PESHAWAR, Sept 27: All is set to hold the 17th National judo championship at the PSB Coaching Centre on Sept 30-Oct 3, said secretary general NWFP Judo Association Masood Ahmed on Tuesday.

He said that final touches had been given to all preparations for the smooth sailing of the championship, and added that the association was holding the event in the provincial capital for the first time in the game’s history.

“It is an honour for the people of NWFP that such a prestigious event will be organized here.

“It will definitely help the upcoming youngsters to learn a great deal about the game while witnessing top players in action,” Masood remarked.

He said despite problems neither anyone from the government nor the NWFP Sports Board expressed their willingness to support the association in organizing the event.

Masood said the national team coach, who hails from Iran, will be arriving in the city on a five-day visit to impart training to the NWFP team. For this purpose, he said, youngsters from various districts had been invited by the association.

He said the championship would comprise 10 different categories and the position holders would be awarded gold, silver and bronze medals besides winners and runners-up trophies.

Defending champions Army, Wapda, Railways, Police, Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and hosts NWFP will vie for top honours.—APP