30-strong contingent will travel to India for South Asian and Central Ju-Jitsu Championship. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS
KARACHI: A 30-member Pakistan squad will compete at the South Asian and Central Ju-Jitsu Championship scheduled to begin in Bangalore, India on May 26.
According to Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation (PJJF) President Khalil Ahmed Khan, Pakistan are expected to win medals at the inaugural event of the region. He added that the athletes are excited and are hoping to get sponsors and the government’s support on time.
Khalil emphasised that Pakistan have been the Asian champions since 2006, and have also recently won medals at the Asian Beach Games. “We have proven our merit and talent internationally,” he told The Express Tribune.
“This is a great event as this is the first time that the South Asian and Central Asian Championship is taking place. It only shows that there is a lot of scope in the sport. In fact, the Olympic Council of Asia has also agreed to include the competition in the 2018 Asian Games.”
The official further said that Pakistan’s athletes in both male and female categories are respected internationally. However, despite winning laurels for the country, the government, Pakistan Sports Board and Pakistan Olympic Association have not owned ju-jitsu’s success.
“It’s tough as we are still looking for sponsors, the government hasn’t issued any special grant,” lamented Khalil. “But we’re trying our best to prepare for the event in India, for which we have set up a training camp in Lahore.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 12th, 2015.
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