‘I could have done much better’

Wrestler Munir claims he could have bettered his world record easily.

LAHORE: Munir Ahmed, who recently broke a world record for his herculean 2,503 push-ups, claims that he was capable of much more. Ahmed was cast in the spotlight last week after completing the task at a flood relief event that lasted an hour and 25 minutes and claims he could have done 3,000 push-ups easily.

“I may have promised 2500 push-ups to entertain people, which I did, but I had planned to make it to 3,000,” said Ahmed while talking to The Express Tribune. “I got distracted unfortunately. And although no one from the Guinness World Book of Records was present there, hundreds of people witnessed my feat which has been recorded by a local NGO working for the human rights.”

A proud and confident Ahmed also claimed that 3000 push-ups was routine for him, and he does this daily during his training sessions. “I can do it again, in fact I am doing it daily in my training sessions. I always wanted to do something to light up my country’s name in the world and this motivation drove me to conquering the record which I now have.”

The wrestler dedicated his feat to his parents, especially his mom who sold 96 grams of her jewelry to help Ahmed pursue his career. “It’s the result of my parent’s prayers and the will of God,” said Ahmed, while adding that the lack of facilities in the country will not hinder him in attaining more success.

“I bet if anyone from the West had to cope with the tough times we wrestlers have to go through in Pakistan and also what I have experienced in my life – then they wouldn’t dream to make 50 push-ups even.”

Despite this feat, Ahmed still finds himself unemployed and looking for a job.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st, 2011.