Malakhra–Sumo wrestling to feature in first Pakistan–Osaka Culture Festival 2026 in Japan

KARACHI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Mar, 2026) The world’s first Malakhra versus Sumo wrestling contest will be held during the Pakistan–Osaka Culture Festival 2026 in the Japanese city of Sakai, Osaka, on March 28.

The event is being organised by the Pakistan Association Kansai in collaboration with the Pakistan Japan Cultural Association and the Sindh Sports and Youth Affairs Department. Prominent Malakhra wrestlers (Malh Pehalwans) from Sindh will participate in the historic contest.

According to the First Vice President of the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association, Mohammad Azmat Shingeyuki Ataka, the event will bring together Sindh’s traditional Malakhra and Japan’s renowned Sumo wrestling to celebrate two of the world’s most ancient indigenous wrestling traditions.

He said the gathering reflects the vision of the association to strengthen friendship between Pakistan and Japan through culture, traditional sports and shared heritage. The festival will provide a valuable platform to showcase Pakistan’s historic Malakhra and Japan’s revered Sumo, both symbolising strength, honour and tradition.

Ataka added that such cultural exchanges promote mutual understanding and foster lasting people-to-people connections. He expressed hope that the initiative would continue to grow and further strengthen ties between the two countries.

Prominent Malh Pehalwans from Sindh will participate in the Malakhra competition, accompanied by group leader Professor Saeed Ahmed Mangi, team leader Qurban Ali Mangi, and champion-referee Muharam Ali Majeedano.