PJJF chief hopes of winning gold in Asian Games

KARACHI: The Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation (PJJF) Friday claimed that ju-jitsu is the only sports discipline in which the country has chances of winning a gold medal in the Asian Games slated to be held in Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang from August 18 to September 2.

“Yes, I can say that we have a gold medal chance. I firmly believe that we will get the maximum number of medals,” PJJF president Khalil Ahmed told ‘The News’ in an interview.

He said that the entries had already been sent, adding that as many as 14 fighters would represent Pakistan in the Asiad.

The office-bearer added that ju-jitsu camp had been operational in Lahore but he learnt that Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) had stopped this and a couple of camps of other sports disciplines in Punjab and a few in Islamabad due to funding issue.

“It’s not good. It breaks momentum of the players. It’s unfortunate,” Khalil said.

To a query about the actual strength and international experience of his expected touring party for Asian Games he said that it was part of the plan and he would not disclose any such details at this stage.

“It’s a bit early,” he was quick to add. Ju-jitsu would make its Asian Games debut in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, ‘The News’ learnt that men’s duo show and some other events are not part of the Asian Games ju-jitsu competitions which has minimized Pakistan’s medal chances as there is no better stuff who could pull off medals.

Khalil claimed that since 2009 Pakistan has never returned empty-handed from any Asian level competitions.

He was also not happy with the way the PJJF was treated by PSB for its alleged withdrawal from a commitment to back the ju-jitsu federation in hiring the services of a foreign coach.

“The PSB had told us to hire a foreign coach and it would pay to him. When we hired a Brazilain coach the PSB told us that it has no money and cannot support PJJF’s bid. It embarrassed us,” Khalil said.

About the suspension which had been imposed by the PJJF on Wapda for violating rules Khalil said it could be lifted if it reformed itself.

Khalil also confirmed that Pakistan’s participation in the Asian Championships to be held in Kazakhstan in July.

“Yes, we plan to field our fighters. But how many we would send depends on the budget,” Khalil said.

“We have applied for NOC for the purpose. It will be a good exposure for the fighters ahead of the Asian Games,” he said.

A source told ‘The News’ that a seven-member Pakistan’s squad had been denied France visas for featuring in Grand Slam recently, Khalil said visa was not denied but the PJJF did not receive NOC.

“We had not got NOC for that. We missed three major events due to late issuance of NOC and it’s a big problem,” Khalil said.

Although the real strength of Pakistan’s contingent in the Asian Games is yet to be finalised but it is expected that the country would take part in 28 to 29 disciplines in the Asiad.

In the last Asian Games in Incheon in 2014 Pakistan had claimed gold in women’s cricket and a bronze each in boxing, kabaddi and wushu.