Army, Wapda start hunting for gold in National Judo C’ship

PESHAWAR—Defending Champion Army and last time runners with a single point difference Wapda launched hunting for the gold medals in the 17th edition of the National Judo Championship being played at indoor hall of PSB Coaching Center here Saturday.
On the opening day, Pakistan Army has an edge of winning more gold medals then arch-rival Wapda in the five different categories of the nine total weights so far decided. The Army and Wapda players delighted the crowd whom witnessed the thrilling fights.
Army clinched three gold medals in different weights, followed by Wapda with two gold medals and Railways trailing at third position with three silvers while Punjab bagged two silver medals. Likewise, Wapda and Police took two bronze medals each while host NWFP took one bronze medal in all 40 fights held on the first-day. The Iranian coach Muhammad Khyan also witnessed all the matches.
“I’m trying my best to change the mind of the player and to bring them back toward the real game of judo,” Khyan told APP. “The turn-out of the crowd was amazing and through this way many youngsters associated with this game would learn more while watching top players in action,” he added. Earlier, shot-stature Muhammad Mushtaq Ahmed took gold medal in 50kg weight. Punjab, Army, Wapda, Railways and NWFP fielded their players. Mushtaq defeated Azhar Ahmed of Railways while NWFP Sajid got bronze medal by defeating Punjab Raza.
In the 55kg weight Zafar Iqbal of Army took gold medal by defeating Gulzar Ahmed of Railways in the final. South Asian Championship silver medal Sharif Masih Wapda took bronze medal along with Muhammad Riaz of Punjab. In the 60kg weight final, Muhammad Asif with his excellent chock defeated Manga of Railways and took gold medal, Sherjeal of Police and Munawar of Army grabbed bronze medals respectively.
Zeeshan of Wapda upset Irfan Azam of Punjab and clinched gold medal, while Muhammad Shahbaz of Police and Shabir of Railways were declared joint winners for the bronze medal.In the last and fifth open weight category, Abid Mehmood of Army won gold medal by defeating Zumair Bin Zahir of Punjab while Muhammad Aslam and Muhammad Ali of Wapda and Police took bronze medal respectively. The Championship comprises of 9 different categories like 50kg, 55kg, 60kg, 66kg, 73kg, 81kg, 90kg, plus 100 kg and open weight as about 80 players vie for the top honor.
A glittering trophy, donated by Sarhad Outdoor Advertisers Association, will be awarded to the overall winners.—Online