‘Shuja will take back retirement’

Weightlifter Shujauddin Malik will withdraw his decision according to national weightlifting coach Rashid Mehmood.

KARACHI: Weightlifter Shujauddin Malik, who announced his retirement after a flag-spat with Sindh Sports Minister Mohammad Ali Shah, will withdraw from his decision and is among Pakistan’s weightlifting probables for the Asian Games, according to national weightlifting coach Rashid Mehmood.

Mehmood, the team manager as well, is optimistic of successfully convincing Shuja from reversing his retirement decision.

“It was an emotional decision and we will definitely convince him to take it back. He may announce his comeback in a couple of days,” the coach told The Express Tribune.

Shuja announced his retirement in a programme broadcasted by the Express News saying that he was dejected after being snubbed during the opening ceremony at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) when he was not allowed to carry the national flag in contingent’s march-past by Shah.

Asian Games tentative for Shuja

However, Mehmood claimed that the star weightlifter is not certain to feature in the upcoming Asian Games because of an injury he sustained during the Commonwealth Games.

“We will be confirming his participation in a few days after his scans are done as his MRI is yet to be taken,” said the coach.

Shuja was disqualified from his 96-kilogramme category competition after he injured his left shoulder while lifting 140 kilogrammes in his first attempt.

Mehmood said if the Malik passes his fitness test he will also have to go through trials before being assured of a place in the squad. “No doubt Shuja is a gold medallist, but he will have to pass the trials because there is stiff competition for the Asian Games.”

Meanwhile, the coach said the issue of flag hoisting has been closed and his team has no grudge towards Shah for the spat.

“The issue is history now and we are now looking forward to give our best in the Asian Games.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16^th, 2010.