Samiullah loses judo campaign opener

Pakistan’s hopes pinned on Shah Hussain at world championship.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Syed Samiullah lost his -60kg fight against Cuba’s Pena Janier at the ongoing Judo World Championship in Chelyabinsk, Russia on Thursday.

However, there is still some hope for Pakistan as Commonwealth Games’ silver medallist Shah Hussain Shah will fight in the -100kg weight category against Canada’s Reyes Kyle on Sunday.

Shah was initially overlooked by the Pakistan Judo Federation for the event, leaving his family to make all the arrangements for his participation.

He joined the team late and travelled directly from Japan after a few days’ delay.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Butt, who is a South Asian Champion, received a bye in the +100kg competition; his next fight is scheduled for Sunday as well.

Team manager Asif Iqbal said that he is optimistic about Pakistan’s chances in the championship.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2014.

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