KARACHI: Japan-based youngster Wajahat Sarwar will make his debut for Pakistan at the World Junior Judo Championship in Miami scheduled to begin on October 22.
Nineteen-year-old Wajahat, set to compete in the -100kg category against the world’s top junior athletes on October 25, will be representing Pakistan for the first time in the international circuit, making him the second Tokyo-based player besides Shah Hussain Shah to do so.
Wajahat, who holds a Pakistani passport, hails from Sialkot, but was brought up in Japan where he took up judo during his school years and continued to compete at inter-university events before signing up with the Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF).
On his chances at the championship, PJF secretary Masood Ahmed said Wajahat could definitely win a medal for the country.
“Wajahat is an exceptional talent,” Ahmed told The Express Tribune. “He is a skilled athlete and has been training in Japan since he was eight years old. We want to provide opportunities to such talented players who can win accolades for Pakistan, and that’s why we chose him for the event.
“He is young and energetic, and has left for Miami along with his coach who trained him at the university as well.”
Ahmed said Wajahat’s physique gives the teenager an edge over the local athletes in Pakistan and would benefit him greatly at the championship.
“We chose him because he is very strong physically, setting him apart from our local athletes who don’t demonstrate the same strength. He stands six feet and two inches tall, is disciplined and eager to win international titles for us.”
The official added that the local judokas did not have the drive to compete or work hard for the bigger events.
“We know there is a lack of facilities here in Pakistan, but that doesn’t mean you remain content with playing just for departmental teams like many of the locals do. Our players need to start dreaming big and become more independent, like our players in Japan.”
The PJF will also send Wajahat to the Asian U21 Championship that will take place in December.
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