Over 2,500 adolescent girls trained as PMAA, UHS roll out martial arts initiative

ISLAMABAD, Mar 29 (APP):University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore, in collaboration with Pakistan Martial Arts Association (PMAA), has launched a large-scale self-defence training initiative for adolescent schoolgirls across the Lahore Division to boost grassroots sports development and youth empowerment.

The Adolescent Self-Defence Workshops Program, currently underway in Lahore, Sheikhupura and Kasur, has already trained more than 2,500 students from 30 schools. The initiative uses martial arts as a structured sporting discipline to enhance physical fitness, agility, and mental resilience among young participants, while equipping them with essential self-defence techniques, said a press release issued here Sunday.

Designed as a comprehensive sports-based training program, the workshops focus on practical combat skills, situational awareness, and confidence-building exercises. Sessions are being conducted under professional supervision by certified instructors of PMAA, ensuring technical precision and safety standards in all activities.

The training is led by Chief Trainer Anwar Mohiuddin, also President of PMAA alongside a team of experienced martial arts coaches including Abdullah Munir, Muhammad Shakil, Alizae Ijaz, Nimra Nadeem, Hanzla Mohiuddin, Sumaiyya Mohiuddin, Meerab Butt, Ahmed Ali, Mubashir Butt, Javeria, Ayesha Khalid, and Mian Abad. Their curriculum integrates elements of discipline, reflex development, controlled sparring and core aspects of modern martial arts training, making it both physically engaging and strategically enriching young athletes.

UHS Vice Chancellor Ahsan Waheed Rathore highlighted the importance of sports in shaping confident and capable youth. He noted that the initiative reflects a growing recognition of martial arts as a vital component of youth sports, particularly for girls. “This initiative reflects the vision of CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, which aims to ensure that every girl in Punjab is trained and skilled in self-defence. This is a strong step toward building a safer, stronger, and more empowered society.”

Prof Dr. Sidrah Saleem, Director of UHS Research and Development Center, emphasised that participation in sports such as martial arts plays a crucial role in adolescent development. “Self-defence education is an essential component of adolescent development. By initiating these workshops, UHS is investing in the future of our daughters, ensuring they grow with strength, confidence, and independence. This initiative reflects UHS’s broader vision of youth empowerment, aimed at building resilience, courage, and leadership in the next generation.”

Chief Trainer Anwar Mohiuddin said, “Martial arts is not merely a sport; it is a life-saving necessity. Our mission is to make every girl strong, prepared, and confident.” He added that the initiative, in collaboration with UHS Lahore, aims to empower girls across Pakistan.

He added, “The response from students, parents, and schools has been overwhelming, with participants showing greater confidence and awareness.” Praising the impact, he said the feedback has strengthened their resolve to expand such programs nationwide, adding, “We are determined to take this initiative forward so every girl grows up confident and fearless.”

This initiative has been widely welcomed by educational institutions, parents, and community leaders as a powerful grassroots initiative to enhance adolescent safety and promote women empowerment. With the continued support of UHS and PMAA, the program is expected to expand further across Punjab, reaching thousands more young girls in the near future and strengthening the foundation of a safer, stronger, and more confident generation.