Empowerment Through Sport: UHS and PMAA Train Over 2,500 Schoolgirls in Martial Arts
The University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore, in partnership with the Pakistan Martial Arts Association (PMAA), has launched a sweeping self-defence initiative aimed at empowering adolescent schoolgirls across the Lahore Division. This large-scale program is designed to merge physical safety with grassroots sports development, providing young women with the tools to build resilience and confidence.
Scaling Self-Defence Across the Lahore Division
The Adolescent Self-Defence Workshops Program has already reached a significant milestone, training more than 2,500 students from 30 different schools. To ensure wide accessibility, the workshops are currently being conducted across three key areas: Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Kasur.
By utilizing martial arts as a structured sporting discipline, the initiative focuses on three primary pillars of development:
- Physical Fitness: Enhancing agility and core strength.
- Mental Resilience: Building the psychological fortitude to handle stressful situations.
- Practical Safety: Equipping participants with essential self-defence techniques.
A Comprehensive Curriculum for Young Athletes
Rather than focusing solely on combat, the program is designed as a comprehensive sports-based training regimen. The workshops prioritize situational awareness and confidence-building exercises alongside practical combat skills. The curriculum integrates modern martial arts training, which includes reflex development, discipline, and controlled sparring to ensure the training is both strategically enriching and physically engaging.
Professional Supervision and Leadership
To maintain high safety standards and technical precision, all sessions are conducted under the supervision of certified PMAA instructors. The training is led by Chief Trainer Anwar Mohiuddin, who likewise serves as the President of the PMAA. He is supported by a dedicated team of experienced coaches, including:
- Abdullah Munir, Muhammad Shakil, and Alizae Ijaz
- Nimra Nadeem, Hanzla Mohiuddin, and Sumaiyya Mohiuddin
- Meerab Butt, Ahmed Ali, Mubashir Butt, Javeria, Ayesha Khalid, and Mian Abad
The Strategic Impact on Youth Empowerment
This collaboration represents a shift toward recognizing martial arts as a vital component of youth sports, particularly for girls. UHS Vice Chancellor Ahsan Waheed Rathore has emphasized that sports play a critical role in shaping confident and capable youth, noting that this initiative reflects a growing commitment to grassroots empowerment.
Key Takeaways: The UHS-PMAA Initiative
- Reach: 2,500+ adolescent girls from 30 schools.
- Locations: Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Kasur.
- Core Focus: Practical combat skills, situational awareness, and mental resilience.
- Objective: To boost grassroots sports development and youth empowerment.
Looking Forward
The success of the Adolescent Self-Defence Workshops Program underscores the potential of integrating sports and safety training within the educational system. By fostering a culture of discipline and strength, UHS and PMAA are not only enhancing the safety of adolescent girls but are also paving the way for more inclusive participation in martial arts across the region.