ISLAMABAD, Oct 16: Top weightlifter Muhammad Irfan who disappeared just before the Asian Games is currently in England, Muzaffar Qureshi, secretary of the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation (PWF) said Wednesday.

“He had left without seeking our permission but he has now made contact with the treasurer of the PWF and told him of his whereabouts.”

Irfan of Wapda had won three silver medals at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Manchester and was Pakistan’s best hope in the Asian Games that ended in Busan, Korea on Monday.

“He had a multiple entry visa for Britain and quietly slipped away. We made efforts to locate him but without success but now at least we know where he is,” Qureshi said.

The PWF president Riazuddin Sheikh, who helped Irfan to stardom, is said to be making efforts to try and persuade him to come back and represent the country.

“Irfan’s name has been recommended for the prestigious President’s award for Pride of Performance and he is also in line to receive a cash award from the Pakistan Sports Board.”

On his return from Manchester, Irfan’s employers had honoured him by promoting him to an officer grade besides giving him a cash prize.

Qureshi felt that Irfan had no future in England and it would be good for him if he returned.

He minced no words in saying that Irfan was the country’s best weightlifter and that if he had been on the team for the Asian Games, he could have won a medal in snatch.

Pakistan’s four weightlifters returned empty-handed from Busan.

“We had sent Irfan’s name for accreditation but he never turned up for the pre-Games training camp.”

Meanwhile the 11th Junior Championship is due to begin at the Pakistan Sports Complex on Thursday.

On the opening day there will be competitions in four bodyweights - 56 kg, 62 kg, 69 kg and 77 kg.

Army will be defending their title in the championship that features Wapda, Railways, NWFP, Punjab and Sindh.