South Asian Judo Championship in Islamabad, May 9 to 14. —File photo courtesy Creative Commons

ISLAMABAD: While Pakistan faces indefinite delays to host mainstream sports like cricket and hockey, the country’s capital is set to host the South Asian Judo Championship next week.

The championship, scheduled to be held from May 9 to 14 will be hosted Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF) at Islamabad’s Liaquat Gymnasium.

Apart from the hosts, five other countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka will be part of the championship.

The categories, divided by weight limits will be under-48, under-52, under-57, under-63, under-70 and under-100 kilograms for the female athletes. The male athletes, meanwhile, will compete in the following categories: under-60, under-66, under-73, under-81, under-90, under-100 and over-100 kilograms.

The federation wants to give its athletes international exposure through the six-nation and expects to gain points that will help them qualify for the London Olympics.

With the help of the International Judo Federation and Asian Judo Federation, Pakistan could develop young judo players and promote the game, a PJF official said.