Pakistan Karate captain slaps Indian opponent before clash in Dubai

A video of Pakistani Karate champion Shahzaib Rindh slapping his Indian competitor Rana Singh during a press conference in Dubai went viral on social media.

In the video, both athletes appeared aggressive towards each other. The heated exchange occurred on Friday ahead of the karate combat clash between the rivals, which will be held on Saturday (today).

After slapping his rival, Rindh asked, "How was the slap bro?" 

Three-time Pakistan National Wushu Champion made history in February this year with a knockout victory over his opponent, Marco Cubas of Peru, within 21 seconds of the first round at Karate Combat 44 in Mexico City. 

Pakistan captain Shahzaib Rindh smashed a tight slap on India's Rana Singh ahead of their clash today in Karate Combat.

VC: Shahzaib Rindh #KarateCombat | #Pakistan | #ShahzaibRindh | #Dubai | #India pic.twitter.com/grBaCxemLm

— Khel Shel (@khelshel) April 19, 2024

The 25-year-old Rindh boasts 8 state championships, 6 national championships, about in the esteemed ONE Super Series, and a victorious debut on April 1, 2023, for Karate Combat, the world's premier full-contact striking league.

The Karate Combat League will take place in Dubai. The event will be graced by some of the biggest names in combat sports and entertainment, including UFC champions Bas Rutten and George St-Pierre, digital influencer Mike Majlak, and Bollywood's A-lister Salman Khan.

A clash between Craig Jones and Andre Muniz will kick off the Pit Submission series. Luiz Rocha vs Myrza-Bek Tebuev will vie for the Bantamweight title in a co-main event.

The main event will feature a face-off between Luke Rockhold and Joe Schilling.