KARACHI: Pakistan’s jiu jitsu squad left for Phuket, Thailand from Lahore on Sunday to participate in the fourth Asian Beach Games being staged there from Nov 14 to 23.

According to a press release issued by the Pakistan Jiu Jitsu Federation (PJJF), the squad which will participate in Ne-Waza (men and women events), show duo system (men, women and mix events) categories at the continental gala, includes nine male and five female athletes.

Three officials who also accompanied the players are Khalil Ahmed Khan (manager), Tariq Ali and Ameer Mukhtar (coaches).

It is pertinent to mention here that in jiu jitsu, Pakistan have remained Asian champions since 2006 onward, and are again expected to produce an impressive show in Pukhet.

Pakistan also clinched three gold, two silver and two bronze medals at the first Asian Martial Arts games held in 2009.

Though the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) decided very late to participate in the Asian Beach Games and accordingly no proper training camps were conducted due to time shortage, the PJJF tried its level best to train the players for the high-profile event within the available time.

Squad: Individual (Ne-Waza):

Saeed Anwar (-60kg,M), Javed Khan (-70kg,M), Farhan Anjum (-80kg,M), Karamat Butt (-90kg,M), Ahmed Butt (+90,M).

Women (Ne-Waza):

Humaira Ashiq+Maryam (-50kg,W), Ambreen Masih (-60kg,W), Beenish Khan (+60kg,W).

Show (Duo) system: Women:

Sundas Khan, Maryam (repeat).

Men:

First pair: Mohammad Ammar, Abu Hurraira.

Second pair: Waheeduddin, Shahzaib Nawaz.

Mix: Mohammad Ammar (repeat), Sundas Khan (repeat).

Officials:

Khalil Ahmed Khan (manager); Tariq Ali, Ameer Mukhtar (coaches).

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2014