Ashraf Tai, Pakistan's martial arts pioneer, battles illness and financial hardship

Ashraf Tai, the legendary figure who introduced martial arts to Pakistan, is seriously ill and is currently battling illness and financial hardship.

After dedicating half a century to elevating Pakistan's reputation in the sport, Tai is now struggling with heart and kidney disease, and is in dire need of financial support.

Tai requires urgent angiography, but his family's financial struggles are hindering his access to timely medical care.

His wife Syeda Samina Shah says that due to financial difficulties, she is not in a position to get expensive treatment since the family’s income is not even enough to support herself and pay the house rent.

According to the details, in the early 1970s, when Bruce Lee in Hollywood movies suddenly captivated the youth with his unique style and Nunchucks, Ashraf Tai came to Pakistan from Burma and introduced martial arts in the country. As he rose to heights of fame, he participated in many international competitions.

Tai was a martial arts grandmaster, a 10th degree Dan (Black Belt), a 2-time Afro-Asian Martial Arts Champion (1978-1979) and a 9-time Pakistan Karate Champion.

Tai with one of his students at a belt promotion ceremony. Facebook/Muhammad Ashraf Tai

After a severe heart attack in the past few days, he was admitted to cardio and doctors suggested a stent. The doctors have instructed him to report to the hospital again on Monday.

Due to the help of Ashraf Tai's students, he was transferred from general ward to private ward.

Ashraf Tai has millions of disciples in the country but he is surrounded by financial problems. The income from Tai Karate Center on MA Jinnah Road is also not enough to support the family.

Syeda Samina Shah, wife of Ashraf Tai, said that due to the Green Line project on MA Jinnah Road, the center's income has decreased significantly.

“We are in dire need of government assistance in this hour of difficulty,” she said. “We have to treat Tai Sahib as well as our disabled daughter, but due to lack of financial resources, her treatment has also come to a standstill.”

Samina requested President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Karachi philanthropists, industrialists, businessmen and Pakistan Sports Board for financial support for Ashraf Tai's treatment.