The Lion Heart of Quetta: How Master Najeeb Payinda Built a Martial Arts Legacy

By Ahmed Jahangeer Khan

In the heart of Quetta, Balochistan, martial arts is more than just a sport—it is a discipline of resilience, character, and community pride. Standing at the forefront of this movement is Master Najeeb Payinda, one of Pakistan’s premier Wushu (Chinese Kickboxing) practitioners, whose lifetime of dedication has put the region firmly on the international sports map.

From an 8-Year-Old Trainee to an Undefeated Champion

Born on November 12, 1989, Najeeb Payinda discovered his passion for combat sports at an early age. While most children his age were engaged in casual games, eight-year-old Najeeb enrolled in a local kickboxing academy, driven by a deep fascination with Kung Fu.

Just one year into his training, Najeeb entered his first official championship and earned a silver medal. That early taste of success set his career in motion. Intensifying his training regime, he went on an unprecedented run, capturing 17 Gold Medals across district, national, and international platforms while remaining undefeated for eight consecutive years.

His notable international victories include earning Gold Medals against top-tier competitors from Afghanistan in 2006 and Iran in 2008. In 2016, selected to represent Pakistan in a prestigious multi-nation tournament against fighters from Afghanistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and India, Najeeb once again swept the competition without a single loss.

Loyalty to Balochistan

At the height of his competitive career, commercial sports federations and private organizations offered Najeeb lucrative deals to represent them. Choosing loyalty over financial gain, he declined every outside offer to remain rooted in his home province, competing strictly under the banner of Balochistan.

In 2007, he expanded his mission by founding the Master Najeeb Lion Heart Martial Arts Academy. Designed to groom the next generation of athletes, the academy currently trains over 250 active students daily. The facility operates 10 distinct training shifts—six tailored for boys and four dedicated to girls—creating a structured, safe, and empowering environment for young athletes of all backgrounds.

A Legacy Beyond the Ring

Master Najeeb’s impact extends far beyond his personal victories. Under his direct tutelage, his students have amassed a remarkable tally of over 350 Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals at various levels, including a recent haul of 11 national medals for Balochistan.

Inspired by legendary martial artists Bruce Lee and Jean-Claude Van Damme, Najeeb views Wushu as a transformative tool for youth development. His overarching goal remains clear: to provide young people with purpose, steer them toward healthier lifestyles, and leave behind an enduring legacy of excellence for his nation.