Pakistan-Russia ties on the cards

National federation proposes judo promotion between countries .

KARACHI: The Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF) have initiated efforts to join hands with the Russian Judo Federation (RJF) after their campaign at the World Championships in Chelyabinsk, Russia.

According to PJF Secretary Masood Ahmed, the experience for the three judokas proved invaluable despite their failure to progress beyond the pre-quarterfinals.

Masood revealed that the Pakistan squad had received a warm welcome from the hosts, and the PJF have in its stead proposed the promotion of the sport in Pakistan to the RJF.

“The RJF officials were extremely supportive,” Masood told The Express Tribune. “We had a meeting with them and they have expressed their desire to cooperate with us. In fact, there is so much cultural affinity between the two countries, that it make things easier.”

The secretary revealed that the PJF had always wanted to collaborate with the Russians.

“Few years ago, I had even sent out a request letter to the Russian Embassy in Pakistan; it couldn’t work out back then, but the scenario is different now.

“During the World Championship, our players also had the opportunity to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is a judo enthusiast. It was very inspiring for all of us, as anyone was able to walk up to the president to discuss the sport’s tactics with him.”

He further added that PJF will emphasise on roping in a female Russian coach for Pakistan women.

“We have Iran’s Sajjad Kazemi as our coach, but it will be very helpful if we can get a separate one for our female athletes as this would take the sport to whole new level in the country,” concluded Masood.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 1^st, 2014.

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