Balochistan faces severe challenges; however, sports activities continue to provide relief and interest. Balochistan’s youth, showing unflinching determination, have always maintained playgrounds and have even restored many. Only football, cricket, hockey, wrestling and volleyball were commonly played in the past, but since the turn of the century, many youngsters have started taking a keen interest in kickboxing, judo, karate and Wushu. Having bagged a number of medals at both national and international Wushu championships, Shahzeb Rind is one of the recognised Wushu stars representing Balochistan.

Born in May 1998 in Kech, Rind has been passionate about martial arts since the age of eight. He has BS in computer science from Balochistan University of Information Technology and Management Sciences.

Shahzeb trained under Asim Zaidi and manager Laura Abril at a martial arts academy in Quetta. After becoming a member of Pakistan’s national martial arts team, Rind started bagging medals at Wushu championships.

So far, he has won a gold medal each at three national championships and competitions between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran in Lahore in 2016. He won a bronze medal in the West Asia Wushu Championship 2016, secured a silver medal in Paris Cup held in Iran in 2017 and participated in the third Islamic Solidarity Games held in Baku [Azerbaijan]. In 2019, he proceeded to Nepal where he bagged another silver medal at the South Asian Games.

The News on Sunday (TNS) spoke to the champion to discuss Wushu and his experience so far. Excerpts from the interview follow:

The News on Sunday (TNS): Many of the martial arts styles are unfamiliar to most Pakistanis. Kindly explain the sport’s basic aims and techniques for our readers.

Shahzeb Rind (SR): Wushu is a Chinese term used for martial arts. Wu-shu means “military art” or “martial art”. It is commonly known as Chinese kickboxing. Wushu started developing in China after 1949, in an effort to standardise the practice of traditional Chinese martial arts. Originally, it is split into two categories: Taolu and Sanda.

The former involves martial art techniques and formulas for which fighters are judged and given points according to specific patterns. It comprises basic movements like postures, jumps, punches, kicks, balances, throws and sweeps. The latter (Sanda) appears mostly like kickboxing, and is the latest fighting method influenced by traditional Chinese boxing and Chinese wrestling methods. Nowadays, Wushu has become an international sport with the support of the International Wushu Federation (IWUF). In 1991, the IWUF held its first world championship in Beijing. It has continued to hold one every two years.

TNS: Many Baloch youths face the challenge of socio-political entanglement. What are your thoughts on this?

SR: I have never had any interest in politics. My focus continues to be on martial arts. I have kept my distance from politics and don’t know much about it. Becoming a sportsman has been my dream. I focus on that challenge alone. The world sees us differently. I was just eight years old when I started playing. My elder brother, Balach Rind, is also an active martial arts player. He was my early inspiration. In the beginning, I received training at the Young Tiger Academy in Quetta. Later, I joined the provincial team. I scored a number of wins as part of the Balochistan martial arts team.

TNS: How do you see the future of Wushu in Pakistan?

SR: There is a lot of talent around. However, the talent needs to be polished. If talented players are encouraged at the state level, the future of this game will be bright. Muhammad Waseem is a shining example. He became a world champion and earned the best name for Pakistan.

TNS: Being a talented martial arts fighter, what kind of difficulties have you faced in securing government support?

SR: Unfortunately, governments have not supported me in my sports career. As you know, Wushu is a hazardous game like kickboxing. A player can suffer severe injuries. Many players are frustrated by the government’s apathy towards them and the lack of facilitation. Discrimination against athletes from Balochistan is still felt.

TNS: Many Pakistani sportspersons settle overseas. Do you ever plan to move base?

SR: I understand the need, but I have never thought of moving anywhere. I was born here, raised here, and I feel connected to my country and my people. I will never leave.

TNS: Have there been any low points in your 16-year career?

SR: In 2015, I started training with the Pakistan National Team, hoping to participate in the scheduled South Asian Games in India. Unfortunately, I was not selected for the championship despite going through tough training for six months. This was a frustrating moment in my life. However, I have continued my journey with an unwavering determination to become a better sportsman for the country.

The interviewer is a Zhob based columnist and a lecturer at Degree College Zhob. He can be reached at hussainhunarmal@gmail.com