isar Ahmed’s journey from the quiet district of Surab to the podium of the International Cup of Peace and Friendship is a story of determination, resilience and an unbreakable will to succeed. Competing against skilled athletes from Afghanistan and Iran, the 18-year-old taekwondo fighter defied the odds to bring home a gold medal for Pakistan.

“Winning an international gold medal is not easy,” he says. “I worked hard for this moment, and it still feels unreal. Competing at this level has not only been a dream come true but also an incredible learning experience. It was tough to control my emotions, but I did it – with my parents’ prayers and my coaches’ support.”

The championship, held on October 7-8 in Zahedan, southeastern Iran, was more than just a sporting event. It brought together athletes from several nations, sending a powerful message of peace, unity and the transformative power of sports.

Hailing from Surab, a central district of Balochistan located 216 kilometres from Quetta, Nisar had to overcome immense financial and logistical challenges to reach this stage. Competing in the fly weight category, he fought with unwavering focus, proving that true talent and hard work can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

“Without the guidance of my coaches, Amir Khan, Instructor Samiullah and Shakir Ahmed, I wouldn’t be here today,” he says. “Their encouragement gave me the confidence to step into the ring and fight with all my heart.”

Training in Balochistan comes with its own set of challenges. “There are no coaching centres in Washuk, which is a huge hurdle,” Nisar says. “I had no access to professional training facilities. However, I refused to let that stop me. I tied a tyre around my waist and ran on the harsh, stony football grounds – anything to keep improving.”

With no financial support, he has struggled to participate in national and international championships. “My instructors have been supporting me from the very beginning, helping me represent Balochistan and Pakistan despite the odds.”

Despite the immense talent in Balochistan, young athletes lack the resources to shine on the global stage.

Nisar’s passion for taekwondo was sparked by watching videos of Shehzad Ali Reki, an international taekwondo champion from Khuzdar. Inspired by Reki’s fighting style, Nisar started practicing rigorously, training three times a day – running, kicking and conditioning himself in the open air.

His advice to young athletes is: “Discipline is everything. Set a goal, work towards it with positivity, and one day, success will come knocking at your door.”

Before taekwondo, he had played cricket and football. After his brother opened a taekwondo club, his focus shifted entirely. Competing in local tournaments, he quickly rose through the ranks, ultimately setting sights on the biggest stage. “Now that I’ve won gold, I’m preparing for the Olympic game,” he says with determination.

Despite the immense talent in Balochistan, many athletes lack the resources to shine on the global stage. “The youth of Balochistan are hardworking and talented, but they need proper platforms to showcase their skills,” Nisar says. “The government must invest in sports, provide financial support and develop training facilities. If we had the opportunities, we could produce many an Olympic champion for Pakistan.”

His ultimate dream is to establish a sports complex in every district of Balochistan. “We can train many future gold medallists for Pakistan. We need the financial support to make it happen.”

Nisar says the government’s sports policy should include monthly stipend for young athletes. “We represent Balochistan and Pakistan on international platforms. It’s time the government recognised our efforts and gave us the support we need to keep making our country proud.”

The writer is a journalist based in Quetta