“We are not enemies,” says Pakistani fighter Shahzaib Rindh after defeating Indian opponent

Pakistan martial artist Shahzaib Rindh called for peace between his home country and India as he raised flags of both countries in his victory speech after knocking out an Indian fighter during the ongoing Karate Combat League in Dubai.

A video of Rindh's victory speech went viral on social media, where he emphasised promoting peace between India and Pakistan and discouraging hostility between the two nations.

“This fight is for peace, we are not enemies,” he said.

“Together we can do anything,” he added, highlighting that the fight itself was meant to promote friendship between the two estranged nations.

Rindh thanked Pakistani actor Imran Abbas for coming to the fight all the way from Pakistan.

“I want to Thank Salman Khan, he is my superstar, i have been watching your movies since childhood. It's a pleasure to fight in front of you.” he also expressed admiration for the Bollywood A-lister.

Pakistani fighter Shahzaib Rind carries Pakistani and Indian flags, calls for peace b/w both countries 🇵🇰🇮🇳😭😭

He defeated Indian opponent and called him his brother. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was also present there, he thanked him too ❤️ @BeingSalmanKhan @RindhShahzaib pic.twitter.com/9nfpPyU0Ch

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) April 21, 2024

The 25-year-old Rindh made these friendly gestures after his video of slapping his Indian competitor Rana Singh during a press conference in Dubai went viral on social media.

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

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

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. 

He 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.