brazilian Embassy for the development and progress of Capoeira. He emphasised that Pakistan and Brazil would collectively make Capoeira a popular sport in Pakistan.
Capoeira is a unique Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, music, acrobatics and combat techniques. Unlike many other martial arts ‘Capoeira’ is a fun game played in a circle known as ‘Roda’ with music, like our indigenous martial art of Kabaddi and people of every age whether children or old age people can play this that is best for fitness.
Shayan Ali is practicing this game since 2012 after Brazilian embassy in Pakistan for promotion of its culture started free practice of this game inside its embassy premises. He has represented Pakistan in Turkey and Brazil.