Two youngsters become the first Pakistanis to graduate in Capoeira

Shayan Ali and Fawaz Mir showing a Pakistani flag in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Known for its quick moves, power, speed, kicks, spins, and a highly mobile technique, Capoeira - a Brazilian martial art - is fast becoming popular. Hailed as a blend of strength and grace, Capoeira is now spreading to other parts of the world.
Two young Pakistanis, Shayan Ali and Fawaz Mir have recently graduated in Capoeira from Brazil. Earlier this year, the Embassy of Brazil in Islamabad sent the duo to Rio de Janeiro for advance training at ABADA Capoeira (Brazilian Association for the Support and Development of the Art of Capoeira).
The Brazilian martial art combines elements of gymnastics, music, self-defence and acrobatics. Capoeira is a unique martial art in a sense that the objective of the game is not to defeat the opponent but to display the set of skills in a physical dialogue.
Fawaz Mir, 18, the youngest Pakistani to graduate from ABADA Capoeira is the co-founder of Pakistan Capoeira Academy and Pakistan Capoeira Federation. "I am very thankful to the Embassy of Brazil in Islamabad for all the support. We feel honoured for being the first Pakistanis to graduate from ABADA Capoeira, which has over 50,000 members in 51 countries," Mir said.
Mir's compatriot Shayan Ali is equally determined to popularise the sport in his home country. "With my graduation I am now the official country head for ABADA Paquistao (Pakistan), with all the copyrights from ABADA Capoeira. Fawaz and I are now promoting this art in Pakistan at the grass root level by engaging different schools and universities," Ali noted.
In May 2016 Pakistan Capoeira Academy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Press Club Islamabad to give free Capoeira training to all media personnel and their children.
Pakistan Capoeira Federation is also getting affiliated with Pakistan Sports Board along with provincial and district Capoeira associations in the near future.