Judokas depart for Asian Championships

Three debutants, one old hand to feature in Hong Kong.


Our Correspondent December 08, 2014

KARACHI: Three Pakistani judokas are set to make their international debut when the four-member contingent departs today for the 48th Asian Cadet and 15th Asian Junior Championship beginning on December 11 in Hong Kong.

The Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF) named the squad this week, which includes Japan-based Wajahat Sarwar for the -90 kg event and Hijrat Khan from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa for the -60 kg competition in the Asian Junior Championship. Furthermore, Pakistan Army athletes Muhammad Shoaib and Iftikhar Ahmad will try to prove their mettle in the Asian Cadet Championship that will take place alongside the juniors’ competitions.



PJF secretary Masood Ahmed said that while Pakistan’s main medal hope will be Wajahat, who will be joining the team directly from Japan, the other three have also prepared well for the championship.

“It’s a big event, given that we have three debutants this time,” Ahmed told The Express Tribune. “All of them are talented and it’s their first time at an international event.

“We believe all of them have the potential to pick a medal for the country in Hong Kong, but our highest expectations are from Wajahat.

“He has just finished competing at the Japanese Grand Slam.”

The official added that the local athletes were picked after undergoing trials and received two-month training for the four-day championship.

“The local athletes needed a boost and we made sure that we select the best of the lot. It’s the merit that counts, and we’re hoping that they will prove their worth with this opportunity,” concluded Ahmed.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 9th,  2014.

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