Dual-purpose trip for Pakistan’s judokas

Players to be sent to Iran for event and training.

KARACHI: A 10-man judo squad will leave for Iran on February 10 to take part in the International Islamic Azad University Championship, according to Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF).

The 17-team event starts in Tehran on February 15 and after its completion on February 18, the Pakistan squad will undergo a two-week training camp under the supervision of foreign coaches.

PJF Secretary Masood Ahmed termed the dual nature of the trip a ‘golden opportunity’ for Pakistan players to gain international exposure.

“It is a golden opportunity for our players to learn from foreign coaches and Iran is an ideal place for that,” Ahmed told The Express Tribune. “Since foreigners won’t come to Pakistan due to security issues, benefiting from events and coaching camps in Iran in the next best thing.

“Our target is to give international exposure to these players and also prepare them for the South Asian Games that take place later this year.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 31^st, 2012