Pakistan fighters to take on the best in Europe

Team leaves for Kyokushindo Karate World Cup in Germany.

KARACHI:

Pakistan karate will be represented in Europe for the first time as black-belts Hasnain Ashraf, Anwarzaib Khan and Asif Ashraf take part in the Kyokushindo Karate World Cup that starts in Dusseldorf, Germany, tomorrow.

Each fighter will bear his own expenses for the trip that will cost Rs155,000 each and, according to the Pakistan Kyokushindo Karate Organisation (PKKO) Secretary and team coach Khalilur Rehman, the team has been preparing for the event for the last eight months. The organisation, said Rehman, works independently without any affiliation with the Pakistan Karate Federation or the Pakistan Olympics Association.

The kyokushindo form of karate is based on samurai techniques and is also practiced as combat art. Kyokushindo karate was introduced in Pakistan in 1977 and the PKKO has been working for its promotion since then — around 500 fighters are members of the organisation.

“It’s a love affair with this form of karate to be honest,” Asif told The Express Tribune. “I’m a student and belong to a middle-class family but have been saving money for this trip for the last 18 months. I want to use my talent and the effort I put in training for something big. For me, representing Pakistan will be an achievement. I have never stepped outside Pakistan so it’s definitely a huge deal.”

Meanwhile, according to Rehman, this is the first time these fighters are taking part in an international event.

“The competition features over 40 nations so it’s going to be tough,” said Rehman. “But I have faith in my fighters. I’m sure they will finish up in the top-20.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2012.