Shah, Qaisar absence deepens judo crisis

Pakistan made a name for itself in judo over the past decade when Japan-based Olympian Shah Hussain was competing for the country.

However, with Shah now in the twilight of his career, Pakistan has been unable to produce another fighter capable of competing at major events such as the Asian Games, which begin later this month in Japan.

Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF) is currently focusing on developing cadets and juniors, but it will take time for them to reach the level required to compete at such major events. The PJF also did not field a judoka at the last Islamic Games.

This correspondent has learnt that Pakistan will not compete in judo at the Asian Games this time.

Pakistan had considered securing Shah Hussain’s participation in the Games, but at the time he was not ready for the challenge. Shah later competed at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Attempts by this correspondent to contact him were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls.

Shah raised Pakistan’s profile in judo by qualifying twice for the Olympics through the continental quota. It was a proud moment for the country when the Japan-based fighter competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in his adopted hometown.

He also began another campaign to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics but withdrew midway because of injury and financial difficulties. Judo athletes face a demanding two-year qualification process, and missing events during that period can significantly reduce their chances of reaching the sport’s biggest stage.

The PJF had prepared Shah’s potential successor in Qaisar Afridi. However, Afridi left Pakistan when he was beginning to emerge as a promising international fighter.

Qaisar was also part of the qualification process for the 2024 Paris Olympics, but financial difficulties and other related issues forced him to seek better opportunities by settling in England.

This correspondent understands that Qaisar has applied for asylum in England and that his case is still in progress. He also hopes to represent England in the future.

Qaisar had been developing rapidly, and even Shah had acknowledged his talent, describing him as one of Pakistan’s future stars. But his departure midway through his career has left a significant gap in Pakistan’s judo programme.

Filling that void will require a sustained push from the federation to rebuild a team capable of competing at major world and continental events.