PJF to test two judokas living abroad

PESHAWAR: After having lost a couple of major fighters due to various reasons Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF) is set to test two foreign-based fighters in the next few months in various events before adopting them permanently for national duty if they do well for the nation in international circuit.

One is South Africa-based female fighter Warda Imran and the other is a US-based male fighter Majeed. The 19-year-old Warda Imran's entry has been sent for the Asian Junior Judo Championship which will be held in Mungyeong, South Korea, in August.

In this event Malaika Noor and four boys will also represent Pakistan.

Warda will take part in the -63kg. She is African Championship bronze medallist. "She is very good," the PJF vice-president Masood Ahmed told The News here in an interview. "In September we have also invited her for the National Championship which is expected to be held in Islamabad," he said. "We are in contact with Warda and she is talented and has the passion," Masood said.

Warda's forefathers belong to Karachi. The official said that the federation also plans to field the US-based fighter in the Montreal Open to be held in November. "We want to check him there so that we could know how he plays," he said.

Masood said he plays in the -73kg. He plays in inter-club events in the US, the official said. He said that the federation is aiming to groom the youngsters, adding this is the only way to form a good pool of fighters who will serve for long.

Pakistan was in the limelight in judo when it's Tokyo-based two-time Olympian Shah Hussain used to play for the country. Shah created history for the nation as he directly qualified for the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Shah also won a few medals for the nation in the Asian Championships and Commonwealth Games. He aims to feature in the forthcoming South Asian Games which Pakistan will host but is unable anymore to feature in tough events. Qaisar Afridi was the other fighter who ditched the country and settled in England.

He also aims to play for England in future. He was in a position to succeed Shah. After losing these two major fighters Pakistan is now in a difficult situation. The remaining lot is too inexperienced and it will take a few more years if the nation is to return to the Olympics fold.

"Yes it's the main reason. We will have to work harder for returning to the Olympics fold. We have planned to groom the youngsters and I am confident if state backs us then we can show wonders again," Masood said.

Pakistan needs direly a foreign coach as without that it would be difficult to hone the skills of the youngsters and Masood agreed. "Yes a foreign coach is indispensable," Masood said. "We are seeking a better foreign coach and hopefully we will get soon through state assistance" Masood said.