Pakistan’s Top Karate Star Saadi Abbas Ends National Career With Gold

Legendary karateka Saadi Abbas clinched Gold in the +82kg category at the 35th National Games while representing WAPDA, marking yet another major performance in his long career.

The victory also became special as Saadi Abbas announced his retirement from national events after 20 years of unmatched success.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Saadi Abbas reflected on his journey, saying he had spent “20 years on the mat” and that the arena had seen him grow from a young dreamer into a repeated champion.

He wrote that the decision to retire was not due to a lack of passion, but because “the chapter has reached its mark.”

Abbas confirmed that he will continue competing at the international level, carrying the same discipline and spirit that defined his long career. He thanked God for every challenge and victory, calling it a journey that ends while “a bigger one continues.”

Last year, Abbas had also announced that he would retire from the sport altogether after competing in the South Asian Games, set to be held in Pakistan in 2027.

He shared that his final wish is to perform in front of home fans at an international event and win a gold medal for Pakistan.

He added, “And after this, I will say goodbye to karate,” making it clear that the South Asian Games will be his last international appearance.

It is worth noting that Saadi Abbas is a two-time Commonwealth Championship gold medalist, a former Asian champion, a two-time Asian bronze medalist, and a former US Open champion.

He has also won multiple medals at the South Asian Games and Islamic Games, making him one of Pakistan’s best karate athletes.