Islamabad
Pakistan’s -100kg judoka Shah Hussain Shah went down fighting hard in the second round of Grand Slam Antalya, Turkey against Khurramov Mukhammad Karim of Uzbekistan on Saturday.
The Japan-based Shah, who is committed to Tokyo Olympics got a bye in the first round but lost his second fight in 2 minutes and 56 seconds with two Wazari against Khurramov in an epic judo show, according to information made available here by Pakistan Judo Federation’s (PJF) vice president Masood Ahmed.
“Shah, whose Olympics ranking is 50 put up a good show against Khurramov, who is currently at number 16.
Unfortunately, Shah lost the battle, but still, he will get much needed points and his ranking will improve,” he told APP.
According to Masood, Shah had already qualified for the Olympics on continental quota but to maintain his current position he will have to continue to follow the adventure of the Olympic qualification races till their culmination in June, this year.
“That’s why we are also sending him to three other major international events, which will serve as Olympic qualifiers.
Tomorrow, he’ll fly to Kyrgyzstan, where he’ll be vying in the Asia-Oceania Senior Championships that take place in Bishkek from April 6 to 9.—APP
