by Ghani Ur Rehman
Sometimes life leads us down a path we never imagined, yet it is that very path that becomes the foundation of our true identity and ultimate success. Only those who embrace hard work, perseverance, and the courage to adapt to new circumstances manage to carve their names in history. Amal Gul Afridi, a determined athlete from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is one such individual. Despite initially dreaming of a career in cricket, he embraced destiny’s calling and rose to shine as a national and international karate star.
Currently serving as a karate coach for the Sports Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Afridi shared his extraordinary journey in an exclusive conversation with www.hindara.tv ,Reflecting on his early years, he revealed that he started practicing karate in 1985. Interestingly, cricket was his first love, and he was considered one of the most promising young cricketers of his time. Some of the renowned cricket coaches even predicted a bright future for him as a professional cricketer.
“But fate had other plans,” Amal Afridi recalled. “It was my uncle, himself a karate coach, who persistently encouraged me to pursue karate. Initially, I resisted, but his affection and insistence led me to the sport. Over time, I fell in love with karate so deeply that it became my lifelong passion.”
Amal Afridi not only excelled in karate but also mastered both Kyokushin and Shotokan styles. Between 1990 and 1992, he actively competed in Shotokan Karate, securing numerous gold and silver medals at provincial and national levels.
His achievements were not confined to Pakistan. Throughout his career, Amal Gul Afridi represented his country internationally, participating in tournaments across Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Europe, and other regions, proudly showcasing his talent and bringing honor to Pakistan.
Amal Afridi also spoke about his professional journey, highlighting his long service with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) as a karate athlete and coach. Following his retirement from PAF, he was appointed as a karate coach for the Sports Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where he continues to train and mentor young athletes.
A brief overview of some of his major national and international achievements includes:
Began karate training in 1985.
Won a silver medal at the 1999 National Games in Lahore.
Secured a bronze medal at the 1994 National Games.
Competed in the Iran International Tournament in 1995.
Claimed a silver medal at the Faisalabad National Karate Tournament in 1998.
Participated in the Oyama Cup in Russia in 2004.
Won a bronze medal at the 2005 National Games in Quetta.
Represented Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the 2007, 2009, and 2012 National Games.
Served as coach during the 2019 Uzbekistan Kyokushin Karate Tournament.
Coached the Pakistani team at the 2022 Kyokushin Tournament in the Czech Republic.
Participated in a karate training camp in Dubai in 2023.
Coached the Pakistani team at the 2024 Kyokushin Tournament held in Saudi Arabia.
Amal Gul Afridi’s story is not only a beacon of hope for young athletes but also a profound lesson: sometimes the paths life chooses for us are far greater than the dreams we originally dared to dream. From a young boy aspiring to become a cricketer, Amal Afridi has transformed into a highly respected and celebrated figure in the world of karate.
