Gold-medallist inspired by 10-month-old daughter
Judoka Fauzia defeated India’s Aruna in -78kg event
The winners of judo competition in South Asian Games 2016. PHOTO: SOUTH ASIAN GAMES
KARACHI:
Judoka Fauzia Yasir clinched gold for Pakistan in the South Asian Games on the last day of the event in Shillong, India on Monday and the Rawalpindi-based athlete revealed her inspiration came from her 10-month-old daughter, Maryam.
“The fight was very intense and drained me out both mentally and physically, but I just wanted to win a gold medal for Pakistan,” said Fauzia. “At one point when I was losing the bout in my head, I heard the screams of my manager [Masood Ahmed] who was telling me to win it for my daughter and that just gave me all the strength I needed.”
Fauzia defeated India’s Aruna by picking 210 points in the final of the -78kg judo event.
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“I had Maryam with me during the training sessions as well and this [gold medal] is for her,” she added. “My family was streaming the final, so it gave me the confidence to give my best. I’m glad I contributed to Pakistan’s medal tally.”
Ahmed, who is also the secretary of the Pakistan Judo Federation, said that despite Fauzia having a relatively less-refined technique than her teammate Humaira Ashiq, who claimed silver in the -48kg event, Fauzia went all the way only because of her desire to win.
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“Fauzia’s win was a surprise for everyone,” said Ahmed. “She wasn’t a favourite to win, but she did. I was just screaming at her, calling out her daughter’s name during the competition. I told her that she needs to do it for Maryam and it worked. She delivered a stellar performance which made all of us proud.”
Judoka Fauzia Yasir clinched gold for Pakistan in the South Asian Games on the last day of the event in Shillong, India on Monday and the Rawalpindi-based athlete revealed her inspiration came from her 10-month-old daughter, Maryam.
“The fight was very intense and drained me out both mentally and physically, but I just wanted to win a gold medal for Pakistan,” said Fauzia. “At one point when I was losing the bout in my head, I heard the screams of my manager [Masood Ahmed] who was telling me to win it for my daughter and that just gave me all the strength I needed.”
Fauzia defeated India’s Aruna by picking 210 points in the final of the -78kg judo event.
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“I had Maryam with me during the training sessions as well and this [gold medal] is for her,” she added. “My family was streaming the final, so it gave me the confidence to give my best. I’m glad I contributed to Pakistan’s medal tally.”
Ahmed, who is also the secretary of the Pakistan Judo Federation, said that despite Fauzia having a relatively less-refined technique than her teammate Humaira Ashiq, who claimed silver in the -48kg event, Fauzia went all the way only because of her desire to win.
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“Fauzia’s win was a surprise for everyone,” said Ahmed. “She wasn’t a favourite to win, but she did. I was just screaming at her, calling out her daughter’s name during the competition. I told her that she needs to do it for Maryam and it worked. She delivered a stellar performance which made all of us proud.”